Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 29 of 31)

Colona Township has more heavy timber-growth in it than any other township in the county, and in addition to the grain to be shipped at this point, considerable timber and wood was transported away on the cars. M. Smith, the first settler in Colona, had a mill on the river near the town. A small depot building was erected by the railroad. The additions were slow. Lucy A. Sharp, who came with her father, Asa C. Sharp, and her sister, Sarah, to Colona, in 1856, remembers that at that time there were residences about as follows : A part of what is now the hotel, kept by Webster. There was no hotel in the place, and her family had to go to Brandenburg's until they could get a house. This building was occupied by John Baum, who died in Colona some ten or twelve years ago. . Also was then standing the house in which Mr. McCullough now lives, at that time occupied by Jeff. Taylor. The small house occupied by Mr. Sharp and daughters, situated near the present postoffice. Jake Smith's store (not the store and dwelling as now but the store proper) was then in existence, and there was a shanty near where Mr. J. Kime now lives. There was a store opposite the hotel, or where the hotel now stands. This building was destroyed in the great storm of May, 1859, which also destroyed the railroad bridge near town, and where the iron bridge now is. Norman Sharp built the hotel as it now stands in 1857. The first school -house was built between Colona and Dayton ; it was eventually moved down to Colona, and Miss Lucy A. Sharp taught the first school in the place in the room she now uses for a postoffice, in 1863. She had about 30 pupils. The present two-story school building was erected in 1872. Three teachers are regularly employed.

For many years R. A. Smith was postmaster in this place. For 13 years his deputy, who1 transacted the entire business of the office, was Miss Lucy A. Sharp. In 1883 Mr. Smith removed to Moline, and he so strongly recommended his faithful deputy for a successor that she was appointed and is the pres-, ent " non-offensive partisan " Postmistress of Colona, where the writer" trusts she may never escape except by " removal " to the state of matrimony.

The United Presbyterian Church of Colona was organized Dec. 22, 1866, in the town school-house. The petition for the organization was signed by Samuel H. Reed and twelve others. The Rev.

Henry Wallace had preached in Colona in 1855, the second sermon ever preached in the place., Rey. J. F. Martin was assigned as a missionary to this charge in September, 1855, and he was succeeded by Revs. J. P. Finney and the presept S. H. Reed, as licentiates, in 1866, and Revs. J. K. Blair and John Todd. The names of the first members are : Andrew Stewart, Grace Moderwell, Christina Moderwell, Joseph Moderwell, James Moderwell, James Montgomery, Sr., Sarah Bell, William McGonagil, Sr., Elizabeth McGonagil, Mary Cochran, Barbara McFerren and Margaret McFall. Joseph Moderwell and Andrew Stewart were ordained Elders.

S. H. Weed, J. J. Baum and James Bell were chosen building committee, and a frame church 32 x 50 feet was erected and thrown open to worshipers Oct. 18, 1862. The building cost $2,108 in cash and about $1,000 contributed in labor and materials. Rev.'S. H. Weed, still a resident of the village,, was ordained Noy. 23, 1867. He labored as a mission ary until June, 1869, when he was installed Pastor, where he officiated until 1876, when the Church ceased to have a regular Pastor.

S in the northwest part of the county. Its . northern boundary is nearly traversed from side to side by the track of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad. A short distance north of the railroads is Green River, as it passes through Hanna Township in nearly a direct general line running west in the lower tier of sections.

Edford is bounded on the west by Colona Township and on the north by Hanna, - two of the first settled places in the county, unless Edford itself, - which there is no doubt but that it can - laysclaim to being the second settled point after Colona.

There were very few additions to these early settlers that are enumerated elsewhere until 1852, when the conviction went abroad that, the railroad was going to be built, and those, who knew about where its line must run through the township-moved in, and secured themselves farms and homes. The township is rich in agricultural and mineral - resources ; portions of it were in the Green River swamps, that are now drained and made into splendid farms. Other portions again are quite rolling and parts bluffy, but underlying these are rich and inexhaustible veins of coal and fire clay.

The first Church organization in the township was St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The first, meetings of those of this faith were held in the Central School-house, in 1867, and the Church organization was effected the same year. There were only about a dozen members at this time. In a very few years this little band was augmented by the addition of fifty families. In 1872 they erected their church building, at a cost of $2,500, with Rev. I. P. Guenther as Pastor.

The Church of God organization located in this township Sept. 16, 1876, at the "Howard Schoolhouse," where those interested in Church matters had been holding services since the 8th of April previous. Of the first to take action that resulted in effecting an organization were W. T. Harris and L. E. Harris. Soon after the Church had become a living thing, steps were taken to erect a house of worship, and W. R. Coovert was installed as pastor. He was succeeded by M. S. Newbommer.

ORNWALL TOWNSHIP lies a little east of the center of the county, and the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad nearly touches its northeast corner. Its points of easiest access to railroads are Atkinson and Cambridge, and for the southeast portion of it Kewanee is not a very long distance for shipping. In its limits are neither a town nor post office; but it is a populous and wealthy township of farmers and stock-raisers. To stock-raising the people are giving much attention of late years, and this is making itself evident by the great improvement in stock, especially in horses and cattle. The land yields immense crops of corn and grass, and when the stock is graded up and thoroughbreds abound, the annual profits to the farmers of this section will soon make them all rich and independent. The township is well drained by Spring and Mud

Like Galva and other parts of the county, there were only one or two, or at most, three pioneer families in the township prior to 1852 - simply because immigrants could not see the advantages of this rich, virgin land ; and so long as there was no chance for transportation to the distant markets for their produce. But when the canal was constructed to La Salle, and work was commenced on the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad, then began the rush of immigrants, the first coming of course settling as near on the line of the road's survey a possible.

James Southworth, a native of Erie, Pa., born Sept. 4, 1823, came to the county in 1837. He improved a farm of 231 acres on section 6. He was for years one of the leading, influential men of the county. His wife was E. C. Hanna, a native of' Whiteside Co., 111., born Nov. 15, 1827. They \vere married Feb. 19, 1850, and had four children. Mr. S. was a veteran in the Mexican War, and was in politics and in the general affairs of life independent, and would be no man's man.

John Taylor came in 1837. He improved a farm of 160 acres on section 8, he and Southworth thus becoming near neighbors. Mr. T.'s wife was Elizabeth Ogden, a native of Pennsylvania, born Feb. 5, 1 83 1. They were married Nov. 1849, and had eight children, five boys and three girls.

They were not surprised by any new neighbors until 1846, when Thomas J. Trekel fixed his abode on section 4 and when he became an extensive farmer, owning 760 acres. He was from Tippecanoe Co., Iud. Mrs. Trekel was Lydia Wolever, born in New Jersey, Feb. 22, 1839. They were married Sept. 24, 1855.

Lewis Shearer, of one of the leading families ' in the county, and noted as a stock-raiser, came in 1850, a native of New York, born Oct. 6, i8r7. His improvement was made on section 18, and became a valuable farm of 694 acres.

Joseph W. Mukins, a native of Virginia, came in 1844. His wife was a Miss Mary Ellenwood, a native of Washington Co., Ohio, born Sept. 7, 1823.

E. H. McConoughey came in 1841, and settled on section 15. He was a native of Massachusetts, born Jan. 1, 1808; married March 7, 1849. His widow, Mrs. S. McConoughy, came to the county in 1840.

The Calvary Presbyterian Church was organized Jan. 2, 1868. The organization took place in the. nearest accessible Church - the Methodist Episcopal, on the north line of Burns Township. The organization was effected by the following committee of the Bureau Presbytery: Rev. J. C. Ban, J. Milligan, and Ruling Elders, Alex. White (now of Geneseo), Charles M. Priestly, Rev. J. S. McClungand Moses Thatcher. Rev. J. C. Barr preached. John Fleming was at this meeting elected, ordained and installed as Ruling Elder of the Church. After the organization they held meetings for some time in the school-house on section 27.

In 187 0-1 a church was built on section 27, at a cost of $3,500. Rev. J. S. McClung was stated supply of the Church from the date of its organization until March, 1871. Then Rev. F. I. Moffat served the Church as stated supply from October, 1871, up to Dec. to, 1872, when he was installed Pastor. The original members were: H. S. Rogers, Mrs. Phcebe Rogers, W. W. Winters, Mrs. Virginia Winters, William Allen, Mrs. Margaret Allen, Thomas Rowland, Mrs. C. T. McClung, Mrs. A. C. Torrence, John Fleming, Mrs. Mary A. Fleming, Mrs. Sarah A. Callender, A. E. Benedict, Mrs. Harriet T. Benedict, Gabriel Romig, James J. Dickey, Mrs. Caroline E. Dickey, Isaac Callender, James Orr, Alexander Walker, W. H. Torrence.

1 OBERT BONHAM was the first settler in this township. He was drawn to the place by tne strong temptations he could see in hickory groves. For a number, of years Bonham was the lone inhabitant, whose widest range of vision, sovfar as neighbors were concerned, left him monarch of all he surveyed. He was from Maryland ; had started life in his native State and greatly prospered, but in one of those turns in the affairs of business he greatly impaired his fortune and then he turned his face westward and came to this place. Though bankrupt he was not conquered, and he faced the dreary solitudes of the wild country as bravely as any of the pioneers who came West. His stout resolution t9 regain what he had. Jost {leyer failed him, and ultimate success crowned his efforts. Hickory Grove is on sections 20 and 21, and the surrounding locality was known and designated by the name of the grove until the townships were formed and named, when it was changed to Galva, after some towii in Sw.eden. The grove was a noted body of timber in the early days- - a land-mark known to many an emigrant before he left his old home and started for the Illinois country. The grove lies a liitle northwest of the village of Galva, and it is a little remarkable that none of the advance agents of the many colonies that came to the county did not select this elegant body of timber as a nucleus around which to locate a colony. But in talking with aged settlers we find a good cause why the colonists did not seize upon this remarkable body of timber land. Bonham was here before they found it and had secured the entire grove, and from this fact we can estimate that he was among the earliest comers to the eounty. He was an inveterate old bachelor and died rich and without issue, and his fortune was inherited by heirs^of collateral blood.

The next settlement in the township after Bonham was the founding of Galva in 1853, by J.' M. and William L. Wiley, the history of which is given helow.

ALVA is one of, the leading places on the main line of the C. B. & Q. Railroad, and, "K , like many other towns which sprang up on the line of the road shortly after it was built, it received its first impetus at that time and from that cause. It is located irrthe midst of a fertile agricultural district and over rich and exhaUstless mines of coal. The business men are live and enterprising, andevery means for the promotion of the interest of the place receives a hearty support from all sources. The crossing of the C. B. & Q". and the Peoria & Rock Island railroads occur at this point. It is also the eastern terminus of the Galva & Keithsburg branch of the C. B. & Q.

The founders of Galva were William L. and J. M. Wiley, gentlemen who have also done much toward building it up and making it the thriving town. In r8s3 these gentlemen were making a trip from Peoria to Rock Island, and, of -course, traveling overland, the only means through this section at th^t tini$,

Upon reaching the spot where the town is now locacated, they were struck with the beauty and fertility of the country. Halting their buggy, one of them said : "' Let us buy this ground and lay off a town." The proposition was accepted and ere long the land was entered. The C. B. & Q. Railroad was surveyed through this section, and Messrs. Wiley opened negotiations with the company for the purpose of having a station made at this point. Satisfactory arrangements were made with the company and in 1854 the town was platted. In December of that year the trains began running and the town received quite an impetus.

Messrs. Wiley purchased about 50 acres of land, on the south side of the town, from George Fair, and subsequently sold an undivided interest in a certain number of .lots to the Bishop Hill Swedish Colony, then in their most prosperous days, and afterwards a a large number of lots to Jacob Emery. Both of these parties gave their money and influence to forward the interests of the new town.

Owing to the large purchases of the Swedish Colony in the new town, they were granted the privilege of being its sponsors in baptism and bestowing upon it the name which it was to bear. Olof Johnson, one of the earliest settlers, accordingly christened it Gejle, the name of a prosperous town in Sweden. This name was afterward corrupted or anglicised to Galva, a name new and unheard of but corresponding as near as possible to the Swedish name in pronunciation.

The first house of the new town was built in the fall of 1854, and is a part of the one formerly belonging to John I. Bennett, and which was owned by A. J. Rockafellow and occupied by Mr. E. A. Lynd. It was built by the Bishop Hill Colony and was used as a boarding-house or hotel. The first store was built during the first fall, and was occupied by C. F. Bodinson as a grocery, between the two railroads and just south of and adjoining the agricultural warehouse. It was then occupied by George Farr, the Bishop Hill Colony and the postoffice.

Col. E. Fuller was the first station agent appointed by the railroad company, and he continued to hold that position up to the time of his death, or very nearly.

out-of-door work to go on without interruption until Jan. 21, when there occurred the severest snowstorm ever known in this region, accompanied by a terrific wind. This resulted in blocking up the railroad and preventing the running of any trains for over two weeks. It was during this time, when the inhabitants of the new town were shut off from communication with the outside world, that the first child was born. Mr. and Mrs. David Emery were the happy parents, and they exclaimed : " Unto us a child is born, a girl is given, whose name shall be called Galva."

The town having been laid out and a depot established in 1854, the following season witnessed a rapid growth and quite an influx of population, no less than 75 men having settled here before the great fire which occurred in Nov., 1855. Although the settltment of the town took place only about a few years ago, the larger part of this number are gone - not dead, but, moved by the same restless spirit which impelled them to take up their abode here when the place was new, they have emigrated to other and newer towns. We are informed that about the only remaining of the first to locate here is Esq. Nelson Pierce, the present City Clerk and Justice of the Peace. The town, with a wonderful rapidity, arose like an exhalation after the passage of the first train of cars, and, at one time, there were over 150 carpenters busy in the erection of new houses. In an incredible short space of time there had gathered in the new town between r,5oo and 1,800 people. This prosperity did not abate until the panic of 1857 prostrated the business of the county, and scattered the hopes of not only great business firms throughout the country, but also scattered many of the men who came here to build a city upon the prairie, and now but a small fraction of the original settlers have found their long home in the quiet cemetery to the south of the town.

When Dr. A. D. Babcock arrived here on the 5th of May, 1855, there were already sixteen buildings in the place, 12 of which were dwelling-houses; when Mr. Seeley arrived on the 26th of Sept., the number of buildings had increased to 30.

It was during this season that the old brick warehouse, on Exchange Street, was built by the Bishop Hill Colony, and used for the storage of grain, pork, and broom-corn, The first hotel was also built then by Mr. J. E. Wolever, occupying a portion of the lot where Mr. A. W. Albro now resides, on the corner of Main and Locust Streets. It was known as the "Galva House."

The first surgical operation which Dr. Babcock was called upon to perform was for Augustus C. Bergman, who was injured while working on the railroad; the first death was that of Mr. O. P. Bigelow, who died on the 12th of Sept., 1855. The first male child born in the place was a son of Absalom Wood. The first fire occurred on or about the 8th of Nov., 1855, and originated in Dr. Babcock's drugstore. , It was caused by carrying a lighted lamp too near a barrel from which varnish had been drawn and which had been spilled upon the floor.

The whole business portion of the new town was laid in ashes by this disaster, no less than six business firms being burned out. They were: first, Dr. A. D. Babcock, whose stock consisted of drugs, groceries, paints, oils, liquors and cigars ; second, A. M. Black, shoe-shop and its contents ; third, Hamlin, Beecher & Davis, dealers in hardware ; fourth, A. J. Curtis, dealer in furniture ; fifth, Babcock & Clark, who do not appear to have had any stock of goods in the building at the time ; and sixth, Hurd & Driscoll, whose stock of dry goods were still in the boxes as received, not yet unpacked, and therefore easily saved by rolling them into the street. With this exception the building and its contents were a total loss, as there was no insurance upon either.

Mr. D. E. Jacobs was then living in the house new occupied by Mr. H. L. Dickenson, and which was the third dwelling-house built in-Galva. His mother perceived trie fire by the glow of light which shown in at the window, from the burning building, when her candle was accidentally put out, and sent him to apprise the citizens at the school-house. He rushed to the door and informed them that the Wiley House was on fire. It took but two minutes to empty the building!

There has been only a moderate growth in the increase of population in the past 15 years, but the solid and elegant buildings that have been erected in that time almost make it a new town in the past decade.

Galva is the railroad town of the county, and if not now, it will in a few years be one of the wealthiest communities in a county that is rapidly accumulating great wealth. Three of the four railroads that traverse' Henry County come into or pass through Galva, - the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Galva & Keithsburg and the Peoria & Rodk Island, all first-class roads and radiating from the town like the spokes of a wheel, and traversing in every direction the richest and most populous portions of Illinois ; and no matter where you may want to ship your goods or go yourself, if you get to Galva, there is a direct way to your point of destination. It is a great shipping point, and in this respect there is no doubt but that the future will develop another remarkable growth. It has a population of 3,000 souls. It is surrounded by the finest grain-growing and grazing country of the State, as well as being situated in the heart of one of the richest coal-fields in America. It is distant only one mile from the north line of Stark County.

There are here two banks ; the oldest has just ceased to be the Eirst National Bank, by the expiration of its charter, and is now the Banking House of L. M. Yocum & Co. This institution was started in 1856, by Claudius Jones, as a private bank. In 1862 he sold to L. W. Beck, and in 1865 it was organized as the First National Bank, L. W. Beck, cashier. When it was orgaaized into a national bank, the Wileys before mentioned were the principal owners.

The other bank is the Farmers and Merchants National Bank, with a capital of $50,900. A. Deem, President; Directors - H. Higgins, E. L. Bowen, and P. Herdien.

There are three spacious elevators.; Finkle's steam roller flouring-mill ; a lumber-yard, three farm implement stores ; and two coal companies, situated about three-fourths of a mile east of town. The Herdien Coal Company work five shafts. The Galva Coal Company mine extensively. Here is a large broom factory that works up much of the broom-corn, of which such great quantities are raised in the county. There is here an extensive brick-yard, where are used the latest and best improvements in the manufacture of brick. F. D. Guthrie has a foundry, and the county's great inventor has an establishment for the manufacturing of some of his half-dozen different patents. The Galva Gas and Coke Company was formed and began to supply the people in 1881. There are two carriage and wagon shops, three drygoods stores, one dry-goods and clothing store, six grocery stores, two hardware stores, two clothing stores, two jewelry establishments and two hotels.

James Gaster is the present Postmaster and has been since Feb. 27, 1883. He looks clever enough to be a "non-offensive partisan" for the next two years. His predecessor was A. F. Miller, who was in the office about 18 years.

Noted for its beautiful streets, parks, umbrageous green lawns and elegant and handsome residences, the most notable of which are those of Mr. William L. Wiley, C. E. Davis, J. M. Wiley, Thomas Brownlee, W. E. Hough, M. M. Ford, Jacob Emery, B. S. Eldridge, H. Higgins, D. E. Holmes, T. E. Milchrist, H. Bigelow, S. P. Johnson, R. W. Jones, E. Carver, Mrs. O. Johnson, Mrs. Ericson and many others.

The town has an opera house with a seating capacity of 800, a spacious town hall, the Galva Cornet Band, an efficient fire department, two elegant and well kept parks, gas-works, etc. Nine religious edifices attest the moral bearings of the people.

The present officers of the town are W. S. Hough, President; H. Bigelow, B. H. Mink, T. J. Finkle, W. H. Gibbs, A. F. Hathaway, Trustees, The Clerk is Nelson Pierce ; Police Magistrate, O. P. Emery; Treasurer, O. A. Hempstead.

In 1858, Dr. Dunn, then editing the Cambridge Chronicle, visited Galva, and in substance said : Previous to 1853, the now flourishing town of Galva was surrounded by an unbroken prairie the distance of many miles. In 1854 the first house was built. Many places now occupied by stores were then nearly impassable to pedestrians, being wet and sloughy - tenanted only by wild fowls, frogs and serpents. The village was incorporated in 1857, with a population of about 1,200. Work was progressing in 1858 on the Western Air Line Railroad, and it was expected to be completed to the Mississippi the next year. Mr. Tabor was principal of the public schools, with four assistants - 325 pupils. The Baptists had a "Church built, and the Methodist Episcopal Church was near completion. There were then eight dry-goods stores, three lawyers and three physicians. The hotels were the Wiley and the Virginia houses. Dr. Norton had built the town hall, at an expense of $20,000. North of the park were the fine residences of G. R. Wiley and others, and in the east part of the town was B. F. Merriman's.

The first school-house in Galva was built by J. M. and W. L. Wiley, and was 12 x 20 feet in size. This was also used for Church purposes, and it was - here the Baptist Church was organized, William L. Wiley and Mrs. Thomas Getty being the active constituent members. The Congregational and Methodist Episcopal Churches were also organized here in 1855.

The first public school building was commenced in the summer of 1855, and is now the central part of the North School. The money to put up this building was borrowed upon a joint note executed by J. M. and W. L. Wiley and George Farr, which money was repaid as soon as it could be collected in taxes. The building contained two rooms; these were afterwards divided into two rooms each, and so used until 1 87 6, .when additions were made to the building - three rooms being added.

The South School was built in 1865, originally one room, and in r867 it was remodeled and made into four commodious rooms. At one time Mr. E. E. Fitch, now of the Galva News, was the efficient Principal of the schools, and was of great value in grading and bringing them to their present efficient excellence.

Col. J. McClenahan is the present Principal of the schools. F. M. White is High School teacher. In the North School is Nellie Burke, Grammar; Eliza Curtis, first Intermediate ; Lillie Johnson, second ; Ada Grant, first Primary-; Frankie Smith, second. In the South School, L. L.Todd, Grammar; Lola Maddox, first Intermediate; Libbie Price, second; Sue Breckenridge, first Primary ; Threse Burt, second ; Mary Peterson, third. The enrollment is

Methodist Episcopal. - The oldest religious organization in Galva is that of the Methodist Episcopal. It was organized June 26, 1855, in the school-house. Meetings had been held here to complete the organization, and for some time after. At this time the first Board of Trustees were elected. This Board consisted of the following persons : Isaac M. Witter, John T. Carran, Isaac E. Dennis, Amos Dennis* William Pierce, John B. Nixon and Norman E. Pomeroy. They were the most active members then in Church, which, in addition to these men, possessed but few members. In 1857 they erected a house of worship at a cost of $3,000. Rev. John Morey was the first minister. Rev. P. A. Cool presides at present, arid has now been in charge two years.

The Congregational Church was organized in the school-house, Sept. 15, 1855. The constituent members were the following persons: George Farr, Rebecca Farr, Charlotte M. Cholette, George Fairlamb* William H. Fairlamb, Henry H. Parker, Mary Fairlamb, Hannah Carrigan, Thomas and M. E. Harrison, Elizabeth J. Hill, and George Hill, Jr.

Rev. S. G. Wright was soon called to the pastorate of this congregation, serving one-half his time. He remained until April, 1864, when he resigned. In November following Rev. R. B. Guild was installed. The present Pastor is Rev. C. C. Harrah. From a membership of 12, the Church has grown to 150, and sustains a Sunday-school of nearly the same number of scholars. The congregation erected a church edifice in the autumn of 1856. In 1866 this was sold to the Free Methodist Church, and the present commodious building erected. This latter was dedicated May 29, 1869, and cost $12,000.

The Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church was organized on the fifth of January, 1866, with 15 members. Two years afterwards, they erected their present house of worship, costing $3,000. Their Pastors have been as follows: Rev. A. J. Anderson, three years; O. C. Simpson, one year; A. P. Wigren, one year; H. W. Eklund, one year; C. A. Wiren, two years; A. T. Westergren, two years ; Charles A. Stenholm, and the present Pastor, Rev. J. J. Berggren. There are now 96 members, and 100 Sunday-school children.

The Free Methodist Church. - In the autumn of 1866, 17 persons, principally from the Methodist Episcopal Church, formed themselves into a separate body, under the care of this Church. For some time they met for worship at Mr. D. P. Reed's, one of the main members, and often at the residences of other, members desirous of promoting the welfare of the Church. In 1866, they purchased the Congregational Church, arid have since occupied it. The membership is now about 20, sustaining a Sunday-school of 30 scholars. The first .Pastor of this Church was Rev. D. W. Drake who remained two years. They have no Pastor at present.

The Swedish Lutheran Church. - The people professing this faith held meetings several years before effecting a regular Church organization. This was accomplished in December, 1869, with 44 members. In 1873 they erected their present house of worship, a comfortable brick building, costing about $3,000. There are over 90 members and a prosperous Sunday-school. The Rev. P. M. Sandquist was the first Pastor here. The present Pastor is Rev. J. F. Borg.

The First Baptist Church. - The first meeting for the transaction of business of this congregation - was held in the school-house, June 28, 1855, at which time the preliminary steps were taken to organize a Baptist Church. The Church was organized Aug. 14, 1855, in the schoolThouse. The original members were : William L. Wiley and Mrs. Louise Wiley, from the Baptist Church, Saxton's River, Vt.; H. D. Ward and Mrs. Angelina Ward, from Canton, 111. ; J. M. Corson and Mrs. Ann D. Corson, from Brimfield, 111. ; JVIrs. Margaret Bushnell, from La Fayette, 111. ; Mrs. Dorothy Getty, from Brimfield, 111.; Henry H. Clark, from Alden, N. Y.; O. P. Bigelow, from Boston, Mass.

The first church building was located near the business center of the town, and was erected in 1856, at a cost of about $2,000. The second building, and the one which the Church now occupy, was built in 1867, and cost, carpets and bell included, about $25,000. The bell in the tower of the present. church building was also used in the old church, and rung for public service the first time Jan. 24, T864.

First Pastor was Rev. M. H. Negus. The present minister is Rev. J. E. Todd. The present membership is a little over 200. Sabbath-school was organized in 1856; the number of scholars is about 150.

The Church of the Holy Communion {Episcopal). The first religious meetings held in Galva were in a room in Union Block, 1866. About that time the Ladies' Church Aid Sociey was formed, and through their efforts a small church was built, called the

" Holy Communion." The building and lot cost a little over $800; was erected in the year 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Whipple, S. M. Etter and wife, Mrs. Somers, Mrs. Trowbridge, Mrs. Mc- Kane, C. J. Whipple, Mrs. Rednell, Mrs. Hoyt, L. P. Edson, were among the original members. Its Pastors were Rev. Mr. Tifford, Rev. Dr. Floyd, Rev. Dr. S. Chase ; also ReV. Mr. Russell, who officiated over two years. C. J. Whipple, now Rector at Manville, R. I., and S. M. Etter, in Springfield, who was State Superintendent of Schools, were both prominent in the 'religious affairs and doings of the Church.

NE of the fertile and highly cultivated townships of this county is that of Geneseo. The land is-, well watered by Green River and several of its small tributaries. There are few sections of the county containing a better class of farm buildings or better improved farms. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad enters the township at section 25, passes in a northwesterly direction through Geneseo, leaving the township at section 18.

ENESEO is a bright and beautiful little city, standing in her queenly pride at the * front of the many inland residence cities of Illinois. Broad and strait and clean streets, bowered by the maple shade trees that cast their protecting shades far and wide in the hot and sultry summer, and that in winter bare their long arms to battle with the blasts of Boreas, protecting and blessing all animal life that may shelter itself here. The founders of the city were the county's first foresters; and could there be finer monuments to their care and forethought than are these shade, ornamental and fruit trees, waving their blessings to the oncoming generations. The large and gracious parks, the green velvety lawns, the spacious and elegant residences, rare exotic flowers, foliage plants, smooth side-walks and graveled streets are the admiration of all beholders. The city is well drained, and its elegant water works furnish the healthiest and finest water to be found in the Mississippi Valley. In a very short time the question of water will determine the permanency and growth of all our towns. People will not much longer be content to drink the surface water of shallow wells, that are little more than sipe water-holes for that moving current of water that slowly travels; but is always moving jnst below the earth's surface.

The business portion of the city is chiefly on State Street, extending south as far as North Street and north to Orange Street. In this district are many large and elegant business houses, the most extensive being the Geneseo House, and the most attractive tall building next noticed is the Farmers' National Bank building. The postoffice is about the center of the block, between First and Second Streets, on the west side. The three-acre park, with its splendid grove of maples, faces Main and State Streets, and is a most inviting retreat and a luxuriant place for the people to gather in their several capacity ; or, in the language of Mark Anthony eulogizing Caesar for his great deeds when he wisely referred to those places he had provided as the public parks, " where the people do walk about and recreate themselves. "

By the census of 1880 the population of the city of Geneseo is given as 3,518, but from all sources we have the information that now (J885) it is over 4,000. In fact, some enthusiastic friends of the city, and it has many such, do not hesitate the judgment that there are nearly 5,°°° inhabitants within the corporate limits.

In the winter of 1835-6 nine gentlemen of the town of Bergen, Genesee County, N. Y., met together and agreed to go West the next spring and form a settlement in Illinois. R. R. Stewart, of the town of Geneseo, New York, heard of the purpose of- those nine men and asked to join them in their enterprise. He was easily admitted, and thus there were ten men in the original company. But only seven of the ten came to Henry County, Illinois, as follows : Cromwell J. Bartlett, Colver Bartlett, Elisha Cone, Reuben Cone, Harry Manville, John C. Ward and Roderick R. Stewart.

committee to enter land for the Colony. Upon arriving at Chicago on their journey to discharge their duty, they stated their object to the landlord (most probably Baubien, the celebrated French half-breed, who was the first hotel-keeper in Chicago). The landlord introduced them to Judge (afterwards Governor) Ford, who told them of the spot upon which the splendid little city of Geneseo now stands, and they took his advice and proceeded to the place indicated.

In the fall of 1836 the Colony arrived from New York and stopped at George Brandenburg's, and the settlers of Hanna Township entertained them with that proverbial pioneer welcome and hospitality, and after the travelers had resfed the good people went with them to Geneseo and helped them erect/ their first cabins. This was the beginning of Geneseo.

When they arrived at the intended place for their future homes they met Major James M. Allan, and with his valuable assistance they were enabled at once to select and enter the lands they wanted.

The Colonists acted more wisely than the most of such bodies in their plans for new homes. They only purchased about 2,006 acres of land. They were content to leave the lands not needed for themselves free to others who might want to come among them to purchase. The wisdom of this policy is well evidenced by the fact that Geneseo has been and continues still to be the best town in the county.

Five families came in the fall of 1837. The breaking of a wagon compelled some of them to halt' with the Providence Colony, in Bureau County.

C. K. Bartlett put up the first cabin, on the creek south of where the present town is. Near his cabin Calver Bartlett built. These two cabins were near the site selected and where the company in 1839 built a mill. R. R. Stewart advised these parties that there would be danger of chills and intermittent fevers so close upon the stream. And afterwards these families suffered so greatly in this respect that they were compelled to move out upon the open prairie.

The families left at Providence, Bureau Counly, attempted the dangerous experiment of making their way to their friends in Henry County in the following December. They started upon their journey in a wagon drawn by several yoke of oxen, under the guidance of E. M. Stewart. A warm and gentle rain was falling as they started, which was rapidly converting the snow that lay upon the ground into thin slush. They had proceeded but a few miles when suddenly there came from the .northwest a cold, biting wind, and so intense was the sudden change that it converted-in a few minutes the water and melting snow into hard ice, strong enough to bear a man's weight. It was impossible to face the bitter storm, and the party was compelled to return to Providence as fast as they could, in order to save their lives. Nearly every one in the party was more or less frozen before he could get to shelter. - This sudden and terrible cold storm is vividly remembered by all old settlers of Northern Illinois. People and domestic animals lost their lives, and the whole face of the country was a glare of ice.

It should have been stated above that War<} and Mannville, with their families, came the next spring, and thus there were seven families at.'the founding of the city of Geneseo. The town was laid out in the center of section 21, township 17, range 3, in the spring of 1837. Seymour surveyed and platted it. It contained r5 blocks, 24 rods square; depth, north and south, three blocks; east and west five blocks; streets 99 feet wide, north and south, and 60 feet wide east and west. The two alleys - Spring and Creek - 30 feet wide. The six colonists from Bergen, N. Y., proposed naming the town "Genesee." Mr. Stewart suggested as he was the seventh member it would not be out of place to let him suggest the seventh letter in the name. This all approved and he suggested the "o," and thus it was happily named " Geneseo." The plan of the colonists was simple and just. Each member was to have a farm and town lot - to be drawn by lot - the balance of the town to be sold and the money applied to build a seminary. Before the distribution of the town lots S. D. Bacon, the early celebrated singing-master - noted as widely for his power to scold his classes as for his singing - joined the colony and drew his lot.

John C. Ward was a prominent member of the Geneseo Colony. His widow resides in Galesburg. They had no children except by adoption. One of these, Mrs. Emily Olmstead, lives in Galesburg.

In 1844 the brick Seminary building was erected. When enclosed a storm blew down the walls, and in 1845 the building was again put up and completed. It is now a public school building.

An episode of those early days is given, as illustrative of the stern notions of the people of Geneseo on the subject of neighborly ethics. There were some rather hard citizens living not far from the town, on the river. People suffered from their midnight raids, and in the meantime there was accumulated evidence as to their hard characters. The matter culminated by finding the old man, who was supposed to be the ring-leader, one morning dead - choked to death by his neck getting tangled in a rope. It was a profound mystery, and a hasty post mortem by the neighbors decided the old man had been either killed by his loving family or had killed himself, and the others of the grief-stricken family were solemnly advised to move away to a healthier country. They acted upon the hint and folded their tents and quietly stole away.

The Geneseo Church (Congregationalist) was organized in New York, originally having 13 members. After running along tolerably smooth for two or three years it was placed under the care and supervision of the New School Presbyterians. This was maintained about ten years and then returned to its original faith. There was some lively kicking by two or three true-btue Presbyterians against this change, who put themselves up as the Church and claimed the building, organization, etc. This induced some lively skirmishing all around, but finally the Congregationalists triumphed.

The first store in the town was kept by John C. Ward, in a room of his small dwelling. Then James D. Tabor opened the next store. Then came Lewis M. Webber, from Rock Island, who put up the first building in the place, exclusively intended for a store. This was about all the place had or needed in this line until the advent of railroads, when business and building suddenly bounded forward, and in 1858 there were 30 good-sized business places in the town.

Returning to the subject of the early growth of Geneseo and the arrival of immigrants: Five families, numbering forty persons, the two Cones, twoBartletts and R. R. Stewart, left New York Sept. 17, 1836, for the new world over the route across Canada, Southern Michigan, Northern Indiana and via Princeton, the route selected for their coming. Nine weeks were spent on the way. The recollection of the few survivors is that for bad roads they will never forget the country about what is now Ypsilanti, Michigan, where the most heroic efforts only scored about seven miles in six days. They recollect the stage coach kept them company many days through these bottomless, sloughs of despond ; and one time the coach upset and almost literally buried a poor woman in the slush and the ooze, and was rescued by the great efforts of the immigrants. In imagination they can now see the coach passengers, each supplied with his fence rail, going to aid in prying out the mired coach, and at the same time a protection to him who carried it against being engulfed in the bottomless ooze that seemed to spread all over the country.

The colonists kept a vigorous outlook for places of divine worship along the way, and when nothing of the kind could be found, they held " praise meetings" in their nightly camps. Like many colonists who came from the East, they had organized their Church for their Western home before leaving their old homes.

Leaving home the 17th of September, it was winter when they reached their new homes, and this was the probable cause of a part of the company tarrying in Bureau County, at Providence, and under the guidance of E. M. Stewart attempted to finish the journey late in December, and were caught in the terrible storm, as already told.

The next spring, 1837, they laid out Geneseo, that certainly then was as one "crying in the wilderness." On the west, twenty-eight miles distant was Rock Island ; to the south and east was the far away small Wethersfield Colony, just starting, and to the south and west was Andover, and forty miles away was Henderson's Grove, and fifty miles away was the little beginning of Galesburg, a log-cabin hamlet ; to the east was Princeton, and to the north were three families on Rock River. There were lonely and isolated settlers' cabins at Hanna's, Brandenburg's and Gordon's on Green River and the Crooks and Seelys at Prophetstown - lost ships upon the great seas, -

In 1837, the town was laid out. Trustees - John C, Ward, Cromwell K. Bartlett and R. R. Stewart. The spring of the same year was planted the first crop in what is now Geneseo Township. The only postoffice was Andover, where occasional mails were brought. In 1839, Geneseo was made a postoffice, with, James M. Allan as Postmaster.

Among the families that added their presence to the original colonists in 1838-9 and '40, were those of Marcus B..Osborn, Lyman Snow, who was the first and much needed blacksmith, Philo. Ward, Dr. Enos Pomeroy, Mr. Gillmore, Mr. Richards. The growth of the town was very slow, and so continued until the survey of the railroad and finally the commencement of work thereon.

Capt. Joseph B. Brush, a native of New' York and an " old sea dog," was born in 1 807 and for twenty years roamed the great seas around the world. He came to H^nry County, 1838, and carried the first mail that was brought to Geneseo, in 1844. This was a route from Morristown to Geneseo, and he-contracted to carry it four years, and after two years it was discontinued. When Capt. Brush came his family was himself and wife. Two children, Henry and Naomi were born here. The Capt. now lives in Geneseo, and although he has lost the use of his legs, which he attributes to scurvy contracted in his sea voyages, he otherwise is a splendid specimen of a cheery and chipper old man that is most cheering and cheerful to meet. His son is in the West, and his daughter, Naomi, is the wife of Mr. Hall, residing in Geneseo.

Mrs. Hannah E. Reynolds Stemson, widow of Liberty Steinsan. Mr. Stemson came, 1836, and located lands in Geneseo Township, and brought his family in 1839, from Weston, Massachusetts. He died in 1878.

H. G. Reynolds, a brother, was State's Attorney and County Judge for some years and resided in Cambridge; now lives in Blue Springs, Kansas. His brother, E. P. Reynolds, is now a prominent citizen in Rock Island.

The first brick business house in the township was built in 1854, by Perry Brothers, on the corner of Main and Buffalo Streets, now the residence of Mr. Green.

on the south side, and running east to Buffalo street, Here were the stores, postoffice andJiotel, and choice lots in the early ^o's found ready sale at what would now be very high figures. Mr. Abrarn Miller offered $50 a foot for a small corner that had been taken off his hotel lot at an administrator's sale ; but another purchaser bid over him and got the prize, paying $850 for 13 feet front and 50-deep lot. On the block still east of this, Mr. Miller bid Ijjfrooy and again was overbid.

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad was surveyed in 1850, and_was completed through Geneseo in the latter part of December, 1853. At that time there were only a little more than 400 people in the town. The moment the railroad became a reality the town and country sprang into vigorous life. What is now the business part of the city was a vacant common, and but few supposed it would ever become a. part of the incorporated city. It was owned by Merritt Munson, whose keen foresight took in the situation. He saw here a golden opportunity presented by the mistake of the owner of lots in the the business part of town, in holding lots at such prices that people coming to the town would not buy. He planted and laid out his addition to the town in T853, and offered every one wanting to build choice lots at low prices, - in fact, offering tempting inducements to any one desirous of putting up a business house.

The property owners on Majti Street saw the danger threatening their interests, but they came to a full realization when it was too late. The tide had started toward Munson's lots, and at the same time toward the railroad depot. Gradually and inevitably the change went on, and now, for the past few years,, not a business house or office is left whgre once all were to be "found..

Incorporation

By special act of the General Assembly, approved Feb. 14, 1855, Geneseo was incorporated as a village. The following were the charter members of the board : Merritt Munson, Enos Pomeroy, Robert Getty, John Willshire, Alfred W. Perry.

The gentlemen elected to serve as trustees during the time the place remained under this regime were as follows: April 2, 1855. Merritt Munson, Fresir dent; O. A- Turner, A, W. Curtis, T.F. Pressgr:, Luther C--§leigH . . . . ,

The, act of the Legislature incorporating the city of Geneseo bears date of Feb. 16, 1865. It provides for the election annually of a Mayor and a Board of Aldermen, two from each ward, to hold their office two years. Two wards were made. The incorporators were Isaac W. Wilson, Andrew Crawford and Joseph A. Sawyer. There are now four wards, and two Aldermen from each.

Judge George E. Waite was the first Mayor - 1865 to 1867. The next was Joseph Hammond, then John D. Grant, Warren P. Cook, Robert F. Steele, J. M. Allan, P. S. Schnabele, James McBroom (two terms), Peter Worrall, Ira R. Wells, J. H. Mitchell, present incumbent.

City, elections are held every year, and this was one of the few cities that never abandoned its special charter for the general law charter.

Mayor ; L. C. Campbell, Clerk ; and the Aldermen are S. J. Arnot, Christian Buell, W. W. Cole, John Goss, Jr., R. Herrington, P. S. Schnabele, P. A. Sweeney and Alexander White.

Educational

Miss Susannah Stewart, daughter of R. R. Stewart, taught the first school in Geneseo, in 1837. The school-house was made of round poles, had a puncheon floor, and was covered with the wagon covers that the people had used in their travels to the new country; and teachers and pupils had to keep a sharp lookout for rains and storms and flee to the nearest cabin for protection. This was not only the first public school in Geneseo, but it was also the first in the county, but only the first for a very short time ; for while Miss Susannah Stewart, afterwards Mrs. James M. Allan, was teaching this tentcovered school, her sister Narcissa, afterwards Mrs. Wells, was teaching a school near Dayton, at P. K. Hanna's house, and another sister, Parmelia, now Mrs. Dr. Hume, of Geneseo, was teaching in Wethersfield. There is no question but that the Stewart girls were the pioneer school-teachers in Henry County.

The roll of Miss Susannah's school in Geneseo is well worth preserving for posterity, andwas as follows: Emily Ward, afterwaid Mrs. Olmstead, of Galesburg ; Orlo Mannville, went to Kansas ; Roderick S. Mannville, deceased; Newton Mannville, emigrated to Iowa ; Harriet Cone, now Mrs. William Miller, of Geneseo; Clarissa Cone, married Elisha M. Stewart, March 9, 1848, and removed to Wichita, Kansas, in the fall of 1879, and is the happy mother of five children, three boys and two girls ; Alonzo Cone, deceased; Lafayette Stewart, removed to Wichita, Kansas ; Mary Bartlett, afterwards Mrs. Hiram Cady ; George Bartlett, deceased ; Amanda Bartlett, married Mr. C. M. Taylor, and removed to California; Orin Bartlett, of Mercer County; Augustus Bartlett, deceased, and Sasah Ann Bartlett, of Mercer County.

which was a school and church building for some time, until the seminary building was erected in 1846. Miss Narcissa Stewart taught school in 1838. In 1839 Mr. Holmes, who had been .sent by Rev. Jason Chapin, taught school. In the spring of 1840 Mr. Chapin came and too,k charge of the school, and so continued until his death, in September, 1846.

There was a provision in the original town plan that plainly indicated the deep interest of the early settlers in schools. It was provided that in the sale of lots a certain per cent, of the tots should be set apart for the building of a seminary of higher learning.

One of the rarest cases of self-denial was exhibited in the building of the brick seminary at Geneseo. The people had no money, and they subscribed their labor. They worked in the brick yard and at the carpenter benches ; they tended the masons, hauled the sand and water, and dug the foundations. The building when completed was "without money and without price," for it was the labor of love of every able-bodied man in the community. Some of the young men, hardly of age, subscribed as much, as $200 each, to be worked out at a small per-diem. Then just as the walls were up a storm blew down the sides, and, nothing daunted, they were rebuilt ; and completion crowned their labors, and the building was thrown open to the public use and a school commenced in the fall of 1846.

The Legislature granted a charter. It was called the Geneseo Marraal Labor High School ; this name was afterwards legally changed to Geneseo Seminary. Rufus Hubbard, E. Gone and Jarius Wilcox, incorporators, as the first Board of Directors. ' Hubbard was President of the Board.

After Mr. Chapin's death, for seven years, the institution was under the care ofRev. A. Lyman, by whose untiring labors, persistent industry at home and abroad, funds were raised for the completion of the seminary, he having procured $3,000 from friends in the East, and this, added to the generous contributions of friends here, and Mr. Lyman contributing his salary as minister for years, an ample fund was finally provided. Too much credit cannot be accorded to Rev. Lyman for the foresight, zeal and abilities that for years he devoted to this- institution, and all the time working amid the greatest deprivations and a rigid economy in order that his loved school might live and prosper. His accom assistants in the school were Miss Pomeroy (married F. Bascom), Miss Hooker, Miss Foster and Miss Earl.

Succeeding Rev. Lyman, Rev. S. H. Waldo was in temporary charge of the institution for a few months. Then M. S. Croswell, fresh from Amherst College, was at the head of the school for a short time. He shortened his usefulness by heeding .the call of his country, and enlisted in the army, .where he served well four years, and when mustered out went to California and is preaching there. His successor was Mr. Bartlett, who was assisted by Miss Hume and Miss Sarah Andrews.

In the meantime Illinois had perfected her grand system of free schools - furnishing every child in the State, without costs, schools and school buildings that in many modern comforts" and advantages far surpassed the oldest and wealthiest schools in the country. They were wholly non-sectarian (by some zealous in pious dogmas they were thought to be non-religious, and were sometimes called " Godless schools,') and in small places often the State schools abundantly supplied the public ^demands, and it was very difficult to maintain private institutions.

The Geneseo Seminary found itself, even with the splendid record it had already made, laboring under great disadvantages in this respect. Its managers had anticipated the future, ancTa considerable debt was hanging over the institution. The Trustees wisely concluded to merge their school into the public-school system, and they sold the brick seminary and grounds to the city, to be used as the Public High School, and the Rev. Lyman's and his coadjutor's labors were not- in vain, as their loved institution has. been and is still devoted exclusively to the cause of higher educati-.n.

The Central School -house was built in 1856, the year the State system of graded schools was put in operation. This building contained four rooms. The next year the Seminary was purchased, and the two buildings at that time gave ample school facilities for the village. Prof. Abbott was then the Superintendent.

Prof. G. G. Alvord was Superintendent in 1877, and he was followed by Prof. E. P. - Burlingame. The last two, when they left Geneseo, by a singular coincidence each went to Cairo and became Superin*

In response to the public necessity, in the year 1 866, the school building, a commodious brick structure, on the north side, was erected, containing four rooms. But the rapidly growing necessities required an addition of two more rooms, which were added in 187 1. And it was found to be necessary to have still more room, and the basement of the Unitarian church was procured, at a rental of $200, and fitted up for school purposes.

Thus in 1876, there were three school buildings, and the school property was then valued at $20,000. That year the expenditure for school purposes were $8,191.03. Fifteen teachers were then regularly employed: three in the High School, three in the Grammar Schools, four in the Intermediate and five in the Primary. 1'he enrollment was 1,021; average attendance, 711. Attendance in the High School, i2r; Grammar School, 136; Intermediate, 346; Primary. 418.

The public schools of Geneseo are not surpassed in the country. There are four elegant school buildings, furnished with all modern improvements and a corps of able teachers. The total school enrollment is 800, and there is an average attendance of about 600. There are 15 teachers, distributed as follows: In the High School are Charles Riley, Miss Fanny L. Tee, Miss Abbie F. Steele. Attendance in High School rooms, 60. In grammar room is Miss S. E. El well ; attendance 60. The other 12 teachers are in the following rooms : In the rooms south are Jennie M. Bliss, No. 6 ; Mary Entrikin, 5 ; Ella R. Hanna,* 4; Alice R. Rosenstone, 3; Hattie M. Waite, 2 ; and Ida Whitney, 1. In the north rooms are Nelly McCarthy, No. 6; Minnie Bradley, 5; Ethel Lambert, 4; Nora Blackiston, 3; Jennie Wells, 2; Telia Worrall, 1.

A commendable feature of the public schools is the evident economy the present Board of Education has introduced, and that has not impaired the efficiency of the schools. For instance, in 1882 the total expenses for teachers' hire was $7,840, and in 1885 that was reduced $t,ooo.

Geneseo Collegiate Institute was chartered by the Legislature as an institution of learning Nov. 21, 1883. The charter directors of the school were J. T. Atkinson, J. A. Sawyer, Thomas Liken, Josiah

Officers of Board of Directors - Rev. E. L. Williams, President; A. White, Vice-President; J. B. Moderwell, Secretary ; J. A. Sawyer, Treasurer.

Instructors - Norbury W. Thornton, A. M., Principal and instructor in Greek and mathematics; Wm. A. Metcalf, A. M., C. E., commercial department; Miss Lucy Magee, elocution, history and English literature; Miss Susan A. Hosford, A. B., Latin; Ferdinand Berger, German; Mrs. Gatha Swan, director conservatory of Music; Miss Sarah M. French, drawing and painting.

Although at present a young institution, yet so generously has it been provided for, so generally supported and encouraged by all denominations of Christians and people, who appreciate the advantages of a higher education, that its success is already such that it is entitled to a permanent place among the oldest and best institutions in the State. Its organizers and conlributors were from the various religious denominations of Geneseo and surrounding country. It is is no sense a sectarian school, but is in the broadest and fullest meaning a Christian school. As an explanation of the wholesome influences exerted in the institution by the Presbyterian Church, we only deem it necessary to give the following explanation as a part of the early efforts to found the school: A petition for " The Board of Aid for Colleges and Academies in the Presbyterian Church of the United States " to locate an academy in Geneseo was signed by representatives of different denominations in the city, and the locating of the academy in Geneseo was strongly endorsed by the Presbytery of Rock River. The expression of feeling was so united that the Board of Aid for Colleges and Academies responded by granting $1,500 to the aid of the institution in its first year. The Geneseo Collegiate Institute is the first institution organized under the new Board of Aid which has manifested special interest in its continued success. The institute was formerly

It was thrown open to the publit a only little more than one year ago, and its first annual catalogue is the complete assurance of the great success it has already attained.

Tht Northwestern Normal. - -Foremost among the educational institutions of Henry County is the Northwestern Normal. _ It is beautifully situated in that part of Geneseo known as Park Villa. Early in the year 1883 the people of Geneseo became very much interested in the enterprise of securing and establishing in their city an institution of learning, Which should be at once practical, unsectarian and self-supporting. The project was urged by the leading citizens, met with general favor, and a most liberal fund was soon secured for the futherance of the object. A board of trustees,' consisting of Messrs. A. Lieberknecht, H. V. Fisher, P. Schnabele, I. R. Wells, W. P. Blackiston, R. Harrington and H. W. Moses was appointed to act in the matter, and opened negotiations with Profs. W. J. Cook and W. J. Stevens, the result of which was a contract between the parries for the establishing of the Northwestern Normal, and its incorporation and opening on Sept. 4, 1883.

Delightfully situated in the northwestern part of the beautiful " Maple City," removed from the noise and dust of the business streets, surrounded by a large and shaded campus, which extends from College Avenue to Center Street, are situated the Normal buildings : '' The Mansion " and "The College." The former of them was built in 1876 by Maj. James M. Allan, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Henry County. On this spot, his home for many years, he built for himself one of the finest and best appointed residences in Western Illinois, at a cost of $17,000. Here he lived until 1883, when he transferred his beautiful residence and grounds to the trustees as a nucleus for the Northwestern Normal. " The College " was built and furnished in 1884, at a cost above $7,500. The managers expect soon to erect another and a larger brick structure on College Avenue, to accommodate the needs of their rapidly growing school.

The Northwestern Normal was incorporated by the State of Illinois in r883, and during its first year had an attendance of nearly 300 students. Its second year, brought to its doors above 400 students from Illinois and adjoining States. From 10 to r 3 instructors are constantly employed, and from forty to fifty classes sustained each term. The school is constantly in session and graduates two classes each year, one in May and one in October. The Bachelor's and Master's degrees of Science is conferred upon all regular graduates. A specialty is made of educating for teaching, business or professional study. Each year, during July, the Annual Teachers' Institute is held and is largely attended by those who are preparing to teach. The Normal adds to the trade of Geneseo at least $50,000 per year, besides doing much to elevate the literary, social and moral tone of the city. It is most enthusiastically and heartily supported by all who have experienced its advantages.

Congregational Church. - As stated elsewhere, the oldest Church connected with the history of Geneseo, is the Congregationalist, as it was organized by the Colonists before they left New York - Sept. 13, 1836. The ecclesiastical council was in Bergen, Genesee County, Rev. Messrs. Wilcox, Hull and Bridgeman, acting. The two Cones, C. K. Bartlett, J. C. Ward and Harry Manville (the last the old survivor, now a venerated citizen of Genesee) and Mary E. and- Amanda E. 'Bartlett, daughters of C. T. Bartlett, and Harriet Cone, constituted the original Church members. Elisha Cone and J. C. Ward were ordained deacons. The Church thus came with the first Colonists.

At first religious services were held in the different members, rude and small log cabins, but when the primitive school-house for Miss Stewart's school was erected on the public square, it was also used as a place of public worship. ~

The first communion was held in the house of Deacon Ward, April 18, r838. It was a day well remembered, by a hail-storm, which broke nearly all the windows in the settlement. The officiating minister was Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, of Ahdover. In r838 another school building was erected, which was subsequently removed to the site of the present Congregational Church. This was used for Church purposes till 1848, when the seminary building was completed, and was thenceforward used as a house of worship till the erection of the church, in 1855. The church was dedicated May 28, 1856, the sermon being preached by the pastor, Rev. S. H. Waldo. The church was the one still occupied by the Congregational body of this city. At the time it was built it was considered the finest church building west of Chicago. The first regular pastor was Rev. Jairus Wilcox, who in May, 1838, came to the colony with his family, and in June was elected pastor, upon a salary of $400. In 1845 he closed his labors here and removed to Chicago, to take charge of the Seamen's Bethel, in which service he was engaged until called to his reward. After him Rev. William T. Allan supplied the pulpit six or eight months. The next minister was Rev. Addison Lyman, from Connecticut, who began Oct. 6, 1845. He served for two years, until he entered upon the principalship of the seminary. Rev. C. S. Cady served one year, from Oct. 1, 1848. Rev. A. J. Copeland then served from Dec. 1, 1849, to February, 1852. Rev. J W. North occupied the pulpit for one year, from November, 1852. The next pastor was Rev. S. H. Waldo, who labored three years, from January, 1855. Under his pastorate this house of worship was erected, forming a new era in the history of the Church. Next comes the pastorate of Rev. Milo N. Miles, during the two years of 1858 and 1859. Then that of Rev. B. C. Ward for one year and a half. Rev. J. T. Cook, two years, those of 1862-3. During the year 1864, Rev. M. N. Miles served as supply. In May, 1865, Rev. Harry Briokett began his labors and remained seven years. He resigned in T872, and was succeeded by H. G. McArthur, who occupied the pulpit two years, and was followed by Rev. T. C. Jerome one year. At the expiration of that time Rev. O. W. Fay, was called.

The Sunday-school was begun in the rude building upon the square, in 1837. Its first superintendent was Deacon Ward, who continued in this office until his removal from the place, in 1855, except that Rev. John T. Pierce hfcld.this office during 1852 and 1853. After him M#'john G. Walker served two or three years. Then followed Deacon Huntington, Mr. A. M. Hubbard, and Mr. H. Thomas.

meeting was held at the Seminary Hall, which was the initial movement to the organization of the Baptist Church of Geneseo. April 14, the organization was effected, the following 23 persons being present : Rev. and Mrs. W. G. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Topping, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Mc- Cartney, Mr. and Mrs. D. N. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Like, Mr. H. Like, Mr. R. V. Amsden, Miss Laura Ann Amsden, John and Matilda Vernon, Delia Frank, Emeline Goss, Sarah Lynch, F. McHose, C. L. Ainsworth, W. B. Johnson, Emma Taylor and Sarah Caulkins.

The pastor, Rev. W. G. Johnson, remained some time, and was succeeded by Rev. E. D. Dickerson. Others who have filled the pulpit are Rev. W. P. Pattison, Rev. A. R. Newton, Rev. Mr. Sharpe and Rev. L. J. Langridge.

The meeting for organization was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; afterwards they occupied the Seminary Hall till the present church was completed in 1864. The building cost $4,000.

The First Presbyterian Church, of Geneseo, was organized Nov. 2, 1863, by Rev. S. T. Wilson and Rev. David Kelly, both of the Rock River Presbytery. The building in which the first meeting was held was on the corner of Pearl and Mechanic Streets, where the Baptist church now stands. This building is now on the opposite side of the street from the present church and is owned by the Swedish Methodists. These Churches, the Presbyterian, the Baptist and the Swedish Methodist have originated in this little chapel.

The membership of the- First Presbyterian Church were Androw McLain, Geo. W. and Elizabeth Goshorn, M. S. Boice, R. M. Boice, James N. McCracken, Mary McCracken, Chas. W. and Freelove Long, Geo. Rekards, Ann C. Rekards, Mrs. Almira P. Morton, Mrs. Francis Gale, Mrs. C. McCutcheon and Mrs. Bracken. Four of these are dead, viz. : Mrs. McCracken, Mrs. McLain, Mrs. Bracken and Mrs. Rekards. Six have moved away, leaving six of the original members here, as follows : Mr. and Mrs. Goshorn, Mr. and Mrs. Long, Mrs. Morion and Mrs. Rekards.

I. W. McCracken was elected first Elder. There was no regular preaching until 1864, when Rev. I. C. Burr, of Maiden, came, and he was called in 1865. At the first communion after his call six persons joined, and the growth of the Church was then quite rapid. During his pastorate 126 were received into the Church. It was determined to build a new. church in 1866, and the new church was dedicated Feb. 24, 1867, by Rev. S. T. Wilson. The most efficient worker in the building of the new church was Geo. Rekards. This building was 38 x 60 feet and cost about $10,000. Rev. Burr closed his pastorate Sept. 2, 187 1, and went to Alexandria, Pa., where he resides at present. Rev. E. H. Curtis came in 1871, and continued until 1873, when he went to Waukegan ; is now in Lincoln, Nebraska. After he left the Church was without a pastor for one year and six months, when Rev. A. J. Stead came. He continued until September, 1878. There was then a loss of membership from removals, and gloomy prospects were before it. No regular pastor was with' the Church again for a few months. Rev. C. H. Purmost was installed May 6, 1879, and at once the interests revived. The Art Loan Exhibition Was held and was very successful, the receipts being over $500. With this fund to aid, the building was raised and a lecture room underneath provided. This was completed in 1880. The cost of this improvement was about $2,000.

Mr. Purmost resigned and went to Dakota March 12, 1882. After a few months' candidacy, on Aug. i, 1882, the present worthy Pastor, Rev. E. L. Williams, was installed.

The six Elders elected at different times are, - A. White, J. B. Moderwell, N. F. Small, I. K. Rekards, George Rekards, dead ; and- J. WcCracken resides in Colorado. The- total membership is 245.

Protestant Episcopal (Trinity) Church. - In 1856 meetings were held by persons embracing this faith, and in the following year the parish was organized. The first Wardens were : Perry Ransom and George Condish, and the, Vestrymen John T. Young, Benj. Graham, William Saunders and John Huestes. Divine services were held in various places until the year 1863, when the present house of worship was

The following have served the Church as pastors: Revs. Alanson Welton, Samuel Goodale, William Green, P. B. Morrison, Geo. C. Griswold, Dr. Walker, F. B. Nash and T. N. Benedict.

The Unitarian Church. - The members comprising this religious society met- at first for divine worship in Sawyer's Hall, where in the month of November, 1868, they were organized into a Church. They continued to meet in this hall until 1874, when they erected their present house of worship, costing about $6,000. Rev. M. J. Miller presided at the organization, when r8 members were admitted.

German Methodist Episcopal Church. - In January, i860, the first meetings of the Germans belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church were held in private houses. Shortly after they were organized into an ecclesiastical body by Rev. William Kammermeyer, and 23 persons. united. The same year the church and parsonage were erected. This church was used until 1874, when another edifice was erected. Among those who served as pastors are, Revs. Kammermeyer, Charles Schneider, Henry Withom, William Winter, W. Zappen, .Gustav Zolman, Frederick Arensperger, William Bulke, William Schoerig and Louis TCunz. The number of members is now about 50, and the number of Sunday-school scholars about the same.

The Evangelical Lutheran German Church - -This Church was organized in 1863, with the following named members : A. Eichhorn, W. Kittenzer, G. Wiegand, A. Wiele^ J. Young, L. Hilmer, M. Schuh and J. Hitzer. The church building was erected in 1864, and cost $1,500. The following are among the pastors : E. Sunfstueck, C. W. Ernst, S. Hamm and P. Hanson.

Zion's Church of the Evangelical Association was organized in the spring of 1857. At that time about 15 persons united, and until the erection of their first church edifice, in i860, held divine service in the houses of its members. That year they erected a house of worship, costing $1,000. This they occupied ten years, when, the growth of the congregation demanding more room, the church was sold and the present larger and more commodious house was erected. The latter cost nearly $6,000.

ganization and occasionally preached here, the charge being until 1870 a mission. Among those who have served as pastors are, Revs. John Dengel, Amos Gackley, Enoch V. Freeden, S. E. Heilmann, Conrad Speilmann, John Kurz, Michael Heyl and Martin Stamm. The services were held in the German language, almost the entire congregation being of that nationality.

The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized at the house of John Gustus, June 27, 1856, with 12 members. Meetings were held in the residences of its members until the church was erected, which was completed and occupied about the year 1859. It cost $700. In 1874 it was remodeled and enlarged, at an expense of $800. The first regular pastor was Rev. Nils Anderson, who came in 1865 and remained until 1869. The following year the Rev. C. J. Malmberg was called, who filled the pulpit six years.

The Swede Methodist Church. - This Church was organized in 1864, by Rev. V. Witting. Services were held at that time in the German Church, and the next year at ModerweU's Hall. After the Rev. Witting left, Rev. A. L. Erickson became pastor. The congregation built a church in 1866. Among the faithful pastors of this Church we find besides the above the names of Revs. O. Gunderson, John Lind, John Wigren and H. W. Ekland.

The Methodist Episcopal Church held its first meetings in the Seminary building. The first organization was effected in 1854 (six members) by Rev. H. J. Humphrey. The first quarterly conference w.is at the house of the preacher in charge, Rev. Humphrey, Nov. 3, 1856; Rev. R. N. Morse, Presiding Elder; Caleb Ransom,Recording Steward ; Rev. G. C. Woodruff, Secretary. The Pastor's salary was fixed at $436. The original members were : Rev. H. Van Order, Levi Hamilton, G. A. Luvin, D. B. Brown, S. S. Throop and J. A. McConnell.

The first Methodist Episcopal church was on State Street, south, and became afterwards Teutonia Hall. The second and present church is on North State Street, was commenced in 1865, under Rev. H. Ritchie, and completed in 1872, under Rev. Worthington, and dedicated by Bishop Bowman in September, 1872. It cost $22,000.

The Catholic Church. - In 1863 this congregation was organized with about 40 families, the officiating Priest for a time being located in Rock Island. Immediately after organization the building of a church was begun, costing about $8,000.

HE second train of immigrants to arrive in Henry County and " stick stakes " was known as the Hanna crowd. At the second annual meeting of the "Old Settlers," in 1876, a statement as to the details of their coming was made by those who were of the party and are, therefore, the most reliable that it is possible to obtain. The statement was prepared by J. A. Sawyer, J. H. Sale and F. P. Olmsted from facts furnished them by George Brandenburg and P. K. Hanna and probably others of the company. The following is substantially their statement:

In June, 1835, a small party left Knoxville for the purpose of exploring the lands of the adjoining and unsettled portions of Illinois. They visited what is now Henry County. The party consisted of Rev. George A. Colbert, Rev. P K. Hanna, J. P. Hanna, J. B. B. Tabor, Samuel and Neely Withrow. They found the family of Dr. Baker living in a wagon on section 16, near the mouth of Green River - now Colona Township. From this point they followed the Black Hawk trail about 20 miles in a northeasterly direction, camping at what is now known as McHenry's Ditch, in Phenix Township. They then returned to Knoxville, where they remained about two weeks. Then P. K. and J. P. Hanna and Robert Land (Land was from Carmi, 111.) returned to Henry Connty, camping the first night out at White Oak Grove, on Edwards River, From this grove they traveled north, and reached the banks of Rock River in the month of July, 1831; . Here they unhitched their team and went into quarters on section 33, township 18, range 2. In their immediate peighborhoQd. were the Wjnnebagg

Indians. Here they found Earl P. Aldrich and family, who bad come only a few days before. After remaining here in camp a few days and looking around at the country, the party again returned to Knoxville, and after a few days preparation P. K. Hanna, with his family, started for the new home he had selected, arriving at their destination August 13, 1835 (just 50 years ago). This was the first family, to settle in what is now Hanna Township, and the fourth family in the county. On the 9th of September of the same year came George Brandenburg, from Ohio. He located on section 6, in Hanna Towriship. Later in the year he removed to section 1, In what is now Colona Township, and here, in October, 1836, in company with Mark M. Atkinson, laid Out the town of Dayton. Here he erected a log house and moved into it on Christmas Day, and havirig a real log house he opened what soon became vvidely knpwn as Brandenburg's Tavern, the first thing of the kind in the county. He was soon appointed postmaster, and. in the first tavern was kept the first postoffice, by the first postmaster in Henry County. This house was the first polling place at the first election, June 9, 1837, when the people voted on the question of county organization, and the first county officers were elected, namely: P. K. Hanna, Ithamar Pillsbury'and John Browning, County Commissioners ; R. McCullough, Sheriff ; Roderick R. Stewart, Coroner; Joshua Harper, Recorder; A. M. Seymour, County Surveyor, Here, too, June 27, 1837," was held the first term of the County Court, which appointed James M. Allan County Clerk, and Charles Atkinson Treasurer, and a license was granted to John P. Hanna and George Taylor to keep a ferry at Cleveland.

In 1838 arrived George Albert and E. Walters and families, and Henry and Samuel Sullivan, with mother and two sisters, and settled in what is now Hanna. In the winter of T835, Collin D. James, of Rock Island, organized a religious society. Services were held in P. K. Hanna's cabin. James preached to the little colony until succeeded by Rev. A. D. West. In the spring of 1836 arrived in this settlement, J. D. Tabor, J. P. Hanna, Charles Atkinson and George Taylor and families, and by the springtime of 1836 there was a population of 41 souls. Here, Feb. 7, 1836, occurred the first marriage: James P. Dodge and Samantha Colbert, daughter of Rev, G. A, Colbert,

In the early part of 1837, William Paddelford purchased land in this settlement, and in the fall of the same year located, with his family; and in 1838 he removed and opened a farm where his son James H. now lesides.

The first frame building in the county was erected in Cleveland, by Atkinson and Wells, in 1836. The settlers in this neighborhood and those of the. New York Colony, at Geneseo, in the winter of 1836, organized a temperance society and held meetings, and opened up the war on Gen. Budge.

The first school was taught here in 1836, by Narcissie Stewart, who quit attending to other peoples children, married Huntington Wells and removed to Moline, 111.

In 1836, Thomas and Anderson Miller and. Dr. Gawzer settled in this neighborhood. In 1837, came Henry Hand, and he ran the first chartered ferry, at Cleveland. Also in this year came D. P. Gave, John Williams, John Searles, Columbia Aldrich, William and James Bernard, Rev. Woodruff and son, all of whom settled in what is naw Hanna township. The same year, Sanbro settled in the east part of the township, where tie lived until his death. -He was much esteemed and respected by all.

In 1838, William Whitehead, Thomas Hill, Adrian Van Winkle, and Wesley Hanna came. From 1838 to T845 the settlement increased rapidly. A few, as now remembered by these early settlers, of the number were J. W. Taylor, H. R. Taylor, Adam Hooker; the Linnells, Heningers, Quillans, Meads, and James Miller and families.

3LEVELAND is the oldest platted and laid- I - ..- a out town in the county, the date of its exist- \§f ence extending back to 1836. It is on the ,,.,., south bank of Rock River, section 31. Its ' *- sponsors were Charles Atkinson and Geo. D. Tabor. At the time of its platting this was Knox County. It was located on the river and on the stage road from Knoxville to Galena. The first buildings were put up - two log cabins - in the summer of 1837 for George Tyler and Charles Atkinson, the latter's being a double cabin, and part of which was used for a store. Thomas Glenn and George' Brandenburg did the work oh thern, In the course of time these two buildings were torn away to make room for better ones. In 1837, Whiteside, this town, was included in what is now Whiteside County, then Whiteside precinct. At the August election of this year - when Martin Van Buren was elected Presi- " ident - the whole number of votes cast in the entire precinct was seventy-two, three of which were Democrat. It must have made the wily " old fox'- tremble in his boots, particularly if the first returns that reached him were from this precinct.

In 1869 a grist-mill was erected by the Cleveland Hydraulic Company. It was directly on the river bank and was a water power. The principal population of the town for some years has been miners and proprietors of mines, operating the extensive coal mines in this immediate vicinity. A fine vein of coal, valuable for shipping purposes, is found-here, a full account of which is given in another chapter. The general depression of the coal trade the past few years has somewhat crippled the prosperity of the place, causing a loss of population and business, which is expected to return as soon as there is a revival of business over the country.

A hotel and three stores and a few shops have been able to do all the business of the place. In 1875 a comfortable district school-house was ereeted in the place. Here was formed the first religious society in Henry County, which action was due to the pious energy of P. K. Hanna. It was a very small band at first, and for years they found plenty of room to worship in the little crowded cabins of the vicinity. But its growth was regular and even stiong, and eventually they erected a commodious and comfortable house of worship.

HAT is now Kewanee Township had no white settler in it until the fall of 1836. William, Samuel and James Carson, broths' ers, built a cabin "in the grove northwest of the town of Kewanee, and wintered there in the winter of 1836-7. The next spring they returned to Fulton County and made a crop there

John Kilvington, an Englishman, and Robert Coultas, also came in 1836 and built a cabin, but they too returned and made a crop and came back in 1837, in March. Cornelius Bryan came soon after the two last named.

Samuel Carson now lives in Wethersfield. Next came Luther Sleight and settled on section 33, adjoining the present town of Kewanee. He eventually sold ou'. his farm and went to Geneseo. He sold to Sam Alexander, who in turn sold the place again and went to Nebraska. Then came Francis Loomis, who settled and made an improvement close to Mr. Sleight's. He sold and went to Nebraska. He is remembered by the old citizens as a most excellent man in every respect. He died some years ago and we understand he left only a son living.

O. W. Brown came next, and settled on section 34. Afterwards he removed to Wethersfield, where he now resides. Hazleton Page came in 1837. His son Asa now lives in the town of I^wanee. Capt. Sullivan Howard came in 1837 ; now living in Kewanee, hale, hearty and cheery, and probably no man in the county loves better to recount the story of the pioneer days, their few trials and hardships and their many triumphs, and the boundless happiness of those good old times and people. So cheerful in his nature is he that in his recollections he can only recall the bright side of the picture, remembers only the hearty enjoyment of the hours as they flew past 50 years ago, the warm-hearted hospitality and the genial souls of those men and women of the long ago, the great majority of whom has long since joined the silent multitude.

These settlements were made near the south line of the township; and just across the line, in Wethersfield, were their neighbors, and, in fact, a portion of the same settlement. After the coming of those enumerated above, there were but few accessions for a few years, probably none before r 839-40.

Sylvanus W. Warner came in 1840. He was from Canada. He first located in Ohio, where he married Emeline Otis. Will R. Goodrich came to the county in 1837 with his family. He was born in

A few of these early settlers, becoming discontented, sold out their claims and returned to the East to their old homes, and in their places were to be found the very few accretions to the settlement for years.

[HIS is the most important commercial point between Galesburg and Princeton, and ranks high among the smaller cities of Central Illinois. It contains a population of over 4,000 inhabitants. It is surrounded by a magnificent farming country, has several important manufactories and is a good trading point. Abundance of an excellent quality of coal is found here and extensive mining interests are carried on. Kewanee is on the main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and 132 miles from Chicago. As late as 1853, where the busy and thrifty city now is, was the quiet of farm life prevailing unbroken. The house of Harry Thompson was then a quiet farm house. This building is still standing, and in good repair for its age, near the center of the present town. Nearly adjoining this were the farms of M. B. and J. P. Potter, on the west. This farm house of Harry Thompson's^must have been rather a pretentious venture in the day of its erection: It is a two-story frame, standing just back of what was once known as the Phillips Block, a large two-story frame business house. We have the information from William Wolf, who owns the old Thompson house, that it yet rents for $10 a' month. It is framed of those solid, heavy logs that were once supposed to be so essential to the erection of a frame house.

The work of building the old Military Tract Railroad, now the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, decided the birth and location .. of the town. Strenuous efforts were made by the citizens of Wethersfield, one mile south, to secure the passage of the railroad through their town. Owing to heavy grades and the crossing of a stream, involving a large extra expense, this was not acceded to by the company, and grading was commenced on the proposed route. Enterprising citizens of that day saw the result, and quickly took advantage of the location to secure a town on the railroad.

The company had at first decided to place the depot on the northeast quarter of section 32, but a defective title compelled a re-location, and it was changed to the northwest quarter of section 33. Matthew B. and J. P. Potter and Col. Blish owned the site. The former, after selling five acres of their quarter section to Geo. A. Morse and Silas Willard, traded the balance to Dwight Needham for his beautiful farm a little farther south. Mr. Needham at once sold to Capt. Sullivan Howard, Ralph A. Teriney - better known as "Ralph"" - and- Henry vG. Little ; and these gentlemen sold a quarter interest to Nelson Lay. Willard and Morse's tract lay on either side of the railroad, on Main Street, and here they built a store and warehouse in 1853. This was known as the " Pioneer " store, and did a lucrative business for nearly twelve months without opposition. The building stood on the lot now occupied by the residence of Mr, Joseph O'Brien, and was, in 1863, destroyed by fire.

Kewanee was laid out May r, 1854, by Sullivan Howard, Nelson Lay, H. G. Little, R. A. Tenney, Geo, A. Morse und Sylvester Blish. - Wethersfield, which was then quite a thriving village, suffered in a very short time a loss of nearly all of her business houses, which were one by one put on. wheels and moved to Kewanee. The survey was made by G. C. Blish. The - streets run at right angles, and are generally four rods wide, though Main Street is 100 feet in width. The -first house erected on the town site was the Kewanee Hotel. It was kept for some time by Tenney & Hutchins. In February, 1856, Mr. E. V. Bronson purchased the property of R. A. Tenney, and for twenty-two years has successfully supplied the gastronomical needs of the public. It is now run by Mr. Warner.

It was probably the intention of the founders of the town that Main Street should be the street ; and in fact it was for some time. "Phillips' Block," the first store in the town proper, was built thereon by Nelson Lay; J. D. Schriver erected the old" Philadelphia Store " there ; Davenport, & Robinson their grocery (now Miles & Minnick's) ; Dr. Finney had his drug store where now stands the Free-will Baptist church, and on the corner next south was the drygoods establishment of Aa'ron Cooper. A few buildings only were erected on Tremont "Street, which was in wet weather very little short of a canal as far as navigation was concerned. Yet the hotel and the depot slowly and surely drew the trade center westward. C. N. Cutter erected, very early, the building occupied by Bennison Bros., and which for many years was known as "Cutter's Hall," and considered quite palatial in those days. It was moved to the lot north and a fine brick put in its place. Residences sprang up rapidly in all parts of the town, grain warehouses were built, and in eighteen months the town boasted of a population of 1,500, including Wethers field.