Genesee Township

Genesee Township

L L of Congressional township No. 22 north, range 6 east of the 4th principal meridian, comprises the township of Genesee. The township was organized in r852, previous to which time it had formed a part of Crow Creek, Elkhorn and Genesee Grove Precincts, in the order named. Genesee Grove lies in the northwest corner of the township, and is a fine body of limber land. Among the varieties of timber are white, black and burr oak, hickory and walnut. With the exception of this grove, the remainder of the township is a beautiful, rolling prairie, and at this writing dotted over with fine farm houses and barns, proving that it has an enterprising and thrifty population. There are no large streams in the township. Spring Creek, which rises on section 10, is the largest. Branches of Otter Creek and Rock Creek also water the township. Genesee is bounded on the north by Ogle and Carroll Counties, on the South by Hopkins Township, on the east by Jordan, and on the west by Clyde.

The first settlement made in Genesee was in the spring of 1834, by Jesse Hill, Nathaniel Moxley, Adam and John James. In 1836 and 1837 came William and John Wick, Eli Redman, Samuel Landis, Joseph Mush and Mark Harrison; Ivory Colcord, Isaac Brookfield, James McMullen, Pleasant Stanley and Jacob Huffman in 1838; in 1838 and 1839, Edward Richard, Levi Marble, Harvey Summers, John T. Crum, Martin D. McCrea, William Crum, Mr. Carr, Henry H. Holbrook, James Scoville, R. T. Hughes, R. Baker, Israel Reed, E. R. Huett, Watson Parish and Marvin Chappell.

Jesse Hill was from North Carolina. He located on the north side of the grove, on section 6. The family consisted of the old gentleman, his wife, and

Nathaniel Moxley was also from North Carolina. He moved to Oregon about 1857, where he was still living when last heard from, in the spring of 1885.

Adam and John James were brothers, natives of North Carolina. They settled on the south side of the grove, and, it is said, made an alliance with the Hill family, in which they were to divide the grove and defend each other's claims. Adam James returned to Morgan Co., 111., from which place he came to Genesee. John James moved to Mt. Pleasant Township.

Samuel Landis came from Virginia, and located on section 7, in the spring of 1836. He was a cabinet-maker by trade, and worked at it occasionally in connection with his farming. In having a tumor removed from his body, chloroform was administered, and it was successfully removed, but he never recovered, and died soon after.

William and John Wick were brothers, natives of Kentucky, but reared in Ohio. They came to Genessee in 1836, William in June and John in October. Both were soldiers in the War of 1812. William was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his house was the home of all the pioneer preachers. He died in 1858. John died some two years ago.

Eli Redman was also a Virginian by birth, but reared in Ohio, and, like the Wick brothers, served in the War of 1812. In 1827 he moved to Tazewell Co., 111., and from thence to Genesee Township in 1836. He was familiarly known to all early settlers as " Uncle Eli Redman." Mr. Redman died in 1862, and was buried in the Genesee Grove Cemetery.

Mark Harrison was of English birth, a sailor by profession. He came to this county in 1836. When he married, it is said, he had but 50 cents, while his wife had $15. When they began housekeeping they had no table, bed or chairs; but they managed to get along, and in the end were rewarded for their sacrifices.

Isaac Brookfield was from New York. He came to Genesee in 1837, remaining six years, and then moved to Indiana. In 1858 he came back to Whiteside County, and settled in Sterling, where he died, Jan. 23, 1877.

James McMullen was born in Ireland. He settled in Genesee in 1837. On the death of his wife he sold out and went to Canada, but returned, and, after living a while in Carroll County, settled at Fulton.

For several years after the first settlement of this township, the Indians remained near to hunt and fish. Many humorous stories are told of how the pioneers were frightened by ill reports of their depredations - humorous to those now living, but quite serious to the early settlers. They were generally quite peaceful, but would now and then steal a horse and some provisions. On one occasion, after stealing some horses, they were followed and overtaken on an island of the Mississippi, near Fulton, the horse recovered, and the guilty ones horsewhipped.

Some trouble was occasioned by claim-jumpers, but nothing serious occurred. Some public whippings were administered to those who violated the claim law, but no blood was shed by claimants or those who had jumped claims.

The early settlers of Genesee were composed of families from various parts of the country, New England, the South and the Middle States contributing their quota. While some might be termed ignorant of knowledge obtained from books, many were well educated, and all were good citizens, kind and hospitable. The "latch string" was always out at the cabins of these worthy pioneers. No cabin was too small, or over-crowded so much but the weary traveler would receive a genuine welcome, and given "the best the house afforded."

Within two months after his arrival in October, '8;?7. Ivory Colcord commenced teaching an evening school at the house of Wm. Wick. This was the first in the township. The second school was taught by Dinsmoor Barnett in the winter of 1839-40, in a log house erected for the purpose on section 8. This house was used for some years, but has since been replaced by a better one, the section on which it was situated comprising a portion of District No. 4.

The Superintendent of Public Schools, in his annual report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gave for the township ten school districts, with nine frame school-houses, valued at $11,150. There were 710 persons under 21, of which number 508 were above the age of six years, and 429 of these were enrolled in the public schools. The highest wages paid teachers were $75 and the lowest $25 per month. The tax levy for school purposes for the year was

Rev. Barton H. Cartwright was doubtless the first to proclaim the gospel in Genesee, services being held at the house of Wm. Wick in 1837. A class was soon afterwards organized, of which Ivory Colcord was class-leader. The Methodists now have two societies in the township, one at Coleta, the outgrowth of the first class, and the other in the south part of the township. The Christians were the next to organize, effecting one in 1839. The first church edifice was erected by the United Brethren, in 1858. SUPERVISORS.

N the fall of 1854 John T. Crum and Henry Mason commenced the sale of merchandise in an old log house which was then standing on the southwest corner of section 10. Mr. Mason continued but a short time. After occupying the store some years, Mr. Crum erected a. frame building across the road from his first location, bringing it on the southeast corner of section 9. Around this store, in time, grew up the present village of Coleta.

tion to have the name of the postoffice changed, it was found there was a Clayton in Adams County. Having experienced some difficulty in regard to mails, there being a Geneseo postoffice in the State, when the change was made from Genesee, it was determined that a name should be adopted that would not be similar to s.ome other in Illinois. Accordingly a meeting was called of those receiving mail at the office, and at the suggestion of Miss Nora Porter, it was called Co-le-ta.

For some years Crum's store was the only place of business at this point. A blacksmith shop being regarded as a necessity, Mr. Crum erected a shop, placed in it the necessary tools, and engaged Levi Porter as smith. Mr. Porter in due time became proprietor, did an excellent business, and was soon numbered among the well-to-do people of the neighborhood.

Mr. Crum, after a number of years' active business life, sold out his mercantile interests to Ephraim Brookfield, who had been a clerk in his store. Mr. Brookfield was unusually successful in the business, accumulated considerable money, sold out and commenced the banking business at Rock Falls in 1874. Failing health caused him to try the genial climate of Florida, but it was without avail. He died June 10, 1876.

Other business enterprises were begun from time to time, but as each of the lines of railroad running into the county passed the village by, it has never flourished as it otherwise would have done. Beautifully located, surrounded by a rich agricultural country, but for the absence of a railroad, it doubtless would have made :one of the best towns in the county.

Genesee Grove (jostoffice was started about two miles west of the present village of Coleta in 1839, with Edward Richardson as Postmaster. M. C. Wood succeeded Richardson and the office was changed to his residence. Win. Crum and John Yager each held the office. When the village was platted it was removed there, with John Thompson Crum as Postmaster, and the name of the office changed to that of the village, W: H. Colcord is the present Postmaster.

Coleta forms a part of School District No. 2. The first school-house was built in 1850, about one-fourth mile south of the village. It was used until a better building was erected in the village. It was a frame building, one story in height, size 20x28. It was occupied until 1875, when the present building, without the wing, was erected. The wing was added in 1883. The estimated value of the school property is $4,000. The schools of Coleta are a credit to the place. For several years, W. H. Colcord has been Principal. Miss Mary Hogan is his assistant. During the past winter there was an enrollment of no.

The Methodist l-'.piscopal Church building was erected in 1867. It is a neat frame, capable of seating 300. A parsonage is also owned by the society. This Church is the outgrowth of the first class organized in the township by Rev. B. H. Cartwright, and of which Ivory Colcord was the Classleader It has had its seasons of prosperity, and has experienced trials peculiar to all who walk in the Way. Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker is the present pastor, and the Church has a membership of 64. There is preaching every Sabbath. A Sunday-school is connected, with an average attendance of 40, with S. H. Kingery as Superintendent.

The Christian Church dates back to 1842, though there had been occasional preaching by Dr. Nance since 1839. In the former year six persons who had become obedient to the gospel, resolved to meet regularly each Lord's Day to commemorate the Savior's death. In 1844, Henry Howe came to the neighborhood, and, in a log house one mile west of the present village of Coleta, held a meeting of some days, going from thence to the residence of Mr. Moxley, where he continued. Thirteen were immersed as the result of the meeting and an organization effected of 19 members. Services were held at the Center School-house until 1868, when a neat house of worship was erected, at a cost of over $2,000, John Yager donating the greater part. This house was subsequently sold, and the present house of worship erected, at a cost of $2,500, including ground. The present membership is 83. Elder

United Brethren Church was organized in 1854, at the Hazel Green School-house on section 4. In 1858 a church building was erected near that point, which was occupied until 1868, when the present church edifice was erected in Coleta. The Church has at present a membership of 125, and is in a flourishing condition. Rev. John W. Baumgardner was sent to the charge in the fall of 1883, and has done good work for the Church. A Sabbath-school, with an average attendance of 75, is maintained. David Overholser is the present Superintendent. SOCIETIES.

The Order of Modern Woodmen of America is represented in this place by LaFayette Camp, No. 16, which was instituted in December, 1884, with u charter members. Hiram McCrea was President and Fred Fehrenson, Clerk.

Business, Etc

Crouch & Ackerman and Brown Bros, carry good stocks of general merchandise. The hardware, tinware and farm implement business is carried on by Meister & Neis and H. C. Ulmer ; the latter is also handling windmills, pumps and farm implements. The drug trade, school books and wall-paper supplies are handled by Colcord & Fehrenson. William Reecher has a restaurant and hotel, while J. T. Meakins conducts a hotel. The millinery and dressmaking business is represented by Miss Winland and Mrs. Royer, likewise by Mrs. W. E. Kennedy. W. J. Howe and J. H. Becker are engaged in the blacksmith and wagon-making business. W. H. Waters does the painting and carpenter work, and Fraser Bros, are painters and paper-hangers. H. Conaway is the contractor and builder. Peter Ihmels represents the shoemakers' trade. W. P. Fraser, Remage & Beeman are the physicians and surgeons. John Hannis deals in live stock and also conducts an insurance agency. W. E. Kennedy is a carpenter. Royer & Terpeny do the well-digging. Daniel Zoll- ers is a plasterer and calciminer. Hugh Shannon deals in imported horses. The banking business is represented by Crouch & Ackerman. G. W. Howe is Justice of the Peace and does a general collecting business. W. H. Colcord is a Notary Public and also engaged in general collecting.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 1,767 words in this source stream.

Genesee Township

son and then north. Let us take the latter. It is early autumn, and the roads are smooth and well beaten. Here and there the hills have been cut down, and the ditches along the side keep the main track dry and in good condition. The country is gently undulating, and the extensive cornfields stretch away with their rich harvests.

Much in shock. In early days cattle were turned in to roam at will, destroying more than they ate, but now the eastern custom prevails; the stalks are shocked, husked and hauled to the yards to be shredded. Pity so many poor -fellows lose their hands and arms. A pleasing feature as you drive along is the grassy roadside, clean as a lawn, no coarse weeds to annoy the eye and seed the adjoining fields.

What neat white building on the west of the road? That is St. John's Lutheran church. It has had only three pastors, John Becker, now in Mitchell, Iowa; C. Prottengeier, now in Dubuque, and the present, Carl Holtermann, who came in May 4, 1902. He was born in Lamstedt, Hanover, Germany, educated at Verden, universities of Berlin and Gottingen, coming to America in June, 1890. His previous charges were in Missouri and Nebraska. The congregation consists of fifty families, and the Sunday school of 40 to 50 scholars. All services are in German. Most of the people come from Grossherzagtum, Oldenburg, Germany. With this congregation is connected, the West Genesee Lutheran church, two miles west of Coleta. Its name is Immanuel. There are 24 families, and the services are in German. The officers of East Genesee church are: Eibe Folkers, Julius Schultz, Edward Remners, Herman Balster. The officers of the AVest Genesee are: Carl Bnhrow, Wilhelm Rohde and Dirk Dirks. Mr. Holtermann is 44 years old and in the prime of his usefulness. He has a fine family, and happily situated in a white frame parsonage just across from the church. It is affiliated with the Iowa Synod.

By the side of the church is the grave yard, with several substantial monuments. On the tombs we read the names of well known families: Beutel, Wahl, Engel, Eilers, Harms, Dirks, Stern, Matznick. Glancing through the windows of the church, the interior showed two long rows of pews, finished in oak, with other ecclesiastical furniture in proper keeping.

Few old or weather-beaten houses are noticed. The farmers as they improved in circumstances, tore down the early tenements, and now in every direction you see the pretty dwellings with piazzas and the huge red barns and necessary out buildings.

A short drive further and we enter the village of Coleta, the emporium of Genesee. The houses stand along two main streets, north and south, east and west. Besides the cottages, there are two general stores, Charles Garwick and Hugh Shannon; hardware, Adam Myer; blacksmiths. P. Eckel. H. Wolf and Laren Hughes; confectionery and restaurant, H. Carpenter. Here you can get a delicious country dinner that no money can buy in the stale supplies of the cities. Cream from their own Jersey cow, and bread like a cork of Mrs. C's own baking. J. S. Bushman is postmaster. Dr. Proctor, a graduate of Rush Med. College, began practice here in 1896.

One main school with two departments, taught by Prof. C. L. Hurless and wife. He is son of Cephas Hurless, long prominent in county affairs. There are 75 pupils in both rooms, and eight grades of study with one year of high school work for those who graduated last year. Their sixth year of service here. Mrs. H. received her education in Iowa, at the Jefferson County high school and the Iowa State Normal school at Cedar Falls. Six years' experience in Iowa. Prof. Hurless, after the common school course, attended the Milledgeville high school, the Illinois college at Fulton, and the South Dakota Normal School at Spearfish. His experience extends over eleven years, and as an educator he commands the confidence of the whole community.

The churches are frame. The United Brethren, Radical, dating from 1889, has 75 members, with Rev. Arthur Harrison, pastor, in his second year, residence at Mi. Carroll. He was previously presiding elder.

The Christian church, or Disciples, has 115 members. It is the second charge of Rev. C. W. Marlow, a graduate in 1901 of Eureka College. The nucleus_ of the present church was formed at Genesee Grove in 1837 by Elder Yeager. Then came the regular organization in 1847 in a school house by Henry Howe. Among the leading members were the Crums, Nances, and Mr. and Mrs. John Yeager. The latter deserve grateful remembrance for their zeal.

Rev. S. A. Hoffman is in his second year at the M. E. church. There are 45 members. The foreign missionary society has 20 members, Epworth league 25. The superintendent of the Sunday school is J. L. Milroy. Mr. H. came to this conference from Wisconsin.

The store of J. T. Crum was the first building erected in Coleta, afterwards purchased by Ephraim Brookfield, who for several years besides teaching carried on a business in general merchandise. He taught as early as 1858.

Rev. J. G. Breden is pastor of the United Brethren Church, Liberal. He takes the place of Rev. J. A. F. King, who went to Jordan church. The membership is 29, and is composed of a few families, chiefly Overholser, Deets, and Hurless.

Perhaps the most lively institution in Coleta is the literary society which is in operation every winter. There is a regular program at every session, music, recitations, essays, and a debate. This is announced a week or two in advance, giving the speakers ample time to prepare. The subjects for discussion are timely. For instance, during the winter of 1908 were argued: Should Washington's example in retiring after a second term be made a law? Is there more pleasure in pursuit than in possession? Will the Hennepin canal prove a financial benefit to Illinois? The meetings are held on Saturday night, and arouse great enthusiasm.

Old Soldiers

Janies Siddles enlisted at Mt. Carroll in Co. K , 15th Illinois Infantry. The first captain was Adam Mase. They were sworn in at Freeport, April, 1861. The first battle was Shiloh, then at Corinth, Vicksburg. Part of the time the regiment was chasing Sterling Price through Missouri. Their service of three years ended at Natchez.

Jacob 'Howe, 85, was in the 75th Illinois, and was wounded three times, in head, foot, and leg, and mustered out at Nashville. He came to the county in 1855 from Newcastle, Pa., the home of Sankey, the singer. His mother lived to 89, his grandmother to 110. He rejoices in the increase of his pension to $24 per month, owing to the efforts of Hon. Frank O. Lowden.

While the original settlers of Genesee are gone, there are still living in Coleta some venerable people who are bright and active. Perhaps the oldest is Grandma Wallace, who has celebrated her 88th birthday, but somewhat hindered by a lameness in her hip, caused by a fall. John Overholser, son of Martin, came here from Ohio in 1854. He is brother of J. P. Overholser, P. M., of Sterling. Although 74, he does his various chores every day. On his father's side all lived to 80 or 90. John Anthony, father of Joshua, from Cayuga county, N. Y., 1853, entered six hundred acres at $1.25 an acre. R. B. Colcord, who died in 1907 in California, settled in Genesee in 1837, and after his marriage in 1854 carried on the business of marble cutting till his removal to Sterling in 1869.

There are nine schools in Genesee, and six Sunday schools. Most of these people's academies have names, as is the fashion now, North Star, Washington, Lafayette. Some of the grounds are attractive with lawn, trees, and walks, and the interiors adorned wdth portraits of Lincoln, Lowell, and other eminent Americans. ,

South of Coleta is the creamery operated by J. B. Gilbert, managed by G. M. Lefever. The receipts of cream vary with the season. Churning is not done every day unless sufficient cream is furnished. The butter product varies from 350 pounds in the fall to 600 pounds in midsummer. Six men are engaged in hauling, their territory extending to Milledgeville.

Not far south of Coleta is a low, weather-beaten shanty, windows out, the picture of loneliness and desolation. It is known by the neighbors as the "Helen Brookfield Eighty," and belongs to the original estate of Ephraim Brookfield, who married Harriet Yeager in 1859, doing business in Coleta till 1874, when he sold out, If this ancient structure could talk, what an intensely valuable narrative it could give of people and changes in Genesee. We are reminded of Horace Smith's address to Belzoni's mummy in London :

This white frame building is the Hickory Grove church, originally built by the Methodists, but except an occasional Sunday school, no regular service has been held for years. A neat iron fence in front. The early members of the society are dead, their descendants have gone, and the farmers adjacent have other church relations. The cemetery, however, is kept in excellent condition. Every spring and fall the kindly hands of the surrounding country unite in showing respect to the graves of the pioneers. On the tombs we read the names of Wink, Courtright, Kingsbury, Van Osdol, Johnson. On the monument of John Yeager, who died at 33 in 1864, is the inscription, "Erected by Union Ladies of Genesee."

Murder In Gexesee

John Miller killed August Langberg on Aug. 3, 1884, with an ax, splitting his head open. Both were farm laborers, and the tragedy was on a farm where one of them was working. The quarrel was about a jug of liquor. Miller was indicted at December term of court, 1884, plead guilty, and was sentenced to penitentiary for life. He was taken to the penitentiary Dec. 16, 1884, and was sent from there to insane asylum at Chester, Feb. 4, 1893, and in October died of consumption. Walter Stager, states attorney, has kindly furnished this item from his practice.

Various Items

If good roads and substantial bridges are 'a sign of civilization, Genesee is entitled to a high place. Two steel bridges have just been placed over Spring creek, whose antics in the early freshets require the strongest safeguards. Each forty feet long. Concrete approach.

Among the smaller industries is pop corn. Charles Muntz had three acres in 1907 from which he gathered 200 bushels. At one dollar a bushel, it is evident that the crop is profitable.