The first permanent schoolhouse was erected during the summer of 1862. Here the following winter Amelia Cole gave instructions to fifteen scholars. This building was used for school purposes until 1873, when it was bought at auction by John Strain for $50.

The home of Martin Boots was the rendezvous for the settlers religiously inclined, and it was here that Reverends Brown and Olmstead held the first church services in the township. This was in the summer of 1855. In 1858 Reverend Brown organized a society. At the time Revs. John Buckmaster and Israel Schaffer presided. Those who became members at that time were John Gould, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Boots, Jesse Manifold and wife, J. Jones, Mary Jones, Thomas Jones and Sarah Jones. The meetings were held in the log schoolhouse on section 16.

The first burial ground opened in Geneva township was located about a mile east of Four Mile Grove. This place served the whole township until 1868, when another burial spot was made use of near the grove. There was a burying ground at Highland Grove. Some time later the bodies from these were removed to the Geneva village cemetery, in 1875.

the town of geneva

Geneva is situated on section 19 of Geneva township and was laid out and platted in September, 1871, by William J. McVey. Obadiah Smith was the surveyor. In 1903 the village was incorporated as a town and the census for 1910 gave the place a population of 199.

H. C. Clock was the first person to engage in business in the town. He came to Geneva in September, 1871, and on Nov. 1 opened a store. He had been in the merchandise business in Maysville the preceding ten years. His new stock of goods here was installed in a building which he had erected, the dimensions of which were 22x26 feet and two stories in height. This structure later was covered with galvanized iron and was painted to resemble brick. Mr. Clock is the pioneer of Geneva, still active and giving his time. and attention to many business affairs. After the railroad was built Mr. Clock paid $760 and certain of the farmers $740 as a bonus to the railroad company for a sidetrack and depot. John Strain and William J. McVey each gave five acres of land for depot grounds.

The Geneva House, still serving its purpose as a retreat for the wayfarer, was built by H. C. Clock. The original structure was a schoolhouse. To this was built an addition, giving the building its present dimensions. Mr. Clock was the first landlord of the Geneva House. In 1875 he sold the property to A. P. McCardle, who later turned it over to Mr. Clock, who conducted it until the spring of 1881, when Charles L. Canfield became proprietor. Since his day, the Geneva House has been under the management of different people.

Doctor Tidd and Mr. Silence opened a drug store in Geneva in 1880, continuing the partnership one year, when Doctor Tidd became sole proprietor and maintained the business for many years, together with his practice.

John D. Parks was the first to engage in the hardware trade, commencing business in 1875 in a building erected for the purpose. He was succeeded by his son, George, who sold to J. A. Waddington, who is still in business.

Joseph Kulas opened a boot and shoe store and a cobbler shop in 1878.

George Thompson started the first exclusive grocery store in 1877. He sold out his goods to Fred Steiner, in March, 1880.

Joseph Fuchs opened a wagon shop in 1882; George Johnson a blacksmith shop about the same time.

M. Burns was the first lumber dealer. He opened a yard in 1871, continuing therein until 1872, when he sold out to H. C. Clock. Mr. Burns was also the pioneer grain dealer. After H. C. Clock acquired the business the firm of H. C. Clock & Brother built an elevator in 1875, with a capacity of 6,000 bushels.

A postoffice was established near Geneva in 1858 and among the early postmasters was William H. Thompson. After Geneva station. was established. H. C. Clock was appointed the postmaster and held the office many years. The first money order was issued to Charles H. Tidd in favor of George H. Clock, for $5.25, in July, 1881. The first order was paid to Peter W. Hicks by George Hicks for $10.10.

The first school building erected in Geneva was built about 1872 and was used for the purpose until another one took its place. The old building was moved and became part of the Geneva House. The present building stands on a beautiful tract of land in the northeast part of the town. It is two stories in height and contains three rooms, where three teachers preside. The structure was

built in 1905 at a cost of $5,000. There are ten grades and a two years' course in high school work. The average attendance is about sixty pupils. The present members of the school board are: C. L. Fox, president; W. T. Overton, treasurer; B. D. Hunt, secretary. J. H. Clock, H. T. Page, D. McMillan and William Laipple are the other members.

GENEVA SAVINGS BANK

The Geneva Savings Bank was organized in 1902 by D. G. Wiley as a private institution. In July, 1905, F. A. Harriman, H. L. Harrison, N. A. Inglis, A. W. and G. F. Beed and B. D. Hunt purchased the property and organized it as the Geneva Savings Bank, with the following officers: H. L. Harrison, president; A. W. Beed, vice president; and B. D. Hunt, cashier. It is capitalized at $15,000.

A very sad incident is connected with the organization of the Geneva Savings Bank. On Friday, October 29, 1905, F. A. Harriman, A. W. Beed, G. F. Beed, H. L. Harrison and N. A. Inglis went to Geneva in Mr. Harriman's machine to check up and take formal possession of the bank. At nine o'clock in the evening, the party started home, taking the old Maysville road, and while motoring down the steep hill just beyond A. D. St. Clair's residence, at the rate of thirty miles an hour, Mr. Harriman lost control of the steering gear of the machine. The front wheel struck the bridge that spans a small creek at the foot of the declivity and the impact was so great that the occupants of the car were thrown clear over the bridge, which is thirty feet in length. All escaped serious injury but Mr. Harriman. He was found lying on the ground, unconscious, and was picked up by his companions, who took him to the home of A. D. St. Clair, at the top of the hill. Dr. L. E. Haecker was summoned by 'phone and was soon at the injured man's bedside but could do nothing for his patient. The young man remained unconscious until his death, which took place soon after the physician's arrival. However, no bones were broken and death was evidently caused from concussion of the brain. Mr. Harriman was one of the prominent young men of Hampton, and left a widow, a daughter of John M. Hemingway, to mourn his loss. Mrs. Harriman at the time of her husband's death was the mother of twin girls, who were about six weeks old.