Pigeon Creek and the Homer House
The family excerpt refers to Russell King Homer and Eliza Williamson Homer (daughter of Nancy Williamson).
1. Where was the spot on Pigeon Creek?
- Geographic Location: Pigeon Creek (and its tributary, Little Pigeon Creek) flows through northern Pottawattamie County, Iowa, running directly through Crescent Township and Boomer Township.
- Distance Check: Crescent Township is situated 8 to 13 miles north of Council Bluffs (which was known as Kanesville in the late 1840s and early 1850s).
- Historical Spot: Prior to Crescent City’s formal incorporation in 1856, the settlement in the Pigeon Creek valley was referred to as the Little Pigeon / Farmersville settlement or Big Pigeon. Land surveys and 1850–1856 censuses place these early homesteads along the Little Pigeon Creek valley, running just east and north of present-day Crescent, Iowa.
2. Context on the Homer House Hotel in Crescent City
- The Establishment: In 1856, Crescent City was laid out as an boomtown. That same year, Russell and Eliza Homer sold their farm and moved into Crescent City to build and operate the Homer House.
- Historical Significance:
- Pioneer / Missionary Haven: Crescent City sat along the overland trail heading west toward Council Bluffs and the Missouri River crossings. The Homer House became a primary lodging spot for travelers, local Native Americans, and LDS missionaries traveling between Utah and the East Coast.
- Winter of 1857–1858: Historical accounts note that during the height of the Utah War (Johnston’s Army expedition), dozens of returning missionaries were sheltered and fed at the Homer House over the winter months.
- Eliza’s Hospitality: While Russell was away taking contracts to guide pioneer wagon companies across the trail, Eliza managed the hotel, earning a widespread reputation for her cooking—especially her pies and doughnuts.
3. Historical Links & Web Resources
Explore these links to verify the records and dive deeper into the local history:
- Pottawattamie County History – Crescent Township
Provides the official 1907 pioneer history of Crescent Township, early settlers, schools, and the development of Crescent City starting in 1856. - BYU Winter Quarters & Early Settlements (Pigeon Creek / Farmersville) Covers the early settlements on Little Pigeon Creek and Big Pigeon Creek north of Council Bluffs/Kanesville between 1846 and 1853.
- MormonPlaces Database – Little Pigeon / Farmersville
Historical geographical mapping and research notes for the farms in the lower Little Pigeon valley near Crescent. - WikiTree Profile – Russell King Homer (1815–1890)
Contains family genealogical records, transcriptions, census citations (1850 & 1860 Pottawattamie County census), and details about the Homer House hotel in Crescent City.
