During the 1830s, the Rev. J. B. Johnston, pastor of the Miami
Reformed Presbyterian Church in Northwood, began teaching a small
classical school in his study. Friends and relatives, noticing the popularity of his classes, began to suggest the opening of a small
college in the area. Eventually, Geneva Hall was opened in the spring of 1848, partially under the oversight of the Lakes
Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Despite its initial popularity, the school soon failed for lack of money and support. At the end of the
Civil War, Geneva was reopened as a school for
freedmen and soon began to educate whites as well. The community received a post office on November 24, 1868. During the 1870s, its name was changed from Geneva
Hall to Geneva
College, and the college became significant enough that the town's name was changed to "West Geneva". Although the college flourished, it moved to
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1880, largely because of Northwood's lack of a railroad and because of greater financial possibilities there.
Other schools During the Geneva years, Northwood also hosted two other educational institutions. As Geneva was founded as a men's school, Rev. Johnston founded a similar Female Seminary in 1851. Furthermore, the
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary operated in Northwood for a short time. ==Other history==