Adam and John James came to Genesee Grove in 1835, and settled on the south side of the Grove. The mother of the James brothers died in 1838; this was the first death in the Grove. Several Indians - Winnebagos - came to the James cabin one day while the men were from home. Being unaccustomed to Indians, the two women fled, leaving them in peaceable possession of the premises, and went across the country to Union Grove, which was then the nearest settlement. Night overtaking them, they slept in the high grass. One of the women had an infant, and carried it in her arms all the way. Neither mother nor child suffered any injury from the journey or the exposure of lying on the ground during the night. They reached Union Grove the next day, very much pleased with the success of the adventure, and fully determined not to be surprised again by the Indians. There was however, no mischief done during their absence. Adam James sold his claim to William Wick and others, and returned to Morgan Co IL.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 222
