About the Authors
Dean B. Settle and his history-enthusiast wife, Harriet R. Grossbart, embarked on an extraordinary 28,000-mile journey across Nebraska in 2023, spending 11 months documenting the interiors of all 93 county courthouses. Along the way, they amassed a wealth of fascinating facts, rich local lore and photographs—ultimately culminating in the creation of a captivating new book.
DEAN B. SETTLE
Dean and his late wife, Harriet, were devoted partners in both life and work. Originally from Iowa, Dean earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Northern Iowa and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin and DePaul University.
Over a distinguished 51-year career in behavioral health, Dean worked across Iowa, Kansas and California before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1989. He managed extensive systems of care, including hospitals and clinics at state and county levels, and was actively involved in state and national rehabilitation associations. For 37 years, he served as a surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
A passionate art collector and former gallery owner, Dean continues to reside in Lincoln, where he is actively involved in Rotary Club #14 and other nonprofit organizations. His research for this book gave him the opportunity to reconnect with Nebraska’s county officials and delve into the state’s rich architectural heritage.
Invite Dean Settle to speak to your group.
HARRIET R. GROSSBART
Born in New York and raised in South Miami, Harriet graduated from the University of Florida before relocating to Nebraska in 1972 to work for Lancaster County.
Her career was dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, serving as a teacher, administrator and advocate. After retiring, Harriet co-founded a significant payee service company and played a key role in developing a foundation that manages special needs trusts. She also wrote legislation and manuals and contributed to professional journals.
Harriet was an avid domestic and international traveler who delighted in exploring small towns and unwinding in the Sand Hills in her adopted home state. She lost a long battle with cancer in November 2023, leaving a legacy of advocacy and a final wish for her husband of 35 years to complete their passion project.