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Contributed by Larry Reynolds ITS FOUNDERS, TEACHERS, PUPILS, AND FIFTY YEARS OF ITS WORK Eleven of the twelve months at the disposal of the author have been thus spent, leaving no time to consider literary excellence. Being compelled to depend almost entirely upon his own memory, the author has not attempted a history of the school after his connection with it ceased. Ellis J. Stanley August 1, 1898 
Soon after the close of the Black Hawk ware, in 1832, a few families, attracted by glowing reports of the beauty and fertility of that part of northwestern Illinois known as the Rock River country, pushed boldly out of older settlements further east and south and "located claims" in this new and attractive part of the state.
Genesee, Elkhorn, Buffalo, Gap, Twin, Round, Lynn, Union,Hickory and Black Oak Groves by 1840 could each boast of its own settlements.
It is perhaps true, with here and there a rare exception, that each individual of each settlement regarded his immediate neighborhood as the one above all others most desirable in which tolocate a future home. And it may be safely said that in this estimate each was correct, for after these half a hundred years have come and gone there is not a single farm in all this magnificent country that has been tried and found wanting.
OLD HAZEL GREEN
As early as 1840 the educational problem forced itself upon the community located in and around the northeast corner of the Grove. In the absence of the school laws that have since blessed and made honorable the State of Illinois, the old "subscription school" system was adopted as the only available means of providing the necessary school facilities.
The first school in this vicinity was in one room in the house afterward owned and occupied by Mr. Joel Wallace, one-half mile west of the place where the old Hazel Green schoolhouse afterward stood. This term was taught by a Mrs. Pratt, who afterward became the wife of Rev. Abram Huff. Mr. Wallace's house stood on the south side of the line in Whiteside county surrounded by a cluster of towering shellbark hickory trees. These trees were the pride of their owner, and the delight of the children who played beneath their shade. For the next term a room in the house of Mr. Tilton Hughs was procured. Mr. Hughs then occupid the farm afterward known as the Wm. Vest place. The following winter Mr. J.T. Crum "opened" a school in a new log cabin built by him for a residence on the farm now known as the Jacob Wetzell farm. The next summer Miss Angelina Dodd taught a term in one room of the residence of Mr. McMullen, who then lived on the John Lowery Farm, afterward owned by "Uncle" Martin Overholser. This house was located three-fourths of a mile north and on-half mile west of where the village of Coleta now stands. The next term was in the new house just build by Mr. John Mickens, and intended for a residence. This house stood a few rods west of the Philip Pulver farm, now owned and occupied by Mr. Samuel Pugh, about three and one-half miles southwest of Milledgeville.
About this time a Mr. John Lowery, who had for a number of years been prominent as a teacher in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, moved west and purchased the farm of Mr. McMullen, referred to above. The repuation of Mr. Lowery as a successful teacher was such that an effort was at once made to induce him to teach the following term. As a result of this effort the winter term taught by Mr. Lowery was, up to that that time, the most satisfactory to both patrons and pupils of any in the history of the settlement. It is well to remember that while the efforts and facilities may seem crude and inadequate from the present point of view, the men and material of this neighborhood were on a par with those of the older sections further south and east.
Dr. Stephen Dodd, a physician of education and culture from the east, had located on the farm now known as the Conway farm, just over the county line in Whiteside county, south of Milledgeville, and near to but separated from his residence had constructed a "laboratory" for his convenience as a practitioner. This room the Doctor kindly gave for use as a school room for one term. A Miss Hannah Anabell was employed as teacher and conducted a very successful term to the entire satisfaction of all interested parties.
The inconvenience arising from constantly changing from place to place, the impossibility of obtaining a suitable room in any way near a central location, with other objectionable features, made this portable school method very unsatisfactory. It was therefore resolved to call a public meeting with the view to building a schoolhouse. There being at that time no school fund in this, if, in fact, in any, part of the state, it was necessary that the house, if built at all, be built by and at the the expense of the patrons.
The meeting was accordingly called to meet at the residence of Mr. Thos. Stanley, who then lived near a fine spring on the northwest corner of what is now known as the Ferguson farm. This meeting was attended by James Bunce, John Shepherd, Lester Hills, Joel Wallace, Eli Redman, John T. Crum, Thos. Stanley, William Stanley, Philip Pulver, James Scoville and John Mickens.
About the only capital possessed by these hardy sons of the then "far west" was muscle and nerve; hence the subscription was principally labor, which was paid in full. Work began at once. Logs wer ecut and hauled to the place selected; others to the mill of Mr. John Yager, which was located on Rock Creek below "Moxley's ford." These latter were sawed into flooring, weather-boarding and sheeting. Those hauled to the site were hewn and framed, while Messrs. John Wood, Thomas and William Stanley cut, rived and shaved the shingles from burr-oak trees cut just west of Thomas Stanley's residence.
The material being ready, all met and the frame was raised and from day to day the work went on until the house was completed. This was the first schoolhouse built in Genesee Grove and was a frame house. It stood on the south side of the county line, in Whiteside county, about twenty rods west and ten south of where old Hazel Green schoolhouse was afterwards built. It should be mentioned here that the door, window frames and sash were made by Mr. John Wood, then a mere boy, but nevertheless one of the best mechanics in that part of the state. There were three windos and one door. There were no desks. The seats were inverted slabs, with the round side down and flat side up. Oak pins inserted in auger-holes supported these benches.
This house stood and was used for school purposes until 1847, when it was sold to Mr. John P. Burgduff, and moved by him to his home and used as a kitchen for many years. The farm of Mr. Burgduff was one half mile north of the county line, and now constitutes a part of the Brock place, owned by Mr. Samuel Pugh. This schoolhouse was only used for summer school, as it was not plastered, and was never blessed with fireplace or stove.
It was finished in 1845, and during that summer Miss Hannah Anabell taught the first term of school ever conducted in a frame schoolhouse in Genesee Grove. Miss Anabell was also the teacher employed during the summer of 1846. The name of the teacher during 1847 is not obtainable at this writing. In the fall of 1847 this house was sold, as before stated, to Mr. Burgduff, and advantage taken of the then new school law by which the school fund provided enabled the patrons to dispense with the subscription system and build, at public expense, a "district school house." Thus was made possible and necessary the building of what has since become
The site selected for this new building was in the extreme northeast corner of Genesee Grove, beneath the shade of a magnificent clump of spendid oak trees which grew upon the Carroll county side of the line, and upon the southeast corner of the farm of Mr. John Shepherd. The frame was hewn from burr-oak logs and when squared were; posts and sills, 10 x 10; plates, 8 x 8; joists, 2 x 10; braces, 4 x 4. The weather-boarding, rafters, sheeting and flooring were also of oak; the door and window frames of walnut. The sawing was done at the saw-mill afterward known as the Brothwell mill. The singles were of pine, hauled from Chicago by Mr. Ira Scoville. It is probably that this was the first house covered with pine shingles in Genesee Grove. The contract for building was taken by Messr. John Mickens and Wm. H. Osterhaut, and did not provide for plastering or ceiling. There was one door, located in the east end of the south side; five windows, two on the north, two on the south side, and one in the east end. The inside was for several years unfurnished, leaving bare the immense posts, 10 x 10, six of them, three on the south and three on the north. These posts were bound together by square timbers of the same dimensions as themselves. The one which bound the two center posts together, naked and strong, stretched itself overhead across the center of the room as if to say, "While I am here this house shall never fall."
Over this "center beam" the jolly bare-foot boys would clamer, romp, and play, in hope to win the smile of round-eyed, staring maids, until the ferule's clatter on the shaky window-sash cut short the play, and brought the red-fced youthful athletes back to earth and intellectual toil. Then, perched upon the inverted slabs, with thumb-worn, dog-eared, blue-backed book in hand; with swinging feet, that, stretch them as they might,s till failed to reach the rough matched floor; with moving lips and knitted brows, these new recruits to intellectual toil would strive to catch the ponderous thought in the old couplet.
The only provision for writing was the "teacher's desk," to which each aspirant to perfect penmanship would in his turn wend his way, and with newly sharpened quill pen, extended tongue, and moving head, proceed to copy with the utmost care,
Oen student, a Miss Malinda Stanley, resolved to improve upon the meager accomodations provided, so, begging lumber and the necessary tools of her father, she proceeded to construct a desk of her own. This desk when completed was carried to the schoolhouse at her request by a Mr. Chauncy Wilcox, where it excited the wonder and admiration of the patrons and teacher, and the pride of its builder and owner. Thus the first desk ever placed in Hazel Green school for the exclusive use of students was constructed by a miss not yet out of her teens.
The house was completed so far as the contract required in the late spring time of 1848, just half a hundred years ago.
A Miss Julia Morse from near Milledgeville was employed to conduct the first term of school in the new house. When circumstances required Miss Morse was assisted by a Miss Sarah L. Pratt, now Mrs. John Mickens, of Coleta, Ill. The following winter, 1848-9, there being no stove or fireplace in the house, there was no term of school, but the next summer Miss Olive Pratt taught a summer term. The following winter passed with n o school, but a Mr. Holiday Chitty was employed for the summer of 1850, and being a teacher of experience and ability, inaugurated improve dmethods of teaching, to the joy of both students and patrons. A letter at hand written by a lady who was one of his pupils says, "Mr. Holiday Chitty was the best teacher we ever had up to that date." During this summer Mr. Thomas Stanley m oved from his farm near the schoolhouse out onto the prairie, leaving the residence on the old homeplace vacant. This house was procured, because of an excellent fire-place, for a winter term, and Mr. Parker Brock was employed as teacher. This was the last term of school taught in other than the regular schoolhouse in Hazel Green District.
From hundred of sources, item by item, here a little, there a little, these fcts of the early history of the planting of this school have been gleaned tha those who care to read may catch a glimpse - and 'tis but aglimpse of the labors and hardships that then obtained in building a school.
The teacher next employed was Miss Elizabeth Brock, who taught one term. Miss Brock was the first, but by no means the last, pupil of Hazel Green to pass from the humble position of pupil to the m ore honorable one of teacher. It is a pleasure to note that in each subsequent transition of this kind there is not a single failure to record. Each appears, upon assuming the responsibilities of a teacher, to have proven a success.
It is to be regretted that there has not been preserved a record of the teachers, date of term, and if any, of notable events that may have characterized each. In the absense of such record the resources are so limited as to make the results of research anything but satisfactory. Miss Martha Crouch was the next teacher, and the pleasant memories that cluster around this joyful summer of student life will follow each of that happy group while life shall last. Who of that band does not remember
About this time the house, which had until now remained unfinished and fireless, was lathed and plastered and a real stove with the pipe extending up through the roof was placed int he center of the room; new seats were provided, and sloping boards around the room were firmly fixed against the wall that the growing youth of Hazel Green might demonstrate that "the pen is mightier than the sword." Thus equipped, the proud students, captained by a still prouder teacher, began the following term with their new and as yet unwhittled desks, fully believing that the problem of schoolroom supplies had been solved, and that there is a royal road to learning and that they had found it.
This self complacency was, however, doomed to early death, for it was soon noised about that the "Uncle David Bushman neighborhood" were about to finish their schoolhouse, which was built of real stone digged from the quarry recently bought by Uncle Stephen Crouch of Mr. James Scoville. They were still more completely humbled when the patrons of the stone schoolhouse proceeded to equip their house with genuine pine seats and "box desks," and actually went so far as to put on the west wall a real blackboard. Could humiliatin be greater, or presumption go further? Surely not.. But we spelled them down in spelling school, anyway!
During all these years the immigration to this part of the country had been so great that by the year 1854 almost every quarter-section of land was occupied by the head of a family, so that from a small school Hazel Green had grown to be the lartest district school in Carroll county. Some idea of the crowded condition may be gathered from the fact that while the room was only 18 x 26, there were enrolled during the winter of 1854-5 no less than 106 pupils. Of these the greater number were in constant attendance. this term was ably presided over by a Mr. Parker Hurless, now the honored pastor of the Congregational church at Summer Hill, IL. Mr. Hurless's assistant was Miss Mary J. Bushnell, now Mrs. Ira Scovile, of Grundy Center Iowa. When it is stated that Mr. Hurless was less than 17 years of age when called upon to face for the first time that densely populated school roo, his feelings may be imagined but cannot be described. It is a pleasure, however, to record the fact that the term was in every way a success.
The changes that had already taken place and were then being made in the district and vicinity were such as to entirely change the school and its surroundings. Mr. Shepherd's place wa now the property and home of Dr. Jacob Crom. Mr. Hills had sold his farm to Mr. Henry Stalsmith. Uncle Martin Overholser owned the Lowery place. Uncle Stephen Crouch owned the James Scoville place. Cephas Hurless owned the Sanford Townsley place. Dr. Dodd's place was now the home of Mr. Hiram Robinson. Mr. Chase lived upon the Thomas Stanley farm, and Mr. Townsley upon the William Stanley place. Mr. Jacob Wetzell had negotiated for the farm of Mr. Thomson Crum. Mr. SMith occupied the former home of Mr. James Bunce. The Stanleys, Scovilles and Bunces had improved farms out on the prairie. These and other changes that cannot be mentioned had so changed the personnel of the neighborhood and school as to break up the old and establish new associations.
The writer's connection with the school as a student closed with the term last mentioned, rendering a connected history from his own observation impossible beyond this oint. It is greatly to be regretted that after a year's corresondence with teachers, students, and patrons the writer has found it impossible to gather sufficient data to justify an attempt to arrange the several subsequent terms in the order of occurrence.
It is proper, however, to state that under the able management of the teachers afterward employed, the high standing already attained was not only maintained, but as new and improved facilities presented themselves, the wideawake patrons, utilizing each in turn, kept the school in the front rank of progress.
As one goes back in review over the years that have come and gone since the establishment of this school, it is a plesure to note that in eveyr laudable work Hazel Green has never been found wanting. From her humble roof have gone out men and women willing and competent to bear their part in the higher and more advanced departments of the improved civilization of their country. As teachers they have taken position and today maintain their standing in the front rank. As ministers of the gospel they occupy places of trust, commanding the respect and confidence of the various relgions bodies with which they have identified themselves. As bankers and merchants they have been a success. As attorneys, legislators and physicians their names occupy no inferior place. As farmers and mechanics they have proven not only a credit but an honor to their shcool and state.
When the low mutterings of rebellion began to be heard in 1860 along the southern borders of their country, and when in 1861 civil war with all its horros burst like a mighty avalanche upon their strickent land, the patriotic sons of Hazel Green were eager to fill the ranks of teh "boys in blue" that came rushing down from the snow-capped hills of their beloved northland homes. Few, indeed, were the great battles of the war in which Hazel Green was wanting a worthy representation. Her honored dead were found on many a southern field, but their names are treasured in the hearts of their schoolmates of the long ago.
During the summer of 1896 the propreity of a reunion of the former patrons, teachers and pupils was agitated until in August of that year a meeting was called and "The Hazel Green Association" was organized. This Association meets annually in August near the site of Old Hazel Green schoolhouse.
The following reports of the exercises at the meeting of 1896 and 1897 are taken from the Sterling Daily Standard of August 20, 1896 and the Milledgeville Free Press of September 2, 1897:
(Sterling Standard August 20, 1896) - To the surviving patrons, teachers and students of the old Hazel Green School: You are cordially and earnestly invited and requested to join the undersigned in a social meeting and picnic at or near the site of the old Hazel Green schoolhouse, near the "Old Spring" on the county line between Whiteside and Carroll conties on August 19, 1896. Come early and bring luncheon for self and families. Let the wives, the husbands, the children, the children's children and their friends all come. Leave the field, the workshop, the office and the store, and let us meet face to face, eye to eye, heart to heart and soul to soul, to recite and enjoy the memories of the school days of the "fifties" and "sixties" so long gone by.
In response to the above call, about 500 people, young and old, gathered at the site of the old Hazel Green school house Wednesday on the northeast corner of the old Ferguson farm, in Genesee township, on the county line between this county and Carroll. The day was most propitions for the event; in faact, none finer has ever been seen for such an occassion.
As early as 8 o'clock in the morning the people began to arrive and as each carriage came in, there was an affecting scene. Old ladies and gentlemen, who had not seen each other for years, shaking hands, laughing and crying at the same time, made a picture which proves the reality of friendship and the loyalty of hearts lon separated. Frequently small parties, of from a half a dozen to a dozen, could be seen wandering away across the road from the grove searching for the old blind road; then they would congregate around the spot where the school building, which is now entirely gone, had stood. Here they stood on the loved spot and told of by-gone times. Those who had been teachers, students, and patrons of the school many l ong years ago were on an equal footing on this never to be forgotten day.
The scene of the picnic and reunion was ideal for such a gathering. The grove is a handsome one and the view to the northwest is magnificent. A small field glass was brought into requisition and with its aid those who had not been in this locality for years, together with those who still lie there, were able to pick out old stamping grounds of many years ago. Chadwick could be plainly seen through the glass, and it was a pleasure for one to stand by and listen to the comments made by the small groups of people gathered her and there.
About 12 o'clock the large baskets of provisions, which had been prepared by the thrifty housewives, were brought out and spread on the grass and those present proceeded to satisfy the inner man, not knowing anything of surprise in store for them. The surprise was in the fact that the Spring Creek band was on the grounds, and as the happy crowd was partaking of fried chicken, preserves, etc., the band was marshalled down the road behind the high bank and hedge, and the first that those assembled knew of its presence was the sound of a cornet. Looking up they saw J.L. Harrison, leader of the band, standing near the fence, playing that familiar old song, "Home, Sweet, Home." The splendid strains of the dear old tune sounded sweet and clear and hushed the merry chatter of the many friends reunited.
Eyes became dimmed with tears and 'ere the strains of music had died away there was not a dry eye in all the hundreds present. At the conclusion of the solo the band, which had been kept out of sight, struck up a lively two-step and the scene was happily turned to one of merriment. The moistened eyes were soon dried and the crowd was soon laughing again. Just at this time the band turned into "Annie Laurie," and once again was the mood changed. It was a touching scne and one that will never be forgotten by anyone present.
The dinner was then concluded, after which the band took up its position on the side hill and gave the following concert;
Each number was heatily applauded and nearly everyone personally congratulated the boys upon their excellent musical organization.
Chairman Ferguson then in some wellc hosen words explained that many present wished to hear from some of the old time teachers, pupils and patrons. The first one called upon was Mary Crouch Millard, one of the old teachers, who spoke briefly. Then the following were called upon, all of whom made some remarks which were received in a splendid manner: Captain W.H. Redman, Oscar Millard, J.P. Overholser, A.J. Brock, John Overholser, H.T. Healey, Mrs. Sarah Healey, Thomas B. Stanley, H.C. McCray, E.C. Winters, Nels Redman, Lon Woods, Sam Wetzel, Rev. O.M. Swearingen, Mrs. Lucinda Meakins, In the course of the remarks many old anecdotes were brought out relative to the schoolhouse, students, teachers, and old time sports.
The old Hazel Green schoolhouse was built in 1847 or 1848 and school was held there until about 1867 or 1868. The building was 16 x 28 and frequently there wee as many as 180 students present. Captain W.H. Redman stated that he knew of only two children who were born in this district before himself. J.P. Overholser remembered Mr. Millard as a teacher on account of his tanning his coat very often. and stated that he never knew of any student who graduated from Hazel Green who ever inhabited a prison cell. A pleasing story was brought out as to how good a foot-racer Jack Brook was in those days. John Overholser upon being called for declined to speak but the story of how good he was at playing "sock-ball" was brought out in a manner that made the crowd roar. Thomas B. Stanley and H. B. McCray had a sparring match on a delicate subject. which resulted in a great deal of laughter. The story of how E. C. Winters had his feet frozen when thirteen or fourteen years of age brought that gentleman to the front to make an explanation and he told how he first made the acquaintance of his wife. Nels Redman of Mason City Iowa was another old student who made some pleasing remarks.
At this time the following poem from the pen of Lucy Crouch Battis of Denver, Col. an old student was read and brought tears to the eyes of a11:
Martin Overholser, eighty-seven years old, who has led the singing in that community for years, then sang a hymn in a voice that many a youngerman might be proud to own. Mr. Overholser concluded by saying that "the best thing he ever knew in Hazel Green school house, was a religious meeting held there many years ago, when some sixty or seventy were converted," Uncle James Winters, who is one month older than Mr. Overholser, was called for but declined.
Kansas CIty MO., August 17, 1896
Dear Brother;
On my return from Colorado af ew days ago, I found on my desk the circular letter dated July 27, 1896, and singed by yourself and others, giving notice of the picnic, or meeting, that will be held on Wednesday of this week at or near the old Hazel Green site.
Since receiving the letter I have endeavored to arrange matters so that I could be present, but now find that it will be impossible. I regret very much that I cannot meet at that time and on the same old grounds, those with whom I used to be associated in my early school days. SInce being notified of this meeting, I have thought a grea deal about those times, and about teachers and schoolmates that I knew so well, many of whom have passed from this world. No doubt there will be present at that time some of my old teachers and many pupils that I have not seen or heard of for many years. It would certainly be a great pleasure for me to meet them again, and sit down and talk over those happy old days. While I presume the old site where the school building stood is now farm land, it seems to me that I could almost close my eyes now, if upoin the ground, and go to every spot where at that time stood a stump or tree, and that I culd locate the very oint on the creek where we used to build the big dam, also the very
places on the hills where we used to coast or slide down hill, as we called it, using as a sled or base, for starting at least, a long oak plank, or a bench from the school house turned up-side-down with the legs taken out. Another point comes vividly back to my memory and is undoubtedly remembered by all the bad boys. I have reference to that old willow patch down in the hollow, northeast of the schoolhouse, where we were frequently requested by the teacher to make trips with instructions to use care in selecting a rod that would wear well and reach some distance. We did not enjoy those trips then; but it is very easy for us to see now that our education would not have been complete without them.
I hope that steps will he taken at this first meeting to form a kind of a permanent organization, and that the picnics will be held at the same place each year. I hope to be on hand at the next meeting. If a report of the first meeting is kept and a list of names of those present can be had, I hope you will send me a copy. Put me down for my portion. of the expenses
Please remember me kindly to all
Yours truly,
FROM MISS JENNIE FENDER
The following letter from Miss Jennie Fender of Friend. Neb. was read;
Friend, Neb., August 12, 1896
MY DEAR FRIEND: Thank you with all my heart for so kindly remembering me with an invitation to attend the picnic at old Hazel Green on the 19th inst. O, how many precious thoughts of the happy past does that dear name Hazel Green bring to my mind! Five of the very happiest years of my life were spent in that vicinity, as it was there I taught my last term of school. Among the names of the committee I see that of my dear brother, Horace. Nearly all are old aquaintances and many of them were my former pupils. How many sad changes have come to many of us in the many intervening years ! Friends have been separated, loved ones have passed away from the shores of time, but we will look ahead to that happy reunion where loved ones never say goodbye. I regret very much that I cannot be with yon all, those dear old-time friends on that day, but I will certainly be with yon iu spirit. My earnest wish is that you may all have a most enjoyable time and amid your happiness and pleasure give one thought to poor lonely Jennie in
her far-off Nebraska home. Most Sincerely Yours,
JENNIE FENDER
Mrs Lucinda Meakins stated that she was the first teacher of the old school. After Mrs. Meakins, all joined in singing "America." Then a picture was taken of the crowd and the literary part was declared ended. From that time until 5 o'clock the time was spend socially, everybody talking over boyhood days, after which the crowd broke up and departed for homes.
WAS AN ENTIRE SUCCESS
The day and reunion were an entire success in every particular and those having the affair in charge are to be congratulated upon their excellent management. The following is a list of those who were present and registered:
From Coleta: Mrs. Stallsmith, 87; John Meakins, 71; Mrs. Susanna Wetzel, 80; Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Overholser, Mrs. Rachel Bushman, Mrs. Elizabeth Vinson, Mrs. Mary Nicholas, Mrs. Harriet Conaway, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Frankfather, Mrs. Sarah Anna Proctor, Mrs. Rebecca Crom, Martin Overholser, 87; Mrs. Lucinda Meakins, Mrs. Esther Lawrence, John Meakins, I.F. Hurless, James W. Winter, 87; Jacob Wetzel, 80; Mrs. Libbie Vinson, Mrs. Catherine Peugh, Mrs. Rebecca Bushman, Clark Vinson, Mrs. May Wetzel, Mrs. Catherine Fenton, 71.
From Milledgeville: Mrs. Ann Chaffee, 80; Elizabeth Scoville, 83; David Proctor, Mrs. S.J. Healey, H.J. Healey, M.A. Wood, W.O. Willard, Mrs. Mary Willard, Mrs. Elizabeth Lampman, Mrs. Sarah Hendricks, Mrs. Amelia Dull, Mrs. Sarah Anna Crouch, 80; Mrs. Eliza Willard, 93; Mrs. Mary Bull, David Stallsmith, Michael Hart, 83; Mrs. Roxy Kimmond, William McComb, Jacob Hart, Mrs. Jane Easterbrook, Mrs. Leonard Holly, Mrs. Josephine Taylor, Mrs. H.C. McCray, Mrs. Sarah Bentley.
From Rock Falls: W.H. Redman, E.C. Winters, Samuel Wetzel, Mrs. Pauline Winters.
From Sterling: J.P. Overholser, V.S> Ferguson, Henry Wetzel, Mrs. Libbie Stanley, Mrs. J.P. Overholser, Mrs. Catherine Wetzel, T.B. Stanley, Mrs. A.S. Ferguson, 71.
A.J. Brock, Mrs. Sue Ferguson Redman, Miss Elsie Redman, Chicago; Mrs. Susanna Howe, Morrison; Mrs. Jennie Church, Kansas City, MO; Mrs. Sarah Howe, Malvern; Misses Mary and Bertha Sowles, Galt; Mrs. F.L. Redman, Mason City Iowa; Mrs. D.W. Stallsmith, Dixon; Mrs. P.E. Dingman -- : Mrs. Jane Cooper, Dubuque Iowa.
The second annual reunion of the patrons and pupils fo the old Hazel Green school was held Thursday August 26, 1897, four miles southwest of Milledgeville, in Ferguson's grove, near the site of the old school building. The attendance was large, and that the day will be memorable one for the boys and girls of old Hazel Green school is a certainty. It is estimated 1000 persons wer epresent, and many of them were persons of distinction. A pole bearing the start and stripes marked the place where the old school house at one time stood. The pupils and patrons were designated by printed badges. The forenoon was passedin visiting, the noon hour in feastin gon the many good things prepared by the daughters and grandaughters of the patrons and pupils of that renowned school.
Shortly after one o'clock the meeting was called to order by the chairman, E.C. Winters of Rock Falls, who announced that the Coleta double quartet would sing. The members of this quartet are Messrs. J.C. Crom, B.F. Buntley, Sullivan Crom, Clark Vinson; Mesdames Clark Vinson, Della Snavely, Anna Overholser and Maggie Crom. Miss Effie Bnder was organist. Coleta is noted for good singers and the members of the quartet kept up her usual good name upon this occassion. Rev. Ellis Stanley offered a fervent prayer, after which the Coleta Ladies' Quartet, composed of the Bender sisters, entertained the audience iwth one of the their sweet songs.
The subject was ably handled by Hon. V.S. Ferguson of Sterling, who was at one time a pupil fo the old Hazel Green school. Mr. Ferguson's address was eloquent and well received. He said in part;
Memory brings up reminiscences of the past. - some are sad, some are joyful. We are in the midst of them today. The meeting held in this grove one year ago the 19th of the present month, was a pathetic one. Old friends would meet, clasp hands and silently greet one another. Along this slope is where we played, and perhaps a thousand times carried water from the spring over yonder. Ware prooud that we elonged to the old Hazel Green school. No scholl was better than it. We had honest and good boys in that school. We studied and acquired good substantial educations. We played with the same earnestness that we studied. Scarcely could we take time to eat our dinner, so eager were we to get to the play ground. The size of the old Hazel Green school house was 16, 28 feet. It was built in 1848. The material used was oak, which perhaps accounts for the worth of the boys and girls who went from within its walls. When Ephriam Brookfield taught there were 110 names on the roster. If so many pupils chold be crowded into a building now-a-days, the Humane Society would be proving a case of "cruelty to animals." Although since our meeting the "Angel of Death' came near one of our old patriarchs, his life was spare, and we can say that none have died during the past year. We perpetuate the Hazel Green reunions for the purpose of moral and Christian influences. We want to know, - we love to know where our old comrades are. We should continue to met so long as memories of the past are flooding over us. My farewell remarks to the members of this association may well be expressed in the closing line of Bryant's Thanatopsis:
The Hazel Green school was established near where the picnic is, about fifty years ago. The country was then sparsely settled and on that account the Hazel Green district was made to embrace a large scope of terriory. It, in fact, was a union of two whole ordinary school districts as we now find them, one in Carroll and one in Whiteside County. The house was built in Carroll county, within a few rods of and facing upon the county line, and about forty rods west of the southeast corner of section thirty-one of Wysox township. At the time it was erected, the hazel brush stood thick and high all around it, and, in faact, they had to be cut down before the foundation was laid. The house was constructed entirely of hard timbers hewn, an dlumber sawed from trees cut in Genesee Grove. The seats and desks were homemade, and most of the seats were plain slabs with legs of wood driven into auger holes from the round side. Desks were made along each side of the room fronting toward the center, with seats behind them for the larger scholars and in front for the smaller scholars. The house was large, being about 28 x 16 feet wide and the door was on the south side close up to the east end. The teacher's desk was in the west end and a large box wood stove sat in the very center of the house. In this condition, I very well remember that as high as 120 scolars attended the school during the winter terms. From the time of the establishment to the beginning of the war, the farmer boys for miles around attended and during the winter months it ws nearly always necessary to employ two teachers. My connection with the school terminated in March or April 1860 and I find it difficult and in fact, quite impossible to make a correct list of the Hazel Green boys who enlisted in the war of the rebellion, but I have made the best one I could and herewith submit it with the hope that it may be amended to perfection. Of course, no injustice should be done by omitting any name, or a failure to accord to each the credit due him on acocunt of service rendered.
In making the list which should be read, I have endeavored to arrange the names of the soldiers in the order of the dates of their enlistment and briefly opposite the name of each man, give the date when he entered the service, the company and regiment in which he served, the date of his death or discharge, and under the head of remarks to state the cause of death if known, and, if discharged whether now living or post office address if possible. Forty-six names now appear on the list. Seven of these were killed or died in the service and five have since died. The rank or highest office attained by either is not shown by the remarks, for it now seems that there should be no distinction. Suffice to say six were corporals when mustered out, six sergeants, one a first lieutenant and one a captain. All enlisted as privates and served in the rank as such and thereby conclusively proved the fact that they went to war moved by a sense of duty, and not for fame or filty lucre.
In traversing these hills, crossing these ravines and playin beneath the shade of these old oak trees, they had enjoyed true American liberty in its fullest sense and only as boys can. In the old schoolhouse they had been taught that true patriotism consistedin love of home, flag and country, that the government under which they lived had been established at great cost of blood and treasure, that it was a goodly heritage and that they indeed lived in "the land of the free and the home of the brave."
They enlisted on their own volition, believing that the cause of the Union was a righteous one. Their tread and marches were steady and firm, and they faltered not until victory perched upon their banners; but it is now more than a third of a century since seven of these men sacrificed their lives in that great struggle for human liberty and the perpetuation of the Union and more than 31 years since the last one of them was discharged, and yet some of them are present today to greet the friends of their youth. They come grizzly with age, with furrowed cheeks and tottering tread. They years hang heavily upon them, their ranks are emaciated. The ruthless hand of time on these men, and the pathetic gaps in their ranks, as shon by the list of their names, remind us that soon, yea, very soon, all will have passed to the realm beyond. The Hazel Green boys did thei work in the war and did it well. I never heard any complaint, and so far as I have been able to ascertain, they have all made good citizens since the war. If any one of them has ever been convicted of any crime, we do not know it.
My friends, the rebellion was a necessity; no human power could have prevented it. Slavery existed; it had come down as a dark spot on the American government from its establishment; it was the great sin of our nation; it was the bone of contention between the North and the South. The North sought to the last to avert war and disclaimed any purpose or desire to disturb slavery in the states where it existed, but objected to its extension. The South refused to be content with this assurance and insisted upon the right of carrying slavery into the territories and there establishing more slave states. The war came. It was a righteous and holy war. God in his providence overruled the desire and purposes of both the North and the South. He decreed that slavery should not only not be extended, but that it should be wiped out forever. High over all He ruled for the destruction of slavery and for the strengthening of the foundations of human liberty. The Union soldiers, although unconsciously, were His servants to accomplish His great purpose. This is a most satisfactory reflection. Liberty is a Christianity. I believe and therefore assert it. The battle fo the ages has been the struggle for liberty and the victory of the Union army was a great one. It was not only a maintenance and perpetuity, but it was more - it was an enlargement of human liberty. But, comrades and friends, I am done. This may be our last Hazel Green picnic at which all of us shall be present. A little more fleeting time and then the great hereafter. May we all so live that when the summons comes from the Master, it may be said of each of us.. "Well done, good and faithful servant, come up higher."
THE GIRLS OF THE HAZEL GREEN SCHOOL
Mrs. Hattie Brookfield Green, who was in early times a teacher in the Hazel Green school, read the following:
After a lapse of nearly two score years, we meet today on the old school grounds, as patrons, representatives and friends of the Hazel Green school, our Second Annual Reunion. After passing my old home at Coleta, this morning, I began anxiously to look for old landmarks - a particular house, a certian tree standing on a corner that I well remember. All gone. On and on we came, passing beautiful homes where 40 years ago stood cabins, the homes of our girls and boys. As we nearedthis sacred spot I heard voices, and thought of Mary, Jane, Emeline, Sarah, Henry, John, Tom and others. Arriving, I looked for something familiar, - all changed. Had I been dropped in the jungles of Africa I should not have been more strange or confused. The saplings have grown to giant oaks. Not a stone, brick, board, or even a hitching post, where the horses were tied that brought great sleigh loads of boys and girls (and fathers and mothers too) to our spelling schools and debates, which were to us then what the Chautanquas and Assemblies are to us today.
During the winter of 1858-1859 it was my pleasure to be the assistant teacher in the Hazel Green school, as some of you may remember, and although 38 years have passed, many familiar faces and forms come back to me as though I had seen them but yesterday. The smile of one, the merry ringing laugh of another, the shout and hurrah of still another, always ready for fun or hard work, and taking an active part in evreything in school life. Tis useless to enter into the details of our district school, but suffice to say it was one of the best in the township, if not in the county.
But where are our girls today? Many have gone to their eternal home. Today we stand with tearful eyes and pay our tribute of respect to their memory. Farewell! Your names are dear, your work is done, though incomplete. In work you bore a noble part, your deeds shall dwell in every heart.
.And now a world of encouragement to those who are living; some with us and some elsewhere. I have not the opportunity, neither have I the disposition to enter into the details of the lives, the homes made sacred by l ove of our girls. You've reached the silver age. No school girls today, but mature women; brave, loving and patient mothers, of noble sons and beautiful daughters. You have home comforts, luxuries, friends, innumerable, and unlimited field for usefulness, socially and religiously , and I migh add politically. Tis not the gold of the Klondike that you are anxious about today, but the welfare, the prosperity, the future interests of your sons and daughters, which is more value to the mother heart than all the glittering metal in Alaska. O brave and patient heart, do not despair, your loving words and kind deeds instilled into the hearts of your children will be their guiding star. I congratulate you one and all - your lots have been cast in pleasant place. May you live your allotted itme, continue to prosper and be happy.
Uncle James WInters, who is now nearly 90 years of age, told about --
Mr. President, friends and neighbors: The committee on program assigned me "First Patrons of the School." That will take me back half a century to the time when the first school was taught in the new schoolhouse. A large majority of the patrons of that school have passed over to their long home. The association today is well represented with their children and grandchildren, and some of their great-grandchildren are here today. I will give the names of the first patrons of the Hazel Green school. In giving these names, I will state those that are living and those that are dead.
Out of twenty, only four are living. The probablity is that when the association meets one year from today and a roll should be called, these four will not be present to answer to their names. Sacred be the memory of those noble hearted men, the first patrons of the Hazel Green School.
Hon. S.H. Bethea, of Dixon, was present and although never a pupil in the Hazel Green school, many of his relatives were, and in ehalf of them he delivered an eloquent address. A partial snyopsis we give below:
It gives me pleasure to meet you here today. I have tender recollections of early days, I was pleased to see the old soldiers in line before us. I remember when the Hazel Green boys drilled for the war - also the Milledgeville boys. We must not forget the women of war times. Wives and mothers assisted husbands and sons to carry out their bravery. The young men and women of today would be equally heroic if the occassion would demand it. It is right for us to commemorate these early school days. The desire to help your neighbor and love your country, will help save the county. Such meetings as the one of today help to make people greater. Show people the need of standing up for the right and when the time comes they will be ready. Those who started this country have gone, but they have left the spirit of thrift. Without education of heart and spirit, our country would amount to nothing.
In introducing the above named gentleman the chairman described him as the fastest runner and the straightest thrower in attendance at the old Hazel Green school. Some of his remarks were :
We boys got lots of school at the old schoolhouse. The part of the education we could not get through the head went through the back. That large bunch of seasoned willows caused some of the lessons to have a lasting impression on our minds. In these days we took the girls out riding on horseback and a few years later in a lumber wagon. I am glad we can meet and clasp hands once more. The old fashioned spelling school was a good place to learn to spell - better than some of the modern ways.
Was original and full of reminiscences of by-gone days. She said she always felt proud of the Hazel Green school. She spoke of the success of the Association and especially of its growth the past year. She told a joke on Capt. Redman, and also related how M.A. Wood once had his hand frozen. She gave a brief history of the table that, the day of the picnic, stood on the platform. She said that table was used as a teacher's desk in the Hazel Green school in the year 57 and 58. It is now the property ofMrs. G.W. Cheeseman. Mrs. Millard was a teacher in the school in 57 and 58.
Ephraim Brookfield was one of the early teachers of the school, and went to this final resting place many years ago. Upon this occasion he was represented by his son, L.E. Brookfield, who read notes from a diary purchased and kept by his father in the year 1855. This book was purchase din Dixon, and on its first pages the owner had writen many valuable sentiments, such as "Honesty is the best policy," " Attend to business before pleasure."
Timely remarks were made by honored guests present, among whom were Hon. Thos. A. Galt of Sterling, Hon. L.W. Mitchell of Dixon, and Hon. Richard Fitzgerald of Tama Iowa. COunty clerk G.W. Howe, of Morrison, gave an interesting history of the Town of Genesee
W.C. Green, who was a pupil of the old school, was unable to attend in person, but writes an interesting letter to the Secretary H.T. Healey:
Sanborn Iowa, Aug. 23, '97
My dear old friend; Your kind invitation tot he Second Annual Reunion of the Hazel Green Association lies before me, and that circumstances compel me to decline it I sadly regret. No gathering of the great, no meetin gupon earth could afford me pleasure like a meeting with the girls and boys of Hazel Green. Three score years have I well nigh lived and through them all be it fair or foul weather with me my heart has ever turned to the happy days spent at Hazel Green, and as age creeps on more frequently still does memory revert to halcyon days of youth. Some have crossed the great divide and have been initiated into the mysteries of the beyond. Some are vindicating the laws of God to man for a reward laid up "where rust doth not corrupt nor theives break through and steal." And some are devending the guilty and innocent alike for a reward more servicable in this world than the reward of Tom and Ellis. On the state of action I have never played a game, be it of politics or gain, that had half the charm for me that the needle's eye did when some sweet Hazel Green girl's lucious lips came in ecstatic contact with mine.
Oh, well, dear friend, memories come crowding up but it would be a bore for you to read them did I put them upon paper. A few words as to myself. Time as dealth leniently with me. I have by hook and crook, industry, energy and possibly a little of chicanery in the eyes of others, gathered a reasonable amount of the perishable things of this world, but not sufficient to prevent me from passing through the needle's eye, the bar to the rich man entering the Kindgom of Eternal rest.
"Oh, me! Those days are gone,
I sincerely hope in the providence of God that I may be with you at the third Hazel Green Reunion, and until then may He keep all the association in His tenderest care..
Your old Friend,
S.A. Ferguson, eing so far from the place where he spent his boyhood days, found it impracticable to attend this occasion, but wrote a letter to his brother ..
Waitsburg, Wash., Aug. 21, '97
Brother Virgil:
Your Brother,
Hazel Green pupils and patrons present:
Coleta IL: J.C. Crom, Mary Wetzel, Mrs. Ann Beers, H.H. Overholser, Martin Frankfather, James Winters, Mrs. Libbie Vinson, Mrs. L. Meakins, Mrs. Jeff Hannis, Lizzie Willfong, Clark Vinson, Mrs. R. Crom, Mrs. E. stallsmith, John Meakins sr., Mrs. C. Frankfather, John Meakins, Isaac F. Hurless, Elias Frankfather, E.Y. Crom, Mrs. E. Lawrence.
Milledgeville IL : Mrs. Sarah Buntley, Mrs. Amelia Dull, Mrs. D. H. Kimmell, Mrs. Ann Chaffee, Mrs. C.H. Olmstead, Volney Chaffee, Mrs. S.C. McCray, Nicholas Hart, J.B. Hart, Geo. W. Hanna, Mrs. D.J. Chaffee, Mrs. Mary Bull, Mrs. M. Olmstead, Mrs. Julia Bull, D.W. Stallsmith, Nancy Willfong, Mrs. Libbie Lampman.
Sterling IL: Mrs. E. Overholser, V.S> Ferguson, Mrs. L.E. Brookfield, MRs. A>S. Ferguson, Mrs. Lizzie Laland, J.P. Overholser, L.E. Brookfield, Mrs. H.B. Green, Samuel Wetzel, Henry Wetzel.
Morrison IL: Chas. Durren White, Mrs. S. Howe
E.C. Winters, Rock Falls IL; Rev. Ellis J. Stanley, Champaign IL; Mrs. Julia Stewart Bowen, Manlius IL; Hezekiah Stewart, Springdale AR; Isom Vest, Garwin IA; Mrs. D.W. Stallsmith, Dixon IL; Richard Mason, Toledo IA; W.H. Redman, Harvey IL.
Nicholas Hart, Milledgeville IL
Reuben Hefflefinger, enlisted May 24, 1861. Company B. 13th Infantry.
discharged June 18, 1864, resides in California..
Perry Winters, enlisted May 24, 1861, Company K, 15th Infantry,
dischaged May 24, 1864. resides in Washington.
Will. H. Wilfong, enlisted May 24, 1861. Company K. 15th Infantry,
disharged because of disability August 20, 1862, resides at Montesano, Wash.
James P. Winters, enlisted August 15, 1861, Company B. 26th Infantry,
died October 10, 1862.
Clinton Winters enlisted September 7, 1861. Company A. 84th Infantry,
died December 27, 1861.
Elhanan C. Winters, enlisted July 27, 1861, Company A, 34th Infantry.
discharged July 22. 1865 resides at Rock Falls, Illinois.
Ed F. Scoville enlisted September 7, 1861 Company A. 34th Infantry,
discharged July 12, 1865, now dead.
J. B. Stallsmith , enlisted September 7, 1861, Company A. 34th Infantry.
discharged September 12, 1865. resides at Wayne, Nebraska.
T. E. Hills enlisted September 29, 1861, COmpany I, 34th Infantry
disharged July 12, 1865, resides in Oregon.
Stephen D. Crouch, enlisted October 19, 1861, Company H, 55th Infantry,
killed April 6, 1862, at Shiloh.
Andrew Pu1ver. enlisted October 22, 1861, Company H, 55th Infantry,
killed April 6, 1862, at Shiloh.
Jos. M. Sowles, Company H, 55th Infantry, discharged June 22, 1865,
onaccount of wounds, resides at Galt, Illinois.
Horace T. Healey, enlisted October 22. 1865 (?) Company H, 55th Infantry,
discharged January 22, 1865, resides at Milledgeville.
LaFayette Wilcox, enlisted Octoher 22, 1861, Company H, 35th Infantry,
resides in Iowa.
A. J. Brock, enlisted October 25, 1861 Company H, 55th Infantry,.
discharged October 31, 1864.
Chas. F. Beers, enlisted October 26, 1861. Company H 55th Infantry,
died of wounds September 21, 1864.
Barnett M. Beers. enlisted October 27, 1861 Company H, 55th Infantry,
discharged October 31, 1864 resides at Coleta Illinois.
W. H. Redman enlisted January 1, 1862. Company C, 12th Cavalry.
discharged June 18, 1866. resides at Harvey Illinois.
Jacob Fout enlisted August 15. 1862, Company H. 75th Infantry,
killed at Kenesaw, June 12, 1864.
David K. Bunce, enlisted August 22, 1862. Company H. 75th Infantry,
discharged December 19, 1862 on account of wounds.
David K. Bunce enlisted May 19, 1864, Company K. 140th, Infantry
discharged October 29, 1864
Hezekiah Stewart enlisted Angust 29, 1862 Company H. 75th Infantry.
discharged June 12, 1861, resides in Arkansas.
Geo. W. Wilfong enlisted December 10, 1863, Company K 15th Infantry
discharged September 16, 1865 resides in Kansas.
Timothy Wilfong, enlisted December 29, 1863, Company L. 17th Cavalry.
discharged December 20, 1865. resides in Kansas.
Ollie S. Brewer, enlisted December 30, 1863. Company L. 17th cavalry.
discharged December 20, 1865
Elisha Baxter enlisted December 30. 1863. Company H, 7th Cavalry,
discharged November 4, 1865 resides in Washington.
Alex Rolands enlisted August 11, 1862 Company K. 92nd Infantry
dicharged June 15, 1863.
Alex Rolands enlisted January 28. 1864 Company M 8th Cavalry.
disharged July 17, 1865, now dead
Harvey Conway, enlisted February 12, 1884 Company A. 34th Infantry.
discharged July 12, 1865 resides at Coleta. Illinois.
Jas. L. Dodd, enlisted February 3. 1864, Company A 34th Infantry,
discharged July 12, 1865
Henry Corbon, a Kansas soldier, has no record
Calvin S. Wiseman, enlisted February 3, 1864, Company A,. 84th Infantry,
discharged July 12, 1865, resides in Nebraska..
Cassius M. Leach, enlisted February 8, 1864, Company A, 34th Infantry
discharged July 14, 1865, now dead.
Geo. Wilfong, enlisted February 10, 1864, Company A, 34th Infantry,
died June 23, 1864, at Ackworth, Georgia.
Richard Wires, enlisted February 24, 1864, Company A, 34th Infantry,
discharged July 12, 1865, now dead.
Charles White, enlisted October 6, 1864 Company K, 65th Infantry,
discharged July 13, 1865, resides at Morrison, Illinois.
Martin O. Hurless, enlisted May 19, 1864, Company A, 140th Infantry,
discharged October 29, 1864, resides at Chicago, Illinois.
Henry Wetzell enlisted May 19, 1864, Company A, 140th Infantry,
discharged October 29,1864, resides at Hume, lllinois.
Geo. W. Hurless, enlisted May 19, 1864, Company A, 140th Infantry,
discharged October 29, 1864, resides in Iowa.
Oliver Dodd enlisted May 19, 1864, Company A 140th Infantry,
disdharged October 29, 1864.
James F. Hea1ey enlisted February 8, 1865, Company E, 147th Infantry,
discharged January 20, 1866, now dead.
Marada Brewster enlisted Maroh 27, 1865, Company G, 75th Infantry,
discharged July 1, 1865, resides in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Ellis J. Stanley, enlisted Febrnary 25, 1865, Company G, 156th Infantry,
diacharged Septembar 20, 1865, resides at Champaign, Illinois.
Nicholas S. Mason, enlisted March 1, 1865, Company A, 84th Infantry,
discharged July 12, 1865, resides in Illinois.
Finley Gyger has no record, but he was a soldier three years in 15th
Indiana Infantry resides at Waco, Indiana.
Richard Mason, enlisted October 9, 1864 Company K. 92nd Infantry,
discharged July 17, 1865, resides at Toledo, Iowa.
Jeremiah Crom, Ohio Regiment, resides in Lamar, Missouri.
Geo. Garwick, enlisted July 12, 1861, Company A, 84th Infantry,
killed at Kenesaw Mt., Jnne 27, 1864.
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