Yunk

George H. Yunk
George Henry Yunk, 74, died at St. Catherine's Hospital Sunday afternoon following a long illness.
Born in Somers, Wisconsin on June 23, 1900, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Yunk.  Mr. Yunk farmed in Somers Township until retiring five years ago.

He was a member of Somers Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include two brothers, Marvin A. Yunk, Elcho, Wisconsin; and Leslie f. Yunk, Somers; and a sister, Mrs. Merle (Lila) Maurer, Racine.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. Lucy Glasman.  Union Grove Cemetery.
(Source:  Racine Journal June 8, 1975)

The Yunk farm was located on Highway E (Somers Road) between Highway 31 and Highway EA near the railroad tracks.

U.S. Census Information
John Yunk was born in 1871 in St. Jacoby, Holland
He died in Racine May, 1940
Immigrated 1873
Spouse:  Charlotte "Lottie" Jane Lee (1874-1955)
John and Charlotte were married April 11, 1899

Children of John and Lottie Yunk
Lucy Alice (1902-1971)
Marvin Alvin (1905-1982)
Lila Mildred, born 1908
Leslie Fred, born 1911

Tabbert

Edward Tabbert
Edward E. Tabbert, 84, died at Memorial Hospital Saturday night following a short illness.  He was born in Racine on December 26, 1891, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herman Tabbert, and attended school in Somers Township.
On August 11, 1915, he married Eleanor J. Gardinier who died on March 20, 1964.  Mr. Tabbert was a carpenter and also operated a radio and television repair shop before his retirement in 1962.
He was a member of the Somers United Church of Christ, the Modern Woodmen, the Somers Volunteer Firemen Retirees, and the Senior Citizens.
Survivors are a son, Donald E., and a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Jane) Bohm, both of Somers; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and a brother, George A., Springstead, Wisconsin.  He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
(Source:  Racine Journal May 29, 1976)

Mrs. Edward Tabbert
Mrs. Edward Tabbert, 77, a lifelong resident of Somers, died at her home this morning following a long illness.
She was born Lillian Gardinier in Somers on June 6, 1886, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Gardinier, Sr.  She attended Wood Road School.
On August 11, 1915, she married Edward J. Tabbert.  She was a member of the Somers United Congregational Church, the Pilgrim's Daughters of the Church, and of the Royal Neighbors of America.
Survivors are her husband; one son, Donald E. Tabbert, and one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Jane) Bohm, both of Somers; six grandchildren; four brothers, Samuel Gardinier, Little Prairie, Wisconsin and Ellsworth J., Jr., Irving, and Thomas, all of Somers, and three sisters, Mrs. Tina Dorey and Mrs. Frank (Lillian) Ehmke, both of Kenosha, and Mrs. Peter (Myrtle) Lauer, Somers.  She was preceded in death by one sister, Miss Joan Gardinier.
(Source:  Racine Journal March 20, 1964)

Partial 1899 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
H. Tabbert parcel of 57.66 acres (located on Highway E or Somers Road, east of Highway 31 on south side of road

The family of Herman and Theresa Tabbert.  Circa 1940
Seated on the left, Otto; Theresa Tabbert; Ted seated on the right
Standing in the back left, Ernie; center is Edward; and right is George
(Source: Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Herman Tabbert
1900 U.S. Federal Census (Home in Somers)
Head of Household:  Herman Tabbert, born in Germany
Spouse:  Tracy, born in Germany April 1860
Marriage:  1885
Immigration Year:  1871
Children:
Otto, born November 1885
Theodore, born August 1889
Edward, born December 1891
Ernest, born January 1899

George Tabbert
(Source: Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Ernie and Theresa (mother) Tabbert (widow of Herman)
(Source: Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Herman Tabbert Obituary
HERO OF MANY WARS
Herman Tabbert, Who Served Ten years In the Army of Germany, Died at His Home Tuesday
REMARKABLY PRESERVED MAN
Herman Tabbert, a man widely known among the Germans of the County on account of his long service in the German Army, died suddenly at his home in the Town of Somers, five miles northwest of Kenosha on Tuesday evening.  Death resulted from pneumonia.  The deceased had been ill but a short time.  He had been ailing on Monday but he remained at work on the farm.  Tuesday morning he was forced to go to bed and he sank rapidly until the end came.
The deceased was 68 years of age.  He was born in Germany, January 21, 1839 and when he reached his majority he enlisted in the Army of the Kaiser.  The next ten years of his life was given to fighting the battles of the Fatherland.  His first service was in the War between Denmark and Germany in 1863-1864 (Denmark-German War 1864)  and after this contest had been settled he marched with the German Army in the Austrian-Prussian War (Austrian-Prussian War).  He finished up his service as a soldier by fighting in the Franco-Prussian War (Franco-Prussian War).  After the close of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Tabbert resigned from the Army and was officially thanked by the Kaiser for the service he had rendered his native land.  He came at once to this country and after residing for a time near Madison, he came to the Town of Somers.
The deceased was famous on account of the way he had preserved his youthful appearance.  While nearly three score and ten when he died he appeared to be a man under forty years of age.  It was his boast that, notwithstanding the strenuous life he had led in peace and war, he had no gray hairs on his head and his face showed no signs of wrinkles.
Tabbert is survived by a widow, and seven children.  The funeral will be held from the late residence on Friday and interment will be at the family plot at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers, Wisconsin
(Source:  Kenosha News, March 13, 1907)

Herman Tabbert
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source:  Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin by Larry & Linda Kopet)

Theresa Tabbert
(Born April 17, 1860 in Germany.  Date of death March 10, 1957.  Theresa is the daughter of Augustin Ackermann.)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsinby Larry & Linda Kopet)

SSGT. Theodore Tabbert.  Final rank of Col.
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

SSGT. Theodore Tabbert. Final rank of Col.
(Source: Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Theodore and Ethel Tabbert
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin by Larry & Linda Kopet)

Edward Tabbert
(Source: Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Edward and Elenor Tabbert
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin by Larry & Linda Kopet)

Somers, Wisconsin Volunteer Fire Department
Click on image to enlarge.

Men on Left Fire Truck:  Standing behind the left headlamp is Ed Wade, to his right is Archie Bush, Jim Nueloff, and Bob Thomas sitting in the driver seat.  Standing with the light suit is Pete Lauer, Wendy Rhodes and Mac McNeil.  The man behind the first aid box is Fred Helding and behind him in the dark suit is Roger Prange.

Men on the Right Fire Truck: In front of the truck is Ernie Tabbert.  Seated on the lieft is George Yunk and in the driver seat is Ed Tabbert.  The man with the helmet is Fritz Heide and to his right is Ed Tabbert.  The men standing are from the left, Ed Prange, Ted Tabbert, George Tabbert, Louie Wilcox, and Franklin Thom.
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert)

Original news clipping courtesy of Ernest "Bunkie" Tabbert
Man comforting Fritz Heide on stretcher is Glenn Swartz.
Click on new article for larger view
(Source: Kenosha News, March 29, 1949)

Tank Vehicle Tips Racing to Big Grass Fire
Two Somers Township volunteer firemen were killed and two others injured yesterday afternoon when a 1,000 gallon tank truck overturned going to a grass fire.
The injured men were Fritz Heide, 50, Rt. 4, Hughes Rd., the driver, and George Yunk, 48, Rt. 4, Box 570.  Heide suffered internal injuries and Yunk received injuries to his head and right shoulder.  Attendants at St. Catherine's Hospital reported their condition as "fair" this morning.
Coroner Jay B. Glerum said Tabbert and Friedrich were riding on the back end of the truck when it left the station house in Somers village.  The tanker failed to make a left turn at the intersection of County Trunk E and the Wood Road, skidded on loose gravel and overturned in the east ditch.  County Trunk E dead-ends at the Wood Road.
Glerum said a sudden shift of the water load could have caused the truck to tip.
Tabbert was killed instantly when he was trapped beneath the water tank.  Friedrich was also pinned by the truck but was freed by sheriff's deputies and taken unconscious to St. Catherine's Hospital.  He died several hours later at 5:30 p.m.
The sheriff's department received a report of a large grass fire at the Wood Road, and the Corbett Road at 2:15 p.m.  Five minutes later William Thompson, a resident a quarter of a mile from the intersection telephoned that he had heard a crash and thought the fire truck turned over.
Deputies James Marshall and Leland Chartier, driving to the fire, arrived on the crash scene within two minutes.  Chartier transported Friedrich and Yunk to St. Catherine's Hospital.  Heide was taken to the hospital a short time later in another ambulance.  The sheriff's officers were assisted by City Policemen Dominic Mattioli and Jospeh Voleska.
The Somers volunteer fire department operates a pump truck and a tank truck to carry a water supply.  In answering the alarm yesterday, the pump truck took a different route than the tanker, and firemen on the pumper did not learn of the tragic accident until they returned from the fire.
Tabbert was born in Racine, August 9, 1889, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Tabbert.  He attended the Winslow School in Racine and the Washington Grade School in Somers and during his early years he farmed on the Tabbert homestead in Somers Township.
A colorful military career was followed by Tabbert after he joined the U.S. Army on July 21, 1913.  He was commissioned a first lieutenant and served overseas with Troop K, 14th Cavalry, 341 Field Artillery during World War I.  He was wounded twice and after the war was discharged from service June 25, 1919.
Upon his return to Somers, Tabbert was employed at the Somers Post Office and later worked as a carpenter.  He rejoined the armed forces on October 29, 1940, and was commissioned a colonel.  He fought in the Balles of Naples-Foggia and Rome-Arno during his two and a half years overseas.  He was wounded in fighting at Naples and received the purple Heart.  He was discharged on August 20, 1946.
Tabbert married Miss Ethel Helding on December 25, 1917.  The couple have one son, Evan T. Tabbert, a student at Oregon State College, and one daughter, Mrs. Elmer R. Yates, of Urbana, Illinois.  He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 47, F. & A.M., the Acacia Club and the Army Officers Reserve.
Also surviving are his mother, Mrs. Theresa Tabbert, Somers; five brothers, Otto of Milwaukee, and Herman, Edward, Ernest and George, all of Somers.  One sister, Mrs. Selma Retert, preceded him in death.

Friedrich was born in Kenosha on March 25, 1918, and received his early education at the Burr Oak School in Somers and the Friedens Evangelical Lutheran School.
He was employed at the Nash-Kelvinator Company for a time and later operated a garage in the village of Somers.
On April 20, 1940, Friedrich married Miss LaVerne Rose Huck.  He was a member of United Auto Workers Local No. 72 and the Ke-Nash-A Club.
Surviving besides his wife are one son, Allen Herbert, and three daughters, Lois Dorothy, Donna LaVerne and Karen Rose, all of school age and younger.  Also surviving are his mother, Mrs. Caroline Kuehn of Racine and two sisters, Mrs. William Z. Dassler and Mrs. Herman J. Hess, both of Racine.  His father and one sister, Mrs. Virginia Pofahl, preceded him in death.
Friedrich served with the Army Air Corps during World War II.
(Source:  Kenosha News, March 29, 1949)

Photo of Somers Fire Department Tanker Crash, March 1949
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Robert Swartz.  Received July 2012)

Tabbert's "In the News"
The Altar: Gardiner - Tabbert
"A pretty home wedding took place Wednesday, August 11, 1915, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Gardiner, in the Town of Somers, Wisconsin when their daughter, Eleanor, was united in marriage to Edward Tabbert, son of Mrs. Theresa Tabbert.
The parlors of the home were handsomely decorated in green and white. It was exactly 4 o'clock when Miss Grace Harcus, cousin of the bride, struck up Mendelsohn's wedding march on the piano. The bridal party came down the stairway, following the Rev. C.F. Geiger of the Somers Presbyterian Church and took their positions under a large white wedding bell composed of flowers and smilax. 85 invited guests attended.
The bride's dress was a beautiful creation of white silk voile and she carried a shower bouquet of daisies. Miss Myrtle Gardiner, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and the groom's brother was best man. Miss Irene Yance of Kenosha, cousin of the bride, was bridesmaid and Ernest Tabbert and Irving Gardiner groomsman. A wedding supper was served in the dining room, which was also decorated in green and white.
Mr. and Mrs. Tabbert, after a short wedding trip, will make Somers their home upon their return."
(Source: Racine Journal August 18, 1915)


Military Wedding at Our Savior's Church
"A military wedding was solemnized at Our Savior's Church, corner of 12th and Racine Streets, at 3 o'clock on the afternoon of Christmas Day, when Miss Ethel Helding, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.F. Helding, 1609 Morton Avenue, and Lieut. Theodore Tabbert, of Camp Funston, Kan., son of Mrs. Theresa Tabbert, of Somers, Wisconsin were united in marriage by the Rev. N.J. Bing.
A large American flag was draped over the altar, and other American flags, together with palms and flowers, formed the decoration of the church. Only the immediate relatives and friends were present.
The wedding march from Lohengrin was played by Miss Elsie Peterson as the bridal party entered. The bride, attired in white voile, with lace over drapes and a bridal veil, and carrying a shower bouquet of bridal roses and sweet peas, was attended by her sister, Miss Lillian Helding, as maid of honor. The gown worn by Miss Helding was of white with lace trimmings, and her corsage bouquet was of pink roses and sweet peas. Edward Tabbert, brother of the groom, was the groomsman, and the ushers were William Petersen and Nels Petersen.
Following the reception which was held after the service, at the home of the bride's parents, a supper of twenty-five was served. Immediately after the reception, the young couple left for Madison. They will be gone for several days, and will then make their home in Junction City, Kan. The groom is a first lieutenant with the U.S. Field Artillery.
Harold Helding, brother of the bride, has been at Camp Custer and was to have attended the wedding. His recent transfer to New Jersey made it impossible for him to be here. Another brother, Chris Helding, was also unable to attend. He recently enlisted in the Quartermaster's Corps at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., and has just left for unknown parts.
Out of town guests at the wedding were: Mrs. Theresa Tabbert of Somers, Wisconsin, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Tabbert and children of Chicago, George Tabbert, Mrs. and Mrs. Edward Tabbert, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Gardiner, Mrs. and Mrs. P.H. Anderson and Mr. and Mrs. N.E. Thompson, all of Somers, Wisconsin."
(Source: Racine Journal, December 26, 1971)

"Mrs. Herman Tabbert has received two newspapers, with the A.E.F. from a cousin in oversea service that are full of interest. Extracts from a couple of letters received by Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rasmussen, from their son, Cook Axel Rasmussen of the 340th Company:
Somewhere in France, August 28 and 30, 1918,
Dear Parents and Brother:
Many thanks for your letters and card received, also for money order. Do not need money so long as we get plenty to eat and drink. We also get tobacco and matches. The government issues us Bull Durham every two days. Say, but this is a fine country, we have our camp in a pretty little village. Some men are sleeping in barns. Our stores are set up under some large chestnut trees. This is the life. I'll soon be as brown as an Indian. The evenings here are lively so we can see till nine o'clock. I saw Soren Sorensen yesterday while on a hike. It is nothing for us to hike ten to twelve miles with full pack. When you write tell me all about the war as we are so far away from it that we do not know what is going on. I like this country. Farmers are stocking their grain - fine stocks. Saw several McCormick grain binders. Have just come from taking a bath. We walked about two miles to a creek - 70 men of us - and washed our clothes and hung them on the fences. We are getting quite expert in this line. When we came back to the dear old "Journal-News" was waiting for me, though a month old it was full of news for me and the other Racine boys. Am busy cooking and drilling gravel and lime stone are found to depth of ten feet. A great deal of alfalfa is raised but main crop is grapes. Just think I have soon been in service one year - the year has gone fast and I am proud to be with the boys. The best education a man can get. Give regards to all my friends. Axel Rasmussen."
(Source: Racine Journal September 27, 1918)

"A little daughter was born to Lieut. and Mrs. Theodore Tabbert on Saturday, November 30th in Racine. Lieut. Tabbert of the 34th Field Artillery, 89 Div., is overseas."
(Source: Racine Journal December 7, 1918)

"Herman Tabbert has sold his property in the village to Mr. Montague of the Burlington Road. It is rumoured that Matt Uhlman has purchased the Montague farm on the Burlington Road."
(Source: Racine Journal December 11, 1916)

"Theodore Tabbert, son of Mrs. Theresa Tabbert, was recently appointed First Lieut. in the U.S. Army and is now training at the officer's training school at Fort McIntosh, Texas."
(Source: Racine Journal May 26, 1917)

"Ernest Tabbert left with Troop E, Wisconsin First Cavalry for Camp Douglas on Monday."
(Source: Racine Journal July 25, 1917)

"Lieut. Theodore Tabbert has returned home from overseas. He has been in army service for several years. Mrs. Theresa Tabbert entertained at a family gathering in honor of the return home of her two sons, Theodore and Ernest Tabbert."
(Source: Racine Journal June 9, 1919)

"Theodore Tabbert, who has been in Chicago for some time, has returned home and will work with William Lauer at the carpenter trade for the summer."
(Source: Racine Journal April 30, 1912)

"Edward Tabbert, wireless operator on The Indiana, spent Sunday with his mother."
(Source: Racine Journal October 9, 1912)

"Theodore Tabbert has been appointed Sergeant in the U.S. Army is now stationed at Fort McIntyre, Texas. Edward Tabbert, one of Somers most prominent young men, is now on his way to England as wireless operator on board of the of the large ocean liners."
(Source: Racine Journal December 23, 1914)

"Herman Tabbert is doing some painting in No. 7 school house this week."
(Source: Racine Journal December 26, 1912)

"Edward Tabbert, one of our Somers boys is now located near the Mexican border as wireless operator on board a large steamer. He spent several weeks at Panama recently."
(Source: Racine Journal, December 4, 1913)

"Mr. Herman Tabbert fell from the loft in the barn Saturday and was severely bruised. Dr. Almfelt is attending."
(Source: Racine Weekly December 28, 1906)
"Mr. Herman Tabbert is doing the painting on the Presbyterian Church."
(Source: Racine Daily April 16, 1907)

"O.C. Tabbert of Wadsworth is spending his vacation home."
(Source: Racine Daily, August 8, 1905)

"Our local paper hanger and painter, Herman Tabbert, has been working this spring on the new home of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Jensen. Mr. Tabbert has the latest samples and from now on will be ready to give prompt service."
(Source: Racine Journal, March 10, 1908)

"Mrs. Myron A. Gould spent Thursday with her daughter, Mrs. Otto Tabbert, at Franksville."
(Source: Racine Daily February 15, 1910)

"Otto Tabbert who holds a responsible position with the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway company in Chicago spent Sunday with his mother."
(Source: Racine Journal April 13, 1909)

"Miss Gladys Gould, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myron A. Gould, and Mr. Otto Tabbert were united in marriage at a Congregation Church in Chicago Wednesday, November 10. Mr. and Mrs. Tabbert will reside in Chicago."
(Source: Racine Daily November 16, 1909)

"Theodore Tabbert has accepted a position as fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad. Edward Tabbert has accepted a position as signal man of the St. Railway. "
(Source: Racine Daily September 7, 1910)

"The Presbyterian parsonage is being improved by a coat of paint. Ed Tabbert is doing the work."
(Source: Racine Journal September 28, 1909)

"Tabbert brothers are painting Chris Rasmussen's buildings."
(Source: Racine Journal June 23, 1908)

"Mr. Otto Tabbert, an operator in the Union Depot, Chicago, spent Sunday with friends in Somers."
(Source: Racine Daily June 9, 1908)

"Jacob Biehn's new house is receiving its final coat of paint. Herman Tabbert is doing the work."
(Source: Racine Daily June 12, 1907)

"Mrs. Tabbert is building a new house in the village."
(Source: Racine Daily August 2, 1910)

"Otto Tabbert, who has been a telegraph operator at Somers for some years has accepted a position in the general manager's office in Chicago."
(Source: Racine Daily May 26, 1908)

"Tabbert-Schori Marriage"
Miss Virginia Tabbert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Tabbert of Milwaukee, and Robert Schori were married Saturday, Sept. 18, 1948 in the Washington Park Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee.
Those from Somers who attended the wedding reception at the Stratford Arms Hotel, were Messrs. and Mmes. Edward E. Tabbert, Kenneth Bohm, Geroge Tabbert, Donald Tabbert, Edwin Pocan, Howard Bowman, and Mrs. Theodore Tabbert.
(Source:  Racine News September 21, 1948)

School History of Somers Township

Establishing Schools
"The establishing of our public schools in the Township of Somers (formerly called Pike) began more than a century ago, as the first school was kept in the winter of 1836, in the Longwell house (still standing), on the old Indian Trail, later the Green Bay Road, and was taught by Miss Brozee.  From this humble beginning, developed our present beautiful modernized state graded, and rural schools.


(Source:  My Memoirs by Minnie A.G. Ozanne, Copyright 1848 Minnie A.G. Ozanne.  All Rights Reserved.)

Somers Township has (1948) five State Graded Schools and three modernized one-room schools, employing 16 teachers for approximately 412 students.  The majority of students of our schools follow on into higher fields of learning.

School District #1 and Washington School
Organized in the early 1840's, School District #1 has been most prominent as an educational center in Our Town.  The first building was erected on the Green Bay Trail, where it stood until 1886, when a new site was purchased one-half  a mile west on the Somers highway.  Of this first school but little history is available, still we know that out from its doors came many of Our Town's professional men and women.  Among them were:  Rev. James Buswell, Congregational Minister; Rev. Moses Buswell, Jr. Baptist Minister; Ezra Buswell, Leader and Teacher in the Christian Science faith; Miss Belle Spence, teacher for many years, later becoming City Missionary of Chicago.  Among others who became prominent teachers were Mrs. Mary Spence Booth, William and George Spence.  Isaac T. Bishop, an early student, served as State Senator for some years.
This building was in use until 1925 (when it was sold to John Yunk and is a dwelling for his son's family), when a two-room State Graded School was erected on this site, which became known as the Washington State Graded School.  Two teachers are employed.
Note:  Moses Buswell was Clerk of District No. 1 for many years."
(Source: My Memoirs, by Minnie A.G. Ozanne. Copyright 1948--Minnie A.G. Ozanne. All Rights Reserved.)

Schools of Somers Township
"Schools of Somers Township were among the first to be established in Kenosha County.  The township now has five state graded schools and three modernized one-room rural schools.  Three of the units are joint districts - Hannan and Stephenson with Pleasant Prairie, and No. 14 Garfield-Columbia, at Kellogg's Corners, occupied jointly with Paris, Mt. Pleasant, and Yorkville.

Burr Oak School, District No. 5, was organized November 14, 1845, the first building being erected some time later in a grove on what is now the Thomas Birchell farm.  This building was sold about 65 years ago and moved to the Albert Hughes farm, where it is still in use as a granary and tool shed.  In the fall of 1869 a new site was selected, and a new building erected.  The building was enlarged in August, 1892.  Within the past year the schoolhouse has been entirely remodeled through the FERA and is now one of the township's modern buildings.  Officers of the district are Ernest Tabbert, director, J.W. Rhodes, treasurer, and John Haigh, clerk.

Records of Pike River School, No. 7, date back to November 30, 1846, when the district was organized.  Modifications and changes have taken place in the district several times.  In 1860 it was made a joint district with Mt. Pleasant.  The first building was completed late in the fall of 1848.  When the new building was constructed in 1905, its predecessor was moved to the L.E. Ozanne farm, where it is still being used as a granary.  The officers of the district at present are Arthur C. Bohm, director, John Klinkhammer, treasurer, and Mrs. L.E. Ozanne, clerk.

The original school at Kellogg's Corners, now the Garfield-Columbia district, was built in 1841.  After a decade of service the school was replaced by a new building, and the first structure converted into a granary on the Daniel Coughlin farm.  The new building stands east of the site of the first Methodist Church in the state of Wisconsin.  Officers of the district include Wiliam E. Tucker, director, Stanley Coughlin, treasurer, and Hardy Helding, clerk.

The growth of the city of Kenosha in recent years has brought about the absorption of one of the school districts formerly existing in Somers Township.  The old Grant School District No. 14 was organized in 1907, drawing from portions of the Berryville, Wood Road, and Hillcrest districts.  The district was in existence until 1924, when the new Grant School was constructed in the City of Kenosha.  The old rural school building, which stood one block north of the MacWhyte Company offices, is now being used as a storehouse by the C.J. Werwie Company.  Although there is no longer any schoolhouse in the district, a school board is still in existence.  This includes John Murray, director, Nick Schackmuth, treasurer, and W. J. Craney, clerk.  All of the officers now live within the city limits and direct the payment of funds for the tuition of the 15 pupils in the district who now attend the new Grant School.  Schackmuth has been treasurer of the district for the past 22 years.

According to W.S. Dearsley, one of the oldest settlers on the Lake Shore Road north of Kenosha, the first school in Berryville District No. 11 was built about 1835.  In 1855 an addition was built.  A new building was constructed in 1872, when 35 pupils were in attendance.  Both buildings occupied sites on the east side of the highway.  The first is being used as a granary on the J.W. Hansche farm, and the second is now part of the home of Emil Julius on the Dearsley Road.  A new two-room brick state graded school was erected in 1923, being enlarged to a four room structure in 1928, when a second story was added.  An auditorium is also provided in the building.  The present school board consists of Axel Mikkelson, director, W.L. Williams, treasurer, and Frank C. Van Thiel, clerk.

One of the five state graded schools in Somers Township is the Wood Road School.  The present modern red brick building was constructed in 1926 on the site purchased for the original school building in early days.  The first school building was sold in 1877 and is still being used on the Joseph Huck farm.  A second building constructed in that year was sold to George P. Thomas in 1927, after the present school was completed.  The board now consists of Harry C. Thompson, director, John F. Swartz, treasurer, and Frank P. Thomas, clerk.  Swartz has been treasurer for the past 23 years.

Prominent as an educational center in Somers Township is the Washington state graded school which has been in existence since the early Forties.  The first building was erected on the Green Bay Trail, where it stood until 1886, when a new site was purchased a mile west on the Somers Road.  The second building erected in that year, served until 1925, when a two-room state graded building was constructed.  The affairs of the district are now supervised by the following board: William Lauer, director, C.D. Christensen, treasurer, and George P. Leet, clerk.

The story of Hillcrest School, district no 2, is more than usual interest.  The site of the first building erected in 1841, about a mile east of the present structure, is still marked by the old foundation stones.  The original building was known as the Ridge School, and the first trustees included some of the best known of Kenosha's pioneers, Cephus Weed, Jonathan H. Talcott, and Jonathan Pierce.  In 1852 the log school house was superseded by a new structure on the present site.  About 10 years ago this one-room building made way for a modern two-room state graded school.  Members of the district board at present are Rudolph Haubrich, director, Harry S. Rogers, treasurer, and Frank Newman, clerk.

It was about 1850 that the first Bullamore Forks School was constructed, to serve the district for about 80 years, when it was moved away to be converted into a dwelling.  The present two-room brick building is thoroughly modern and a great asset to the township's educational facilities.  Roy O. Bullamore, treasurer, Russell Bullamore, director, and Mrs. Elizabeth Umland, clerk, comprise the board.
(Source:  Kenosha News, June 1935 Centennial Edition, Civic and Social section)