The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-05-26
GENESEo.


are neat and some Of them elegant.
Beautiful drives along the wide streets
lined with pretty white cottages with green
trimmings, the gardens with their graveled
pathways, to which add the excellent side
walks, and the really refined society to be
found here, makes this desirable place |
Of residence, and if Geneseo only had
good water power, it would be among the
leading inland cities Of the state.
The town is just now in whirl Of ex-
element oyer thetemperance question, and
extraordinary efforts are being made in
the cause Of total abstinence About three
weeks ago, Francis Murphy, the renowned
exponent Of temperance, lectured to the
young people, and, assisted by the
Womens Temperance Alliance, succeeded
in working up a strong Gnti-liquor senti-
ment, which is steadily gaining ground.
Among the more prominent leaders in the
new movement are: Mrs. NJ. A. Pierce,
Miss Emma Chaplin, Mrs. G.. A. Hobbs,
Mrs w. T. Allen, Mrs. A. Spurlock, ofthe
W. I. A. and Judge Wait, Capt. r.
Harrington, Rev. r. J. cambridge, pastor
of the Baptist church. Numerous meet
ings have been held and numbers of young
men, heretofore steady drinkers, have
signed the pledge. The interest intensifes
each day and promises to assume formid-
able proportions.
Some two years ago a like movement,
or one nearly similar, was started here
and became so popular that at the election
for city officers which occurred soon after
the full temperance ticket was elected and
no licenses granted. The saloon keepers
sold ION the sly, however, aud were
prosecuted, the city paying, or rather con.
tracing to pay Hon. Charles Durham 81.
900 to conduct the suits After one or two
Intellectual attempts to suppress the traffic
the matter was dropped, and when the new
council convened the saloons were licensed
at $3.50 per year aud have been running
along uninterruptedly since.
Among other things, Genesco boasts Of
at least one centennarian, Peter Hammond,
who was 100 years old on April 9th, 1876,
1T be lives he will be present 1T the cee
brati1n to be held here on July 4th
Apropos, it may be stated that the council
at its meeting on Tuesday evening appro.
u
pendence day, while the citizens have sub
scribed 5000, making s 900 to be ex-
pended 10 honor OF the centennial year.
Among the newest attractions CT
Geneseo is u fine reading room, which is
rapidly growing in favor with the young
people aud bids fair to become u perma-
neDt institution. The controlling spirits are
Miss Emma Chaplin. president, and Miss
Clara b. Perry, daughter of Hon. A. W
Perry. New books are being added to the
library, and if the same spirit is con
tinued which now exists the success of thu
enterprise is assured beyond question
Among the Celebrieties residing here i
Miss Minnie u. Steel, niece of William
Cullen Bryant, the i'lustrous poet ant
editor of the New York EUeniag Post
She is u lady Of marked characteristic
and fine education.
Geneseo, although strictly an inlant
commercial town, is not entirely destitute
Of manufactures and has several institu
tons OF no mean proportions. Promi
neDtly may be mentioned the "Kinse,
Manufacturing Co." makers Of plows
cultiyators. etc This concern has trad
extending as far south as Missouri ant
west as far as Omaha, The implement
made by this firm are said TO be equal (
any in the market, and although they
not manufacture on an extensive scale, ye
they haye a paying trade which is con
stantly increasing. The company run Ell
tirely by steam, there being no waite
power,-which is some disadvantage how
ever.
The grain business fourishes here an
Is carried on to large extent, there bein
no less than elevators, all running full
=. 4
one, having capacity for 10000 bushels
The proprietor is gentleman thorough
versed in the business and controls larg
grain trade in this vicinity.
The religious element predominant
here, there being Is churches, each we
attended and in prosperous condition
The spiritualists also have good elemer
here although they have no regular plac
of holding service.
The schools are in a very prosperOu
condition, under Prof B. f. Barge, count
superintendent, and Prof. Charles Riley
formerly OF Moline, assistant superb
tendent. The various departments an
under charge of an efficient corps {
teachers. Discipline is strictly enforced
The people. as class, are refined, il
telectual, and having literary tastes Gdl
cational interests accordingly prosper. ~
a brilliant social party was held at tn
house of Mrs. Buckles on Tuesday ever
ing, attended by the elite Of the town. |
was one OF the society events of the season
Mrs. 3, is the widow Of the late j.
Buckles, Esq, who was one of the able
lawyers of Henry county.
As indicating healthy financial cond
ton, it may be stated that Geneso is OF
OF debt and has nearly $1,000 in Il
treasury.
The two newspapers here are in fouris
ing condition and well patronized. Frier
Kiner, OF the Ne,0s, is very popular
this vicinity and is u thorough gentlema
Since ho has assumed editorial manag
.ment of the Ne,rs it has rapidly grown
favor. 4 lie is hard worker, and capabl
and deserves the success his efforts +
ceive.
Geneseo ON the whole is one of Il
hvelest little cities in the state, and gro
ing IN population and business. II
people are always ready to aid any entt
prise that will advance their material
well as moral interests.
1t would be unfair not to mention mi
host Miller, of the Geneseo House.
This hotel was built by its present %,
prletor 10 years ago and has bean in 81
cessiul operation and under the sar
~ mnnnuamaut alma. 49, a.. ,.fa. \