Geneseo Township (part 2 of 2)

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.