Geneseo Township (part 1 of 2)

Geneseo Township

ALLAN M. JAMES, Geneseo; Retired Farmer; born in Sumner Co. Tenn. Nov. 23, 1814! came to Henry Co. 1836; wife was Susanna Stewart, born Jan. 28, 1819; married March 6. 1839; nas f°ur children; Mr. Allan spent the Winter of 1836-7 at Vandalia, where the Legislature then met, and succeeded in getting Henry Co. set apart from Knox; he was also the first County and Circuit Clerk of Henry Co; has filled the office of County Judge; in 1850 he was elected to State Legislature to assist in getting a charter for C. R. I. & P. Railroad, and strange as it may seem, Mr. Allan informs us that it was a difficult matter to obtain, as the Governor and many of the leading men of the state were much afraid that a railroad constructed in the vicinity of the canal would prove detrimental to the interests of the state. Mr. Allan also held the office of Provost Marshal in this district during a part of the war. Mrs. Allan had the honor of teaching the first school in the county.

ANDREWS JAMES, Farmer. Sec. 7; P.O. Geneseo; born in Trumbull Co. Ohio, April 3, 1830; came toTazewell Co. in 1843, and to this county in 1854; Dem; owns 600 acres of land, valued at $24,000; wife was Marietta Campbell, born in St. Lawrence Co. N. Y., Jan. IO, 1841; married March 26, 1862; has seven children.

APPLEBEE THOMAS, Geneseo; Livery; born in LaSalle Co. 111. Dec. 2, 1853; came to county, 1872; Rep; married Miss Ida Bawlman; she was born in New York, June 17, 1853, and married Feb. 14, 1872; two children; Mr. Applebee is one of the proprietors of the temperance billiard room.

BARGE BEN J. F. Supt. of Geneseo City Schools and County Supt. of Schools; born in Concord, Middlesex Co. Mass. Feb. 2, 1834; came to this county, 1861; Rep; Bapt; owns house and lot; educated in public schools of Concord, Haverhill and Lowell; two years in Yale College; did not return after his father's death in 1852; taught in Mississippi and Louisiana from 1852 to 1861; spent one and a'half years in military service in Department of Northwest, under Gen. Pope; farmed two years; taught six years in Cambridge, and now five years at Geneseo; married June, 1863 to Carrie W. Showers, of Cambridge, 111; she was born in Cambridge, June 2, 1841; has four children, Hattie, Cora, Jennie and Allie.

BLISS H. F. Farmer, Sec 31, P.O. Geneseo; born in New York, Oct. 13, 1809; came to this county in 1853; Rep; Meth; owns 120 acres of land, valued at $4,800; was Justice of Peace for two years; wife was Amy C. Briggs, born in Oneida Co. N. Y., March 5, 1810; married Nov. 18, 1830; four children, three boys and one girl, all now living.

BROWN FREDERICK P. Retired Farmer, Geneseo; born in Onondaga Co. N.Y. Aug. 14, 1821; came to this county in 1852; Ind. Dem; owns 250 acres of land and house and lot, valued at $17,000; has been Mayor of the city two years; was Supervisor one year; was President for four years of the first Agricultural Society formed in the county; wife was Harriet M. Bennett, born in Onondaga Co. N.Y. Jan. 26, 1821; married Jan. 23, 1844; has six children.

CAMPBELL L. O. Geneseo; Justice of the Peace and Notary Public; born Malone, N.Y. Oct. 16, 1816; came to county 1860; Rep; married Sarah L. Wright, June 20, 1841; she was born in Ogdensburgh, N.Y. 1819; has two sons, Leonard W., who is general agent of Chicago, Michigan & Lake Shore R.R. and James C.; one daughter, Fannie P.; has been Justice of the Peace ten years; Police Magistrate four years.

CANFIELE) H. B. Geneseo; Dry Good?, Boots, Shoes and Carpets; born in Jackson Cr. Iowa, Jan. 26, 1847; came to county 1875; Rep; Meth; wife was Mary Day, of same county, born Aug. II, 1853; married July 23, 1873; has one child, May Ire/.; is a member of the firm of Chamberlain & Canfield, the largest dry goods store in the city; has a branch store at Tiskilwa, 111.

CHAMBERLAIN NATHAN V. Marble Finisher, Geneseo; born in Middletown, Logan Co. 111. Dec. 9, 1851; came to this county in 1866; Dem; Prot; wife was Miss Jennie Marlett; married Sept. 3, 1874; she was born Jan. 27, 1849; has one child, Allen D.

CHAMBERLAIN SAMUEL, Stock Dealer, Geneseo; born in Worcester Co. Mass. April 16, 1820; came to Co. in 1855; Rep; wife was Delliza Reynolds, born in same county, March 13, 1824; married Nov. 7, 1843; has one child, Dulcenia. Mr. Chamberlain is owner of the celebrated stallions Bashaw Drury, Estraba, and Scotch Giant. Bashaw Drury has made one-half mile in 1:12.

DAVIS IRA M. Farmer; Sec. 26; P.O. Geneseo; born in Fairfield, Me. June 3, 1804; came to this county in 1856; Rep; Christian; owns 40 acres, valued at $2,000; wife was Anna Allen, born in Fairfield, Me. July 21, 1804; five children, only one now living.

DEDRICK JOHN, Geneseo; Merchant; born in Sweden, Dec. 4, 1837; came to Co. 1858; Rep; Unitarian; wife was F. M. Wilse, born in N. Y., Otsego Co. June 6, 1847; married June 13. 1870; has two boys and one girl; was in army three years; is a member of the firm of Dedrick & Lawrence.

DRAIN G. W. Geneseo; Saloon; born McDonough Co. 111. May 6, 1840; came to county lS6o; Dem; wife was Jessie F. Nye, born Bangor. Me. 1853; married Dec. 25, 1871; has two children; Mr. Drain is a member of the firm of Seibel & Co.; who are proprietors of the most elegantly furnished and costly rooms in the county.

DRUMM PETER J. Farmer. Sec. 9; P.O. Geneseo; born in Milwaukee, Wis. Dec. 3, 1850; lived in South Bend, Ind. six years; in Plymouth, Ind. three years; in Story Co. Iowa, one year, and came to this county in 1868; Dem; wife was Nancy Smith, born in Alleghany Co. Md. Feb. 2, 1852; married March 21, 1872; has three children.

DUNHAM CHARLES, Geneseo; Attorney at Law; born Berkshire Co. Mass. Jan. 24, 1840; came to county in 1853; Dem; wife was Carrie L. Loring, born in Me. 1840; married April 9. 1862; has one child, Edith; was admitted to the bar in 1862; read law and was admitted to bar in this county.

ENGDAHL JOHN, Geneseo; Merchant Tailor; born in Sweden, Nov. 27, 1834; came to county 1864; Rep; Luth; wife Anna Anderson, born in Sweden, Oct. 20, 1844; married Aug. 24, 1864; has four children living: Emma H., Allmena, Martin N., Victoria E.

FISHER H. V. Hardware; Geneseo; born at Wilkesbarre, Pa; came to this county in 1869; Rep; Prot; established the Henry County Nncs at Geneseo, in 1874; member of the Common Council of the City of Geneseo during 1875 aIMl 1876.

FISHER \V. O. Farmer, Sec. 25, P.O. Geneseo; born in Pa; came to this county in 1859; Ind; owns So acres; wife was Pallas Chambers, born in Indiana.

FRENCH O. B. Farmer and Stock Raiser, Sees. 27 and 36; P.O. Geneseo; Rep; Cong; born in Coventry, Tolland Co. Conn. April 27, 1811; came here in 1853; owns 90 acres, valued at $6,000; Wife was Jane K. French, born in Meredith, Delaware Co. X. Y., Aug. 12, 1816; married Oct. 30, 18^3; have had four children; those living are Sarah E., Geo. O. and Ella J.; John died.

/~*AINES NELSON, Geneseo; retired merchant; Rep; Cong; from Mass. ^-* GALLIGAN J. Col. Geneseo; supt. of stock yards; Rep; from N. Y, GARNETT ROBT. Geneseo; retired farmer; Dem; Prot; from Pa. GARVEY M. Geneseo; laborer stock yards; Dem; Cath; from Ireland. GASTENER DAVID, Geneseo; laborer R. R.; Luth; from Germany. GEE P. E. P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep.

GLADMAN JOHN, Sec. 16; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; from Germany. GLADMAN JOSEPH, Geneseo; carpenter; Rep; -Prot; from Ohio. GLAWE JOHN, Geneseo; R. R. laborer; Luth; from Germany. GLAWE WM. Geneseo; R. R. laborer; Dem; Luth; from Germany. GLEASON J. Geneseo; teamster; Dem; Cath; from Ireland. GLOVE WILLIAM, Geneseo. GODFREY GEO. F. Mason, Geneseo; born in Amherst, Mass. Oct. 25, 1829; came to

('.RAVES EMERY C. Geneseo; attorney at law; Rep; Meth; born in N.Y. GRAY JOHN, Geneseo; Harness, Saddle and Trunk Store; born in Danville, Pa. June

Iowa; married Nov. 23, 1862; has five children living. ^GREENE M. A. Geneseo; furniture dealer; Rep; Bapt; born in 111. GREENE JOHN T. Geneseo.

GRESSER F. E. Geneseo; retired farmer; Rep; Prot; from Germany. GRESSER JOHN, Geneseo; laborer; Rep; born in Germany. GRIFFIN G. W. Geneseo.

GRITEMANN JOHN, Geneseo; railroad shops; Luth; from Germany. GROSS FRANK, Geneseo; butcher. GRUBB JOHN, Geneseo; laborer; German. GUILD HENRY, Geneseo; retired farmer; Rep: Prot; from N.Y.

HAMMONL) PETER, Geneseo; retired; born in Newton, Mass. April 9, 1776; Rep; Meth; he voted for Adams; he is the oldest Mason in the United States. Centennarian.

HANNAN MATTHEW, Sec. 25; P.O. Geneseo; fanner; Dem; from Ireland. .HANNAN PATRICK, Sec. 25; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; born in Ireland; 160 acres.

HARPER JOSHUA, Geneseo; Farmer; born in Fairfax Co. Va. April 24, 1796; came to this county 1836; Dem; Cong; wife was Sarah M. Thomas, of Maine, born Aug. 9, 1807; married Oct. 15, 1838; Mr. Harper was the first Recorder and Probate Judge of Henry Co; was the first Representative of the county, served two terms; was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1848,

HARBINGTOX B. Capt. was born in Hogansburg. Franklin Co. N.Y. Feb. 18, 1822; Rep; Lib. Mr. Harrington is a self-made man. having to care for himself at the early age of 12, besides doing much for the support of his parents. At the age of 16 he entered the regular army, in 1837, and served five years under the command of Gen. Worth in the 8th Regular Infantry; was three years in the Florida war in Co. K, 8th U.S.I. He moved permanently to Geneseo in 1856; he served as captain of Co. B, gth I.V. Cavalry in the rebellion; he married Feb. 22, 1845, at Massena, N.Y., Miss Martha Campbell, of Windsor Co. Vt. ; she was born March 7, 1827; he has buried two children, an only daughter, Clara P., Jan. 8, 1865, and oldest son Wm. H., Oct. 31, 1868, who was, at the time of his death, the proprietor of the Harrington House, Geneseo; has three living children : Henry G., Frank R., and Fred A.; he is at present o.ie of the Directors of the Farmers' National I!ank; is also President of the Geneseo Temperance Reform Club. By judicious management of himself and wife, he has a handsome competency for the remainder of life. His present business is real estate dealing and money loaning. The Capt. has one of the finest residences in Henry Co.

HOBBS GrEO. H. Journalist, Geneseo; born in Maine, May 25, 1824; came to this Co. in 1857; Rep; Bapt; owns house and lot. value $2.500; married to Miss Emeline W. Lewis, Feb. 26, 1852; one child; been editor of the Genesto Republic continuously since Dec. 1858; is Postmaster, and has held the office over nine years.

HOOVER JOHN W. Farmer, Sec. 15, P.O. Geneseo; born in Blair Co. Penn. June I, 1831; came to this Co. in 1854; Rep; Meth. Epis; owns 182 acres o land, valued at $15,000; wife was Rebecca Bellinger, born in Stark Co. Ohio, May 26, 1835; married July 10, 1861: has one child, Matilda.

HOPPIXS H. I. Homoeopathic Physician and Surgeon. Geneseo; born in Livingston Co. N.Y. Sept. 21, 1841; came to Co. 1874; Rep; wife was Annie M. Smith, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., born Oct. 3, 1839; married Oct. 3, 1865; has one child. Delia B. Dr. Hoppins and wife are both graduated physicians of the Homoeopathic School at St. Louis; office at residence; both have an extensive practice in Geneseo and vicinity. Mrs. Hoppins makes a specialty of diseases of women and children.

HUME S. T. Physician and Surgeon, Geneseo; born Monroe Co. N'.Y. May 3, 1818; came to Co. 1845; Rep; wife was Permelia T. Stewart, born June 7, iS22, in same county; married March 19, 1846; has one daughter, a Mrs. Taylor. Dr. Hume graduated at Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass, in 1846. He practiced nine years in Moline, 111.

KIXER HEXRY L. Editor Henry County News, Geneseo; born in Shafer's Valley, Perry Co. Pa. Feb. I, 1851; came to 111. in early life; educated at Farm Ridge Seminary, LaSalle Co.; commenced profession of journalist at the age of seventeen as a contributor to the Northwestern Advocate, of Chicago, afterwards to various Eastern literary periodicals; rilled position of reporter on Chicago city papers some time; commenced the editorship of the News at the age of twenty-three, which paper he still controls; Mr. Kiner has contributed various articles poetical and prose to prominent Eastern journals, some of which have received very favorable criticism from eminent literary writers, one a personal letter from the poet, Henry \V. Longfellow. KINEY J. O. Geneseo; city marshal; Rep; from Vt.

KINSEY N. C. Geneseo; merchant; Rep; Cong; born in 111. KINTLER JOHN, Geneseo; laborer; Rep; German. KINZIE K. A. Geneseo; Music Dealer; born Wayne Co. Ohio, June 3, 1842; came to this times; office in Freeman's Block; he is also a composer and teacher of music. KIPPING CHRISTIAN, Geneseo; laborer; from Germany. KIRKPATRICK, WILLIAM L. Geneseo; photographer; Rep; Unit. KLAVEAN DANL. Geneseo; laborer; Luth; from Germany.

KLEPSER JACOB, Sec. 33; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; Meth; from Germany; 80 acres. KNOBLAUCH JOHN N. Geneseo; veterinary surgeon; Rep; from Germany. KNOBLOUGH J. N. Geneseo; veterinary surgeon; Rep; Meth. KOCH SIMON, Geneseo; R. R. clerk; Dem; Cath; from Germany. KOENIG D. JOHN, Geneseo; hotel-keeper; Dem; from Germany. KOENIG JOHN, Geneseo; hotel; Dem; Luth; from Germany.

KOPISKE LUDWIG, Sec. 12; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; Luth; from Germany; 40 acres. KOPP CHRISTOPHER, Geneseo; superannuated minister; Rep; Evang; from Germany. KRANTZ JOHN Jr. Geneseo; hostler; Rep. KRANTZ JOHN, Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Cath; from Germany. KRAUSE PETER, Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Luth; from Germany. KUEBLER JOHN, Geneseo; laborer; Rep; Evang; from Germany. KUNZ LEWIS, Rev. Geneseo; German Meth; born in Germany.

L.AWBAUGH HENRY, Grain Dealer; Geneseo; born in Tuscarawas Co. Ohio, Feb. 26, 1836; came to this county March 23, 1854; Rep; Prot; married Miss Lizzie M. Machesney at New Alexander, Westmoreland Co. Pa. May 16, 1867, where she was born, March 4, 1836; has one son, Howard S., born in this town Dec. 20, 1870.

Lewis Shearer

LAWRENCE Gr. W. Geneseo; Grocer; member of the firm of Dedrick & Lawrence; born in city of N.Y., Aug. 25, '28; came to this county in 1856; Rep; Cong; owns residence; wife was Catharine Munson, of New York City, born 1828; married April 5, 1855; has one child, E. Kate; served three years in the late war as Lieut, of Company I, H2th I. V. I.

LiIEBERKNECHT A. Printer, Geneseo; born in Germany on gth of May, 1836; came to this county in 1857; Rep; Evang; owns house and lot, value $3,000; partner and business manager of the Republic since Nov. 1863.

JjINNELL CHARLES A. Farmer, Sec. 4; P.O. Geneseo; born in Jefferson Co. N. Y., Sept. 8, 1829; came to this county in 1844; Ind; owns 100 acres of land, valued $4,000; first wife was Nancy A. Allen; second wife was Mary D. Lenhart, born in Muskingum Co. Ohio, Nov. 16, 1845; married Feb. 22, 1866; has four children; has two children of first wife.

l\/r cARTHUR F. H. Justice of Peace and Notary Public; Dem; from Michigan. "T McAVOY RICHARD, Geneseo; R. R. employee; Dem; Cath; from Ireland. McBROOM JAMES, Geneseo; grain dlr. & prest. 1st Natl. Bk; Rep; Unit; Welch. MCCARTY DANL. R. R. section foreman; Dem; Cath; from Ireland. McCLELLAN J. WESLEY, Sec. 3; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; from Ind; 84 acres.

Voters And Taxpayers Of

McCOWAN JNO. Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Cath. McCOY DANIEL, Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Cath. McCRACKEN ALEXANDER, Rep; Disciple; from Ohio. McDADE CHARLES W. Geneseo; Rep; from Pa.

MACHESNEY DAVID L. Physician and Surgeon, Geneseo; born in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co. Pa. Jan. 10, 1827; came lo this Co. in 1854; Rep; Prot; owns 125 acres of land, value $10,000; married Miss Martha E. Taylor in this town, May 28, 1862; she was born in Wardsboro, Vt. March 23, lS4r; has one son living and one dead, A. Grant, born Feb. 7, 1864; Elmer D., born Aug. 26, 1868; died Jan. 24, 1872.

MODERWELL E. C. Hon. Attorney at Law, Geaeseo; born in Crawford Co. Ohio, March 6 1838; came to Co. 1866; Rep; wife was Fannie R. Watson, married at Fairmont, West Virginia, March, 1866; has four children. Mr. Moderwell graduated at Jefferson College, Peciu., class of 1859; at Cincinnati Lxw School, 1860; was Major of I2th Ohio Cavalry; is also member of the State Senate at the present time.

MORGAN A. Geneseo; formerlv a farmer in Munson; born in Jefferson Co. N.Y. March 31, 1824; came to Co. 1853; Rep; wife was Martha P. Tuttle, of Oneida Co. N. Y., born April 29, 1820; married Aug. 4, 1844; has three children living.

MORGAN PLINY W. Retired, Geneseo; born in Oneida Co. N.Y. June 30, 1802; came 10 Co. 1854; Rep; Pres; first wife was Hannah Porter, of Conn; married Oct. 1822; had four children, one living; she died Feb. 26, 1828; second wife, Ruey Hamilton, of N. Y.; married Aug. 4, 1835; two children living.

MUNSON MERRITT, Retired, Geneseo; born Greene Co. N. Y. Oct. 7, 1805; came to Co. 1852; Democratic in politics; -maintains thedoctrine of individual and state sovereignty; Humanitarian and Freethinker in religion; his wife was Harriet Rice, of N.Y. ; she died Jan. 14; 1862; second wife was Mrs. Maria S. Mathews, of Oawego Co. N.Y., married March 2, 1871. Mr. Munson was the original proprietor of the present business part of the town. The township of Munson, Henry Co. was named after him. He formerly edited the Geneseo Republic; it was then neutral in politics. He was the first President of Town Council; was Justice of the Peace many years.

NEIS WENDER WESLEY, City Marble Works. Geneseo; born in West Salem, Wayne Co. Ohio, March 30, 1841; came to this county in 1852; Rep; Prot; owns residence, value $1,500; wife was Miss Minerva Merriman, born in Henry Co. Ill, Feb. 24, 1841; her parents came to this county in 1835; married Aug. 22, 1862; has'five children, William A., Solon A., Ellen. Kittie F. and Chas. G.; was member of Co. I, 112 111. V. L; was prisoner eighteen months, in Libby, Andersonville, Charleston, and Florence, S. C.

PALMER J. W. Geneseo; blacksmith; Rep; Prot; from N. H. PALMER EDWARD. Geneseo; clerk; Rep; Unit; from 111. PARKER GEO. Sec. 22; P.O. Geneseo; farmer. PARKER M. P. Geneseo; blacksmith; Rep; Cong; from N. H.

RASER ADAM H. City Marble Works, Geneseo; born in West Salem, Wayne Co. Ohio. Aug. 7, 1839; came to this county in 1852; Rep; Prot; owns house and two acre lot, value $2,500; was in the army in Co. K, H2th Reg. I. V. I.; served three years; wife was Miss Catherine A. Fries, born Jan. 4, 1843, in Wayne Co. Ohio; married March 22, 1864; has five children living, one dead; Bertie A., Florance A., Lula, Ada and Jasin.

RILEY CHARLES, Geneseo; Teacher; born Knox Co. 111. Feb. 10, 1848; came to county 1873; Dem; owns residence; wife was Hattie Dickinson, born Utica, N.Y., Nov. i, 1851; married April 6, 1873; has one child, Helen A.

SCHMOLL CHAS. Sec. 28; P.O. Geneseo; laborer for G. Geiser; Dem; born Germany. SCHNABELE LAWRENCE, Sec. 8; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; from Germany. SCHNABELE P. S. Geneseo; Merchant Tailor and Clothier; born in Germany, Dec. 24,

SCHWARCK CHAS. Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Bapt; from Germany. SEARL AMBROSE, Geneseo; dealer in pumps; Rep; born in 111. SEARLS MARY Mrs. Geneseo; Meth. SEDGLEY LiEVI, Geneseo; retired from business; i orn in York Co. Me. Oct. 18, 1812;

Nov. 3, 1874; has three children by first marriage. SEDGLEY A. A. Geneseo; conductor R. R.; Rep; Unit. SEDGLEY BEN. L. Geneseo; clerk R.R. depot; Rep; Unit.

SEFSTROM ADOLPH, Sec. I; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; Luth; from Sweden; 20 acres. SEIBEL WM. Geneseo; saloon; Dem; Prot; from Germany. SEIBEL WM. Geneseo; bakery; Dem; from Germany.

SHAUP SOLOMON, Sec. 5; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; from Pa; 80 acres. SHAW BARTON, Geneseo; Rep; Bapt; from Vt. SHAW GEO. W. Geneseo; Attorney at Law; born in Providence, Rhode Island, Dec. 6,

SHELLHAMMER DANIEL, Sec. 15; P.O. Geneseo; stage-driver; Rep; from Pa. SHEPARD R. L. Geneseo; stock dealer; Rep; from N.Y. SHEPPARD WM. M. Geneseo; mason; Rep; Epis; from Eng. SHERIFF SAML. Geneseo; carpenter; Rep; Meth; from Pa. SHNISTZ HENRY, Geneseo; farmer; Dem; Luth; from Germany. SHOEMAKER JACOB, Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Trot; from Germany. SHOUP SOLOMON, Geneseo; laborer; Germany. SHUCK JACOB, Geneseo; retired; Rep; Evang; Germany. SHULTZ ADOLPH, Sec. 13; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; from Germany; 80 acres. SICKLER ALBERT, Geneseo; butcher; Dem; Cath; born in Germany. SIMKINS J.AS. Geneseo; laborer; Dem; from Ohio.

SMALL HENRY, Geneseo; shoemaker; Luth; from Germany. SMALL WM. F. Geneseo; mason; Rep; Pres; from Pa. SMITH A. M. laborer for W. J. Smith; Rep; Prot; born in III.

SMITH CHARLES B. Farmer and Stock Feeder, Sec. 10; P.O. Geneseo; born in Prussia, May 22, 1833; came to Allegany Co. Md. in i8co, and to this county in 1866; Ind; Rep; owns 640 acres of land, valued at $40,000; wife was Martha E. Warfield, horn in Carrol Co. Md. Aug. 28, 1833; married Oct. 20. 1853; has six children.

SMITH JOHN H. Farmer and Stock Feeder, Sec. 16; P.O. Geneseo; born in Prussia, Nov. 17, 1820; came to Somerset Co. Pa. in 1841, and to this county in 1852; Ind. Dem; Kvang; owns 640 acres of land, valued at $40,000; wife was Anna Meais, born in Alleghany Co. Pa. Nov. 5, 1826; married Nov. 24, 1849; has four children, Anna Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary Ellen, and John H., Jr.

SMITH J. S. Geneseo; Painter and Broom Maker; born Franklin Co. Vt. Dec. 13, 1842; came to Co. 1856; Rep; Bapt; wife was Sophia E. Hawley, born in Ohio, 1842; married Feb. 20, 1861; has three children.

SMITH WM. <T. Veterinary Surgeon, Geneseo; born in Jefferson Co. Tenn. May 31, 1820; moved to Joliet, 111. in 1835, and to this county in 1866; Rep; Meth; studied and practiced Veterinary Surgery in Joliet about twelve years; in 1848 joined R. R. Conference of the M. E. Church; was in active work eighteen years; in 1866 ook a superannuated relation and settled in Galva; removed to Kansas in 1871; returned to this town in 1875; married Miss Lydia Harrington at Joliet, 111. June 19, 1845; has three sons and three daughters.

STEELE R. F, Geneseo; Real Estate Dealer and Insurance Agent; born in Hillsborough Co. N. H., Jan. 10, 1831; came to county 1857; ReP! wife was Anna E. Hardy, born in same county, May, 1833; has one child, Abbie F.; Mr. Steele is serving his third term as Mayor of the City of Geneseo; was Commissary Sergeant in H2th I.V. I.; has been Justice of the Peace eight years; was Postmaster two years.

STEIN FRED. Geneseo; Watchmaker and Jeweler, also Dealer in Sewing Machines; born in Germany, June 20, 1841; came to county 1860; Ind; wife was Mary Zimmerman, born in Germany 1845; married Sept. 5, 1867; has four children; was in army four years.

STIEBEL HENRY, Clothing Merchant, Geneseo; born in Germany, Sept. II, 1838; came to this country in 1854, and to this county in 1865; Dem; Israelite ; owns house and lot, value $2,500; married Miss Jennie May at Cincinnati, Ohio, March 16, 1870; she was born in Germany, Sept. 15, 1851; has two children, Julia, born Jan. n, 1871, and David, born Feb. 27, 1873, both in this town.

STIMSON LIBERTY, Farmer, Sec. 15; P.O. Geneseo; born in Middlesex Co. Mass. Feb. 9, 1807; came to Bureau Co. in 1836, and to this county in 1837; Dem; owns 181 acres of land, valued at $1 1,000; first wife was Leah Clark, of Bureau Co; second wife was Remembrance Evans; third wife was Hannah E. Evans, born in Washington Co. July 4, 1826; married Feb. 12, 1869.

TAMME L. Geneseo; tailor; Luth; from Germany. TAMME FRED. Geneseo; cigar-maker; Ind; Luth; from Pa. TAYLOR A. Geneseo; retired; Dem; from Vt. TAYLOR P. H. Geneseo; grocer; Rep; Cong; born in Vt. TAYLOR E. Geneseo.

TAYLOR THOMAS, P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; Prot. TEE ALBERT, Geneseo; clerk; Rep; Prot; born in 111. TELL WM. Geneseo; trapper; Dem; Luth; from Germany. TETTER PHILIP, Geneseo; laborer; Dem; born Illinois. THAYER C. L. Geneseo; telegraph operator; Dem; Prot; from N.Y. THAYER WARREN, Geneseo; retired farmer; Rep; Prot; from Mass.

was in army; Mr. Thomas does all kinds of house, sign and carriage painting. THOMAS WALTER, Geneseo; toy store; from N.Y. THOMPSON H. L. Geneseo; carpenter; Rep; Cong; from N.Y.

THOMPSON WM. H. Sec. 12; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; from Ireland; 160 acres. THOMPSON PHILANDER, Geneseo; warehouse laborer; Rep; Meth. THOMPSON W. H. P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; Prot. THORN WM. Geneseo; retired; Rep. TIFT FRANK R. Geneseo; blacksmith;. Rep; from Ohio. TILLEMANN E. Geneseo; blacksmith; Rep; Cath; from Belgium. TILTON J. C. Geneseo; mnfr. of jewelry; Rep; from N. H, TILTON N. G. Geneseo; picture frame dealer; Rep; from N. H. TILTON S. A. Mrs. Geneseo; from N. H.

TIMMERMAN FRANKLIN P. P.O. Geneseo; farm hand with W. Young; Ind; from N.Y. TITUS JOHN, Geneseo; blacksmith; Dem; Cath; from Germany. TOLINE CHARLES, Geneseo; laborer; Rep; Swede. TOPPING WM. J. Geneseo; farmer; born Canada. TORNOW J. G. Geneseo; laborer; Dem. TORANCE A. M. Geneseo; laborer; Dem; Cath. TOWERS J. F. Geneseo; works on railroad; Dem; from Canada. TOWNLEY ROBERT F. Wagon and Carriage Manufacturer, Geneseo; born in Wayne son, Arthur A. born in this town April 27, 1874. TOWSLEE S. C. Geneseo; salesman; Rep; born in Ohio. TUFTS JOHN, Geneseo; farmer; Dem; from Me. TUFTS J. C. Geneseo; clerk; Rep; Cong. TURNER GEO. Geneseo; carpenter; Rep. TUTTLE O. A. Geneseo; clerk; Rep; from N.Y. TUTTLE DANIEL, Geneseo; retired; Rep; Meth. TWIGG ROBERT, P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; 80 acres.

WAN ORSDALL JOHN, Sec. i; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; U. Breth; from Ohio; 60 acres. VERECKE JOHN, Geneseo; R.R. shop; Dem; Cath; from Holland.

VAN" VALKENBURG E. P. Geneseo; Merchant; born in Herkimer Co. N. Y. July 3, 1832; Rep; Cong; wife was Lucy A. Smith, born Herkimer Co. N.Y. Feb. 13, 1834; married March 18, 1856; has six children, Minnie A. Edward P. William S. Fannie H., J. Weber, Louisa M.

VAN WINKLE ADRIAN, Shipper of Hay and Straw, Geneseo; born in Essex Co. N. Y. July 17, 1809; came to Franklin Co. 111. in 1821. and to this county in 1837; Rep; owns town property valued at $6,000; wife was Margery Taylor, born in Champaign Co. Ohio, July 31, 1816; married Nov. i, 1837; has four children.

WAGGONER HENRY, P.O. Geneseo; farm hand with J. Waggoner; from Germany. WAGGONER JOHN, Sec. 14; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; Evang; from Germany; 80 acres. WAHL FRED, Geneseo; blacksmith; Luth; from Germany.

WAIT GEORGE E. Judge, Geneseo; Attorney-at-Law; born in Windham Co. Vt.; came to this county 1855; Rep; married Hattie N. Wells, of Conn. May 9, 1859; has three daughters, Hattie M. Laura N. and Ruth; Judge Wait graduated at Wesleyan University, Conn. Class of '54; was elected first Mayor of Geneseo, was re-elected; held the office of County Judge for six years; he also was commissioned Collector by Governor Yates early in 1864; he was a member of the Constitutional Convention that framed the Constitution of 1870; has been member State Central Committee; went to Springfield and procured the charter of Geneseo.

WEIMER WILLIAM, Farmer; Sec. 2; P.O. Geneseo; born in Westmoreland Co. Pa. May 29, 1837; came to this county in 1852; Dem; U. Breth; owns 510 acres of land, valued at $16,000; wife was Susanna Heller, born in Loraine Tp. Henry Co. April 24, 1844; married Oct. 30, 1862; has seven children.

WELLS GEO. S. Geneseo; Retired Farmer; born in Windham Co. Vt. Oct. 27, 1834; came to this county 1855; Rep; married Ellen P. Stewart, of Livingston Co. N. Y. Oct. 4, 1859; she was born Feb. 29, 1840; has one child, Fred Bertie, born Nov. 22, 1872. Mr. Wells is son of Governor John S. Wells, of N. H. who was U. S. Senator during Pierce's administration.

AVELLS I. R. Gsneseo; Physician and Surgeon; born in GallatinCo. 111. Feb. 18, 1820; came to this county in 1850; Dem; wife was Jane Graham, of N. Y.; married July, 1858; has four children by first wife. Dr. Wells was supervisor in 1857 and 1858- has also been president of School Board for four years; he was presid;nt of Iowa .ind Northern 111. Medical Association in 1872. The Ur, i§ a graduate of the University of N. Y

WILSOX JOSEPH W. Farmer, Sec. 31; P.O. Geneseo; born in New Jersey, July 10, 1846; came to this county in 1861; Rep; Meth; owns 80 acres of land, valued at $4,800; wife was Georgie L. Wood, born in Vermont. July 8, 1848; married Sept. 9, 1867; two children, Cora and Minnie both living.

WILSON WILLIAM, Farmer, Sec. 32; P.O. Geneseo; born in New Jersey, July 5, 1816; came to this county in 1861; Rep; Pre.s; owns So acres of land, valued at $6,000; wife was Charlocte Martmdale, born in New Jersey, Feb. 16, 1817; married June II, 1842; four children, all now living.

in White Co. 111. July 5, 1817; married March 21, 1847; has five children. WITTICH JNO. H. P.O. Geneseo; farm laborer; Dem; German. WOLCOTT M. F. Geneseo; mercht. at Briar Bluff; Rep; Cong. WOLCOTT HOMER, Geneseo; retired farmer; Rep; born Mass. WOLF JACOB, Sec. 16; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Rep; Evang; from Germany. WOOD A. Sec. 33; P.O. Geneseo; farmer for E. Farwell; Rep; born in N.Y. WOOD ALBERT, P.O. Geneseo; with R. M. Deming; Rep; from Ohio. WOOD E. A. Geneseo; stock dealer; born in Windsor Co. Vt. Sept. 24, 1823; came to this

November, 1850; has two children, Flora M. and Harry E. WOOD F. L. P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Prot. WOOD HENRY, P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Prot. WOODRUFF Mrs. Geneseo; Cong; from Ohio. WOODRUFF G. C. Rev. Geneseo; pastor of Meth. Church at Annawan; born in Essex

WOODRUFF HARVEY, Jr. Geneseo; laborer for Kendall & Kidder; Dem; Prot; from Wis. WOODRUFF LEROY E. Geneseo; ice dealer; Rep; Meth; from N.Y. WOODRUFF PLEASANT, Geneseo; carpenter; Dem; Prot; born in Illinois. WOODRUFF L. B. Geneseo; restaurant; Dem; Bapt. WOODRUFF SIMON, Geneseo; laborer; Dem. WORRALL PETER, Geneseo; RaHroad Contractor; born in Cheshire, Eng. Jan. 28,

May II, 1828; married Dec. II, 1850; has three children, Anne M., Telia, and James C. WORTHINGTON DAVID, Geneseo; laborer; Rep; Prot; from Ohio. WORTHINGTON HENRY C. Sec. 31; P.O. Geneseo; farmer; Dem; born in Pa; 100 ac. WYATT THOMAS, Geneseo; coal digger; Rep; Epis. WYCKOFF CLINTON, Farmer, Sec. 22; P.O. Geneseo; born in New York City; came

YOUNGS HENRY, Geneseo; Capitalist; born in N.Y. City, Aug. I, 1839, and resided there till he came to Henry Co. in 1859; Rep; Cong; wife was Marion A. Hart, born in Jefferson Co. N.Y. Jan. 2, 1847; married March I, 1869; has three children - Agnes May, born Feb. 26, 1870; Henry, born Dec. 26, 1871; Jessie Blanch, born Oct. 16, 1873; served four years in I.V.I.

wife was Allie F. Kidder; married Sept. 21, 1869; three children living. YOUNKER JOEL B. Geneseo; retired; Dem; from Pa. YOUNKER PLINKNEY L. P.O. Geneseo; farmer.

"7 ABEL HERMANN, P.O. Geneseo; farm hand with C. B. Smith; from Germany. -^ ZIMMERMAN DAN'L F. furniture dealer; Dem; Prot; from Germany. ZIMMERMAN GOTTLOB, Geneseo; wagon-maker; Rep; Luth; from Germany. ZIMMERS ELIAS, Sec. n; P.O. Geneseo; rents farm of Hellyer; Rep; from Whiteside Co.

Business Directory

Chamberlain Sam. Owner of the imported Norman French Stallions " Estraba" and "Bashaw Drury," and the Canadian Stallion "Scotch Giant." Horses bought and sold for cash or on commission.

Combs, Brushes, Whips, Blankets, Nets, Trunks, Valises, etc. Greene Jas. Photographer, Negatives retained for future use. Herman & Waterman, Clothiers and Brewers HobbS & Liberknecht, Publishers Geneseo Republic. Hoppins Henry I. M. D., Physician and Surgeon. Acute and Chronic Diseases,

HoppinS Annie M. Mrs. M. D., Special attention to Diseases of Women and Children, Medical and Surgical. City or Country calls promptly answered.

Kinzie R. A. Music Dealer. Keeps Pianos and Organs of the best and most celebrated makes continually on hand. A full line of Guitars, Violins, Accordeons, Strings, Sheet Music, Music Books, sold for cash and on easy time. Pianos tuned, Organs repaired, and satisfaction guaranteed. Piano and Organ repairs furnished to order. All orders promptly attended to. Address, R. A. Kinzie, P. O. Box, 37 Geneseo, 111.

Shaw Geo. W. Attorney at Law. Furnishes Abstracts of Titles to Real Estate. Smith J. S. Painter and Broom Maker. Smith Wm. J. Veterinary Surgeon.

Henry L. Kiner

A BY JOHN, Sec. 9; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for J. Wells; Ind; Meth; born Pa. -** AFFOLTER FREDERICK, Sec. 24; P.O. Annawan; farmer; Ind; from Switzerland. ALLEN JOHN, Sec. 29; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for W. Allen; Rep; Pres; born Ireland. ALLEN S. C. Sec. 9; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for J. Nowers; Dem; Meth; born Virginia. ALLEN WILLIAM. Sec. 29; P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; Pres; born Ireland. ANDERSON JOHN, Sec. 33; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for M. Orr; Luth; born Sweden. ANDERSON MICHAEL, Sec. 16; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for John Fleming; Dem; Cath; Eng. ANDERSON THOMAS, P.O. Atkinson; farmer for James Orr; Pres; born England. ARMSTRONG GEORGE, Sec. 21; P.O. Atkinson; farmer with H. Armstrong; Rep; Bapt; Pa. ARMSTRONG HUGH, Sec. 21; P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; Pres; Ireland; 280 acres. ATWELL HENRY, Sec. 15; P.O.Atkinson; farmer for S. McConoughey; from England.

"D ALLARD ROYAL B. Sec. 33; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for J. Clark; Rep; Meth; born Canada. BECKER GEORGE, Sec. 28; P.O. Atkinson: lab. for M. Orr.

BEXEDICT A. J. Farmer and Stock Raiser, Sec. 15; P.O. Atkinson; born in Addison Co., Vt., Oct. 4, 1838; came lo this Co. in 1852; Rep; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $8,000; wife was Margaret J. Dickey, born in Kentucky, June 21, 1838; was married Oct. 4, 1861. One child, a girl, blessed their union.

BEXEDICT GrEO. W. Farmer and Stock Raiser, Sec. 15; P.O. Atkinson; born in Cornwall, Vt., Oct. 14, 1836; came to this Co. in 1852; Rep; owns 165 acres land, valued at $IO.OOO; was Town Clerk for several years; served nearly three yaars in II2th 111. Infantry; was honorably discharged; married Lydia A. Brown May 25, 1869; two children, boy and girl; Elijah B., his father, was County Surveyor for years; died May 6, 1876.

BURGET SILAS, Farmer, Sec. 29, P.O. Atkinson; born in Indiana, July 2, 1840; came to this county in 1852; Rep; owns 320 acres of land, valued at §20,000; wife was Mary Orr, born in Ireland.'May 2, 1843, married in Oct. 1850; eight children, six boys and two girls, seven living.

/~*ALLENDER ISAAC, Sec. 21, P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; Pres; from Ky.; 80 acres. ^ CALLENDER S. A. wife of I. Callender, Sec. 21, P.O. Atkinson; Pres; from Mass.; 160 ac. CASTEEL, ALEXANDER, Farmer, Sec. 27, P.O. Atkinson; born in Bedford Co. Pa.

CLARK MATTHEW, P.O. Atkinson; farmer for D. T. Dickey; Rep; from England. CLEMENT JOHN, Sec. 25, P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Dem; Meth; born Canada; 80 acres. CLEMENT ROBERT, with J, Clement, Sec. 25, P.O. Neponset; Ind; Epis; born Ireland. COLD MARGARET, Wid. Sec. 10, P.O.Atkinson; Meth; born 111; 12 acres. COLLINS PETER, Farmer, Sec. 3, P.O. Atkinson; born in Belgium in May, 1831; came

CONNELL BERNARD, Sec. 25, P.O. Kewanee; farmer for D. Maloney; Dem; Cath; Ireland. COX JONATHAN, Sec. 16, P.O. Atkinson; farmer for Levi Fronk; Dem; Bapt; born 111. CRAWFORD ARCHIBALD, Sec. 28, P.O.Atkinson; lab. for M. Orr; Rep; born N.Y.

FERGUSON" GEORGE, Farmer, Sec. 31; P.O.Cambridge; born in Ireland, in May, 1819; came to this county in 1854; Rep; Bapt; owns 400 acres of land, valued at $20,000; wife was Ann Hall, born in Ireland, in March, 1819; married Dec, 31, 1844; nine children, four boys and five girls, seven now living.

FIELD WILLIAM, Farmer; P.O. Atkinson; born in England, Sept. 20, 1848; came to this county in 1874; wife was Mary Larkin, born in England, Jan. 16, 1846; manied Feb. I7i '873; two children, boy and girl.

FOSTER JOHX P. Farmer, Sec. 5; P.O. Atkinson; born in Kentucky. May II, 1815; came to this county in 1838; Rep; owns 120 acres of land, valued at $6,000; wife was Harriet Browning, born in III. Jan 23. 1829; married Jan. 25, 1844; nine children blessed their union. six of whom are now living.

FRY ABRAM, Farmer, Sec. 9; P.O. Atkinson; born in Lincoln Co. Ohio, June 6, 1807; came to this county in 1855; Rep; Cong; owns 173 acres of land, valued at $9,000; Mr. Fry was one of the earliest settlers; came to Bureau Co. in 1835; wife was Margaret Loughrey, born in Pa. Aug. 14, iSn; married Sept. I, 1831; eleven children, seven boys and four girls, blessed their union, seven of whom are now living; two sons, Abram and Joel, served in the army, and Joel died in the service at Summerset, Ky.

FRY CHARLES W. Sec. 9; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for A. Fry; Rep; from 111. FRY JAMES, Sec. 14; P.O.Atkinson; farmer; Rep; Meth; from 111; So acres. FRY LEMUEL, Sec. 9; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for A. Fry; Rep; born 111.

GRIER JAMES, Farmer, Sec. 31; P.O. Cambridge; born in Ireland in 1834; came to this county in 1851; Rep; Bapt; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $8,000; wife was Emily Jenkins, born in Virginia, April 7, 1850; four children, two boys and two girls, all now living.

TT ALL JAMES, Sec. 8; P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; Pres; born Ireland; 166 acres. L l HASSELBERG GUSTAVUS, Sec. 25; P.O. Annawan; farmer for J. Schwab; Luth. HARDING GEO. A. Farmer, Sec. 10; P.O. Atkinson; born in England, June. 1827;

JACOBSON CHARLES, Sec. 13; P.O. Atkinson; fanner for T. K. Robinson; Dem; Luth. JACOBSON CHARLES, Jr. Sec. 13; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for C. Jacobson; Dem; Luth. JENKINS W. L. Sec. 32; P.O.Cambridge; farmer; Dem; Bapt; born Va; 80 acres. JOHNSON ANDREW, Sec. 34; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for S. Dickey; Luth; from Sweden. JOHNSON GEORGE, Sec. 36; P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; Bapt; from Ohio; 160 acres. JOHNSON GUS. Sec. 34; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for S. Dickey; Luth; from Sweden. JONES DAVID, Sec. 28; P.O. Atkinson; laborer for J. Orr.

L.AWSOX JOHX, Farmer, Sec. 36; P.O. Kewanee; born in Ireland, March 12. 1824; came to this county in 1854; Ind; Adventist; owns 240 acres erf land, valued at $12,000; wife was Jane E. Phillips, born in New York, May 14, 1825: married Nov. 25, 1847; eight children, five boys and three girls, all living.

LONG- JACOB, Farmer, Sec. 31, P.O. Cambridge; born in Maryland March 6, 1808; came to this county in 1857; Dem; owns 156 acres of land, valued at $55 per acre; wife was Nancy Ryan, born in Virginia in Jan. 1811, married Sept. 5, 1832; ten children, seven boys and three girls, eight now living, and also twenty-nine grandchildren.

McCOXOUGHEY S. Mrs. Farming. Sec. 15, P.O. Atkinson; born in Hinsdale, N.H. June I, 1811; came to this county in 1849; Cong; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $10,000; wid. of E. H. McConoughey, who came to this county in 1841, born in Mass. Jan. I, 1808, married March 7, 1849; mother of four children, only one child, a son, now living; taught the High School in Oxford.

MUKFXS JOSEPH W. Farmer, Sec. 15, P.O. Atkinson; born in Virginia in 1820; came to this county in 1844; Dem; owns 80 acres of land; married Mary Ellinwood in Washington Co. Ohio, Nov. 10, 1841; five children blessed their union, four of whom are now living. Mrs. M. was born in Washington Co. Ohio, Sept. 7, 1823.

MURPHY JOHX Jr. Farmer, Sec. 8, P.O. Atkinson; born in Beaver Co. Pa. Dec. 31. 1831; came to this county in 1854; Rep; Bapt; owns 180 acres of land, valued at $9,000; wife was Mary H. Fronk. born in Juniata Co. Pa. April 24, 1840, married Mar. II. 1858; three children blessed their union, all of whom are now living.

XOVVEHS JAMES, Farmer, Sec. 9; P.O. Atkinson; born in Oneida Co., N.Y., Aug. 7, 1847; came to this Co. in 1856; Dem; owns 189 acres of land, valued at $9.000; was Commissioner of Highways three years.

ORR .JAMES, Farmer, Sec. 29; P.O. Atkinson; born in Ireland on March 19. 1809; came to this county in 1853; Rep; Pres; owns 440 acres of land, valued at $26,400; wife was Mary Shields; married March 2, 1845; five children, two boys and three girls; four now living.

ORR MATTHEW, Farmer. Sec. 28; P.O. Atkinson; born in Ireland, May 14, 1808; came to this county in 1847; Rep; Epis; owns 723^ acres of land, valued at $60 per acre; is now School Trustee; wife was Susannah Crawford, born in Ireland; married in October, 1841.; six children, five now living.

PORTER WILLIAM, Farmer, Sec. 4; P.O. Atkinson; born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Sept. 15, 1815; came to this county in 1842; Ind; Ind; owns 300 acres land, valued at $18,000; wife was Eleanor Hamilton, born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Feb. 16, 1818; married May 5, 1840; eleven childien, six boys and five girls, eight of whom are now living; two girls, Ella and Josie, are teaching; his son, William C., served in the army.

SCHWAB SAMUEL, Farmer. Sec. 23; P.O.Atkinson; born in Switzerland. Dec. 25. . 1820; came to this county in 1856; Dem; Pres; owns 275 acres of land, valued at $11,000; was in the army in Switzerland, from 1840 to 1848; wife was Elizabeth Magli, born in Switzerland in 1817; married in May, 1852; two children.

SEARS JOHX, Farmer, Sec. 22; P.O. Atkinson; born in Litchfield Co. Conn. May 20, 1818; came to this county in 1856; Rep; owns 400 acres of land, valued at $24,000; wife was Mary \V. Jewett, born in Litchfield Co. Conn. May 6, 1832; married Sept. 17, 1856; six children - three boys and three girls, all now living.

SHEARER LEWIS, Farmer and Stock Raiser; Sec. 18; P.O. Geneseo; born in New York, Oct. 6, 1817; came to this county in 1850; Rep; Christian; owns 694 acres of land; wife was Parmelia Burdet; four children.

SOUTHWOKTH JAMES, Sec. 6; P.O. Atkinson; born in Erie, Pa. Sept. 4, 1823; came to this county in 1837; Ind; Meth; owns 231 acres of land, valued at $13,000; has been Commissioner of Highways for past 12 years; veteran of the Mexican War; wife was E. C. Hanna, who was born in White Co. 111. Nov. 15, 1827; married Feb. 19, 1850; four children, all of whom are now living.

TAYLOR JOHN, Farmer, Sec. 8; P.O. Atkinson; born in New Hampshire Aug. 16, 1821; came to this county in 1837; Dem; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $10,000; wife was Elizabeth Ogden, who was born in Pa. Feb. 5, 1831; married in Nov. 1849; eight children, five boys and three girls, six are now living.

TREKELL THOMAS J. Farmer, Sec. 4; P.O. Atkinson; born in Tippecanoe Co. Ind., Sept. 30, 1831; came to this county in 1846; Rep; owns 760 acres of land, valued at §35,000; came to Stark Co. in 1836; wife was Lydia Wolever, born in New Jersey Feb. 22, 1839; married Sept. 24, 1855; four children, three boys and one girl, three now living, one boy is dead.

WOOD RICHARD, Sec. 10; P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; born England; 200 acres. WOOD WILLIAM R. Sec. 10; P.O. Atkinson; farmer; Rep; born Ohio; 120 acres. VVOODARD SAMUEL, Sec. 31; farmer for J. Long; Dem; born Virginia. WRIGHT HENRY, Sec. 22; P.O. Atkinson; farmer for J. Sears; Rep; from N.Y. WYATT THOMAS, Prop, of Coal Mine; resides at Geneseo, and owns coal mine in Sec.

In population, wealth and business importance, this is the chief town of Henry County. It is situated on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, twenty-six miles east from Rock Island, and one hundred and fifty-nitre miles west by south from Chicago, in one of the richest agricultural sections of the Prairie State. The surrounding country is thickly populated and highly cultivated, presenting in every direction a succession of well-improved farms, farm houses, and orchards, which bespeak the enterprise, thrift and wealth of the inhabitants.

Early History

The early history of this particular section of country dates back a little over forty years, when the advance wave of emigration in the shape of a colony from western New York began to roll over these prairies.

That colony consisted of seven members, viz : Messrs. Cromwell K. Bartlett, Culver Bartlett, Klisha Cone, Reuben Cone, Henry Manville, and John C. Ward, of Bergen, Genesee County, New York, and Roderick R. Stewart, of the adjacent town of Geneseo. The colony appointed three of its members, Messrs. Stewart, Ward and Bartlett, a committee to select and purchase their lands. Arriving at Chicago in June, 1836, they wenadvised by Governor Ford to secure this tract of land without delay. At Brandenburg's they found Mr. James M. Allan, who assisted them in locating the site of the colony, where now stands the thriving young city. They bought this section of land at one dollar and a quarter per acre, selected the best of it for the village plat of forty acres, set apart the cemetery, a block for the school and the church, the beautiful public square, and the "gospel lot," which in 1865 received its commodious parsonage. At first the plan and the practice was to give every respectable man a village lot if he would build upon it. The committee returned and made their report to the proprietors, who determined to make the removal that Fall.

On the 17th of September, five families of the colony - those of the two Cones, the two Bartletts and R. R. Stewart - numbering forty persons, in their own wagons, entered upon the journey. The families of Messrs. Ward and Manville remained behind, to follow the next Spring. The route chosen by the company was across Canada, southern Michigan and northern Indiana, via Princeton, 111. The journey required nine weeks.

Near Ypsilanti, Michigan, the roads were so bad that they made only seven miles in six days, their wagon boxes sometimes dipping mud. The stage-coach, keeping them company for a time, was once upset in their sight, almost literally burying a woman and her child in the miry soil, while the other passengers, on foot, prepared for any momentary emergency, carried along the traditional rail.

The company attended religious services wherever ,an opportunity offered, and when denied that privilege, held praise meetings at their camp, in the true Puritan spirit. They arrived at their destination early in the Winter, and as many as could came at once to the colony purchase.

The committee entered about 2,000 acres of land. A portion of the company halted at Providence colony during the Winter : the rest came on and erected cabins. C. K. Bartlett built the first one ; it stood on the creek south of where the city now stands, and near the spot selected for the saw-mill, which was built early in 18?><). Culver Bartlett built near by ; Stewart, fearing the malaria of the creek bottom, pitched his cabin upon the upland prairie, a wise precaution which was readily followed by the other settlers, after a brief experience of chills and fever.

The part of the company left at Providence colony attempted to come on in December, under the guidance of Mr. E. M. Stewart. A warm rain had converted the snow into a soft slush, but the wind suddenly changed to the northwest, with such a rapid reduction of temperature, that in a very short time the surface of the slush was frozen hard enough to bear a man's weight. The party were obliged to return. So intense was the cold that, in spite of all efforts at self-protection, many were frozen, and one so badly as to be mutilated for life.

At the time of which we are writing the great prairies of this portion of the West presented a very different appearance from that which is now offered to the view of the traveler. On the west, twenty-six miles distant, there was the fort on Rock Island, with the small settlement then called Stephenson, in its vicinity ; on the south, the little colony of Wethersneld had just started, while a few miles west of the present town of Cambridge was the still earlier colony of Andover ; at Henderson's Grove, forty miles away, in Knox County, was an old " Sucker " settlement, with the Galesburg colony hovering under the border of its forest in the famous " Log City ;" on the east was the village of Princeton, settled in 1831 by a colony from Northampton, Mass.; towards the north, three families had just settled on Rock River ; here and there were a few families on these prairies, such as the Brandenburgs, Hannas, and Gordons, on Green River, and the Crooks and Seelys, at Prophetstown - all like solitary ships on the ocean.

Messrs. Ward and Manville came with their families in the Spring of 1837. During the following Summer the town was laid out by the Trustees, John C. Ward, Cromwell K. Bartlett and R. R. Stewart. It contained four blocks of twenty-four rods square ; in depth north and south, three blocks, and east and west five blocks, with the public square in the center. The streets were ninety-nine feet wide, except North and South Streets, which were sixty-six feet in width. Spring and Creek Alleys were thirty-three feet wide. The town was named Geneseo by Mr. Stewart, from his own town of the same name in New York. Surveyor Seymour's certificate to the town plat bears date Dec. 13, 1837.

Mr. S. D. Bacon, long and favorably known as a teacher of vocal music, and a few others, joined their fortunes with the colony before the lots were divided. The method of division was to make choice by casting lots; and the proceeds of the remainder were to be applied to the building of a seminary.

Of great and small, the colony at the outset numbered about fifty souls. C. K. Bartlett and Elisha C^ne are dead, as are also three of the younger members. Culver Bartlett lives near Aledo, 111.; John C. Ward sold out and returned East; R. R. Stewart died in Geneseo in 1860. The remainder of the older colonists, including the widows of Messrs. Bartlett and Cone, are now residing in Geneseo, and all in easy circumstances.

Elisha Cone built the first cabin in the town, and J. C. Ward the first frame house. The latter also opened the first store. The demand for lots was moderate, and the town made slow progress for many years. One of its chief beauties, however, was inaugurated by the early settlers in the planting of the fine shade trees which ornament all parts of the original plat, and which has been an example worthily followed in the newer portions of the city.

The Spring of 1837 witnessed the planting of the first crop in the colony. Like pioneers generally, they lived for many years on homely fare - corn bread and pork, chiefly. The nearest markets were at Peoria, Rock Island and Chicago. Many of the colonists preferred to go to the latter city, as goods could be purchased cheaper there than farther west. For three years most of their mail matter was obtained at Andover, but in 1839, they obtained a post-office. James M. Allan was appointed postmaster. Postage on letters at that period was twenty-five cents, and

In the Winter of 1836-7, James M. Allan went to Vandalia and secured a separate organization of Henry County, it having been before that time under the jurisdiction of Knox County. At the first county election, in June, 1837, thirty-seven votes were polled.

Distance from market at this early period kept prices down, so that for several years corn was worth only ten or twelve cents a bushel ; wheat thirty to fifty ; pork a dollar and a half per hundred ; and cows ten or twelve dollars each. This was the period of the great financial depression of 1837-8. Yet, struggling with adversity, the community made progress. ' Other families of like sympathy were attracted to the settlement, and they are deserving of almost equal credit with the original colonists. Some of these were the households of Marcus B. Osborne, Lyman Snow, the first blacksmith, Philo Ward, Dr. Enos Pomeroy, Mr. Gilmore and Mr. Richards. The town grew but slowly, and for several years before the railroad was built was almost at a stand-still. But that great thoroughfare brought the place out into the world and gave it a new impulse towards that business and commercial status which it has attained.

The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad was surveyed in 1850, and completed through the county in 1854. At this latter date the population of Geneseo was hardly 500, and the trade of the place chiefly with the farming community around it. But no sooner had the railroad become a reality than an active change was manifest in the town. What before had been a dead town in many respects at once sprang into active busy life. That portion of land comprising at present the business part of the city was the property of Mr. Merritt Munson, who had it surveyed and laid out in 1853 and '54. He at once offered good inducements to any who would erect business houses upon it.

The first brick business house in the town was built in the Summer of 1854, by the Perry Brothers. It is now the furniture manufactory of A. H. &M. Green. The property owners of the old town made strenuous efforts to retain the trade in the old places, and although they succeeded for a time, it was ultimately of no avail, for the railroad gradually and surely drew the center of trade and business towards the depot. Until the erection of the Perry Brothers' store, in 1854, all trade was carried on in wooden buildings, and, indeed, there were but few of any kind. Now the increasing trade demanded larger and better buildings, and soon other brick structures appeared. The Methodist Episcopal Church was founded about this time, and erected their first house of worship, now Teutonia Hall. Prior to this there had been but one church in the place, and that occupied the upper story of the Seminary building. But the increase of population strengthened other denominations, so that soon churches of different orders were formed. So, also, of the public schools : an impulse was given to them which soon absorbed all special attempts at education, and the Seminary was converted into the principal buildings for the graded school system.

In an article contributed to the Greneseo Republic, of December 15, 1865, by Mr. Merritt Munson, one of the prominent citizens and early settlers, showing the standing of the town in 1853, the following statement is made :

" At the time mentioned (Jan. 1, 1853), there was no church edifice in town (the Congregational Church used for a place of worship the upper story of the Seminary building); there were two lawyers, two doctors, one tavern, two shoe shops, three stores, one tin shop, one barness shop, two blacksmiths, one tailor, one cooper shop, which, together with some half dozen carpenters, joiners and masons, constituted the business force of the town.

The lawyers were : James M. Allan and W. Sanford ; the doctors, Enos Pomeroy and R. J. Stough ; the merchants, Henry G. Sleight, Perry Brothers, and G. H. King ; the shoemakers, E. Bryant and John Gustus ; the landlord, George Richards; tinner, John Anderson ; harness-maker, Josiah Stewart : blacksmiths, Lyman Snow and Hiram Deyo ; cooper, S. Howard, and tailor, James Young."

In June, 1855, the editor of the Hock Islander visited Geneseo. An article from his pen was published in the Henry County Dial, of June 21, from which a good idea of the growth and trade of the town at that period may. be obtained. He says :

"During the year 1854, there were one hundred new buildings erected in Geneseo, and thus far in the present year (1855), there have been about seventy built. Four hotels are well supported, and doing a good trade. Several new mercantile buildings have been and are still being erected. That of the Perry Brothers is thirty-five by sixty-five feet, and three stories high. Sleight Brothers are also erecting a good mercantile house opposite the southwest corner of the park. * The Methodist Episcopal

Church, now under the care of Rev. H. J. Humphreys, is to have the first large church bell in the county. It will cost $300. The professions are well represented in the village. There are three lawyers, a half a dozen or more physicians, and five ministers - some of whom are retired. The town has three drug stores, three groceries, two furniture stores, three shoe stores, two stove and hardware stores, two tin shops, eight dry-goods stores, one clothing store, three lumber yards, four blacksmith shops, one saddler shop, two livery stables, one bakery, one banking house, two carriage, factories, one jewelry store, one meat

A great part of this trade had come to Geneseo after the year 1858, and this advance in business has kept steadily on, until this number of business houses is in nearly all cases doubled, and many others added.

On February 14, 1855, Geneseo was incorporated as a town, and remained under that form of government until February 16, 1865, when, by a special act of legislature, it was incorporated as a city.

The cabin of R. R. Stewart was the first hotel in town. He sold this to Mr. A. Miller, in the year 1854, who removed the cabin, and erected a frame structure in its place. This he enlarged at various times, and occupied until 1864, when it was destroyed by fire. He at once began the erection of the present fine structure, capable of accommodating over one hundred guests, which was opened to the public in June, 1866.

The building of mills was commenced in" 1855, when the first one was erected near the railroad. In a few years after another was added, and again a few years later, a third. All are in successful operation at present.

The number of fine business houses and palatial residences show wealth and taste, and evince that Geneseo will keep pace in the march of improvement with the beautiful and well tilled country around her.

Village Corporation

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

The election boards were as follows: First election, April 2, 1855; seventy-six votes polled - Merritt Munson, President, O. A. Turner, A. W. Curtis, J. F. Dresser, Luther C. Sleight.

City Corporation

The act of the Legislature incorporating Geneseo as a city was approved February 16, 1865. It provides for a city government consisting of a Mayor, elected annually, and a Board of Aldermen, two of whom are elected from each ward, and hold their office two years. The city is at present divided into two wards. The names of the original in corporators are : Isaac N. Wilson, Andrew Crawford and Joseph A. Sawyer. The following is a list of the Mayors of the city since the adoption of the charter of 1865.

The Press

Iii August, 1855, James Bowie commenced the publication of the G-encseo Democratic Standard, which was the first newspaper started here. It was established in the interests of large land-holders on the North Side, and to build up that part of the town. At the end of about a year and a half the enterprise was abandoned, and the proprietor went to New Orleans. He returned in 1857, revived the Standard as a Democratic party paper, published it about a year, when its light went out forever. It was, the last time, printed in the building now owned and occupied by McBroom & Wilson as a grain warehouse. Bowie died here in 1859.

In June, 1856; I. S. Hyatt issued the first number of the G-eneseo Republic from the building on Main Street, occupied by I. S. Hutchins as a furniture store, and now by Charles Sweney. Ill fortune attending the publication of it, Hyatt failed, and the paper passed into the hands of assignees - J. M. Allan and O. A. Turner - in February, 1858, of whom it was purchased within a month, by Merritt Munson. In December, 1858, the paper was bought by Hobbs & Lewis, of Mr. Munson. In November, 1863, Hobbs acquired the interest of Lewis; at the same time Adam Lieberknecht purchased the Advocate of James M. Hosford, and on the 18th of that month the Republic and Advocate were consolidated, and for more than thirteen years have been published under the name of The G-eneseo Republic, of which the senior partner has been the editor for nearly nineteen years. It is Republican in politics.

In August, 1858, Merritt Munson began the publication of a monthly, called The Christian Philosopher, and continued it one year. The name fairly indicated its aims and objects. It was ably conducted, and well sustained.

Early in the campaign of 1860 an association of Republicans started a paper called the Journal. It was printed at the Republic office. Its editors were, in their order, James Ireland, George W. Shaw, William Smith, and lastly, George A. Hobbs. It died with the close of the campaign, too many cooks having hastened its demise.

In early Summer, 1862, Major James M. Hosford, of the old "Henry County Regiment,'' commenced the publication of the Union Advocate, in rooms in the bank building, on Main Street, and continued the same until November, 1863. Being at the front during these years, fighting the battles of his country, the paper suffered for want of his personal attention, and on his return, rinding better business, he sold out to Mr. Lieberknecht, who disposed of it as before mentioned. It was a first-class Republican journal.

On January 16, 1874, Belvel & Fisher issued the first number of The Henry County News, and published it four weeks, when Mr. Fisher sold his interest to Henry L. Kiner. The firm was Belvel & Kiner until June 5, 1874, when Belvel sold to John Christian, and since that date the paper has been published by John Christian and Henry L. Kiner, under the firm name of Christian & Kiner. It is neutral in politics. By reason of its thorough attention to the interests of the county, it lias acquired a good and influential circulation. It maintains local reporters, and correspondents in nearly all the villages and towns of the county. Its editor is Henry L. Kiner.

The Schools

The present excellent public schools of Geneseo have grown up gradually from a very small beginning in a rude cabin erected on the public square in 1837. Hence the first educational efforts are coeval with the existence of the place, and have grown as it has advanced in population and importance.

To Miss Susannah Stewart, now Mrs. James M. Allan, of Geneseo, belongs the honor of having first taught the young idea how to shoot within the precincts of this city. She taught in the cabin aforesaid, on the public square, in 1837. For the interest some of the " old settlers " will take in the matter, we here introduce the roll of her pupils, sixteen in number : Emily Ward, now Mrs. Olmstead, of Galesbnrg, 111. ; Olio Manville, now living in Kansas ; Roderick S. Manville, deceased ; Newton Manville, residing in Iowa ; Harriet Cone, now Mrs. Wm. Miller, of Geneseo ; Clara Cone, now Mrs. E. M. Stewart, of Geneseo : Alonzo Cone, deceased ; LaFayette Stewart, removed to Wichita, Kansas ; Josiah T. Stewart, deceased ; Geo. W. Stewart, Wichita, Kansas ; Mary Bartlett, at present Mrs. Hiram Cady, of Geneseo ; George Bartlett, deceased ; Amanda Bsu-tlett, now Mrs. Taylor, residing in California ; Orin Bartlett, Mercer Co., 111. ; Augustus Bartlett, deceased ; and Sarah Ann Bartlett, at present residing in Mercer Co., 111.

While Miss Susannah Stewart was managing the first school in the canvas-covered cabin in Geneseo in 1837, two of her sisters were teaching elsewhere in the county, viz. : Narcissa, afterwards Mrs. Wells, taught in the vicinity of George Brandenburgh's, probably at the house of P. K. Hanna ; and Parmelia, now Mrs. Dr. Hume, of Geneseo, taught at Wethersfield. The Stewarts were therefore the pioneer teachers in Henry County.

In the Summer of 1838 a frame building was erected on the site of the present Congregational Church, which was used both for school and church purposes, till the seminary was built, in 1846. Narcissa Stewart taught here in 1838. During 1839, a j'oung Mr. Holmes, who had been sent by Rev. Jason Chapin, taught. In the Spring of 1840 Mr. Chapin came, with his family, and in June he commenced teaching, and continued as teacher till he was removed by death, in September, 1846.

One of the earliest provisions in the sale of town lots was, that the proceeds of a certain number should be applied to the erection of a seminary of higher learning.

Rarely has a more noteworthy self-denial been exhibited than that which prosecuted the building of the brick seminar}'. In the poverty of the people they subscribed labor. They worked in the brick-yard ; they worked upon the building, tending masons. Some young men, just coming of age, subscribed two hundred dollars, to be worked out. Then, just as the walls were up, a storm blew down the sides, which were immediately rebuilt. The building was opened for school in the Autumn of 1846.

The institution was chartered by the Legislature of Illinois as the Geneseo Manual Labor High School; this name was afterward, by the same authority, changed to Geneseo Seminary. Rufus Hubbard, the first president of the board of trustees, E. Cone and Jairus Wilcox were the incorporators.

Following Mr. Chapin, for seven years, the seminary was under the care of Rev. A. Lyman, who by teaching, by persistent efforts, at home and abroad, to raise funds for the completion of the seminary, getting three thousand dollars from the East, and by preaching a part of the time for the church, performed a prodigious amount of laborious and self-denying service. Miss Pomeroy (now Mrs. F. Bascom), Miss Hooker, Miss Foster and Miss Earl were his accomplished assistants.

lowed, for a short time. He enlisted in the army, and came out from a four years' service as lieutenant colonel, and is now in the ministry in California. He was succeeded by a Mr. Bartlett, who was assisted by Miss Sarah Andrews and Miss Hume. After accomplishing a great deal of good, the seminary found itself competing with the increasingly popular system of graded schools, and the place too small to sustain both. Having a considerable amount of accumulated indebtedness, the trustees at last sold the brick seminary building and grounds to the city, to be used as the High School of the public system ; and so in a new form it is serving the cause of higher education.

The present system of graded schools was instituted in 1856. At that time the Central School-house was built. This was one year previous to the purchase of the Seminary building by the school authorities ; and this latter, together with the former building, then containing four rooms, gave ample accommodations to all who desired the advantages afforded for an education. Prof. Abbott was Superintendent. A few changes in this office brought it down to the administration of Prof. G. G. Alvord, now in charge of the public schools of the city of Cairo, 111. ; after whom Prof. E. P. Burlingham was Superintendent.

By the year 1866 the increase in the growth of the city demanded more room, and the building on the north side of the railroad was erected. It at first contained but four rooms, but two more were added in 1871. The basement of the Unitarian Church, also, has been procured, at a rental of $200 a year, and fitted up for a school-room.

At present there are three school-houses in the district, and the value of the school property is about $20,000. The amount expended for school purposes during the year 1876 was $8,191.03. Fifteen teachers were employed, as follows : three in the High School, three in the Grammar Schools, four in the Intermediate and five in the Primary Departments. The number of pupils enrolled during the year was 1,021 ; average attendance, 711. The district is out of debt, and tl e schools are all in a prosperous condition. The number in attendance at the High School was 121 ; in the Grammar Schools 136 ; Intermediate Departments, 846 ; Primary Departments, 418.

The Churches

The city contains thirteen regularly organized churches, the oldest of which is the Congregationalist. It was organized by an ecclesiastical council in Bergen, Genesee County, New York, September 13, 183U. Rev. Messrs. Wilcox, Hull and Bridgman acted in the couneil. The two Messrs. Cone, C. K. Bartlett, J. C. Ward, and Harry Manville, witli their wives and the three children, Mary E. and Amanda E. Bartlett, and Harriet Cone, constituted the church of thirteen members. Elit-ha Cone and J. C. Ward were chosen and ordained as deacons. A sermon was preached from that beautifully appropriate text : "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.''

The little church was now ready to go forth to the place assigned it by the colony, whither it arrived in due time. At first religious services were held in the cabins of the settlers : but as soon as the rude school-

The first communion was held in the house of Deacon Ward, April 18, 1838. 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 Andover. The noted edifice on the square was used by the congregation but one Summer. In 1838 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 on the 28th of May, 1856, the sermon being preached by the pastor, Rev. S. H. Waldo. The occasion was one of great rejoicing by the people. 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. For a while lay services were conducted. 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 four hundred dollars. In the seminary at Yale he had promised Flavel Bascom that he would go West. It was in response to Mr. Bascom's continued solicitations that he came. Arrived at Chicago, after ten days upon the lakes, his family was met by C. K. Bartlett and Anson M. Hubbard, who moved them in. Having been drawn through many sloughs with chains, they came to Green River, where there was neither bridge, nor ferry, nor ford. Finding Mrs. Gordon at her home, upon the bank, it took but a word to interest her in the new family. She said she would set them over ; and so, instructing them to swim the horses over by the side of the canoe, she had the wheels of each wagon set into two canoes, and so ferried them over.

Going first into Deacon Ward's cabin, Mr. Wilcox built a log shanty on his place, north of the village, and covered it with hay. There they lived nine months. A traveling clergyman, upon being invited to spend the night witli them, declined, saying that his health and life were too valuable to be thus exposed. Mr. Wilcox had a business tact, which made him useful to the secularities of the place. It has been said that the community is not a little indebted to his taste and enterprise for the ornamenting of the public square and the streets of the town with trees. He was also greatly interested in the seminary, making two trips to the East in its behalf, and looking up the first two principals of the institution - Revs. Jason Chapin and Addison Lyman. Indeed he took. up the entire interest of the colony into his aspiration, and accomplished great good as the pioneer missionary. 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, leaving his family to grow up in that city into a sphere of influence and usefulness. After him Rev. William T. Allan supplied the pulpit six or eight months.

The next minister was Rev. Addison Lyman, from Torringford, Connecticut, who began his services here on the 6th of October, 1845. In this capacity he served for two years, until he entered upon the principalship of the seminary, continuing, however, to supply the desk for some months, till a pastor was secured. Rev. C. S. Cady served the church oue year from the 1st of October, 18-48. Rev. A. J. Copeland then served the church, from the 1st of December, 1840, to February, 1852. The church then called Rev. H. Ward ; but having already accepted a call at Lyndon, he declined. His most acceptable ministry there was soon cut short by a casualty that ended his life. 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, to January, 1858. 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, now a resident physician, two years, those of 1862 and 186-1. During the year 1864, Rev. M. N. Miles served as supply. In May, 1865, Rev. Harry Brickett began his labors and remained seven years. He resigned in 1872, and was succeeded by H. G. Me Arthur, who occupied the pulpit two years, and was followed by Rev. T. C. Jerome one year. At the expiration of that time the present pastor, Rev. O. W. Fay, was called. There are now 275 members.

The Sabbath-school was commenced in the rude tabernacle upon the square, in 1837, and has been continued through Summer and Winter. 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 held this office during 1852 and 1853. After him Mr. John G. Walker served as superintendent two or three years ; then Deacon Huntington, and then Mr. A. M. Hubbard. Mr. H. Thomas, in 1856, was installed in this office, and remained in it till 1871, with the exception of the year and a half of the efficient service of J. T. K. Sleight, himself a child of the Sabbath-school. Under Mr. Thomas the monthly Sabbath-school concert was introduced, and has been continued with increasing interest and profit. During the last ten years the number of scholars has increased from eighty-five to two hundred and fifty.

Baptist Church. In March, 1860, Rev. W. G. Johnson visited this place on his way from Rock Island to Princeton, Bureau Co. On the 20th of that month a 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 by the union in church covenant of twenty-three persons, whose names are as follows :

Rev. and Mrs. W. G. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. J.'W. Topping, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. McCartney, 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. Mc- Hose, C. L. Ainsworth, W. B. Johnson, Emma Taylor and Sarah Gaulkius.

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 and Rev. Mr. Sharpe. Rev. L. J. Langridge is the present pastor.

The meeting for organization was held in the M. E. Church ; afterwards they occupied the Seminary Hall till the present church was completed in 1864. The building cost $4,000. The present membership is about 120, and the average attendance at the Sunday-school, 75.

seventy-five members, and one hundred Sunday scholars, was organized Nov. 3, 1863, with fifteen members. They were : A. McClain and wife, G. W. Goshorn and wife, M. S. Boice and wife, J. W. McCracken and wife, Charles W. Long and wife, Mrs. Morton, Mrs. Bracken, Mrs. Crawford, F. W. Gale and George Richards. The committee to organize, Rev. S. T. Wilson and Rev. David Kelley, of Rock Island, were appointed by the Rock River Presbytery. The earliest meetings of this congregation were held in a small frame building on North Street, now occupied by the Swede Methodists. In 1866, they erected their present commodious house of worship which they now occupy. It cost the church $9,000. October 20, 1864, Rev. J. C. Barr was called to the pastorate, and remained until Sept. 2, 1871. Nov. 1 of that year, Rev. E. H. Curtis was called, and occupied the pulpit until April, 1873. The present pastor, Rev. A. J. Stead, commenced his labors Sept. 1, 1874.

Protestant Episcopal (Trinity) Church. About the year 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 constructed, after the English style of architecture, costing §2,500.

The names of the successive clergymen are as follows: Rev. Alanson Welton, Rev. Samuel Goodale, Rev. William Greene, Rev. P. B. Morrison, Rev. Geo. C. Griswold, Rev. Dr. Walker, and Rev. F. B. Nash. The present rector, Rev. T. N. Benedict, took charge of the parish, Nov. 25, 1873. The membership is now about 45, and the attendance at Sunday-school 40.

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, who is still pastor, presided at the organization, when eighteen members were admitted. There are now nearly 100, and a Sunday-school which enrolls 125 pupils.

German M. E. Church. In 1860, in January, the first meetings of the Germans belonging to the M. E. Church, were held in private houses. Shortly after they were organized into an ecclesiastical body by Rev. William Kammermeyer, and twenty-three persons united. The same year the church and parsonage were erected. The church was used until 1874, when the present comfortable structure was finished and occupied. The parsonage is yet used. Rev. Kammermeyer remained two years, when Rev. Charles Schneider was called, who preached three years. Since then the succession of pastors has been as follows: Rev. Henry Withorn, two years ; Rev. William Winter, three years ; Rev. W. Zappen, one year ; Rev. Gustav Zolman, one year ; Rev. Frederick Arensperger, two years ; Rev. William Bulke, three years ; Rev. William Schoerig, one year ; when the present pastor, Rev. Louis Kunz was called. The number of members is now forty-two, and the number of Sunday-school scholars forty.

Geneseo were begun by laymen, prominent among whom were James Bradley and Patrick O'Connell. Meetings were held in private houses and in a room over Mr. Bradley 's store, when, in 1863, the church was organized. At that date it comprised about forty families, and for some time was ministered to by priests from Rock Island. The congregation is in the Diocese of Chicago, of which the Rt. Rev. Thomas Foleyis Bishop. In the Spring of the same year they were organized ; they erected their church at a cost of nearly f|8,000. The Rev. Thomas Ackley, preached to them during the years 1866-7. Rev. Frederick Smith followed him in 1867 Rev. H. O'Gara McShane commenced his labors in 1874, and continues in charge. The number of families is now about 400. The attendance at Sunday-school is about 50.

German Lutheran Church. The proper title is the Evangelical Lutheran German. This church was organized in 1863, when the following named persons became members: A. Eichhorn, W. Kittenzer, G. Wiegand, A. Wiele, J. Young, L. Kilmer, M. Schuh, J. Hitzer.

The church building was erected in 1864, and cost $1,500. The following, in the order named, have officiated as pastors: E. Sunfstueckr C. W. Ernst, S. Hamm, and P. Hanson.

Zion's Church of the Evangelical Association. The members comprising this church were organized into an ecclesiastical body in the Spring of 1857. At this time about fifteen persons united, and until the erection of their first church edifice in 1860, held divine service in the houses of the members. This year they erected a house of worship, costin°- $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. This latter cost nearly $6,000.

The Rev. Conrad Speilmann presided at the organization, and occasionally preached here, the charge being until 1870 a mission. After him the following ministers have successively filled the pulpit ; Rev. John Dengel, Rev. Amos Gackly, Rev. Enoch V. Freeden, Rev. John Dengel, Rev. S. E. Heilmann; Rev. Conrad Speilmann, Rev. John Kurz, Rev. Enoch V. Freeden, Rev. Michael Heyl, and the present pastor, Rev. Martin Starnm. The membership is now 154, and the attendance at the Sunday-school, 150.

The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized at the house of John Gustus, June 27, 1856, with twelve members. Meetings for religious exercises were held in private houses until the church was erected. This was completed and occupied about the year 1859, at a cost of $700. In 1874 it was remodeled and enlarged, at an expense of $800, and is now a very comfortable structure. The first regular pastor was Rev. Nils Anderson, who came in 1865, and remained till 1869. The following year, the Rev. C. J. Malmberg was called, who filled the pulpit six years. At present the congregation is without a settled minister.

at Moderwell's Hall, on Main Street. Rev. A. L. Erickson was pastor. In 1866, the present church was built, the lot costing $600. The following have officiated as pastors: Rev. O. Guuderson, two years ; Rev. A. L. Erickson, one year ; Rev. John Lind, three years ; Rev. John Wigren, two years ; Rev. H. W. Ekland is the present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal Church. The earliest meetings of this church in Geneseo were held in the old Seminary. The first class was organized by Rev. H. J. Humphrey about 1854, and consisted of six members. The first quarterly conference was held at the house of Rev. H. J. Humphrey, on the 3d of November, 1856 ; Rev. R. N. Morse, presiding elder ; Rev. H. J. Humphrey, preacher in charge ; Caleb Rauson, recording steward;

The first church was built on the west side of South State Street, and is now known as Teutonia Hall. The second church was built on the east side of North State Street. It was commenced under the pastorate of Rev. H. Ritchie, in 1865, completed under the administration of Rev. S. G. J. Worthington, and dedicated by Bishop T. Bowman, in September, 1872. Its cost was about $22,000. Rev. H. G. Humphrey, the first pastor, served one year. He was followed by Rev. A. D. McCool, one year ; Mr. McCool's successors were Rev. J. Soul, two years ; Rev. E. Ranson, two years; Rev. N. C. Lewis, one year; Rev. E. Wasmuth, three years ; Rev. H. Richie, two years ; Rev. A. P. Crist, two years ; Rev. S. G. J. Worthington, three years ; Rev. W. P. Graves, two years ; Rev. M. Spurlock, two years. The present pastor is Rev. G. W. Arnold. The membership of the church at present (1877) is 200, with the attendance of an equal number in the Sunday-school.

Orion

Is situated in the western "part of the county, near the junction of the R., R. I. & St. L., and Rockport, Peoria & R. I. Railroads, and contains about five hundred inhabitants. It was laid out December 26, 1853, by Charles W. Dean, and was for some time called Deanington. The change of the name was made in 1867.

The earliest settler in the township was Mahlon B. Lloyd, who located in 1837, and has always been most favorably known. He labored hard in the interest of the railroads through this part of the county, and devoted much time and considerable of his wealth to their furtherance. In 1852 he brought the first reaper into the township. His son Charles was the first white male child born within its limits. Mrs. Mary Ann Jordan, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth K. Blackfan, was the first white female child born in the township.

In 1840 Dr. Alfred Trego commenced the practice of medicine here. He, and two horses he drove, were universally known to the early residents. The Blackfan families came about 1841. Mrs. Elizabeth K. Blackfan, wife of William Blackfan, who died in 1843, kept the first post-office in this locality. She was appointed to the office November 12, 1850, then called Orion, and held the position until after the location of

Orion in 1853. The office was called La Grange, having been established at that colony purchase. This being abandoned, the office was removed to Mrs. Blackfan's house. This woman, though early left with a family to support, succeeded in gaining considerable property, and was always an earnest worker for the moral growth of the town, and aided as much as any settler in its material prosperity.

Some of the first educators in the township were Charles Trego, who taught the first select school ; Miss M. E. Laird, who was similarly employed seven years, and Sarah B. Lewis, who taught the first district school. This was held in 1847. The deficiency heretofore in educational facilities was supplied by these select schools. That of Miss Laird gained considerable notoriety, pupils from other states attending.

The marriage of Edward Blackfan to Susan Trego, in 1844, was the first celebrated in Western Township. As these persons professed the Quaker belief, they obtained their letters of permission from the society in Pennsylvania. Four years after H. B. Engle and Sarah B. Elwell were the first married by a minister. She was for thirteen years secretary of the Lj'ceum, so favorably known and so well maintained here. It was organized in 1846, in the house of Edward Blackfan, under the name of La Grange Lyceum, and until the erection of the first school-house in the township, in 1853, was held in private houses. That year it was held in this building. It is now changed to a historical society, which meets annually.

As soon as Mr. Dean had laid out the town, he erected a store building, in which he opened the first grocery of the village. In 1856 a saloon was opened by Stephen McCarty, and not long after five resolute ladies went in a body to his saloon and emptied his liquors in the street. The enraged saloon-keeper had them arrested, but in the trial they were acquitted.

Until the completion of the railroad but little trade was carried on at this point, but two or three stores were open, and a few shops of various kinds supplied the needs of the community. The first railroad train came into the village in October, 1870, and was received with universal greeting by the citizens of Orion. The railroads at once awakened new enterprises. Buildings were immediately erected, additional stores and shops were built, and the town began to show signs of an active business. Since that time the population has more than trebled, and trade and commerce have kept pace. Owing to the absence of a bank all exchange is carried on through the money order department of the post-office. This amounted during the year 1876 to $30,000.

The village and township have an excellent war record. A large portion of Capt. J. A. Jordan's men of Company B, 37th 111. Volunteer Infantry, were from this locality. It was this company that was promoted to Company A by an order given on the streets of St. Louis when passing in review towards Gen. Fremont's headquarters. They were on their way to aid Gen. Mulligan at Lexington, and received this sudden promotion on account of superior drill and skill in military tactics.

The village is situated on a beautiful rolling prairie ; a healthful location, and commanding a fine view of surrounding prairie lands, which, though tenantless forty years ago, are now covered with well tilled farms.

In 1852 there were but five families living in Western Township. But knowing that "knowledge is power," they voted a tax upon themselves and the land speculators, and proceeded to erect a school building. These persons were Mr. Lloyd, H. B. Engle, Edward Blackfan, George Anderson and Elizabeth Blackfan. The school-house stood a short distance northwest of Mr. Lloyd's farm-house, almost within the present limits of the corporation of Orion. The building was erected by Charles Dean, who charged $140 for his services. In 1854 it was moved to Deanington (now Orion), and in 1855 the first school was opened by Charles Moon. In time the population grew to such an extent that it was found necessary to erect a more commodious edifice. It was built at a cost of $5,000 in 1873. There are now enrolled 125 pupils. The school is divided into three departments ; the course of study embracing nine ye:irs.

Thk Churches

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1853, in the district school-house near the village of Orion. The following persons were among its first members : John McHenry, Mary McHenry, Henry Kyle, Mary Kyle and Eliza J. McWhinney. The exact membership is not known. The first regular appointed minister to this class was Rev. G. W. Brown : then came H. J. Humphrey, James Sheldon, J. N. Bartells, John Grundy, J. W. Odell, G. M. Morey, 'T. Hoagland, T. Head, P. Warner, H. C. King. J. Q. Adams and E. N. Bentley, present pastor. They held their meetings in the school-house until the year 1867. when they erected a church costing about $3,500. The membership has increased to about sixty. The Sabbath-school numbers nearly seventy scholars.

The following persons are trustees, and have held their position since its first regular organization : J. A. Jordan, H. J. Jordan, Edmond Bell, John McHenry. Henry Kyle and Clawson States.

The Rev. F. M. Chaffee is the first resident presiding elder of the M. E. Church of Henry County, residing in the district parsonage built at Orion in 187:3, and valued at $3,000.

The Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church was organized November 21. 1843, at the house of V. W. Washbnrn, in Colona Township. This was the first Baptist Church organized in the county, and was the result of the missionary labors of Rev. Thomas Powell. At its organization the following persons united : Luke C. and Mrs. Mary A. Sheldon, from the Baptist Church of Sheffield, Connecticut, V. W. and Mrs. Elizabeth W. Washburn from the Baptist Church of Springfield, Mass. These four persons constituted the charge. Until 1856 the pastors were Rev. O. Adams. E. Fisher, J. W. Dennison, Robert Jordan, F. Ketchum and A. G. Ebcrhart. In 1856 Rev. William Talbott, from Cambridge, preached one-fourth of the time in the school-house about four miles northwest of Orion. Nine j-ears after they commenced to hold services in Orion in the school-house. Rev. A. Edsou was pastor. He was succeeded by

Revs. T. Sheppard, C. T. Emmerson and the present pastor, Rev. J. C. Lewis. One year after coming to Orion they erected a house of worship, at a cost of 15,000. There are now about fifty members. The Sundayschool was organized about twenty years ago, and now enrolls about eighty scholars.

The United Brethren (Eden) Church is located on section 16, in Western Township, and was organized in the year 1867. Meetings, however, had been held about a year previous under the charge of the Rev. St. Clair Ross and the Rev. D. F. Bair. At the organization twentyeight persons united, and from these A. Norman, H. D. Keel and W. M. Cessna were chosen trustees.

Shortly after the organization they erected their church at an expense of $2,000. Services are held here each alternate Sabbath. The names of the pastors of this congregation are as follows : Revs. St. Clair Ross, E. Godfrey, P. R. Adams, W. B. Shinn ; Rev. S. P. Davis is the present pastor. The circuit of this minister includes this church and those of Plainfield, Swedona and a class at Oak Ridge.

The Swedish Lutheran Church was organized May 26, 1870, with a membership of thirty persons, among whom were W. C. Snider, Jonas P. Petterson, A. P. Larson, Andrew Petterson, A. Rost, C. Ericson, C. M. Lindwall. J. P. Carlson, J. A. Petterson, G. Haglund, and oth'ers. Rev. Victor Setterdahl has been located here as pastor since its commencement. They now number two hundred and seventy-five communicants. They held their meetings in the Baptist Church until 1871, when they erected a commodious' house costing $4,500. The Sabbath-school is generally well attended.

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Illinois : Containing Full-page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County, Together with Portraits and Biographies of All the Governors of Illinois, and of the Presidents of the United States; Also Containing a History of the County, from Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, published 1885; 7,549 words in this source stream.

Geneseo Township

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.