Timeline: Notable Nebraskans | Timetoast

Period: Jan 1, 1860 to Jan 1, 1930

Notable Nebraskans of the 20th Century
Sep 13, 1860

General John J. Pershing was born in Missouri, but later moved to Nebraska to teach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This is a letter written by General Pershing to inform President Roosevelt of his son's death.
Jul 11, 1861

George W. Norris was active in local politics when he lived in McCook, Nebraska. He later served in the house of representatives.
Dec 7, 1873

Willa Cather moved to Nebraska as a child. She was a very famous author who wrote many stories about pioneer life.

Willa Cather archives
Nov 17, 1878

Grace Abbott was born in Grand Island, Nebraska. Abbott was an activist who worked for women's and children's rights.

This website provides information and journals about children’s rights, something that Grace Abbott fought for.
Jan 8, 1889

Edwin Perkins grew up in Nebraska. He invented Kool-Aid.
May 10, 1899

Fred Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Astaire was an American film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor.

This video shows Astaire performing "Puttin' on the Ritz."
Apr 6, 1903

Harold Edgerton was born in Nebraska and was an inventor.
Jan 1, 1905

Mildred Brown founded the Omaha Star, the only African American newspaper in Nebraska. (Her day and month of birth are unknown.)

This is a newspaper article written about Mildred Brown.
May 16, 1905

Henry Fonda was born in Nebraska and later moved to California to pursue his acting career.
May 16, 1917

Ben Kuroki grew up in Nebraska. He is the only Japanese-American in the United States Army Air Forces to serve in combat operations in the Pacific theater of World War II.

This page contains many different pictures of Ben Kuroki.
Oct 1, 1919

Evelyn Sharp moved to Nebraska with her adoptive family when she was a child.

Photo of Evelyn Sharp, famous Nebraskan aviator.
Apr 3, 1924

Marlon Brando was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He later moved to California to puruse his acting career.

A movie trailer from one of Marlon Brando's movies.
May 19, 1925

Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska and later moved. Malcolm X was a civil rights activist.

This is an interview with Malcolm X.