ALPHA.

This village is situated in the soutthwest part of the county, at the junction of the Galva and Keithslburg Railroad with the Rockford , Rock Island and St. Louis . It was laid out by Ansou Calkins, June 1,1812, and at present contains about one hundred inhabitants. There are three or four stores, as many shops, a depot, and three hotels.

Prior to the building of these railroads, the town of Oxford , a few miles to the southwest, supplied the wants of the citizens of that locality. It was laid out by Daniel and James M. Briggs. February 25, 1858 , on the west half of the town of Oxford . At this place, in 1860, existed the wildcat "Bank of the Mississippi Valley," whose assets were said to be one worthless iron safe, one cent—old fashioned copper—part of one lead pencil, a rusty steel pen and a half sheet of foolscap with figures on it.The starting of the towns of Alpha and Windsor , in the community im­mediately west, both near to Oxford and on the railroad, caused a general removal of all houses to these places, and the town of Oxford is now extinct, the town plat being used for farming; land. One church,still remains; the others being taken to Alpha and Windsor. Alpha bids fair to become a good business town, having the advantage of the railway crossing. There is no reason why a good town will not be seen here within a few years. The children are sent to the district school near, but in a short time it is expected to erect a commodious school-house in the village.

One church, the Baptist, now supports regular divine service. It was organized in September, 1876, with seven members. There are now thirty-six, and an attendance of ninety-five scholars at the Sunday- school. They occupy a very comfortable church, erected some two years ago. The pastor, Rev. J. C. Lewis has been with the congregation some three years, commencing his labors prior to the organization

Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County .

 

 

 

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