Thompson-Jensen Family Group Photos

Summer of 1909 or 1910
Normal Eugene Thompson - 52 years old
Julia B. Stetson Thompson - 53 years old
Wendell Rhodes standing in front row - 4 or 5 years old
Seated at left - Ned Ozanne, Jim Spencer, Normal E. Thompson, Jay W. Rhodes
Back row standing - Mollie Rhodes Spencer (2nd wife), Julia Stetson Thompson, Mabel Cook Rhodes.
Somers, Wisconsin

(©2014 Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Photo Courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

 



Old School Mate Party for Christine at Laura Thompson's
Alice B. Bailey, Mabel Longmore, Sena Iverson, Emma Jensen, Christine Maegaard, Kathrine S. Pophal
Minnie Ozanne, Fannie Baker, Anna Jensen, Kittie Haigh
Somers, Wisconsin

(Source:  ©2014 Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Photo Courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

 

 

Somers Post Office History

(Source:  "My Memories" by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948.)

The First Somers Post Office
"Standing today, on the Green Bay Trail, is an old frame building that was erected in the early days of Our Town, then known as the Town of Pike, which today is the Elmer Maxwell home - then it was the George Willis tavern.
It was there the first Post Office in Our Town was established, in 1836, the year that the present U.S. Postal Organization became effective.
At that time a weekly stage coach began to run from Chicago to Milwaukee, over the "Old Indian Trail."  This office also served Southport, now Kenosha, until 1840.
"Uncle Billy" Smith carried mail by horseback from Southport to Milwaukee, over the Green Bay Trail, in the early days.  he resided on "this trail" adjoining the Township House.

First Somers Postmaster
Lute Carpenter, first Postmaster, carried mail from Kenosha, keeping the Post Office in his house (now the Edmund Fink home), at a salary of $12.00 per year.


Early Somers Post Office Locations
After a time, a group of farmers moved an old building that had been started as a grist mill and turned into a cheese factory, by a spring of clear, cold water, on the Somers Road, and Lute Carptenter moved the Post Office into this factory.  Soon afterward, Abram Bishop began carrying the mail, the volume of which had increased sufficiently to warrant increasing the salary to $20. per year.  When winter came, it was too cold in the cheese factory, so the Post was moved into the nearby blacksmith shop owned by John Smith.  The fext fall, Abram Bishop moved it into his woodshed, a short distance west.  The Post Office was two feet wide and three feet long.  A few months later Abram Bishop added a room on to his house for a store, and put the Post Office into it.  This room soon became too small for his grocery business, so he erected a store building nearby, and moved the Post Office into it, where it remained for two years.
When in 1870 the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad was built through Our Town, the village of Somers was established.  Mr. Bishop then moved to the village, taking with him his store, and the Post Office.  Later, a larger store building was erected, and the Post Office was again moved."
(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948)

Somers Postmasters

Postmasters following Mr. Bishop were Lafayette Cook, 1885; Ward E. Bain 1889; George Biehn 1893; N.E. Thompson 1897 to 1916; Mrs. Florence Fink, 1916-1929, and Albert E. Bullamore, 1929 to the present (1936), Mrs. Eunice B. Bullamore and C.C. Ruthe.

The Post Office now (1948) is now is the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Station house."
(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948)

Rural delivery of mail over Route #1 was established in Somers in 1904. George Hamilton, a Spanish-American War veteran, was given the carrier's job, and he traveled the Route 30 years until February 1934, when it was discontinued.

(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948)

George Hamilton Carrier Route No. 38 - 1904

George Hamilton has been appointed mail carrier for Route No. 38, his duties to begin on February 1. Just where the route would be laid out was a question with many, but the following is the official route as given recently and it will be published for the benefit of the Journal's readers.

From Somers east 1/2 mile, north to Percy Fink's corner, 2 miles, west to T.B. Lewis' residence, 1-1/4 miles, east to corner 1/4 mile, south 1 mile, west to W.J. Rhodes corner, 3/4 mile, north to Sniffen corner, 1 mile, west to school #4, 1-1/4 miles south to Frederick corner,3-3/4 miles, southeast to Reitenback residence 3/4, northwest to Chapin, 1-3/4 miles, north to school #56, Paris 1-3/4 miles, east to school #5, Somers 2-3/4 miles, south to George Hanson, 2-3/8 miles, southeast and east to J. Eich, 7/8 mile, north to C. Nelson corner, 1-1/2 miles, east to J. Gray corner, 1 mile, north and west 1-1/2 miles to Somers. Length of route, 25 miles.

(Source: Racine Weekly, January 14, 1904)

Ralph Pedley, Route 34
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz)

Kellogg's Corners Post Office
Another Post Office in Somers Township was kept for many years in Amon T. Gould's blacksmith shop at Kellogg's Corners. The mail was placed in a box in the northwest corner of his shop, as it was brought from Winsor Station, now Sylvania. Each farmer sorted his own mail.
(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948)


Berryville Post Office
A Post Office was kept at Berryville for many years by Mrs. Minnie Payne, Mr. and Mrs. William Scheckler, and for some time, was located in the Berryville Depot. When Nicholas Erickson, a Spanish-American veteran, was appointed mail carrier on the newly establish rural route No. #37 out from Kenosha, the Berryville Post Office was discontinued. Later No. 37 R.F.D. became R.F.D. #4."

(Article Source: Racine Journal Times, Publication January 8, 1936, by Mrs. Minnie Ozanne)

There is a new Rural Route #4 approved by the Postmaster H.J. Smith in Racine.

Route No. 4

Commencing at Station “A” Racine post office, the carrier will go thence south on Lake Road through Berryville to the School No. 11 (Berryville School) 5 miles; west to H. Linstroth, 5/8 mile; north to Piper’s corner on County Line Road, 1 mile; west one-half and east one-half, 1 mile; north to Saxe corner, 1-1/2 miles’ southwest to Burrough’s estate on County Line, 2-5/8 miles; west to F. Fink corner, 1-1/2 miles, north to F.C. Hunter corner, 1 mile; east to N. Williams corner, 1 ¾ miles; north to Hans corner, west to Chas. Bull residence, ½ mile; east ½ mile, northwester to Monroe estate, 1 ½ miles; east to Erskine corner 1 mile, south to J. Walsh corner, 1 1 /2 miles east to Karles corner, 7/8 milw; northeast to Station “A”, 1-1/2 miles.

Length of route, 24-7/8 miles.

Area covered – 18 square miles; number of houses on route – 175; population served 375.

(Source:  Racine Journal Dec. 25, 1903)


On account of two more Rural Routes being established in this county going out of Racine, the Berryville Post Office has been discontinued. The mail hereafter for the residents of that locality being carried by Peter Therson, will be known as Route 3. Thorson and a Mr. Merkle started out on rural deliveries this morning each covering twenty-five miles in their daily circuit. Merkle travels what is known as Route 4, out by the way of Corliss (Sturtevant). Both men make their headquarters at Station A., Racine Junction.

(Source:  Racine Journal Feb  2, 1904)



Berryville Depot, Somers Township
Location: East side of railroad tracks and north of Berryville Road, now County Road A.  Take note of the Hansche warehouse in the foreground.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Warren Kramer)



National Archives, Washington, D.C. Letter dated July 15, 1948
Somers Post Office History
Click on letter for larger view.
(Source: Original letter courtesy of E. Ruthe.)

Racine Journal Times photo
March 23, 1938
(Source: Original news clipping and text below courtesy of Ernest "Bunky" Tabbert.)

"Albert E. Bullamore has been Postmaster at Somers since January 1, 1929. Born in Benton, Illinois in 1870, he has resided in Somers many years. His parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. William Bullamore. He is a member of the Somers Congregational Church in which he serves as a deacon, and has been a church choir singer since he was 18 years old. George Hamilton, a Spanish-American War Veteran, carried the mail over Route 1, Somers, from 1904 until the route was discontinued in February 1934.

(Source: Racine Journal Times, March 23, 1938)



New Postmaster Name for Somers:  Office to be moved from old location
C.C. Ruthe, agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railway Co. has been named postmaster for Somers.  It is expected that the post office will be moved to the depot within a short time.  it has occupied the Bullamore property since 1929.  Mrs. Eunice Bullamore has been serving as postmaster since the retirement of her husband, Albert E. Bullamore.

Somers post office is one of the oldest in the State of Wisconsin.  In 1836, a weekly stage ran from Chicago to Milwaukee over the Green Bay Trail through Somers Township and the first post office was established at the George Willis Tavern, now the Elmer Maxwell home.

"Uncle Billy" Smith carried mail by horseback from Southport now Kenosha, to Milwaukee over the Green Bay Trail in the early days.  The first Somers post master was Lute Carpenter who carried the mail from Kenosha and kept the post office in his home, now the home of Mrs. Edmund Fink on the Somers Road (Highway E). His salary was $12 per year.

After a time a group of farmers moved an old building that had been started for a grist mill, nearer to the highway and Lute Carpenter moved the post office into it.  After Abram T. Bishop began to carry the mail and as the volume had increased, the salary was raised to $20 per year.  In the winter, because the building was too cold, the post office was moved into John Smith's blacksmith shop.  Later Abram T. Bishop moved it into his wood house.  When Mr. Bishop added a room onto his home, the office was moved again.  Two men carried it.

In 1870 the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad was built through the village of Somers and Mr. Bishop moved to the village where he established a grocery store, taking the post office too.  Mr. Bishop was postmaster from 1868 to 1885.  He was followed by Lavayette Cook in 1885; Ward E. Bain, 1889; George Biehn, 1893, N.E. Thompson, 1897; Mrs. Bullamore 1929 to 1944; Mrs. Eunice Bullamore, the past year and a half.

George Hamilton, a Spanish-American War Veteran, carried mail over Rural Route 1, Somers, from 1904 to 1934 when the route was discontinued.

(Source:  Racine Journal Times October 1, 1945)

Music in Somers

Music in Somers
Somers, from its start and early development, has taken and held a prominent place in the music field.
Perhaps many of us residing in Our Town today have almost forgotten those native sons and daughters whose musical talents added much to the artistic world.
Somers' own prima donna, Miss Charille Runals, known as Lily Runals, was born March 14, 1855.  Her early life was lived on the Runals Homestead, known as the Willowbrook farm in Our Town, and attended school at District No. 2, now Hillcrest School.
In early life she developed a sweet soprano voice and following her graduation from the Kenosha High School, she studied voice in Ohio, later going to New York, where she rapidly rose in public favor as a singer and poetic reader, and soon joined the Metropolitan Opera.  She charmed vast audiences with her rendition of her own arrangement of "The Sky Pilot", "Black Rock", and other beautiful stories.  As she sang the beautiful sacred songs and those immortal hymns, she made a lasting impression on her hearers.  Many of the older people of Our Town may recall when this prima donna came home on a visit and gave a concert at the Methodist Church.  Her rendition of "The Holy City" on this occasion has never been forgotten by those who listened.  She sleeps in a cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Florence Spencer Owen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Spencer, who came from the East in the early days, was  a school teacher, a teacher of music and was talented with a sweet soprano voice that thrilled her hearers for years.
The Jordan family was a family of music.  Miss Ann Jordan, a singing school leader, started many young people on a musical career.
John G. Mitchell, a son of a sturdy Scotch family, who came early, was a baritone of renown.  One of his favorite solos was "Rocked In The Cradle of The Deeps."  For years he was leader in the male and mixed quartet's Somers was so proud of.  He was a singing school master and started many of our young people in the music world.
And so on down the decades, our people have added much to the field of music.  The descendants of those pioneers are carrying on in the field of music - Mrs. Mabel Yule Longmore, Jay W. Rhodes, Mrs. Mabelle Cook Rhodes, Mrs. Eunice Bradley Bullamore, Mrs. Elizabeth Flett Felton."
(Source:  Photo of Lily Runals and information above, My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne.  Copyright 1948 - Minnie A.G. Ozanne.  All Rights Reserved.)

(Source: Photo of Lily Runals and information above, My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948 - Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Somers Band Stand - Mitchell Park
Our first park was in the Village of Somers, and for many years band concerts and social activities were enjoyed at "The Mitchell Park" where a fine band stand was built.  The Third Somers Brass Band, under the direction of John G. Mitchell, and these musicians, Fred W. Leet, Adam Lytle, Robert and Burdette Burgess, Elmer Cooper, Sherman Gibbon, Anton Nelson, William Munroe, Maurace Gould, Delbert Bishop, and Ray Mitchell, the drummer boy, offered many fine entertainments.
Ray Mitchell later became leader of an Illinois State Military Band.  A story of the first and second bands organized in Somers is not available.

(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948 - Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Baseball-Somers Cardinals Softball

Somers Cards Softball Team
Top Row L to R: R. Thomas; J. Schacht; B. Covelli; F. Molinaro; V. Thomas, Manager; E. Larsen, Bus. Mgr.
2nd Row L to R:  J. Birchell; G. Frederick; W. Alstead; E. Lobacz; B. Mochrke; J. Rosko
Front Row L to R: E. Meier; N. Thompson, Capt.; V. Woltersdorf; G. Georno
(Source:  Photo courtesy of the Robert Thomas Family)
Click on photo to see larger.  

Somers Cardinals Softball Team
State Fair 1935
"The first woman from the left is unknown (possibly Vi Smith), second is Lucille Bullamore (Swartz in two years), then Ruth Thompson (Bishop most of her life).  Two unknowns and then Marge (Mrs. Unk) Larson.  Then, second from right is Gerda Iorns and the lady on the end is unknown.  The woman in the middle is unknown.
First man on the left is Bob Lotz, the man seated is Vern Iorns, then Norbert Lichter, then Ernest "Unk" Larson."
(Source: Photo courtesy of Robert Swartz. Caption courtesy of Robert Swartz and Paula Thomas)

Somers Cardinal Softball Team
Date of photo and date and source of news clipping unknown

Norb Lichter and Glenn Swartz
Somers Cardinals Softball
(Source: Photo courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

Somers Cardinals about 1935, labeled.
Click on photo to enlarge.
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

Somers Cardinals - estimate late 1940's
See image below noting handwritten notes identifying players.  This was written on the back of this photo.
Click on photo to enlarge.
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

Handwritten notes identifying players in photo above.
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz.  Copyright February 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

(Source: New clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz.  January 2012.)
Click on article for larger view.

(Source: News clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz. January 2012.)
Click on article for larger view.

(Source: News clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz. January 2012.)
Click on article for larger view.

Glen Swartz
Somers Cardinals
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

State Fair 1937
Binnie, Sophie, Buzzie, Agnes, Lightening
(Source: Photo courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

Somers Cards news, undated.
(Source: News clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz)
Click on new clipping for larger view.

1939 Cards Beat Waukegan Steels
new clipping, not dated
(Source: News clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz)
Click on clipping for larger view.

1938 State Fiar Champs
(Source: New clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz)
Click on photo for larger view.

Presentation of Cup, 1938
(Source: New clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz)
Click of photo for larger view.

Mary Ellen Thompson, Ruth (Thompson) Bishop, Sophie Jensen, Gerde Irons, Marjorie Larson (wife of Unk), Ethel (girlfriend of Bud Birchel) , Sis Lichter (wife of Norb), Agnes Hughes
(Source: Photo courtesy of Robert Swartz.)

News clip June 12, 1939
(Source: New clip courtesy of Robert Swartz)
Click  on article for larger view.

Somers Cards news clipping May 26, 1938
(Source: News clipping courtesy of Robert Swartz)
Clip on article for larger view.

School Hillcrest

Hillcrest State Graded School, District No. 2, Town of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Circa 1954
(Photo of plate owned by Joe Fonk, photographed by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

The above text was printed on back of the Hillcrest plate above.
Circa 1954
Hillcrest State Graded School, District No. 2, Town of Somers, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
(Photo of plate owned by Joe Fonk, photographed by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson)

1913-1914 School year class picture of Hillcrest Graded School, Town of Somers, Wisconsin
See student identification below.
(Photo courtesy of Joe Fonk)

Student Identification Key
1913-1914 School year class picture of Hillcrest Graded School, Town of Somers, Wisconsin
See student identification below.
(Photo courtesy of Joe Fonk)

Student names for
1913-1914 School year class picture of Hillcrest Graded School, Town of Somers, Wisconsin
See student identification above.
(Photo courtesy of Joe Fonk)

School District No. 2 - Hillcrest School
The story of School District No. 2, now Hillcrest State Graded, is full of interest from its organization in the early Forties (1840's).
In 1841, the first building was located about a mile east of the present site on the (then) Ira Newman farm, and was a rude log structure. The foundation stones are still there.
The quarter acre of land in Section 26, T. 2N., R22 E. on which this log schoolhouse was built, was to be used for school purposes without charge, or rent, so long as it should be occupied for the purpose of a District School.
The first school was known as the Ridge School, and the first Board of Trustees was: Cephus Weed, Treasurer; Jonathan H. Talcott, and Jonathan Pierce.
In 1852 a roll was called for the building of a new schoolhouse, and $360 was voted for this purpose. The site chosen was the present one, now Hillcrest. Among items of special interest in the Treasurer's book, are: "April 2, 1842-cash paid for recording school lot deed, 51 cents; paid for cleaning schoolhouse-25 cents."
During the Civil War, the undersigned agreed to pay the Treasurer of School District No. 2, the sum set opposite their respective names, for the purpose of keeping a school, to be taught by Robert Graham, during the summer of 1862. Leonard Lee $5, Thomas Hunt $3, S.B. Clapp $3, Ira Newman $1, A. Northway $1, J.C. Stover $1, James Talcott $1, E. Pennoyer $2, Burton Curtiss $1, Thomas Jordan $2, Eli G. Runals $3 and James A. Newman $2.
Robert Graham also served as Township Superintendent of Schools and later became State Superintendent of Schools.
Among the early students of District No. 2 was William Fisher, who, for many years, was one of Kenosha's most prominent merchants; also Lucius Lee, who, after finishing for the ministry, was sent to Turkey, where he did mission work for 30 years; the Jordan family, Thomas, Henrty, George, John, Ann and Maria; the Barnes family, V. and Phillip, prominent attorneys, William and Carrie, teachers; Miss Lily Runals, an accomplished musician and opera singer, who later joined the Metropolitan in New York; the Rogers family, William, Thomas, James and Elizabeth.
Some few years ago the one-room building made way for a modernized two-room red brick, with a recent primary building added, where more than 120 pupils are schooled, under the tutorship of three teachers, ow the Hillcrest State Graded.
(Source:  My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne, Copyright 1848 Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)


Buy 40 Acres For New School
"Hillcrest State Graded School has purchased 40 acres of land from Joseph Heimes for the new school building.  Construction will begin in early spring.  Plans call for a six classroom building, to replace the present over-crowded school.  Approximately 140 pupils attend classes in two main floor rooms and two basement class rooms.
(Source:  Racine Journal January 11, 1954)

New Hillcrest School
"An estimated 700 persons attended dedication ceremonies Sunday at Hillcrest State Graded School.  Participating in the program at the newly-constructed building were: Wayne Wornick, Rev. Robert Mueller, Somers Congregational Church; Frank Newman, Mrs. Martha Cummings, principal.
Speakers included  Miss Leona Fischer, elementary school supervisor from the Department of Public Instruction, Madison; Miss Margaret Diehl, Kenosha County Superintendent of Schools; Jay W. Rhodes, Chairman of the Town of Somers.
Musical selections were by the Washington Junior High School chorus.
The new school building was opened to classes on January 17, with attendance of 160 students.  Five teachers employed are:  Mrs. Martha Cummings, principal. Carol Poynter, Gail Gillmore, Colene Westmoreland, and Mary LeVall."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 8, 1955)

Pike River School

School District No. 7 - Pike River School

Between the years of 1836 and November 30, 1846 there is no record of School No. 7. It was on November 30, 1846 that the Commissioners of Common Schools in the Town of Pike, later Somers, met at the home of James Lynch, at the request of Jonas W. Rhodes, Alvin Strong, and others, for the formation of a new school district. This district thus formed, was four miles long, one and one-half miles wide. It has been changed many times, and in 1860 became a joint district with Mt. Pleasant, Racine County. In April, 1847 a meeting was called and officers appointed: Clerk, S.E. Hurlbut; Trustees, H. Longwell, Jonas W. Rhodes, A. Strong, Collector, J. Longwell; Treasurer, J.P. Hurlbut.

On October 25, a tax of $150 was levied for the purpose of erecting a school house, and the Trustees were authorized to choose a site. November 15, same year, an adjourned meeting was held to raise $200, and the site was to be on the "west side of the bluff". In September, 1848 the size and construction of the building was considered and decided to have it 20x25 feet, and that it be underpinned in a workmanship manner according to the direction of the Trustees.

That winter it was decided to have school if a suitable place could be found, and $40 was raised for the purpose of painting and buying a stove, a broom, and a pail.

At the first annual meeting held in the new school building in 1849, a vote was made to raise $30, to pay a teacher the coming winter for at least three months. However, five months of school were held, with an enrollment of sixteen scholars, and wages were paid E. Hannon, five dollars per month. The school grounds were six rods square, and are just as scenic today, as then.

The annual meeting October 8, 1850 voted to begin school in two weeks, and continued four months, and also contracted for six cords of seasoned body oak at $1.12 an 1/2 per cord.
The annual meeting October 6, 1857 voted six months school, the clerk being instructed to procure a female teacher. Miss Emily English was paid $11 per month, and eight scholars attended.
In 1852 the Treasurer reported the annual budge of $80.07 with indebtedness of $4.07. During that year there were two teachers; Miss Lucy French taught four months, at two dollars per week, and Caroline DeLong for three months, at $1.62-1/2 per week -- 19 scholars.

In 1858 additional land was bought to make the grounds contain one acre, and the three-year term of board members was inaugurated.  The library was kept in the various homes until 1886, when it was placed in the schoolhouse.
(Source: My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne, Copyright 1848 Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)


Pike River School in the News
"The Pike River School PTA will hold a card party at the schoolhouse Friday night, November 20, 1942."
(Source:  Racine Journal November 19, 1942)



Pike River School Class 1961-1962

Pike River School, Somers, Wisconsin
Class 1961-1962
Click on photo for larger view.
(Photo courtesy of Kurt Jorgensen, May 2018)


Right to left back row:Todd Ingerwell, Don Jensen, Steve Parker, Warren Smith, Jeff Parker, ??, Pamela Ingerwell, ??, Gary Jensen
Next row down: Mary Smith (Teacher), Paulette LaPorte, Kurt Jorgensen, Steve Bullamore, Tony Predney, Mike Parker, Pamela Divade, Janette Jackson, Linda Inee, Barbra Bullamore
Next row down: Ron Wingarden, Christa Heide, Bruce Parker, Peter Divade, ??, ??, ??, Mark Jensen
Front row: Kathy Predney, ??

Somers Mutual Fire Insurance

"1905 Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company's Annual Meeting"
The Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company held their annual business meeting at the Town Hall last Tuesday.

The following officials were elected for the ensuing year:
President - W.J. Rhodes
Secretary - I.T. Bishop
Treasurer - G.F. Jordan

The following Directors were elected for three years:
W. J. Rhodes
G.F. Jordan and Herman Boelter

During the past year, 100 policies were written, making a total of 356 policies now in force; $204,830 the amount written; $171,432 expired and cancelled; $1,910.39 is the average amount of policies written; $239.45 amount paid for loss during the past year.  The Company is free from debt."
(Source:  Racine Journal, January 13, 1905)

1914 Annual Meeting
"The annual meeting of Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company was held at the town hall on Tuesday.  The following trustees were elected for a term of three years.  Henry Lytle, Nicholas Lichter and Herman J. Boelter.  The following trustees elected to fill vacancies, Jacob J. Barrows and William F. Bose, Sr.
The Board of Trustees now comprises Isaac T. Bishop, James E. Spencer, Jacob J. Barrows, William F. Bose, Sr., Lawrence E. Ozanne, Nicholas Thomas, Henry Lytle, Nicholas Lichter, and Herman J. Boelter.
The following officers were elected:
President - James E. Spencer
Secretary - Isaac T. Bishop
Treasurer - Henry Lytle

Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized September 12, 1873, and has insured since that time $6,711.945.  The amount of policies written during the year of 1913, $263,060.
Amount in force on December 31, 1913, $935,050.
Since its organization the company has paid out for losses $25,572.04.
During the year 1913 the company has paid out for losses $3,835.75.
The number of policies in force at present time 365.
The average amount per policy has increased from $1,831.72 in 1902, to $12,561.78 in 1913."
(Source:  Racine Journal January 9, 1914)