New Bedford is near a narrow portion of the Green River is where Winnebago Indians lived during their winter hunts. Drainage of a nearby former swamp area (given to Bureau County in 1850s) resulted in the creation of fine and fertile farmland. In 1836 Henry Thomas entered 80 acres of land. Mary Thomas, the second daughter of Henry Thomas, was said to be the first white child born in Bureau County. Cyrus Watson (the first actual settler) built a cabin on the Thomas holdings believing it to be vacant land. He moved when he discovered otherwise.