The Superior Express -

Peter Kearns is reported to have been the only settler to stay for the winter of 1869-70 in Jewell County. The Kearns homestead was located somewhere along White Rock Creek. Kearns, born in France, lived the rest of his life in Jewell County in the Webber area. As a Civil War veteran, he was part of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Post there. He died in 1901 and is buried in the Webber Cemetery.

It was in the Spring of 1870, especially in the month of April, when settlers started arriving in groups in the area around the future site of Jewell. Several intrepid settlers were credited...