the great battle of life, when the years shall have passed and they
become men and women.

Here, too, are banking institutions and warehouses, and every element
that contributes to the thrift and advancement of a happy, honest,
hard-working and prosperous people.

Of its history, but few words are necessary for its relation. Not many
years ago it was the home of the red man, whose council fires gleamed
through the darkness of the night, and who roamed, free as the air, over
the trackless prairie, with no thought of the intruding footsteps of the
pale-face, and with no premonition of the mighty changes which the
future was to bring forth.

Then came the hardy pioneers--those brave, self-reliant men and women
who sought the broad acres of the west, and builded their homes upon the
"edge of civilization." From that time began the work of progress and
cultivation. Towns, villages and cities sprang up as if under the wand
of the magician. Fifty years ago, a small trading post, with its general
store, its hand grist-mill, rude blacksmith-shop and the fort. To-day, a
busy active town, with more than five thousand inhabitants, a hundred
business enterprises, great railroad facilities, and every element that
conduces to prosperity, honesty and happiness.

Such is Geneva to-day, a substantial, bustling, thriving and progressive
village of the west.

It is a hot, sultry day in August, 18--, and the shrill whistles from
the factories have just announced the arrival of six o'clock. Work is
suspended for the day, and the army of workmen are preparing for their