Volunteers Preserve 160-Year-Old Homestead Cabin in Seward County

The historic log cabin will be restored and displayed at a local history site.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 160-year-old log cabin built by a homesteading family in 1866 has been relocated to a Seward County history site. Volunteers plan to add a foundation and roof to preserve the structure, which was previously located on private property. The cabin will be part of an effort to showcase the county's history and pioneer heritage.

Why it matters

The preservation of this historic homestead cabin is significant as it provides a tangible connection to Seward County's early settlement and the hardships faced by pioneer families. By restoring and displaying the cabin, the community can educate visitors about Nebraska's homesteading history and the important role it played in the state's development.

The details

The log cabin was originally built in 1866 by a homesteading family that came to the area from Indiana under the Homestead Act. The 19-by-17-foot cabin housed the family of seven children, with the children sleeping in a loft that no longer exists. Tragically, the father of the family died in an accident while working in the fields. The family was unable to save the land, and the cabin sat on the Krieser family's property for generations. Volunteers, including local historian Pat Coldiron and house mover Tim Tieken, worked to relocate the cabin 10 miles to a Seward County history site, where they plan to add a foundation and roof to preserve the structure.

  • The log cabin was originally built in 1866 by a homesteading family.
  • The cabin sat on the Krieser family's property for generations.
  • About six years ago, the Krieser family approached Coldiron about the project to preserve the cabin.
  • The cabin was recently relocated to the Seward County history site.

The players

Tim Tieken

Owner of Tieken House Moving, who transported the 160-year-old log cabin 10 miles to the Seward County history site at no charge.

Pat Coldiron

Seward County Historian who worked with volunteers to preserve the historic homestead cabin.

Clark and Diane Krieser

The Krieser family, who had the log cabin on their property for generations and approached Coldiron about preserving it.

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What they’re saying

“If someone says, 'Tim, I don't think you can do that,' I'm the type that'll do it.”

— Tim Tieken, Owner, Tieken House Moving (1011now.com)

“This whole project is just a community coming together to build a legacy.”

— Pat Coldiron, Seward County Historian (1011now.com)

What’s next

Volunteers plan to add a foundation and roof to the log cabin to fully preserve the historic structure at the Seward County history site.

The takeaway

The preservation of this 160-year-old homestead cabin is a testament to the community's commitment to honoring its pioneer heritage and educating visitors about Nebraska's rich history. By restoring this tangible link to the past, Seward County is ensuring that the stories and struggles of its early settlers will not be forgotten.