The year was 1868. Nebraska had just become a State the year before and the fledgling village of Seward had been established on the banks of the Big Blue River. As the Justice of the Peace in this part of Nebraska, and a man of high social standing, Josiah Ward had the title of "Squire" bestowed upon him. Squire Ward was instrumental in securing Nebraska's Statehood and in the incorporation of Seward as a legitimate town. On July 4, 1868, Squire Josiah Ward gave what was described as a "rousing keynote address" at the very first Independence Day Celebration in Seward. According to historical records, all 22 residents of the town were in attendance. Given Mr. Ward's prominence in our community's history and his illustrious reputation as a frequent visitor to the Public Houses of the day, we felt we could do no better than to name the bar after him. Welcome to Squire Ward's Public House. est. 2021