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Historic Rock Island County; history of the settlement of Rock
sland County from the earliest known period to the present time ...
embracing references of importance, and including a biography of Rock
Island County's well-known citizens. Rock Island, 111. Kramer & Co.,
1908.

230, 184 p., :59: leaves of plates 28 cm. |

Contents: Includes indexes.

Contents: :Part one: Historic Rock Island County. Part two: i
Biographical history of Rock Island County's early settlers and leading |
business men. J

)

L 1 ,

977.339H6292 HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY$ROCK ISLAND 20-16031 ,

1668400 1908 1 ADDED: 781201 i

01 001 NOCIR IHX i

INDEX TO GENERAL HISTORY.

Page

EARLY HISTORY— The Sacs and Foxes—

By William A. Meese 7-51

The Sac and Fox Indians 7

Sac and Fox Treaties 8

Sac and Fox Customs 10

The Homes of the Sacs 10

The Rock River Village 11

Name of the Village 11

Population of the Sacs and Foxes 12

A Revolutionary Battle 12

Black Hawk and Keokuk 13

The Cause of Indian Wars.. 14

Sacs and Foxes of Today 15

First White Explorers. 15

First Flag in the Upper Mississippi Valley-_16

The War of 1812 16

The First Expedition 17

Major Campbell's Expedition 17

The Battle of Campbell's Island 18

Black Hawk Celebrates 20

The Derelict 21

Major Tavlor's Battle. 21

First Settlers 23

Slavery 24

The Settlement of Lands 25

The Beginning of Trouble 25

The Rock Island Petition 26

The Indian Agent Reports 27

Whiskey the Cause 27

The Second Petition 27

Benjamin F. Pike's Affidavit 28

Governor Reynold's Acts 29

Gaines (iocs to Fort Armstrong 33

The Settlers Affidavits 34

The Agent Fears Trouble 35

The Rock River Rangers 36

The Illinois Soldiers 36

General Gaines Makes a Demonstration 37

Prepare to Attack 37

The Burning of Sac Village 38

The Stampede ^ _ _. 38

The Black Hawk War 39

The Turkey Scare 40

Black Hawk Starts 41

General Atkinson Conies to Fort Armstrong. 41-

The Governor's Proclamation 42

A Rock Island Company 43

Other Rock Island Soldiers 43

Roswell H. Spencer 44

James Knefsar ; 44

Page

Reddish, the Tunnels and Eames 44

The Wells Family 44

Captain Seth Pratt's Company 44

Rock Island Settlers in 1832 48

Incidents Concerning Fort Armstrong 48

The Powder Plot 49

The Burning of the Fort 50

Roster at the Fort " _.50

POLITICAL DIVISIONS 51

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 53

Building of the Fort 55

Rock Island Armory and Arsenal 56

Joint Resolutions of the Iowa Legislature-_57

Certificate from the Government Agent 57

General Rodman's Plans 58

TOPOGRAPHY OF ROCK ISLAND COUNTY. 64

Geology 65

Natural Scenic Beauty 67

Coal Measures 68

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 70

Countv Court House 72

The Orations 74

Edward D. Sweeney 74

Charles J. Searle 79

J. M. Gould 82

The Completed New Court House of 1897.. .84

Address of Hon. William J. Jackson 85

Address of C. L. Walker 88

COURT, BENCH AND BAR 90

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY SOLDIERS' MONU-
MENT 92

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION 93

Andalusia Township 110

Andalusia Village 111

Barstow .' 101

Black Hawk Township 103

Bowling Township 107

Buffalo Prairie Township.. 111

Buffalo Prairie 112

Carbon Cliff. Village 101

Canoe Creek Township 96

Coal Vallev Township and Village 106

Coaltown.". . 103

Coe Township 95

Cordova Township 94

Page

Cordova Village, ^^

Driirv Township Jj-

Dnir'v's Landing !^ti

Kdgington Township J"'

Kdgington Village -. J"^

East Moline. Village ^"^

Hampton Township ^=

Hampton. Village ^""

Hillsdale. Village '^°

Illinois City ^^^

josiin ::::io4

Lowell ,f..

Milan Village ^^^

Osborn q-

Port Bvron ^^

Port Bvron. Village ^°

Rural Township }"'

Rapids City. Village J^^

Revnokls. Village J"^

Rock Island. City JJJ'^

Sears. Village „^

Silvis. Village {";

South Moline Township.--- }"-

South Rock Island Township 1U|^

Tippecanoe ,„„

Taylor Ridge. Village ^^^

Zu'ma Township ^

Zuma Center ^^

CITY OF ROCK ISLAND H^

Earlv History— Farnhamsburg and

Stephenson J J'!

Town of Rock Island-- JJ2

Earlv Names of Our Streets --li'

Some Old-Time Merchants and Citizens in ^

1855 and Prior J-"

Colleges :'i„

Banks tli

Building Associations j"'"

Rock Island Mutual Building, Loan and

Savings Association j

Black Hawk Homestead Building, Loan and

Sa\-ings Association 141

BuFORD Block 1^°

Cemeteries 1^.

Fire Department J-^

Ferry .,„~

Hospitals and Homes J^°

Industrial Commission J*-

Industrial Home. 1^^

Library J^^

Manufacturies tfi

Parks J-°

Post Office ^"

Police Department f^^

Public Schools J^"

Rock Island Club }^^

Tri-City Press Club 1^^

Water Works J-'

Young Men's Christian Association --14D

CITY OF MOLIXE_..- -I-IS

^r Events of Early Days 1^9

Business Men's Association 1»«

Cemetery 1?^

Fire Department J^-

Health Department 1?^

Hospital ]f]

Library i^*

Page

Manufactories ]2q

Moline Plow Co 1^^

Moline Wagon Co {".^

Velie Carriage Co J"-

Mutual Wheel Co J^^

Wright Carriage Body Co Jo4

Moline Furniture Works l^J*

Deere & Co J°*

.\rgillo Works --. -■ \^

Moline Club \Ci

Post Office {?"

Public Schools tZ*

Retul Merchants' Association wi^

Tri-City Manufacturers' Association lb/

Water Works J2,

WoMANs' Club of Moline J^J

Y^ouNG Men's Christian Association m

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY 173

First Entries of Land 173

Illinois and Mississippi Canal I'-i

Pioneer Days on the Mississippi

Canal !'•'

Illinois Western Hospital for the

Insane l'-*

Rock Island County Infirmary and

Poor House -,on ,no

Churches of Rock Island leo

Broadwav Presbyterian {©a

Edgewood Baptist Church la^

First Church of Christ (Scientist) la^

First Baptist Church..-- 193

First Methodist Episcopal Church IsU

German Evangelical Lutheran Im-

manuels Congregation 19b

German Evangelical Friedens Con-

oreffiition ~- ^"-^

German Methodist Episcopal Church 189

Hebrew Congregations 191

St. James Catholic Church-.. .-.-- js^

Sf. Pauls (Belgian^ Catholic Church 193

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 193

Spencer Memorial Methodist Church 19U

Trinitv Episcopal Church 18*

United Presbvterian Church ",00107

Churches of Moline 193 19/

Christ Church \l°

First Congregational Church 193

First Baptist Church 1^'*

First Swedish Baptist Church. -. 194

Sacred Heart Belgian Catholic Church 19/

Second Congregational Church 190

Second Methodist Episcopal Church 195

Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church 19-1

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church l.t-l

St. Anthonv's (.Roman Catholic)

Church 194

St. Marv's Catholic Church... 19^

Plvmouth Congregational Church ;o7"9n9

Churches of Townships 900

Andalusia ;t--. Toe

Bethesda. Canoe Creek Township 198

Cordova ,qq

Coe Township }^°

Coal Valley --l^^

Drury Township ^"J

Edgington -"gg

Hampton I59I2OO

Milan

Page

Port Bvron 197-198

Rapids City 198

Zuma -■ 198

Fraternal Organizations 202-212

Fraternal Tribunes 202

B. P. O. of Elks 203

Arsenal Council. Xo. 171' 203

The Turn Verein 203

Fraternal Order of Eagles 204

Modern Woodmen of America 204

Royal Neighbors of America 210

Secret Societies 212-215

Independent Order of Odd Fellows 215

Royal Arcanum 215

Patriotic Societies 215

The Press of Rock Island County 217-225

Argus. The 218

American Law Reporter, The 222

Beobachter am ilississippian, The 224

Commercial, The 220

Chronik Des AVestens 224

Daily Dispatch, Moline 222

Page

Liberty Banner, The 218

Liberty League. The 222

Mail, Moline 223

Northwestern Advertiser, The 218

News, The 220

Neue Volks Zeitung 224

Port Byron Globe. 223

Reynolds Press, The 224

Rock Island Register, The 220

Rock Island L^nion 220

Upper Mississippian. The 218

Weekly Review-Dispatch 222

Additional Publications 225

First Ferries 226

First Hotel 226

First Marriages 227

Old Settlers Association of Rock

Island County 227

Famous Crimes of Rock Island

County 228

Port Byron Academy 230

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS OF GENERAL HISTORY.

Facing
Page

Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane 180

Main Buildings of the Modern Woodmen of

America 204

Port Bvron Academy 230

INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES.

Page

Ainsworth, Harry 20

Ainsworth, Henry A 18

Anderson. O. Frederick 143

Arp. A. H., Doctor 176

Ashdown. Mark 175

Beal, Albert M 167

Bean, William H 140

Beardsley, Ezra M., Colonel 101

Beardsley. James M., Major 99

Beardslev, James M 102

Bernhardi. Carl 150

Bernhardi. Carl O.. M. D 149

Blanding, Virgil ilarion 145

Blunt, Stanhope E., Colonel 11

Boyer, John A., Deacon 47

Bracket t. James 160

Brown. Henry E 163

Browning, John H -.164

ButTum, Almon A 107

Campbell, Thomas 21

Carter, Charles Crawford 147

Casteel, Herbert E 181

Chapman, Harrv Landon,. 175

Chase, Henry Howland, M. D 130

Connelly, Henry Clay, Major 33

Coryn. Edward 106

Covne. Alexander \V 155

Coyne. Edward S 156

Coyne . Francis 156

Covne. James 155

Coyne. William T 155

Coyne. William, Senior 154

Curtis, Henry, Colonel 37

Dade, Myrtle E.. Miss 144

Davenport, Oeorge, Colonel 3

Davis, John Burgess, Captain . 118

Davis, Samuel Sharpe 28

Deere, Charles 177

Deere, John 92

Denkmann, Frederick C, A 69

Dimock, DeWitt Clinton 103

Durham, Charles William, Colonel 97

Page
E

Eastman, William Fisk 82

Eddy, Warner L., M. D 156

Edgington. John 8

Entriken, Walter Judson 172

Eyster, George Longhead, M. D 163

Frick, Henry J 41

Fries, Peter 16

Gardner, F. H.. Doctor 174

Geismar, Morris 61

Gould, J. M., Judge 57

Greenawalt, Presley 108

Gue, George W., Reverend 112

Guyer, Edward Holmes 15

Guyer, Samuel S 159

Hall. Douglas E 161

Harper, Benjamin 85

Hartz, Ben C 20

Hawes, Charles W., Major 90

Hawes. David, Senior 64

Hawes. Frank B 141

Hawes, Marv Fav, Mrs. 139

Hayden, Herbert B 135

Heagv, Samuel 98

Heck^ Josiah G 170

Hemenway, Charles F 87

Hemenway, Luke E 87

HoUingsworth, ilaurice A 169

Hubbard, Henry B 134

Huber, Ignatz 42

Huber, Otto 43

Huntoon. Joseph ,170

Hurst, Elmore W 38

Jackson, William 32

Johnson, George W 171

Johnson, Walter 123

Juhl. Nicholai 132

Junge, Julius 105

Kelly, Frank H 148

Kittilsen, Edward, Colonel 52

Page

Knox, Benjamin Franklin 120

Knox, Charles Bishop 171

Knox, Edwin B 121

Landee, Frank A 94

Larkin, Charles J 133

Leas, J. Silas 63

Liekefett, Frederick C 159

Little, Robert E 161

M f ■ i

McCabe, L. S 51

McConochie, William 59

McDonald, Hugh A. J 84

McEnirv, Matthew J 46

McEnirv, William 151

McEniry, William, Honorable 44-

McGlynn, Patterson S 97

McHvigh, Charles 131

McMaster, Sylvester Washington 127

Mackin, Thomas, Reverend 116

Marshall, William H 152

Matthews, David W 129

Medill, T. J 10

Meese. William A 183

Mennicke, Christopher A 40

Metzgar. Judson D 107

Mitchell. Philemon L 7

Mixter, Frank 83

Mixter. George 84

Montgomery, Alexander E 31

Montgomery, Robert J 157

Montgomery, Robert S 79

Montgomery, Samuel H 49

Morgan. Elmer B 164

Myers, James F., Doctor 173

Negus, Isaac 17

Nessler, Thomas 166

Nourse, Charles R 128

Olmsted, Robert Ward 110

Ostrom, Louis, Doctor 138

Owens, Alexander 158

Parker, John W._ 153

Parmenter, Elwin Elbert 50

Payne, William 111

Page

Pettit, Guv V 138

Potter, John W 62

Robinson, James Franklin 65

Robinson, Thomas J., Captain 67

Roche, John W 168

Rosenfielil, Max Daniel 15

Rosenfield. Morris 13

Rosenfield, Walter A 14

Rudgren, Martin Theodore 165

Schaffer, Henry C 80

Schoonmaker . Martin 108

Scott. John Kimberland 104

Searle, Charles J 136

Searle, Elhanan John, Colonel 26

Sechler, Daniel M 113

Sechler, Thomas M 114

Simpson. Harry P 117

Spencer. John W., Judge 5

Stelck. Henry 126

Stephens. George W 88

Sturgeon. Mansfield M 22

Sweet. R. F., Reverend, D. D 99

Tappendorf, H. W. C 143

Taylor. W. E.. M. D 30

Thornton. John H 169

Tipton, David M., Captain 96

Titterington, Charles 141

Titterington. Fred 142

Titterington, James B 129

Trenkenschuh. Peter F 157

Velie, Stephen Henry 24

Vinton, George W 146

Wagner, George 54

Wagner. Robert 55

Walker, Charles L.. Colonel -__103

Walker. Rufus 56

Wendell, James A 120

Weyerhaeuser, Frederick 74

Wilson, Edgar H 107

Wilson, (ieorge T 133

W^ilson. John H 162

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS OF BIOGRAPHIES.

Facing
Page

Ainsworth. Henry A 18

Anderson. O. Frederick 142

Arp. A. H. Dr 176

Bean. J. L 140-141

Blunt. Stanhope E. Col 12

Boyer. John A 46-47

Bover. John A. Mrs 46-47

Campbell. Thomas Mrs 20-21

Campbell. Thomas 20-21

Casteel, H. E 180

Connellv. Henrv C. Major 34

Deere. Charles H 179

Deere, John 92

Denkmann, F. C. A 69

Fries. Peter . 16

Gould. J. M 57

Que, Rev 112-113

Guver. Samuel S 158

Greenawalt, P 108

Hawes. Chas. W. Major 90

Hawes, Frank B 140-141

Huber, Ignatz 42

Hurst. Elmore W 38

Jaekson, William 32

Johnson. Walter 122

Knox, Charles B 120-121

Kittilsen, Edward Col 52

Marshall, William H 152

Facing
Page

Mackin, Thomas Rev 116-117

Meese, William A 182

Medill, Thomas J 10

Montgomery. Roberts 78

Montgomery, Alexander E 30

Mitchell, Philemon L 7

McCabe, L. S 50

McConochie, William 58

McHugh. Chas 130

McEnirv, William 150

Potter. J. W 62

Robinson. J. F. Mrs., Residence 64-65

Robinson, J. F 64-65

Robinson, T. J 67

Rosenfield, Morris 14-15

Rosenfield, W. A 14-15

Searle, C. J 136

Searle. Elhanan John Col..-. 26

Sechler. D. M 112-113

Schaffer, Henrv C 80

Simpson, H. P". 116-117

Sweet. Richard F., Dr 98

Sturgeon, M. M 22

Titterington, James B 128

Velie. S.H 24

Wagner, George 54

Wendell, J. A_ 120-121

Weyerhaueser, Frederick 74

HISTORIC
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

History of the Settlement of Rock Island County From the
Earliest Known Period to the Present Time

ILLUSTRATED

Embracing References of Importance, and Including a Biography of
Rock Island County's Well-Known Citizens

ROCK ISUND, ILLINOIS
KRAMER & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS AND ENGRAVERS

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FOREWORD

TWVj work iiiulf'rtiikcn by the publishers of Historic Rock Island County is mani-
festly a work in the interest of posterity and the historian of the future. Much
that has perinan(>nt value in history-making for this section of the Mississippi
\'alley is here presented in concise form and is written within the memory of people
who largely contributed to its social, political and industrial development. It
needs no prophetic vision to forecast the future of this community as one of
greater prosperity, greater achievement and greater potentiality, anil the mighty
river flowing past our door — destined, it is believed, to bear upon its bosom the commerce of the
inland seas — is vocal with the message it carries to the southland on its way to join the waters
of the Ciulf. Amid scenes of quiet, beauty in prairie groves, on the undulating slopes of wooded
hillsides, and within the shadow of Inisy and growing cities, "the rude forefathers of the
hamlet sleep," but their work lives after them, ami their years of toil and hardship, not un-
mixed with the dangers of frontier life, are glorified in the annals of Historic Rock Island
County. Carlyle tells us that the study of biography is the most universally pleasant and
profitable of all studies. The present volume, therefore, is rich in biographical information
brought down to date, and the publishers confidently believe that the history of men and
women, no less than the record of successful business enterprises makes for value and perpetuity
in a work of this kind. In this connection, also, they wish to express their gratitude to all
who have in any way aided in its preparation. Historic Rock Island County, as its name
implies, is an integral part of the story of a great state; and if, when the larger history of
Illinois shall be written, the historian finds within these pages aught that adds lustre to the
glory of the commonwealth, then indeed will the realization of the hope that prompted their
publication be complete.

THE PUBLISHERS.

THE SACS AND FOXES

Our County in the Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War
Early Settlers and Other Historic Events

WILLIAM A. MEESE

THE first pt'oplc wild iiili;il)itcil the
coiititrv, iinw Hock Island ('(lunt/.
were redmcii. What tril^es first occupied
this ground is not known, hut in tlie first part
of the seventeenth ccntiirv, it was the huntina;
grounds of the once powerful tribes known as
the Ilb'ni, or Illinois, who were a confederation
of several tribes, the Taniaroas, Michigamies,
Kaskaskias, Cahokias, and Peorias, and with
whom were also classed the Mascoutins,
sometimes called the Sixth Tribe. These
tribes all were of the great Algonquin nation.
Marquette in his journal speaks of meeting
the mini in 107.3, when he stopped at the Des
Moines River, and afterwards when, on his
return, he came by way of the Illinois River
from its mouth to Lake Michigan. The scene
of the Illinois' main residence was, however,
in the central and southern parts of the state.

THf: SAC AND FOX IXDIAXS.

About 1722 northwestern Illinois became
the home and the hunting ground of the Sacs
and Foxes, The word "Ou-Sakis" or ''Sau-
Kee," now written Sac and Sauk, is derived
from the compound word " A-Sau-we-Kee "
signifying yellow earth, and " Mus-qua-Kcc,"
the original name of the Foxes, means red
earth. The early French named this tribe,
Renards and the Americans called them
Foxes. These tribes originally lived on the
St. Lawrence River near Quebec and Montreal.
The Foxes were the first to migrate west.
They settled along the river that bears their

name and which empties into Green Bay.
The Sacs after a long ;ind bloody war with
the Iroquois were driven from the St. Law-
rence River westward. They wore next
engagctl in war with the Wyandottes, and
again were they compelled to hurry towards
the setting sun, until at length they reached
Green Bay on Lake Michigan, near where
the Foxes had made their habitation. Hero
it seems both tribes were frequently attacked
by other tribes of Indians, until at last they
united, forming an offensive and defensive
union, each however, retaining its tribal
name. Through intermarriage and long
residence they became substantially one
people, an alliance lasting to this day. Both
the Sacs and Foxes belong to the Algonquin
family.

At what time these two tribes came to
Green Bay is not known. Marquette's map
of 1673 locates the Foxes on the Fox River
between the present Green Bay and Lake
Winnebago. Father Claude Allouez, when
he established the mission of St. Francis
Xavier in 1669, found them located near, and
in 1(172 he commenced preaching the gospel
to them. Early in the eighteenth centui'y
they were driven from Green Bay and the F( x
River by the Menominees, who were aided by
the Ottawas, Chippewas and the French.

The Sacs and P\)xes made depredations on
the French traders and exacted trib^ite from
them, whereon the French commandant of
the post at Green Bay took a party of his men

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

in covered boats, and while distracting the
attention of the Indians, opened fire on them
from the water, at the same time that his
Menominee allies attacked their vilhige from
the banks in the rear. Those who survived
the slaughter removed to the Mississippi
River. On arriving there they found that
country inhabited by the Sauteaux, a branch
of the Chippewa tribe. Upon these they
commenced war, finally driving them out of
the country, which they then took possession
of and occupied. This was about 1722.

These tribes next waged war upon the
Mascoutins and in a battle opposite the moutli
of the Iowa River defeated and almost exter-
minated this tribe. They then formed an
alliance with the Pottawattomies, Menom-
inees and Winnebagoes, and together attacked
the Illinois and gradually drove these people
further southward.

The Sacs and Fo.xes have warred with the
Sioux, the Pawnees, Osages and other Indians,
and their record shows that they ranked
among the fiercest and most warlike tribes.
Drake said of them: "The Sacs and Foxes
are a truly courageous i)eople, shrewd, politic
and enterprising, with not more of ferocity
and treachery of character than is common
among the tribes by whom they were sur-
rounded."

S.\C .\\D FOX TnE.\TlES.

Tlie first recognition b}- our government of
the Sacs and Foxes was in the treaty made
at Ft. Harmar, January 9, 17S9, which guar-
anteed: "The individuals of said nations
shall be at liberty to hvmt within the territory
ceded to the United States, without hindrance
or molestation, so long as they demean them-
selves peaceably and offer no injury or aimoy-
ance to any of the sulijects or citizens of tlie
said United States."

In 1804 William Henry Harrison, governor
of Indiana Territory, and afterwards Presi-
dent of the United States, was instructed by
President Jefferson to institute negotiations

with the Sacs and Foxes to purchase their
lands. At this time, Black Hawk had risen
to the position of war chief of the Sac tribe.
Four chiefs or headmen of the Sacs and two
chiefs of the Foxes went to St. Louis, and
November 3, 1804, made a treaty with Govern-
or Harrison. By this treaty the Indians
ceded all their lands, comprising the eastern
third of the present State of Missouri and the
territory lying between the Wisconsin River
on the north, the Fox River of Illinois on the
east, the Illinois on the southeast, and the
Mississippi on the west, in all fifty million
acres. For this grant the United States
guaranteed to the Indians "friendship and
]irotection," paid them $2, 234. .50 in goods,
and guaranteed them goods each year there-
after to the amount of .$1,000, 1600 of which
was to be paid to the Sacs and $400 to the
Foxes. By this treaty it was iiro\idcd in
Article 7:

"As long as the lands which are now ceded
to the United States remain their property,
the Indians belonging to the said tribes shall
enjoy the privilege of living and hunting upon
them." This article in the treaty caused
much trouble between the government and
the Sacs and Foxes, and was the main cause
of the Black Hawk War. lilack Hawk was
not present at its making, and always denied
the right of the headmen of the Sac tribe to
sign such a treaty for his people.

In the spring of 1804 a white person (a man
or boy) was killed in Cuivre settlement by a
Sauk (Sac) Indian. A party of United States
troops was sent from St. I,ouis to the Rock
River village to demand the murderer. The
Sacs surrendered and delivered him to the
soldiers and he was conveyed to St. Louis and
turned over to the civil authorities. During
the latter part of October, 1804, Quash-
quame, one of the Sac chiefs, together with
others of his tribe and some of the Foxes, went
to St. Louis to try and secure the release of
the Sac murderer who was a relative of
Quash-quame. It is an Indian custom and

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

usage that if one Indian kills another, the
matter is generally compromised with the
murdered man's relatives for a property con-
sideration, as Black Hawk said: "The only
means with us for saving a person who killed
another was by paying for the person killed,
thus covering the blood and satisfying the
relatives of the murdered man," and the Sacs
believed that by the giving of ponies and
peltries to the whites they could secure the
Indian's release.

Thomas Forsyth, for many years an Indian
trader, and from 1816 until 1S30 the agent of
the Sacs and Foxes, in a manuscript written
in 1832 says of this matter: "Quash-quamc,
a Sauk chief, who was the headman of this
party, has repeatedly said, 'Mr. Pierre Cho-
teau. Sen., came several times to my canij),
offering that if I would sell the lands (ui the
east side of the Mississippi River, Governor
Harrison would liberate my relation (meaning
the Sauk Indian then in prison as aliove
related), to which I at last agreed, and sold
the lands from the mouth of the Illinois River
up the Mississippi River as high as the mouth
of Rocky River (now Rock River), and east to
the ridge that divides the waters of the Miss-
issippi and Illinois Rivers, and I never sold
any more lands.' Quash-quame also said to
Governor Edwards, Governor Clark and Mr.
Auguste Chouteau, commissioners appointed
to treat with the Chippewas, Ottawas and
Pottawattomies of Illinois River, in the sum-
mer of 1816, for lands on the west side of
Illinois River, ' You white men may put on
paper what you please, but again I tell you,
I never sold my lands higher up the Mississip])i
than the mouth of Rock River.' "

It is claimed that the Indians were drunk
most of the time they were in St. Louis, a
thing not unlikely. Forsyth said the Indians
always believed the annuities they received,
were presents, and when he in 1818 informed
them it was a part of the purchase price of
their lands, "they were astonished, and
refused to accept of the goods, denying that

they ever sold the lands as stated by me, their
agent. The Black Hawk in particular, who
was present at the time, made a great noise
about this land, and would never receive any
part of the annuities from that time forward."

When it became known that certain chiefs
and headmen had without authority sold
their lands, Quash-quame and his companions
were degraded from their ranks, Tiama, the
son-in-law of Quash-qvuime, being elected to
his father-in-law's place.

In 1815 a part of the Sacs and Foxes had
migrated to the Missouri River, and Septem-
ber 13, 1815, these Indians sent representa-
tives to the Portage des Sioux, where each
tribe made a separate treaty with the govern-
ment, agreeing to ratify the treaty of Novem-
ber 3, 1804, and to remain separate from, .and
render no assistance to, the Sacs and Foxes
then living on Rock River.

On the 13th day of May, 181G, another
treaty was entered into at St. Louis. This
treaty was between the "Sacs of Rock River"
and the government. It reaffirmed the
treaty of 1804 and all other contracts hereto-
fore made between the parties. To this treaty
is attached the mark of Ma-Ka-tai-me-She-
Kia-Kiak, or "Black Sparrow Hawk," as
Black Hawk was also called. Yet Black
Hawk said in 1832: "Here, for the first
time, I touched the goose quill to the treaty not
knowing, however, that by the act I consented to
give away my village. Had they explained to
me I should have opposed it and never would
have suined their treaty as my recent conduct
will clearly prove."

In the treaty of 1804 the government had
agreed, in order to put a stop to the abuses
and impositions practiced upon the Indians
by private traders, to establish a trading
house or factory where these Indians could be
supplied with goods cheaper and better than
from private traders. This the government
concluded it was best not to continue, and a
new treaty was made by which the United
States paid the Indians $1,000 to be relieved

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

from this obligation. l?l:ick Hnwk sijiiiod
this treaty. Another treaty was made .Aug-
ust 4, 1824, which reaiFirmed and recognized
all former treaties. Each treaty left the Sacs
and Fo.xes with less lainl .-intl I'ewer rights.

For years there had existed a bitter feeling
between the Sioux and the Sacs and Foxes,
and .\iigust 19, 1S2."), Willi;im t'lark and Lewis
Case on behalf of the government assembled
these tribes, together with the Chi]3pewns,
Meiiominees, Winnebagoes, lowas, Ottawas
and Pottawattomies at Prairie du Chien, and
entered into a treaty whose object was to
end the wars t)ctween these nations. In this
treaty it was agreed that the I'nited States
should run a boundary line between the Sioux
and the Sacs and Foxes. It seems that this
treaty proved \msatisfactory to the Indians,
for .July 30, 1830, another treaty was entered
into at Prairie du Chien in which the Sacs and
Foxes ceded to the United States a tract of
land twenty miles in width lying south of the
line established by the treaty of August li),
1825. The Sioux also ceded a strip twenty
miles wide along the north line of said bound-
ary. This forty mile strip was neuti'al terri-
tory, open to all for himting and fishing, and
was along the Iowa River.

their parents. The husband could at any
time di\'orce his wife or add another if lie
deemed best, and although the marriage ties
were not strong, the ties of consanguinity
were I'isidl)- preserved. Hereditary rights
were tracetl through the female line. This
was accomiilished by means of the Totem, an'
institution or emblem which ser\-ed as a
distinction for the different clans or families.
The family surname was represented by some
l)ird or animal, such as Eagle, Hawk, Heron,
Deer, Bear, etc. Each Indian was proud of
his Totem— in fact it represented a fraternity
or secret society. As the different members
of a clan were connected by ties of kindred,
they were prohibited from intermarriage. A
Hear might not marry a Bear, liut cotdd
marry an Eagle, Hawk, or member of any
other clan. This Totem system furnished the
means of tracing family lineage thrcjugh all
their >'ears of wandeiing and preserved their
hereditary rights.

The Sacs and Foxes had from the early
part of the eighteenth century occupied the
banks of the Mississippi between the mouth
of the Missouri and the Wisconsin, the Sacs
occupying the eastern side of the river, and
the Foxes its western banks.

S.VC AXD FOX CUSTOMS.

The Sacs and Foxes had many peculiar cus-
toms, one being that eacli male child was
marked at bii-th with either white or black
color, the Indian mother alternating the colors
so that the nation was evenly di\ided between
black and white. This distinction was kept
alive during life, the object being to create
ri\'alrv and ,-i spii'il of eiunlation between the
members of tlu^ tribe. Tims black was the
competitor of white in their games and .social
customs, and earh side tried to outdo llie
other, and in wai- to take more scalps. lilack
Hawk belongetl to the "Black" party and
Keokuk to the "White" party.

Marriage among the Sacs and Foxes
required only the consent of the parties and

THE HOMES OF THE SACS.

The Sacs' house or wigwam was made by
setting posts in the ground and siding it with
bark. On top of the posts small poles were
laid for rafters upon which strips of bark were
laid. These wigwams were about eight ei-n
feet wide and from twenty to sixty feet long.
West of the Rock River village the Indians
cultivated aljout one thousand acres, raising
corn, beans, sc[uashes and melons. The Sacs
and Foxes planted their corn in the same hill
year after yeai'. They would ilig up the hill
each year and plant the corn in the middle,
cultivating it with a primitive hoe and hoeing
it three or four times during a season. These
corn hills were quite large, many of them be-
ing still visible a few years ago. The farming

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

was doiip principally by the women assisted by
the old men and children. From the years
1780 to about 1820, the traders at Prairie dii
Chien came to the Sac village for all the corn
they used. After the crops were harvested,
the Sacs wo\ild prepare to leave for their win-
ter hiuit. Before going they would dig a
round liolc in the ground alxiut eighteen
inches in diameter. Carefully removing the
sod and digging five or six feet they wovdd
enlarge it so that it would hold many bushels.
These holes they would line with l)ai-k and
dry grass and then fill up with tlicir grains
and vegetables. When full they would re-
place the sod and remove all traces of earth,
often building a fire over it so ihai im cuciny
could find the jilace and steal the supply they
had laid u]) for the next spring and siiinnicr.
When this was done the Sacs and Foxes would
go off into Iowa and Missouri where they
would liuiil. In the winter their houses wei'e
made bv sticking poles in the ground ami
bending tliem over so as to form a luilf circle
about twelve feet in diameter. These were
covereil with r\igs woven of grass and with
hides.

THE ROCK RIVER VILL.\GE.

The chief Sac village was located on the
north bank of Rock River about two miles
from its uio\itli. It was built about 1780,
west of where the Rock Island and Peoria
Railway crosses the river, and it extended
down along the bank in a straggling form.
It was one of the largest Indian towns on the
continent, the oldest and longest inhabited,
and had a population often as high as three
thousand. It was the summer home of the
Sacs. Here was located the tril)al l)nrying
ground, a spot more revered by an Indian
than anything else on earth. Here reposed
the bones of a century of the Sai' warriors,
their wives and children, and here each Sac
came once each year to commune with his
friends and family who had departed to the
"happy hunting grounds," On these occa-
sions all vegetation was removed from the

moimd and the mourner addressed words of
endearment to the dead, inquiring how they
fared in the laud of spirits, and placed food
upon the graves. The Sacs were particular
in their demonstrations of grief. They dark-
ened their faces with chai'coal, fasted and
abstained from the use of vermilion and
ornaments of dress.

Black Hawk said: "With us it is a custom
to visit the graves of oiu- friends and keep
them in repair for many years. The mother
will go aliuie to weep over the grave of her
child. After he has been successful in war,
the brave, with ple.nsure, visits the grave of
his father, and repaints the post that marks
where he lies. There is no place like that
wher(> the bones of oiu- forefathei's lie to go to
when in grief. Here, prostrate liy the tombs
of iiur forefathers, will the (Ireat Spirit take
pitv on us."

X.\ME OF THE VILL.VdlO.

The old Indian town has by some been
called "Saukenuk." How tins name origi-
nated is not known. The first to use it was
Armstrong in his "Sauks and the Black Hawk
War," published in 1SS7. Catlin refers to it
in 1837 as "Saug-e-nug," yet none of our
pioneer settlers mention it except as the "Sac
Village," or "Black Hawk'.s Village." Judge
Spencer in his " Reminiscenses," in speaking
of the year 1829, says: "We were here but a
few days when two Indians came, the first we
had .seen. One of them connnenced talking
in a loud voice in the Iiulian language of
which we could not understand a word. By
])ointing to the wigwam, saying, 'Saukie
Wigeop,' then ])ointing to the ground saying,
'Saukie-Aukie,' and rep(^ating this many
times we understood he claimed the land and
the wigwam belonged to the-Indians." Caleb
Atwater, who was the commissioner employed
bv the United States to negotiate with the
Indians of the upper Mississippi for the
purchase of their mineral lands in 1829, was
unable to learn the luune of the Sac town

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

whether because it liad iiono or because the
ludians did not care to name it, is not known.
Major Morrill Marston who was stationed
at Ft. Armstrong from August 1819 to June
1821, in a letter dated November 1820, in
speaking of the Sac village said they call it
Sen-i-se-pp Ke-he-sau-Kee (Rock River penin-
sula). When the Major spoke to one of the
chiefb- about removing his people west of the
Mississippi, the Indian replied, that his people
were not willing to leave Ke-bc-sau-Kee because
their chiefs and friends were buried there.

POPUL.\TION OF THE SACS AND FOXES.

In 1S05 Lieutenant Zebulon Pike on behalf
of the United States government made an
expedition from St. I.ouis to the sources of
tlie Mississippi River. He says that the Sacs
had three villages, one at the head of the Des
Moines Rapids, the second on a prairie about
two miles from the Mississippi at Oquawka.
and the third on Rock River about three
miles from its mouth. The Foxes or Rey-
nards also had three villages, one on the
Illinois side above the Rock Island Rapids,
one at Dubuque and one near Prairie du Chien.
Pike estimated that the Sacs numbered 2,850
souls, of whom 1 ,400 were children, 750
women and 700 warriors. The Foxes num-
bered 1,750 of whom 400 were warriors, 850
children, 500 women. In 1825 the secretary
of war estimated the entire number of Sacs
and Fo.xes at 4,600, an increase of over one
thousand in twenty years. In 1831, at the
commencement of Indian hostilities preced-
ing the Black Hawk War, there were twenty
families of whom twelve were Sacs and eight
were Foxes, and their total nvmiber is esti-
mated to ha^■e been five thousand souls, this
number including those living in Iowa and
Missouri.

A REVOLUTIONARY BATTLE.

In the spring of 1780 Captain Hesse, a
former British soldier, then Indian trader,
assembled at the portage of the Fox and

Wisconsin Rivers, a body of Menominees,
Winnebagoes and Sacs and Foxes, in all about
six hundred and fifty Indians, and with fifty
white traders came down the Wisconsin River
in canoes and thence down the Mississippi
River to St, I.ouis, and attacked that then
Spanish post. The British and their Indian
allies on May 26th, made their attack, but
were repulsed b_v the inhabitants and the
small Spanish garrison. They then crossed
the Mississippi River and attacked the Amer-
ican post at Cahokia, Colonel John Mont-
gomery was American commandant of the
Illinois, and he having heard of the enemy's
movements, was prepared. General George
Rogers Clark had while at the Falls of the
Ohio learned of the threatened British-Indian
invasion, and hurried to the Illinois, arriving
on the night of the 25th, and assisted in the
defense. The British and Indians were
repulsed although one American was killed.
General Clark now ordered Colonel ilont-
gomery to pursue the enemy, and Montgomerj'
at the head of an armj' of tliree hundred and
fifty soldiers, mo.stly Virginians, including a
company of Illinois French Militia and some
Spanish, marched to where Peoria now is and
destroyed the Indian village on the Illinois.
He then took up his march across the prairies
to the Sac village near the mouth of Rock
River. It was in the first part of June, early
accounts do not mention the day of the month,
but it was during the season that the Sacs and
Foxes were alwaj's at their village cultivating
their fields of corn. Black Hawk does not
mention this American visit, due probabh- to
the fact that an Indian seldom if ever men-
tions defeat. Colonel Montgomery himself
makes scant mention of his journej^ save in a
letter WTitten in 1783 to the Board of Com-
missioners for the Settlement of Western Ac-
counts in which he defends his actions while
in the Illinois. He speaks of desiring a leave
of absence and says, " It was then he (General
George Rogers Clark) informed me of his reso-
lution; and that the Public Interest would

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND C U X T Y

not permit of my request beins granted, that
I must take command of the expedition to
Rock River." He then says: "After giving
me instructions, he (Clark) left Kohos (Caho-
kia) the 4th of Jmie with a small escort for
the mouth of the Ohio on his route to Ken-
tucky. I immediately proceeded to the
Business I was order'd and march'd three
hundred and fifty men to the lake open on the
Illinois River, and from thence to the Rock
River, Destroying the ToNrtis and Crops
proposed. The Enimy not Dareing to fight
me as they had so lately Been Disbanded and
they could not raise a sufficient force "

James Aird, an early British trader, speak-
ing of this matter in 1805, said that the Sac
village was burnt, "by about three hundred
Americans, although the Indians had assem-
bled 700 warriors to give them battle." Aird
from 1778 on was engaged in trade with the
Sacs and Foxes made annual visits to their vil-
lage and for weeks maintained on Credit (now
Suburban) Island a trading post or station.

The French Militia who accompanied Mont-
gomery undoubtedly expected to capture
rich booty from the Indians and were greatly
disappointed. In a lengthy declaration to
M. Mottin de la Balme, pensioner of the
King of France and French Colonel, etc.. the
inhabitants of Cahokia complain grieviously
of the Virginians. They say in speaking
of the Rock River Expedition: "Oh, Colonel
Clark, affecting always to desire our public
welfare and tmder pretext of avenging us,
soon formed with us and conjointly with
the Spaniards a party of more than three
hundred men to go and attack in their own
village the savages who had come to our
homes to harass us, and after substituting
Colonel Montgomery to command in his
place, he soon left us.

"It is, then, well to explain to you, sir, that
the Virginians, who never employed any
principle of economy, have been the cause by
their lack of management and bad conduct, of
the non-success of the expedition and that our

glorioiis projects have failed through their
fault : for the savages abandoned their nearest
villages, where we have been, and we were
forced to stop and not pu.sli on fiu'ther, since
we had almost no more provisions, powder
and balls, which the Virginian.s had under-
taken to furnish us."

Thus at the Sac village at the mouth of
Rock River was fought a battle during the
War of the Revolution. How long it lasted,
were there any killed or wounded, or if British
soldiers took part, our early records do not
state, but in this farthest west of the Revo-
'utionary engagements, American soldiers
like tlieir brothers in the east, triumphed.

BLACK H.\WK AND KEOKUK.

At the commencement of the nineteenth
century and up to the Black Hawk War, the
principal and central figtu-e of the redmen in
the upper Mississippi A'alley was the Sac
chief. Black Hawk, who was born at the
Indian village on Rock River in 1767. Black
Hawk was of middling size and as Catlin says,
"with a head that would excite the envy of
a phrenologist; one of the finest that heaven
ever let fall on the shoulders of an Indian."
Another Sac chief who had risen from the
ranks was Keokuk. His advancement was
due to his raising a war party to defend his
nation from an expected attack of the Amer-
icans during the War of 1812, but which
attack never occurred. Although polygamy
was practiced among the Sacs and Foxes,
Black Hawk had but one wife while Keokuk
had seven. Keokuk w-as also born at the Sac
village on Rock River in 1783, and died in
April, 1848, at the Sac and Fox Agencj' in
Kansas.

Early in the nineteenth century there seems
to have arisen a difference between the Sacs
and Foxes. Lieutenant Pike, writing in 1805,
says:

"But recently there appears to be a schism
between the two nations, the latter (Foxes)
not approving of the insolence and ill will

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

which lias marked the ccndiict of the former
(Sacs) towards the United States on many
late occurrences." This disagreement con-
tinued to grow, and while some of the Foxes
lield with the Sacs, most of the Foxes were
inclined to be well disposed to the Americans,
as were some of the Sacs, and these friendly
Indians arrayed themselves under Keokuk's
standard while the war party held to Black
Hawk. Black Hawk and Keokuk were thus
rival chiefs. Keokuk had never done any-
thing that entitled him to leadership. The
Indian standard of character and honor made
it the dtity of an Indian to be foremost in the
ranks of the war party. Keokuk had few
victories to his credit, but he was diplomatic.
In 1828 he moved with his following across
the Mississippi and built a village on the Iowa.
Black Hawk, like Keokuk, was not an
hereditary chief, but had risen to the position
of chief of the war party through the native
vigor of his character and his great success in
war. Black Hawk had never stiffered defeat.
His band, which w'as much the larger, com-
prised the chivalry of the Sac and Fox nations.
At the beginning of the War of 1812, he
offered the services of his nation to the Amer-
icans, which from motives of humanity they
declined. Yet the British were not loth to
accept them, for dii'ectly after this we find
that La Guthre, an agent of Great Britain,
was at the Rock River village to enlist the
Sacs and Foxes on the British side and against
the Americans, and we find them fighting us
in the War of 1812. From this fact and from
this time, Black Hawk's band was known as
the "British Band." A study of Black
Hawk's life discloses that he possessed those
qualities which in a white man would raise
him to power and position. Black Hawk
was the great Indian commoner. Keokuk
was noted as an Indian orator; Black Hawk
as an Indian warrior.

THE CAUSE OF INDIAN WAKS.

Every so called Indian war in this country
originated in a desire on the part of the white

man to ]3().ssess the home and the hunting
grounds of his red brother. Discovery by the
European nations was considered a right to
extinguish the redman's title. England's
policy then as now was to claim that all title
to land was vested in the crown, that her
subjects might occupy the soil, but could not
alienate it except to her own people. Eng-
land treated the Indians as she did her own
subjects. When the United States at the
close of the Revolutionary War succeeded to
this country from the Atlantic to the Mississ-
ippi, the same principles regarding the title
to the Indian lands were carried out, and
while in every instance our government had
secured title and extinguished Indian rights,
by treaty or purchase, we must admit that
the consideration was the most trivial, and
too often acceptance on the part of the red-
man was influenced by the force of arms.

"Did the red man foresee his impending
doom, his forced retreat towards the setting
sun, the gradual breaking up of his power
and the final extinction of his race?" Careful
study of Indian history leads us to believe
that among the Indians, as well as among the
white men, there were those who saw the
coming storm, "who saw the threatening
cloud coming from the east, small at first,
scarce a shadow, but gradually becoming
more distinct and greater as it traveled west-
ward, and, when it reached the summit of
the Alleghanies, it assumed a darker hue;
deep murmurs, as of thunder, were heard;
it was impelled westward by strong winds
and shot forth forked tongues of lightning."
On the plains of Abraham, when French sti-
premacy west of the Alleghanies was forever
lost, and Pontiac stood before the British
officer who was to proceed westward to secure
the fruits of victory and said, "I stand in thy
path," he realized the impending conflict,
and his note of warning to the chiefs of his
nation to "Drive the dogs who wear red
clothing into the sea " was his last appeal to
save his race. Fifty years later Tecumseh

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

fell a martyr to the Indian cause, and his
efforts to stem the westward march of the
white man failed. For three years after that
Tuscaloosa strove in vain to save his nation,
and in 1S32 the Sacs and Foxes on Rock
Island soil, under the leadership of their
great chief, Black Hawk, made the last
determined Indian defense of their homes and
the resting place of their forefathers.

SACS AND FOXES OF TODAY.

After their removal to Iowa, they by trea-
ties in 1836 and 1S42 ceded all their lands up
to the Missouri River, and in June, 188.5,
these people were distributed as follows: On
Sac and Fox Resen-ation in Iowa (Tama
Count}') about 380; on Pottawatomie and
Great Nemaha Agency Reservation, near
the northeast corner of Kansas, the Sacs and
Foxes of Missouri about 187; on Sac and Fox
Reservation in Indian Territory, 457, and
Mohoko's band, wandering in the west, about
350— a total of 1,374. Almost all but the
last named band are farmers and herders.
The agent at Sac and Fox Agency, Iowa,
writing in 1884, said: "For honesty and
truthfulness our Indians stand above the
average white man with the merchants with
whom they deal." Yet in spite of all at-
temjits to civilize them, the Sacs and Foxes
still li\-e in rude huts like their ancestors,
cooking their food at a fire made on the
ground, the smoke escaping from an opening
in the roof; sleeping on bunks of boards
arranged on the sides of their huts, wearing
blankets, painting their faces, shaving and
decorating their heads, as did their ancestors
who lived at the old Rock River village.
They lack thrift, industry and a spirit of
progress. They still offer prayers and hold
feasts before planting their crop.s, and another
series of prayers and thanksgiving when their
crops are gathered. Notwithstanding the
efforts of Christian missionaries, holy or con-
secrated tobacco is still l)vu'ned on certain
occasions as incense, and as of yore they still

have "Me-sham," a something that profane
eyes have never been allowed to see. The
modern Sacs and Foxes, while quiet and
peaceful, are averse to work and seem at their
best visiting the neighboring towns, lounging
about smoking, chatting and playing the
white man's game — cards.

FIRST WHITE EXPLORERS.

Undoubtedly the first white men to cast
their eyes upon Rock Island soil were Louis
Joliet and Father Jacques Marquette, when
they and their five French canoemen, in June
1673, floated from the mouth of the Wiscon-
sin River down the broad Mississippi. We
do not know that they landed at any spot in
the boundary of what is now Rock Island
County, but as they came over the Rock
Island rapids, gliding down the swift flow-
ing water, they could not fail to notice the
Island of Rock Island with its rocky shores
and beautiful groves, for their canoes must
needs take the channel on the north shore of
the island. All early voyagers remarked
upon this locality, and it was generallv con-
sidered "the handsomest and most delightful
spot of the same size on the whole globe."

We have no record of the first white man
who stepped on Rock Island soil. We know-
that as early as 1690 Nicholas Perrot, French
commandant of the west, built a post oppo-
.site to where Dubuque, Iowa, now is and that
in 1695 Pierre Le Sueur built a fort on a large
island in the Mississippi River between Lake
Pepin and the mouth of the St. Croix, which
Charlevoix says became "the centre of com-
merce for the western parts." Le Sueur dis-
covered lead mines on both sides of the Miss-
issippi River (at Dubuque and Galena), and
Penicault, his reporter and companion, speaks
of the rapids at Rock Island. We know that
agents of Anthony Crozat at some time be-
tween the years 1712 and 1717 worked the
lead mines around Dubuque and Galena; that
as early as 1792 printed maps of this country
show the Rock Island Rapids, naming them

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

"Nine-mile Rapids," and we fnrllier know
that from 17S8 to ISlO.Iuiien ])u Biique with
a force of Spanish, French and Indian miners
operated tlie lead mines near where l)nbiique.
Iowa, now is, and floated his lead down the
Mississippi to St. Louis and New Orleans, and
it is not impossible that some of these people
may have explored this co\inty and even lived
here; but the first record we have of a white
man stopping at this locality is when Lieu-
tenant Pike in 1805 made his trip u]i the Miss-
issippi.

FIRST FLAG IN THE UPrER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.

On August 9, 1805, Lieutenant Zebulon
M. Pike, an officer in the fnited States Army,
in command of twenty soldiers, left St. Louis
under instructions from the government to
trace the sources of the Mississippi River.
ascertain the condition of the Indians, create
a better feeling between them and the Amer-
icans and to select certain sites upon which
to' erect forts. The party made the voyage
in a keel boat seventy feet long, and on August
27, 1S05, the party arrived at the mouth of
Rock River.

Black Hawk in his autobiography says:
"Some time afterwards a boat came up the
river with a young American chief, at that
time lieutenant, and afterwards General Pike,
and a small party of soldiers aboard. The
boat at length arrived at Rock River and the
young chief came on shoi e with his interpreter.
He made us a speech and gave us some pres-
ents, in return for which we gave him meat
and such other provisions as we could spare.

"We were well pleased with the speech of
the yoimg chief. He gave us good advice
and said our American father would treat us
well. He presented us an American flag
which we hoisted. He then requested us to
lower the British colors, which were waving
in the air, and to give him our British medals,
promising to send us others on his return to
St. Louis. This we declined to do, as we
wished to have two fathers,"

The event related by Black Hawk, and
occm-ring at the old Sac village on Rock River,
in August, 1S05, was the first raising and
unfurling of the United States flag in the
valley of the upper Mississippi River. All
the country west of the Mississippi had until
October, 1803, belonged to Spain, and Lieu-
tenant Pike was the first American represen-
tative to navigate the Mississippi north of
St. Louis.

THE W^AR OF 1812.

The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 gave the
United States control of both banks of the
upper Mississippi River. Previous to this
time, but little was known of our upper river
by the Americans, and not imtil Lieutenant
Zebulon M. Pike under orders from our gov-
ernment in 1805 came up the river from St.
Louis, to discover its source, and to select
locations for future United States posts, did
our government have any definite knowledge
concerning this country.

At the beginning of the year 1814 the war
with England was still in progress and though
the warfare was carried on mostly on the
lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and among the
eastern states, the west, and especially the
upper Mississippi River, were the scenes
of important events, which owing to their
distance from civilization, the lack of means
and the length of time to transport news,
were overlooked, and have failed to receive
that recognition in American history that
events of less importance, but happening in
the east were accorded.

St. Louis, the American headquarters for
the upper Mississippi River, Cap au Oris, a
small French hamlet a few miles north of the
mouth of the Illinois River, the deserted old
post at Ft. Madison, the mines at Dubuque
and the small French settlement and British
post at Prairie du Chien were the only settle-
ments on the upper river.

Colonel Robert Dickson, a British trader
during the years 1811-1813 had been active
in inciting the Indians of the northwest, his

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

object being to secure their aid in an attack
on the American settlements at St. Tvonis,
Kaskaslcia and Peoria.

On March 27th, 1813, Ninian Edwards,
territorial governor of Illinois, wrote the secre-
tary of war: "If the British erect a fort at
the mouth of the Wisconsin, and should be
able to retain it two years, this and Missouri
territory will be totally deserted, in other
words, conquered."

In the beginning of the year 1814 our gov-
ernment decided to build a fort on the upper
river at Prairie du Chien (the mouth of the
Wisconsin River), where the British had the
preceding year fortified the house of the Mac-
inac Fur Company and stationed a company
of Michigan fencibles (militia).

THE FIRST EXPEDITION.

On May 1, 1814, William Clark, governor
of Missouri Territory, with a detachment
consisting of sixty United States regulars of
the Seventh Infantry, and one hundred and
forty Illinois and Missouri rangers or volun-
teers, left Cap au Gris in five fortified keel
boats for the mouth of the Wisconsin River
there to erect a United States fort. At the
mouth of the Rock River they had a slight
skirmish with a party of Sauk (Sac) braves.

About the middle of April. Colonel Dickin-
son left Prairie du Chien, taking with him
most of the British forces, together with about
three hundred Indian allies. Captain Deace
was left in charge of the post. His command
consisted of a company of Michigan fencibles;)
and a body of Sioux and Fox Indians. When
it was learned that an American force was
nearing the Prairie, the Indians refused to
fight the Americans, and Captain Deace and
his British soldiers fled.

Lieutenant Joseph Perkins, who was in
command of the United States regulars, on
his arrival at the Prairie, took possession of
the place and immediately began the erection
of a fort, which he named Fort Shelby in hon-
or of Governor Shelby of Kentucky. As soon

as the fort was completed Captain John Sulli-
van's company of fifty rangers, thirty-two
rangers from Captain Yeizer's company, to-
gether with Governor Clark, left Fort Shelby
and returned to St. Louis, arriving there the
last of June.

On the 17th of July Fort Shelby at Prairie
du Chien was attacked by Colonel William
McKay in command of one hundred and fifty
British soldiers and four hundred Sioux,
Winnebago, Menominee and Chippewa Indi-
ans, and on the evening of July 19th, the
same day Campbell's expedition was defeated,
Lieutenant Perkins surrendered Fort Shelby.
The British renamed the fort, calling it Fort
McKay.

M.\JOR CAMPBELL'S EXPEDITION.

When General Howard, commandant of
the American forces in the west, learned of
the return of the troops from Prairie du Chien,
he immediately organized another expedition
to be sent uj) the river to reinforce Fort Shel-

by.

On July 4, 1S14, the second expedition
left Cap au Gris. It consisted of three forti-
fied barges, or keel boats, each with a cabin
and all having sails. There were thirty-three
regular soldiers and sixty-five rangers (mili-
tia), some of the latter being Frenchmen from
Cahokia. The expedition including the sut-
lers' establishment, boatmen, and women and
children, making one hundred and thirty-
three persons. This expedition was com-
manded by Lieutenant (acting Brigade Ma-
jor) John Campbell of the First Regulars
(infantry), who with the regulars, contractors,
sutlers, women and children, occupied one
boat. The two other boats being occupied
by the rangers and were commanded by
Lieutenant Stephen Rector and Lieutenant
Jonathan Riggs. The n\unber of regulars in
this expedition has been repeatedly given as
forty-two; Major Campbell, however, reports
that he had but thirty-three.

On the thirteenth of the month, about
eighty miles below the mouth of Rock River,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

they met a party of Indians from Prairie du
Chien. with a packet directed to Governor
Clark. These Indians informed Campbell
that everything was quiet, and that the gar-
rison at .the Prairie (Prairie du Chien) had
been completed. The same day T.ieu tenant
Rector, of the rangers found a canoe which
had a considerable quantity of Indian pro]i-
erty in it. and which had just been abandoned.
On the 18th of July, about twenty miles
below the mouth of Rock River, the ex-
pedition was met by a party of nine Indians
in canoes, bearing a white flag, who informed
Major Campbell that they had heard of the
American's approach and had come to conduct
them to their o^nti town, and to inform them
that the Sacs and P'oxes were friend!}^ dis-
posed. The Indians left the keel boats a
few miles below the mouth of Rock River,
at the mouth of which the boats were met by
five other Indians in canoes, who informed
the commander that the Indians at the vil-
lage on Rock River, about a mile above its
mouth, wished to hold a council with him.
The keel boats proceeded up the river and
landed on the Illinois shore opj)osite the lower
end of the Island of Rock Lsland. In a short
time, about one hundred and fifty warriors,
besides women and children of the Sac and
Fox nation appeared. Black Hawk was at
the head of the party. He approached Ma-
jor Campbell and asked if he had brought
any presents for him from his fnther. Major
Campbell told Black Hawk he had, provided
he fulfilled the pr:;mises he had made his
father in the spring, which was to go to war
with the Peaus OVinnebagoes.) Black Hawk
replied that he had made his father no such
promises, and that his "father was drunk
when he said so," but that he was ready to go
to war with the Peaus if the government
would furnish him with the means. He fur-
ther said: "The Mississippi is a broad and
straight road and the people of the United
States shall meet with no ot)structions in
traveling."

During the evening the Indians were very
friendly, recognizing many old friends among
the Frenchmen from Cahokia.

THE B.\TTLE OF C.\MPBELL'S ISLAND.

On the morning of July 19, before break-
fast, the boats all set sail and started up the
river, with a fine breeze. During the night
a part}^ of Indians arrived at the Sac village
from Prairie du Chien, coming down Rock
River, Black Hawk said they brought the Sacs
si.Y kegs of powder and told them that the
fort at Prairie du Chien had been captured
by the British. These messengers also told
the Sacs that the British wished them to again
join them in the war against the Americans,
which the Indians agreed to do.

Black Hawk's memorj' is at fault. He does
not state exactly what these Indian messen-
gers told him. Colonel McKay, whose armj'
of British and Indians had attacked Prairie
du Chien. in a letter to his superior officer, un-
der date of July 27, 1S14. says that on the
17th of July, about three o'clock in the
afternoon, after the gunboat "Governor
Clark '' had been driven from its position by
the British cannon and had started down the
river, that he immediately sent off a canoe
with three men: an lowan. who had come
from Mackinac with him, and two of the six
Banks, who had joined him on the Fox River.
that he gave them four kegs of gun powder and
ordered them to pass the "Governor Clark"
and get as soon as possible to the rapids at
the Rock River, where he believed the gun-
boat would run aground: that they should
collect all the Sauks and annoy the" Govern-
or Clark" and prevent their landing to get
fire wood, etc.

Early in the morning, Black Hawk col-
lected his warriors .and determined to attack
the boats, which had now started up the
river. As Black Hawk says: "I collected my
warriors and determined to pursue the boats.
I immediately started with my party by land
in pursuit, thinking that some of their boats

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

might get aground, or that the Grc.it Spirit
would put them in ovu" power, if he wished
them taken."

The boats had just passed the head of Rock
IsLand when the boat commanded by Major
Campbell was grounded on the rocks, and he
was compelled to discharge and put off part
of her loading into the other boats before he
could release his boat.

After proceeding about six miles the wind
increased to a hurricane. Campbell's boat
being still heavily loaded, he says: "I was
afraid of her dashing to pieces on the rocks,
and ordered her to be put shore, which in do-
ing from the severe gale of wind which was
blowing, and the roughness of the water,
dashed her so hard on shore it was impossible
to get her off while the storm lasted." The
boat was driven on the north shore of an
island lying about six miles east of Moline
and which since that day has been known as
Campbell's Island. It lies near the eastern
shore in Rock Island Coimty and belongs to
the State of Illinois.

Black Hawk says: "About half way up the
rapids I had a full view of the boats, all sailing
with a strong wind; I soon discovered one boat
badly managed and was suffered to be driven
ashore by the wind: they landed by running
hard aground, and lowered their sail, the
others passed on."

The ground where the boat landed was
covered with high grass, hazel and willow
bushes for a considerable distance up and
down the shore. Campbell immediately placed
two sentinels about sixty yards from the boats
and the men then commenced getting their
breakfast.

They had not been on the island more than
twenty-five or thirty minutes when the Indi-
ans commenced their attack, both sentinels
were killed the first fire, and one other man on
shore. Campbell ordered the cable cut and
the boat to be gotten ofT, in doing of which
two men were killed and three wounded.
Finding the gale blowed directly on land.

and that it was impossible to get her off, he
ordered his men to defend the boat to the
last extremity.

The boats of Lieutenants Rector and Riggs
were about three miles up the river at this
time. Lieutenant Riggs' being in advance.
He heard the report of the firing and saw
the smoke rising from where Campbell's boat
lay. He tacked his boat and signaled Rector,
who also tacked and both sailed for Campbell's
boat. Rector's boat being the first to reach the
scene of the battle. Savages were seen among
the trees and bushes, and a large number of
Indians were seen coming in canoes from the
eastern shore. It was estimated that about
four hundred Indians surroimded them. The
savages commenced giving their war-whoop
and pouring in on them a fire of musketry
and arrows. Major Campiiell's right wrist
was fractured by a musket ball during the
first onslaught, and he was carried into the
cabin of his boat and laid on a bunk, while
his men gallantly returneil the fire of the
Indians.

Campbell's boat was so near the bank that
the Indians were able to fire in at the port oar
holes. The storm had now become so vio-
lent that it was fully an liour before the other
boats were able to come to Campbell's assist-
ance.

Riggs' boat was driven ashore about one
hundred yards below Campbell's boat, and
Rector to avoid a similar fate, had let go an
anchor, and lay about twenty yards above
Campbell's boat. The rangers from both
barges kept up a brisk fire on the Indians.

This unequal contest waged for several
hours, when the firing from Campbell's boat
becoming less frequent, led Lieutenant Rec-
tor to believe that most of Campbell's men
were either killed or wounded.

Riggs' boat was the best fortified, but his
crew had been weakened. When Campbell's
boat was stranded on the rocks he sent a ser-
geant and ten men to help him off, and Camp-
bell did not return the men.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Rector's boat had among its crew many of
the French from (^ahokia who were experi-
enced sailors. Tlip wind was still a raging
tempest, and the fire of the Indians was be-
coming more destructive to the boats. ''At
this time." Black Hawk siiys. "I prepared my
bow and arrows to throw fire to the sail, which
was laying on the boat, and after two or three
attempts succeeded in setting the sail on fire."
Campbell's boat was soon in flames. lieu-
tenant Rector could not remain inactive and
witness the horrible death of Campbell and
his companions. In the face of the tempest
and the galling fire of the foe, he cut his an-
chors, a number of his men got out into the
water, keeping the boat between them and
the Indians, they jnished their boat against
the fire of the Indians uj) to Campbell's boat.
The wounded in Campbell's boat were first
transferred to Rector's boat, and then those
who were unhurt; so loaded was Rector's
boat that the water was nmning in at the oar
holes and almost all of the provisions were
thrown overboard to lighten the boat. The
Indians all the time kept up a murderous fire.
In taking the men from Campbell's boat the
Major was shot through the body. Black
Hawk in his autobiography states at this
time: "We wounded the war chief."

Rector's men still in the water, and keeping
the boat between them and the Indians,
hauled their boat out into the stream, swim-
ming alongside of the boat until the channel
was reached and the boat had been carried
out of gunshot, when they climbed into the
boat. Rector's boat was crowded, but the
men took to their oars and rowed night and
day until they reached St. Louis.

The casualties were: killed on Campbell's
boat, ten regulars, one woman and one child;
on Rector's boat, one ranger, and on Riggs'
boat, three rangers; a total of sixteen.

Wounded on Campbell's boat, ten regulars
and one woman; on Rector's boat, four rang-
ers, and on Riggs' boat four rangers; also

Major Campbell and Dr. Stewart, the garri-
son surgeon, who was shot in the breast: a
total of twenty-one. making the total casual-
ties thirtj'-seven. All fought with the cour-
age of heroes. Rector and his men risked
their lives to save their comrades, and the
battle at Campbell's Island has no equal for
daring and heroism during the War of 1812
in the west.

Lieutenant John Weaver, of the regulars,
who was second in command on Campbell's
boat acted bravely; it was largely by his
exertions that the wounded were safely
transferred to Rector's boat.

Almost all of the ammunition for the e.xpe-
dition and the supi^lies for Fort Shelby, ex-
cept a box of musket balls, was on Campbell's
boat and captured by Black Hawk, nothing
being saved. The regulars fought with
their shirts off. and saved only their arms
and fatigue overalls.

BL.\CK HAWK CELEBRATES.

After Riggs' boat had gone. Black Hawk's
warriors began to plunder Campbell's boat.
The first thing that the chief did was to
knock the head in of .several barrels of whis-
key, which he termed, "bad medicine" and
emptied their contents on the ground. He
says, "I next found a box full of small bottles
and packages, which appeared to be bad
medicine also: such as the medicine men kill
the white people with when they get sick,
this I threw into the river." The re.st of the
plunder, which consisted of guns, clothing,
provisions, powder, etc., was loaded into their
canoes and taken to the Fox village opposite
the lower end of Rock Island, where Daven-
port now is. Before leaving, the Indians
took the scalp from Campbell's five dead reg-
ulars, and as Black Hawk said when he got
to the Fox village, "We commenced dancing
over the scalps we had taken."

Black Hawk's opinion of whiskey as a med-
icine must have changed over night, because

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COU NIT Y

21!^

he does not complain at the soldiers giving
his men whiskey the evening before, yet the
next day he thought it "bad medicine."

While Black Hawk and his Indians were
dancing over their scalps, several boats passed
down the river, among them a large boat,
"carrying big g\ms." These boats were the
"Governor Clark" and the contractor's and
sutler's barges from Prairie du Chien, which
garrison Campbell's expedition was intending
to strengthen, but which had been attacked
by the British under Colonel McKay, on the
seventeenth, two days previous.

Captain Yeizer and his gunboats leaving
Prairie du Chien during the afternoon on the
first day of the attack and started for St.
Louis, lea\-ing Lieutenant Perkins and his
command, which consisted of sixty men, to-
gether with two women and one child, to hold
the fort which surrendered July 19th, after a
three day's siege.

THE DERELICT.

Lieutenant Campbell's boat lay for many
years on the north shore of Campbell's
Island, where the State Monument now stands.
Benjamin Goble, an old settler often told of
seeing the hull imbedded in sand. He says:

"Soon after Stephens left, two men named
Smith, took possession of his claim, there
were two cabins on it, but neither had a floor.
The river was low, so that the hull of the barge
burned by the Indians at the time of Camp-
bell's defeat in 1812, (a mistake, it was 1S14)
was plainly visible. The Smiths got the hull
ashore, found the planks in a good state of
preservation and floored their cabins with
them." This was in 1829. The Stephens
whom he mentions was a planter from the
south, who located where Walker Station,
two miles east of Moline, now is."

MAJOR Taylor''* battle.

After the capture of Fort Shelby by the
British, Colonel William McKay left for Maci-
nac and Captain Thomas G. Anderson was in

command. The British had great influence
witli the northwest Indians, and it is not to be
wondered at as they made the Indians be-
lieve that the Americans would drive out the
Indian, while the British wanted the Indian
to retain his lands. In a letter dated August
21, 1814, Colonel R. McDonall, British com-
mandant, wrote Captain Anderson: "Assure
them (Sacs and Foxes') that great efforts are
being made by the king in their behalf, and
that the ministry are determined to make no
peace till the lands plundered from the In-
dians are restored. To attain this purpose,
great reinforcements of troops are coming
out."

On August 14th, Lieutenant Duncan Gra-
ham with six men and an interpreter, left
Fort McKay for the Sac village near the mouth
of Rock River, his mission being to enlist the
Sacs in an expeditiim tn firing up an American
gunboat which had been abandoned at a
point a short distance above the unoccupied
Fort Madison.

On August 21st, the British at Fort McKay
were apprised by the Fox Indians that a third
American expedition was on its way up the
Mississippi River from St. Louis, and Cap-
tain Anderson, commanding Fort McKay,
sent a dispatch to fjieutenant Graham at the
Sac village on Rock River, requesting him to
learn all about the Americans and to inform
him. At this time there were about 800
braves at the Rock River village. Graham
returned to Fort McKay, and on the 27th was
again sent to the Sac village near the mouth
of Rock River. This time he had with him
a company of British soldiers numbering
thirty men, also one brass three-pounder and
two swivels, his object being to annoy and
harass the American expedition and if possi-
ble defeat them and drive them back to St.
Louis.

The American expedition was formed at
Cap au Gris, and consisted of eight large for-
tified keel boats, carrying a detachment of
334 soldiers, and started on August 23d. It

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

was commanded by Major Zachary Taylor,
afterwards President of the United States.
On the afternoon of September 5th, the Amer-
ican fleet arrived at the mouth of Rock River.
Lieutenant (jraham on his return to the Rock
River village found that the Indians now
numbered about fifteen hundred, several
bands of Winnebagoes and Sioux having
joined the Sacs and Foxes, who he said
■'would stand by us to the last man." Gra-
ham wrote that he would take his position on
Rock Island at the rapids, which was the best
place for defense that he knew on the Miss-
issippi. On September 5th the British sol-
diers moved their guns and planted them on
the west side of the island at the narrowed
part of the channel, about where the present
bridge rests on the island. At 4 o'clock in
the afternoon the American fleet appeared in
sight of the British. A storm of rain, thtm-
der and lightning came on which compelled
the American boats to land at the small Wil-
low' Island, about sixty yards above Credit
Island (now Suburban Island, Davenport).
Here the Americans decided to pass the night.
Large numbers of Indians appeared on the
Illinois and Iowa shores as well as on Credit
Island, but not a gtm was fired. Early the
morning of the 6th the British and Indians
crossed the Mississippi River to the Fox vil-
lage on the west bank and went as quickly as
possible through the prairie to the beach
op])osite the American boats, where they had
a close view of them. Lieutenant Graham
selected the Sioux to guard the cannon be-
cause he said "as they promised they would
rather be killed to the last man than give up
the guns." The British planted their guns
on an elevated spot, where the}' commanded
a view of the Willow Island as well as the
upper part of Credit Island. This place is
about where the dam commences that leads
to Subiu'ban Island. The night before Gra-
ham had cautioned the Indians not to fire
without orders from him, but a Sauk warrior
during the night shot a corporal on one of the

American boats commanded by Captain
Whiteside. At daj'light Major Tajdor or-
dered his men to attack the Indians and
drive them from the Willou- Island, where
they had appeared in large numbers. The
American soldiers charged the enemj', who
retreated, wading to Credit Island. Major
Taylor then ordered Captain Nelson Rector
to drop his boat down to Credit Island and
rake the island with artillery and drive the
Indians off. Rector did so, the Indians re-
treating unto cover.

Of Rector's charge an early ^Titer said"
"Captain Rector was dressed richly, with a
splendid military uniform and a large red
feather in his hat. Thus equipped, he drew
his sword and walked deliberately on an open
sand beach, a short distance from the enemy,
and ordered his company to follow him.
Many Indian guns were fired at him, which he
disregarded as if Ihey were popguns. He
escaped, but it was miraculous, as he was
alone in advance of his company."

Captain Nelson Rector was a brother of
Lieutenant Stephen Rector, who on July
19th so heroically rescued Lieutenant Camp-
bell and his ill-fated boat's crew at Camp-
bell's Island.

At this time, about 7 o'clock, the British
guns began to play on the American boats.
The first shot passed through Lieutenant
Hempstead's boat. Lieutenant Graham in
his report dated September 7th said: "In
about three-quarters of an hour the largest
of their boats, which was ahead of the others,
after having about fifteen shots through her,
began to push off, and dropped astern of the
rest, and made her way down the ctirrent.
The others soon followed her. We kept firing
at them along the bank as far as the ground
would permit us to drag the guns, but thej'
soon got out of our reach." The engagement
lasted about one hour. Major Taylor in his
report said: "I was compelled to drop down
about three miles before a proper place pre-
sented itself for landing, as but few of the

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

boats had anchors sufficient to stop them in
the river. Here I halted for the purpose of
having the wounded attended and some of
the boats repaired, as some of them had been
injured by the enemy's artillery." The land-
ing was on the Illinois shore.

The British and Indians had no losses,
while the Americans had eleven men badly
wounded, three mortally. Taylor's fleet re-
turned to St. Louis. An early writer said:
"I saw in the harbor at St. Louis the boats
that were in Taylor's battle at Rock Island,
and they were riddled with the cannon iialls.
1 think the balls were made of lead — at any
rate they pierced the boats considerably."

This was the third American expedition up
the Mississippi River in the year 1814, all
ending in defeat and disaster. The British
and Indians had possession of the country
until December 24th, when the peace of Ghent
ended the war.

In his autobiography, Black Hawk says:
"The Briti-sh landed a big gun and gave us
three soldiers to manage it." Writers of
Western History have differed regarding
Taylor's engagement, some accepting Black
Hawk's version, have credited the battle as
solely an Indian victory, saying the Indians
were re-inforced by only three British sol-
diers and one cannon. Others have said
that there were present a large number of
British soldiers. Neither Taylor or (iraham
knew who was in command of the other party.
and nowhere was I able to learn the details,
until during the winter of, 1906 and 1907, I
found in the Canadian archives the corre-
spondence between the British officers relat-
ing to the part they took in this early western
event. From these archives. I learned that
Black Hawk had a company of British sol-
diers with three cannons. That the cannon
were first planted on the Island of Rock
Island two years before the erection of Fort
Armstrong, on ground afterwards occupied
by Fort Armstrong and that Subiirban Island
as early as 1S14 was known as Credit Island.

FIRST SETTLERS.

The first white settler in this county was
CJeorge Davenport, who came to the Island of
Rock Island in the spring of 1816 with Colo-
nel William Lawrence and the Eighth Regi-
ment of LTnited States regulars at the time
Fort .Armstrong was built. In 1817 Daven-
port built a double log cabin on the Island of
Rock Island at the place where the "Old Dav-
enport House" now stands, one part of which
he used as a store in which he carried on the
business of an Indian trader. The old ruin
now standing on the north shore of the island
was built in 1833 and was for many years the"
most pretentious residence above St. Louis,
the timbers in the old Trading House being
used in constructing the new dwelling. In
1824 Russell Farnham came from Warsaw
and entered into partnership with Davenport
under the firm name of Davenport & Farn-
ham. In 1826 Davenport and Farnham built
the house on the main land just west of the
P. L. Cable residence and afterwards occu-
pied by John Barrel. This house was used
for many years as the seat of justice for this
county and in our coiuity records is referred
to as the "House of John Barrel."

In 1828 the country along Rock River had
not been surveyed and consequently was not
open to entry. Yet the fame of the fertility
of the soil and the beauty of the coimtry had
attracted the pioneer who is always in ad-
vance of the settler, and who often is termed
the squatter, and these people relying upon
the protection of Fort Armstrong began to
select homes in this valley. During the year
1828 there were eight settlers to arrive — Cap-
tain B. W. Clark, an old soldier named Haney,
Judge Pence, \\ho settled on Rock River,
and John Kinney, Thomas Kinney, George
Harlan, Conrad Leek and Archibald .Allen,
the last five settling where Rapids City now is.

The j-ear 1829 brought a number of new-
comers — Judge John ^^'. Spencer, who had
been here the year before; Louden Case, Sr.,
and his tlii'ee sons, Jonah, Louden, Jr., and

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Charles, who settled on what is now known
as the Case place on Rock River: Rinah Wells
and his four sons, Rinah, Jr., Lucius, John
and Samuel, who also settled on Rock River;
Joel Wells, Jr., who settled near Hampton;
Joel Wells, Sr., Levi and Huntington Wells,
who settled at Moline; Joseph Danforth a
* mile above Moline; IMichael Bartlett where
Deere tV: Mansur's factor}', Moline, now is;
George Goble and his son, Benjamin, about
two miles above Moline; William Brashar,
who settled south of the present city of
Rock Island; Joshua ^'andruff and his sons,
who settled on \'andruff's Island; Charles H.
Case and Benjamin F. Pike.

SLAVERY.

At this time in the southern part of the
the state negroes were held in bondage, under
what was known and recognized as the inden-
tured or registered servant's act. This was
contrary to the ordinance of 1787 which
governed the admission of Illinois into the
union as a state, but our Legislature enacted
laws which our courts upheld, by which
slavery existed in Illinois. In May, 1829,
a man named Stephens from St. Louis settled
on the Mississippi where Walker Station now
is, two miles east of Moline, bringing with him
twenty black slaves, and built two cabins.
There were but few settlers in this locality,
but this new departure was not in accord with
their ideas, and in October Joseph Danforth
traveled to the nearest justice of the peace,
who resided at Galena, and secured from him
a warrant for Stephens' arrest for holding
slaves. George Goble, the father of Benjamin
Goble, knowing Danforth's intention, warned
Stephens, who immediately started south
with his slaves. Stephens' two cabins were
afterwards taken by two brothers named
Smith, who floored the cabins with planks
taken from the hull of Major Campbell's keel
boat, which had burned only to the water's
edge, and which had lain imbedded in the
sand on Campbell's Island where it stranded

on that ill fated July 19, 1814. No one after
this ever tried to own slaves in this county,
although some of the officers at Fort Arm-
strong had negro servants, some of whom
were held as indentured blacks, a few as
slaves. One of the latter afterwards gained
national prominence.

Dred Scott was a negro slave owned by Dr.
John Emerson, a surgeon in the United States
Army, and in the year 1834 came with the
doctor from Missouri to Fort Armstrong on
Rock Island, where the doctor was stationed.
Scott remained at Fort Armstrong until
May, 1836, when he went with the doctor to
Fort Snelling (now Minnesota) where he
married Harriet, a slave of his master, and
had two children. Slavery was illegal in
both places; in Illinois by our constitution;
in Minnesota (Upper Louisiana Purchase) by
the Missouri Compromise.

In 1838 Scott was taken to Jefferson Bar-
racks, a military post at St. Louis, Missouri,
and here an action was brought in the cir-
cuit court of the state by Scott to test the
question of his freedom. The St. Louis court
held that Scott's residence on free soil had
made him Frp;e. The case was appealed to
ths supreme court of Missouri which court
reversed the decision of the St. Louis cir-
cuit court and held Scott was a slave. In
the meantime Dr. Emerson had sold Dred
and his family to John F. A. Sanford of New
York and suit was brought against Sanford
in the LTnited States court for Scott's freedom.

This case was tried at St. Louis on May
1 5th, before the court and a jury, and the
latter found that "Dred Scott was a negro
slave, the lawful property of the defendant."
A new trial was refused, and Scott carried his
case to the supreme court of the United States.

The final decision in the Dred Scott case
was the longest, and up to that period, the
most interesting one ever given by the su-
preme court of the United States. It is re-
ported in the 19th Howard. The substance
of the decision was:

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

"Scott was not made free by being taken to
Rock Island in the State of Illinois. As Scott
was a slave when taken to Fort Armstrong
into the State of Illinois by his owner, and was
then held as such, and brought back into
Missouri in that character, his status, as free
or slave, depended on the laws of Missouri,
and not of Illinois, He and his family were
not free, but were, by the laws of Missouri,
the property of the defendant."

THE SETTLEMENT OF L.VND.S.

In 1828 and the early part of 1829 George
Davenport and Russell Farnham entered
the lands upon which the old fair grounds
were located, and which extended from there
about one mile east. William T. Rrashar
entered the lands upon a portion of which is
now located Chippianock Cemetery. Tliese
and other pre-emptions were upon lauds that
had for nearly a century been the village and
the cornfields of the Sacs. These entries
were within the letter, but contrary to the
spirit of the treaty of 1804. These lands
were not open to settlers, nor brought into
the market until the latter part of 1829, and
one authority says: "Consequently all who
had settled on them previous to this were
trespassers, having violated the laws of con-
gress and the pre-existing treaties. The
most advanced settlements at that time did
not approach nearer than fifty or sixty miles
of Rock Island, and the lands for even a
greater distance had not been offered for sale,
yet the government disposed of a few quar-
ter sections at the mouth of this stream, em-
bracing the site of the village and fields c\il-
tivated by the inhabitants. The manifest
object of this advanced movement upon the
Indian settlements was to evade the provisions
of the treaty, by having the governmental
title to the lands pass into the hands of the
individuals, and thus obtain a pretext for
removing its owners west of the Mississippi.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ROCK ISLAND COUNTY.

By an act of the Illinois Legislature en-
titled "An act to establish Rock Island Coun-
ty," approved and in force February 9, 1831,
it was provided by Section 1 thereof what the
boundaries of this county shall be. Section
2 provided that whenever it shall be made to
appear to the satisfaction of the presiding
judge of the circuit coiirt of Jo Daviess Coun-
ty, to which this county was then attached,
that the said County of Rock Island con-
tains three hundred and fifty inhabitants,
it shall be his duty to grant an order for the
election of three commissioners, one sheriff
and one coroner to serve in and for said coun-
ty until they be superseded by the persons
elected at the next general election, which
shall take place after the special election here-
in jjrovided for. The act then states that
after such election the said County of Rock
Island shall be considered as organized and
entitled to the same rights and privileges as
the other counties in this state. Owing, how-
ever, to the Black Hawk War no effort was
made to organize the county until 183.'^, when
on Monday, July .'5, in pursuance of due notice
the legal voters of this county to the number
of sixty-five met at the "House of John
Barrel." and elected county officers.

THE BEGINNING OF TROUBLE.

In the spring of 1831, when Black Hawk
and his people returned from their winter
hunt, they found the few white settlers whom
they had left the fall before increased by naany
new comers. They found the Indian homes
occupied by pale faces, and among their corn
hills they found the white man's wagon.
But more aggravating yet, they found the
bones of their ancestors disturbed and laid
bare upon the ground by the white man's
plow. Bhick Hawk and his people had borne
much the past few years but this seemed too
much. He protested, and was told the white
man had bought the land from his white

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

father in Washington. He could not under-
stand this. Judge John W. Spencer in' his
"Reminiscences" says: "Black Hawk gave
the settlers to understand that after this
season they must go south of Rock River,
or above Pleasant Valley. * * * This
move on the part of the Indians made it
necessary for the settlers to look about and
see what they could do for their protection."
and, Judge Spencer says, "We had petitioned
the governor of the state in the summer of
1829 without his taking any notice, but now
we concluded to try it again. We made a
statement of our grievance, and of the order
of Black Hawk for our removal, anil for-
warded it with all possible haste to the gov-
ernor. This had the desired effect."

THE ROCK ISLAND PETITION.

The following is the petition sent to the
governor by citizens of Rock Island:

"April 30, 1831.
"His Excellency, the Governor of the State of
Illinois:
"We, the undersigned, being citizens of
Rock River and its vicinity, beg leave to
state to your honor the grievances which we
labor under and pray your protection against
the Sac and Fox tribe of Indians who have
again taken possession of our lands near the
mouth of Rock River and its vicinity. They
have, and now are, burning our fences, des-
troying our crops of wheat now growing b}'
turning in all their horses. They also threat-
en our lives if we attempt to plant corn, and
say they will cut it up; that we have stolen
their lands from them, and they are deter-
mined to exterminate us, provided we don't
leave the country. Your honor, no doubt,
is aware of the outrages that were committed
by said Indians heretofore. Particularly last
all, they almost destroj-ed all our crops, and
made several attempts on the owners' lives
when the}' attempted to prevent their depre-
dations, and actually wounded one man by

stabbing him in several places. This spring
they act in a much more outrageous and
menacing manner, so that we consider our-
selves compelled to beg protection of you,
which the agent and garrison on Rock Island
refuse to give, inasmuch as they say they have
no orders from government: therefore, should
we not receive adequate aid from your honor,
we shall be compelled to abandon our settle-
ment, and the lands which we have pur-
chased of the government. Therefore, we
have no doubt but vour honor will better
anticipate our condition than it is represented,
and grant us immediate relief in the manner
that to you may seem most likely to produce
the desired effect. The number of Indians
now among us is about six or seven hundred.
They say there are more coming, and that the
Pottawattomies and some of the Winnebagoes
will help them in case of an irruption with
the whites.

"The warriors now here are the Black
Hawk's party, with other chiefs, the names
of whom we are not acquainted with. There-
fore, looking up to you for protection, we beg
leave to remain, yours, etc."
(Signed)

John Wells Thomas Lovitt

B. F. Pike William Heans

H. McNeil Charles French

Albert Wells M. S. Hulls

Griffith Ausbury Eli Wells
Thomas Gardiner Asaph Wells
J. VandrufT G. V. Miller

S. A'andruff Edward Burner

John L. Bain Joel Thompson

Horace Cook Joel Wells, Jr.

David B. Hail J. W. Spencer

John Barrel ■ Joseph Danforth

William Henry William Brazher

Erastus Kent Jonah H. Case

Levi Wells Samuel Wells

Joel Wells Charles French

Michael Bartlet Benjamin Goble

Huntington Wells Gentry McCall
Thomas Davis

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

THE INDIAN AGENT REPORTS.

The settlers not hearing from Governor
Reynolds and receiving no aid from the offi-
cials at Fort Armstrong, applied to the
Indian agent, and he wrote the following
letter:

"Rock Island, May 15, 1S31.

"Respected Sir: I have again to mention
to you that the Black Hawk (a Sac chief) and
his party are now at their old village on Rock
River. They have commenced planting corn
and say they will keep possession. I have
been informed that they have pulled down a
house and some fences which they have
burned. They have also turm^d their horses
in wheat fields and say they will destroy the
wheat so that the white people .shall not re-
main among them.

"This is what I expected from their man-
ner of acting last fall, and which I mentioned
to you in my letter of the Sth October last.
I would not be at a loss were it not for the
seventh article of the treaty with the Sacs
and Foxes of 3d November, 1804.

"I respectfully ask, would it not be better
to hold a treaty with those Indians and get
them to remove peaceably, than to call on the
military to force them off? None of this
band has as yet called on me for information-
A few ha\-e been at my agency to have work
done at the smith's shops. I have the honor
to be,

"Your obedient servant,

"Felix St. Vrain, Indian Agent.
"Gen. William Clark, Supt. Ind. of St. Louis."

WHISKEY THE CAUSE.

One of the settlers living on what is now
Vandruff's Island, kept a sort of tavern where
whiskey was sold, and here the Indians came
to barter for fire water. Black Hawtk saw
his people bartering off their peltries and
game for whiskej' and he saw the ruin that
the white man's "fire water"' was creating
among them. He protested and begged the

white man to stop selling the Indians whiskey,
but the sale went on. One day he, with
some five or six of his braves, paddled in their
canoes from their village to Vandruff's
Island. Silently the old chief marched up to
the cabin followed by his braves. They did
not stop to knock, but entered the door and
silently rolled the barrel of whiskey outside
the cabin, knocked in the head with their
tomahawks and allowed the pale faces' "fire
water" to run on the ground. Then thej'
rowed back to their village.

This last act of the Indians greatly excited
the whites and Benjamin F. Pike, a settler,
afterwards our first sheriff, was sent to Belle-
ville in St. Clair County to personally ask the
governor for assistance. He took with him
the following petition from the settlers.

THE SECOND PETITION.

"Farnhamburg, May 19, 1S31.
"To his Excellency, the Governor of the State
of Illinois:
"We. the undersigned, citizens of Rock
River and its vicinit}-, having previously sent
a petition to your honor, praying your pro-
tection against the.se Sac Indians who were
at that time doing every kind of mischief as
was set forth and represented to your honor;
but feeling ourselves more aggrieved and our
situation more precarious, we have been com-
pelled to make our distress known to you by
sending one of our neighbors who is well
acquainted with our situation. If we do not
get relief speedily we must leave our habita-
tions to these savages and seek safety for our
families by taking them down into the lower
counties and suffer our houses and fences to be
destroyed, as one of the principal war chiefs
has threatened if we do not abandon our
settlement his warriors should burn our houses
over our heads. They were, at the time v/e
sent our other petition, destroying our crops
of wheat, and are still pasturing their horses
in our fields, burning our fences, and have

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

thrown the roof off one house. They shot
arrows at our cattle, killed our hogs, and every
mischief.

"We have tried every argument to the
agent for relief, but he tells us they are a
lawless band, and he has nothing to do with
them until further orders, leaving us still in
suspense, as the Indians say if we plant we
shall not reap, a proof of which we had last
fall; they almost entirely destroyed all our
crops of corn, potatoes, etc. Believini; we
shall receive protection from 3'our excellency
we shall go on with our farms until the return
of the bearer; and ever remain your humble
supplicants, etc."

This petition was signed by almost all the
persons who signed the first petition. On
his way to Belleville in St. Clair County, where
Governor Reynolds lived, Mr Pike stopped
over in Fulton County where he secured the
following affidavit:

"State of Illinois, Fulton County.

"Personally appeared before me, Stephen
Dewey, an acting justice of the peace in and
for said County of Fulton, and State of Illi-
nois, Hiram Sanders and Ammyson Chapman,
of the aforesaid count}- and state, and made
oath that some time in the month of April
last they went to the old Indian Sac town,
about thirtj' miles up Rock River, for the
purpose of farming and establishing a ferry
across said river, and the Indians ordered us
to move awav and not to come there again
and we remained there a few hours.

"They then sent for their chief and he in-
formed us that we might depart peaceabl}'
and if we did not that he would make us go.

"He therefore ordered the Indians to
throw our furniture out of the house; they
accordingly did so and threatened to kill us
if we did not depart. We therefore discov-
ered that our lives were in danger, and
consequently moved back again to the above
county.

"We then supposed them to be principally
Winnebagoes.

"H. Sanders.
"A. Chapmax.
"Sworn and subscribed this llth day of
May, 1831.

"Stephen Dewey, J. P.

BENJAMIN F. pike's AFFIDAVIT.

Upon his arrival at Belleville Pike prepared
the following statement:

"State of Illinois, St. Clair County.

"Present, Benjamin F. Pike, before me, a
justice of the peace in and for the said countj%
and made oath and deposed, that he has re-
sided in the vicinitj- of Rock River, in the
State of Illinois, for almost three years last
past ; that he is well acquainted with the band
of the Sac Indians whose chief is the Black
Hawk, and who have resided and do now
reside near the mouth of Rock River in this
state; that he understands so much of the
said Indian language as to converse with the
said Indians intelligibly: that he is well
satisfied that said Indians, to the amount
of about three himdred warriors, are extreme-
ly unfriendly to the white people; that said
Indians are determined, if not prevented by
force, to drive off the white people, who have
some of them purchased land of the United
States near said Indians, and said Indians to
remain sole occupiers of the said country.

"That said Indians do not onlj' make
threats to this effect, but have, in various
instances, done much damage to said white
inhabitants, by throwing down their fences,
destroying the fall grain, pulling off the roofs
of houses, and positively asserting that if the
whites do not go away they would kill them:
that there are about forty inhabitants and
heads of families in the vicinity of said Indians
who are immediately affected by said band of
Indians; that said Pike is certain that said
forty heads of families, if not protected, will
be compelled to leave their habitations and

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

homes from the actual injury that said
Indians will commit on said inhabitants; that
said band of Indians consists, as above
stated, of about three hundred warriors, and
that the whole band is actuated by the same
hostile feelings towards the white inhab-
itants; and that, if not prevented by an armed
force of men, will commit on said white
inhabitants. That said Indians have said
that they would fis;ht for their country where
they reside, and would not permit the white
people to occupy it at all. That said white
inhabitants are desirous to be protected, and
that immediately, so that they may raise
crops this sprina; and summer.

"Benjamin F. Pike.
"Sworn and subscribed before me, this
26th May, 1831.

"John H. Dennis, J. P."

GOVERNOR REYNOLDS ACTS.

Pike presented his petition from the Rock
River settlers and these affidavits personally
to Governor Reynolds, who on the same day
issued a call for seven hundred mounted
militia, to move the Indians west of the Miss-
issippi River. He also wrote the following
letter to General Clark, Superintendent of
Indian Affairs :

"Belleville, 26th May, 1S31.

"Sir: In order to protect the citizens of
this state, who reside near Rock River, from
Indian invasion and depredations, I have
considered it necessary to call out a force of
militia of this state of about seven hundred
strong, to remove a band of the Sac Indians
who are now about Rock Island. The ob-
ject of the government of the state is to pro-
tect those citizens by removing said Indians,
peaceably if they can, but forcibly if they
must. Those Indians are now, and so I have
considered them, in a state of actual invasion
of the state.

"As you act as the piiblic agent of the
United States in relation to those Indians, I
considered it my duty to inform you of the

above call on the militia and that in or about
fifteen days a sufficient force will appear
before said Indians to remove them, dead or
alive, over to the west side of the Mississippi;
but to save all this disagreeable business, per-
haps a request from yoii to them for them to
remove to the west side of the river would
effect the object of procuring peace to the
citizens of the state. There is no disposition
on the part of the people of this state to injure
those unfortunate and deluded savages if they
will let us alone; but a government that does
not protect its citizens deserves not the name
of a government. Please correspond with
me at this olace on this subject.

"Your obedient servant,

"John Reynolds.
"Gen. Clark, Supt., etc."

Felix St. Vrain, the then agent for the Sacs
and Foxes, had in the meantime gone to St.
Louis and in the following letter sets out the
situation at Rock River:

"St. Louis, May 28, 1831.

"Respected Sir: Since my last of the loth
inst. on the subject of the band of Sac Indians,
etc., the Indian village on Rock River near
Rock Island, I have heard from the Indians
and some of the whites that a house had been
unroofed instead of pulled down and burned,
and that the fence had caught fire by acci-
dent. As regards the destroying of the
wheat, etc., the Indians say that a white man
hauled some timber through a field and left
the fence down by which means their horses
got into the field. This, however, has been
contradicted by the white inhabitants of that
place. They say that the Indians are con-
stantly troubling them by letting their horses
into their fields and killing their hogs, etc.
This, however, I am confident is occasioned
in a great measm-e by whiskey being given
to the Indians in exchange for their guns,
traps, etc.

"I had a talk with the principal chief and
braves of that band of Indians. I spoke to

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

the Hlack Tlnmdor, wlio is the ]irincipal of
that band. I told them that they had sold
those lands to the government of the United
States and that they ought to remove to their
own lands. They then said that they had
only sold the lands south of the river. I then
produced the treaties and explained to them
that they had relinquished their rights as
far as the Ouisconsin. Quash-quam-me (the
Jumping Fish) then said that he had only
consented to the limits being Rock River, but
that a Fox chief agreed (as he understands,
afterwards) for the Ouisconsin; that he
(Quash-quam-me) had been deceived and that
he did not intend it to be so. I had consider-
able talk with them on this subject, and
could discover nothing hostile in their dispo-
sition unless their decided conviction of their
right to the place could be construed as such.
I have been informed that a white man and
his family had gone to an Indian village on
the borders of Rock River about forty miles
from Rock Island, for the purpose of estab-
lishing a ferry, and that the Indians at that
place had driven them away at the same
time saying to them that they would not
hurt them, but they should not live there.
This village is occupied by a mixture of
Winnebago, Sac and Fox band and headed
by the Prophet, a chief. I have the honor
to be

"Your obedient servant,

"Felix St. Vr.^in, Indian Agent.
"Gen. William Clark, Supt. Indian Affairs,
St. Louis."

Upon receipt of Governor Reynolds' letter,
General William Clark sent to General Edward
P . Gaines the following letter:

"Superintendency of Indian Affairs.
"St. Louis, May 28, LS3L
"Sir: I have the honor to inclose you a
copy of a letter of '26th inst., just received
from the Governor of Illinois, by which you
will perceive he has thought it necessary to
call out a force of about 700 militia for the

jjrotoction of the citizens of that state, who
reside near Rock River, and for the purpose
of remoA-ing a band of Sacs which he states
are now about Rock Island.

"As the commanding general of this divi-
sion of the army, I have thought it my duty
to communicate to you the above information;
and for the pm-pose of putting you in posses-
sion of the views of the government in rela-
tion to this subject, as well as to inform you
of the means which have been heretofore
employed for the removal of the Sacs now
complained of, I enclose to you herewith
coi)i('s of my correspondence with tlie war
department and with the agent for those
tribes, also extracts from such of their reports
as had immediate relation to the subject.

"The Sacs and Foxes have been counseled
with on the subject of their removal from the
lands which they had ceded to the United
States. The prospect of collisions with the
white settlers who were then purchasing
those lands, and the interminable difficulties
in which they would be involved thereby
were pointed out, and had the effect of con-
vincing a large majority of both tribes of the
impropriety of remaining at their old village.
They, therefore, acquiesced in the justice of
the claim of the United States and expressed
their willingness to comply with my request
to remove to their new village on lowy River,
west of the Mississippi, all but parts of two
bands headed by two inconsiderable chiefs,
who, after abandoning their old village, have,
it appears, returned again, in defiance of all
consequences.

"Those bands are distinguished and known
by the name of 'The British Party,' having
been for many years in the habit of making
annual visits at Maiden in Upper Canada for
the purpose of receiving their presents, and
it is believed to be owing in a great measure
to the counsels they have there received, that
so little influence has been acquired over
them by the L^nited States agents.

"In justice to Keokuk, Wapello the Stab-

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

bing Chief, and. indeed, all the other real
chiefs and principal men of both tribes, it
should be observed that they have constantly
and zealously co-operated with the govern-
ment agents in furtherance of its views, and
in their endeavors to effect the removal of all
their property from the ceded hinds.

"Any inform.ation in my possession which
you may deem necessary in relation to this
subject will be promjitly afforded. With
high respect, I have the honor to be

"Your most oliedient servant,
" WlLLT.\.\I Cl.\rk.

"Major-General Edmund P. Gaines, Com-
manding Western Department, U. S. \.

"P. iS. The agent for the Sacs and Foxes
(Mr. St. Vrain) has received his instructions
and will perform any service you may require
of liini with the Sacs and Foxes."

General Clark the same day sent to Gov-
ernor Reynolds the following communication
in reply to his letter:

"Superintendency of Indian Affairs,
"St. Louis, May 28, 1831.

"Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the '26th inst..
informing me of your having considered it
necessary to call out a force of militia of
about seven hundred for the protection of t he
citizens of Illinois who reside near Rock
Island invasion and for the purpose of remov-
ing a band of Sac Indians who are now about
Rock Island, etc.

' ' You intimate that to prevent the necessity
of employing this force, perhaps a request
from me to those Indians to remove to the
west side of the Mississippi would effect the
object of procuring peace to the citizens of
your state. In answer of which I would beg
leave to observe, that every effort on my
part has been made to effect the removal of
all those tribes who had ceded their lands.
For the purpose of affording you a view (in
part) of what has been done in this matter, I
enclose you herewith extracts from the re-

ports of the agents for the Sacs and Foxes,
by which it will be seen that every means,-
short of actual force, has been emplo\'ed to
effect their rcmo-\-al.

"I have communicated the contents of your
letter to General fiaines, who commands the
western division of the army, and who has
full power to act and execute any military
movement deemed necessary for the protec-
tion of the frontier. I shall also furnish him
with such information regarding the Sacs and
Foxes as I am possessed of, and wouhl beg
leave to refer you to him for any further pro-
ceedings in relation to this subject. I have
the honor to be, with great respect,
"Your obedient servant,

"Wm. Clark.

"His Excellency, .John Reynolds, Governor
of Illinois. "

Governor Reynolds certaiidy meant lousi-
ness, for on the same day he sent tlic follow-
ing letter:

"Belleville, May 28, 1831.
"General Gaines.

"Sir: I have received undoubted informa-
tion that the section of this state near Rock
Island is actually invaded by a-ho.stile band
of the Sac Indians headed by Black Hawk;
and in order to repel said invasion, and to
protect the citizens of the state, I have, under
the provisions of the constitution of the
United States and the laws of this state, called
on the militia, to the number of 700 men, who
will be mounted and ready for service in a
very short time. I consider it my duty to
lay before you the al)ove information, so as
you, commanding the military forces of the
United States in this part of the Union, may
adopt such measures in regard to said Indians
as you deem right.

"The above mentioned mounted volun-
teers (because such they will be) will be in
readiness immediately to move against said
Indians, and, as Executive of the State of
Illinois, I respectfully solicit your co-opera-

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

tion in this business. Please honor me with
an answer to this letter.

"With sincere respect to your character,
"I am, your obedient servant,

"John Reynolds."

To which letter General Gaines replied as
follows :

" H. Q. Western Department, May 29, 1831.
"His Excellency, Governor Reynolds.

"Sir: I do myself the honor to acknowl-
edge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's
date, advising me of your having received
undoubted information that the section of
the frontier of your state near Rock Island is
invaded by a hostile band of Sac Indians
headed by a chief called Black Hawk. That
in order to repel said invasion, and to protect
the citizens of the state, you have called on
the militia to the number of 700 militiamen
to be in readiness immediately to move
against the Indians, and you solicit my co-
operation.

"In reply, it is my duty to state to you
that I have ordered si.x companies of the
regular troops stationed at Jefferson Bar-
racks to embark tomorrow morning and
repair forthwith to the spot occupied by the
hostile Sacs. To this detachment I shall, if
necessary, add four companies. With this
force I am satisfied that I shall be able to
repel the invasion and give security to the
frontier inhabitants of the state. But should
the hostile band be sustained by the residue
of the Sac, Fox and other Indians to an ex-
tent requiring an augmentation of mj^ force,
I will, in that event, communicate with Your
Excellency by express and avail myself of the
co-operation which you propose. But, under
existing circumstances, and the present as-
pect of our Indian relations on the Rock
Island section of the frontier, I do not deem
it necessary or proper to require militia, or
any other description of force, other than
that of the regular army at this place and
Prairie du Chien.

• I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,

"Edmund P. G.unes,
" Major-Gcneral by Brevet, Command."

General Clark the following day forwarded
to the War Department at Washington the
following communication :

"Superintendency of Indian Affairs,
"St. Louis, May 30, 1831.

"Sir: On the 28th inst. I had the honor
of receiving a letter from the Governor of
Illinois dated the 28th. informing me of the
measures which he had considered it necess-
ary to pursue for the protection of the citizens
of his state from Indian invasion and for the
purpose of removing a band of Sacs then
about Rock Island. A copy of his letter and
my answer herewith enclosed.

"Deeming the information received from
the Governor of Illinois important, I immed-
iate!}^ communicated it to General Gaines
W'ho happened to be in this place at the time,
and shortly after was called upon by Govern-
or Reynolds himself, to whom I gave such
information respecting the Sacs complained
of as had come to my knowledge, and also
furnished him with such of the reports of the
agent for those tribes as had relation to the
subject. To the Commanding General I
furnished similar information: and also for
the purpose of possessing him of the views
of the government on that subject, I gave
him copies of such of my correspondence with
the War Department as had any relation there-
to.

"I also enclose to you copies of two reports
of the agent for the Sacs and Foxes of the
15th and 28th inst. By the first it will be
seen that the band complained of is deter-
mined to keep possession of their old village;
and it is probable from a knowledge of the
disposition evinced in the matter by the Sacs
and for the purpose of dispossessing them,
that the Commanding General has thought
proper to make a display in that quarter of a

HISTORIC ROCK I S L A N D COU N T Y

part of the force under his command, six
companies of which are now leaving this
place for Rock River. The exjiedition (be
the result what it may) cannot fail of pvo-
diicing good effects, even should the Indians
be disposed to move peaceably to their own
lands; and if not, their opposition should, in
my opinion, be put down at once.

"I have the honor to be, with high respect,
"Your most obedient servant,

" WlLLI.\lI Cl.vhk.
"The Hon. John H. Eaton, Secretary of War."

GAIXES GOES TO FORT AKMSTROXG.

General Gaines immediately proceeded to
Fort Armstrong and upon his arrival with his
troops commenced putting the fort in condi-
tion to withstand a siege if necessary. The
six companies he brought with him from Jef-
ferson Barracks were strengthened by four
additional companies- from Fort Crawford,
at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. .\11 the
settlers in this vicinity were warned of im-
pending danger and came to the fort with
their families, bringing their horses, cattle
and everything of value that could be carried.
The soldiers began target practice, and morn-
ing and evening guns were fired, something
not heretofore done. June 5, General Gaines
sent for Black Hawk, Keokuk, Wapello and
other chiefs for the purpose of holding a coun-
cil. Black Hawk came to the council attended
by all his chiefs and many warriors, all in war
paint, carrying arms, and singing war songs.
None but the chiefs were allowed to enter the
fort, and here in the presence of Keokuk,
Wapello, and other head chiefs. General
Gaines told Black Hawk that he and his band
must move west of the Mississippi River, and
that if they did not go, he, Gaines, would move
them by force. Gaines gave the Indians
until the twentieth in which to move. Pre-
vious to this Black Hawk had held two
inten-iews with the Prophet, a AVinnebago
living at his village where Prophetstown is
now located- The Prophet claimed to have

had visions or dreams, and said that the
white soldiers would do no one any harm;
that their object was merely to frighten the
Indians, and it was upon this information
that Black Hawk acted.

GAINES ASKS AID FROM THE GOVERNOR.

After the council. General Gaines at once
sent by special messenger the following letter
to Governor Reynolds:

"Headquarters, Rock Island, June 5, 1831.
"John Reynolds, Governor of Illinois.

"Sir: I do myself the honor to report to
Your Excellency the result of my conference
with the chiefs and braves of the band of Sac
Indians settled within the limits of your state
near this place.

"I called their attention to the facts re-
ported to me of their disorderly conduct
towards the white inhabitants near them.
They disavow any intention of hostility but
at the same time adhere with stubborn perti-
nacity to their purpose of remaining on the
Rock River land in question.

"I notified them of my determination to
move them, peaceably if possible, but at all
events to move them to their own side of the
Mississippi River, pointing out to them the
apparent impossibility of their living on
lands purchased by the whites without con-
stant disturbance. They contended that
this part of their country had never been sold
by them. I explained to them the different
treaties of 1804, '16 and '25, and concluded
with a positive assurance that they must move
off, and that I must as soon as they are ready
assist them with boats.

"I have this morning learned that they
have invited the Prophet's band of Winne-
bagoes on Rock River, with some Pottawat-
omies and Kickapoos, to join them. If I
find this to be true, I shall gladly avail nw-
self of my present visit to see them well
punished; and, therefore, I deem it to be the
only safe measure now to be taken to request
of Your Excellency the battalion of mounted

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

men which you did mo the honor to .^ay
would eo-operale with me. They will find at
this post a supply of rations for the men. with
some corn for their horses, together with a
supply of powder and lead.

''I have deemed it expedient under all the
circumstances of the case to invite the fron-
tier inhabitants to bring their families to this
post until the difference is over.

"I have the honor to lie. with great resjiect,
"Your obedient servant.

"Edward P. 0.\iNi:.-i.

"Major-General by I^revet, Commanding.

"P. 8. Since writing the foregoing remarks.
I have learned that the Winnebagoes and
Pottawatomie Indians have actuallv been
invited by the Sacs to join them. P>ut the
former evince no disposition to comply: and
it is supposed liy Colonel Gratitit, the agent,
that none will join the Sacs, except, perhaps,
some few of the Kickapoos. E. P. G."

This letter evidently pleased Governor Rey-
nolds for he said: "I was very much rejoiced
on receiving this letter, as it put my whole
proceedings on a legal and constitutional
footing, and the responsibility of the war was
removed from me to the United States."

THE settlers' AFFIDAVITS.

While at Fort Armstrong the settlers had
prepared another petition, together with
numerous affidavits, which they presented to
General Gaines. The following is the sub-
stance of the de])ositions of sundry citizens
of the Rock River .settlement, taken before
William Brasher, J. P., and Joel Wells, J. P..
on the 10th of .Tune, 1S31.

"First. John Wells, John W. Spencer,
Jonah H. Case, Rennah Wells, Samuel Wells,
Benjamin F. Pike, Joseph Danforth and
Moses Johnson, before Wm. Brazer, J. P.,
swear that the Sac Indians did through the
last year repeatedly threaten to kill them for
being on their ground, and acted in the most
outrageous manner; thi-ew down their fences,

burnt or destroyed their rails, turned horses
into their cornfields and almost destroyed
their crops, stole their potatoes, killed and
ate their hogs, shot arrows into their cattle
and put out their eyes, thereby rendering
them useless to their ow-ners, saj-ing the land
was theirs, and that they had not sold it.
In April they ordered the deponents to leave
their hou.ses, and turned from fifty to one
hundred horses into one man's wheat field,
threatening that the fields should not be
reaped, although said owners had purchased
the land of the United States government.
The Indians also leveled deadly w^eapons at
the citizens, and on some occasions hiu't some
of the said citizens, for attempting to prevent
the destruction of their property. Also that
the Indians stole their horses, some of which
were returned by the agent six or eight months
after, and in a miserable condition : others
were never heard of again, Xearly fifty
Indians headed by their notorious war chief,
all armed and equipped for war, came to the
house of Rennah Wells, and ordered him to be
off or they would kill him. which, for the
safety of his family, he obeyed. They then
went to another house, rolled out a barrel of
whiskey and destroyed it, as well as committing
many other outrages to the knowledge of the
deponents.

"Second. John Wells, before Joel Wells,
J. P., swore that on the 30th day of Septem-
ber, 1S30, he saw two Sac Indians throwing
down his fence, who said they were doing it
for the purpose of going through, in which
they persisted although forbidden by the
owner, and when the owner attempted to
prevent them, one of them made a pass at
him with his fist, and drew- his knife on him.

"Third. Rennah and Samuel Wells, be-
fore Joel Wells. J. P., swore that on the 29th
of May a party of Sac Indians, calling them-
selves chiefs, with Black Hawk at their head,
came to the house of Rennah Wells, near the
mouth of Rock River, and said that he must
let the squaws cultivate his field, which Wells

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

refusing, they beciuno much displeased, and
told him to go off; upon Wells' refii-sal they
went away. That on the next day the same
chiefs, with about fifty warriors, came, armed,
and told \\'ells that he must move or they
would cut the throats of himself and family,
and making motions to that effect, upon which
said Wells told them that he would take
counsel and tell them at three o'clock the
next day w-hat would be his determinaton.
They consented, and went away; at the ap-
pointed time they returned and told Wells
that he must go off, which he accordingly
did, leaving all his possessions to the Indians.

"Fourth. Nancy Thompson and Nancy
Wells before W. J. Brasher, swore that ■ in
October, 1830. two Indians residing in the
village forty or fifty miles above the mouth
of Rock River, and called Sacs or Winneba-
goes, came to the house of Rennah Wells
and commenced chasing some sheep, as if thej'
would kill them. Those Indians were ordered
to desist, upon which they drew their knives
and made at the woman, who being alarmed,
called for assistance. Samuel Wells being
sick in the house at the time, ran out with a
pitchfork, and the Indians pursued no farther.
London L. Case heard the alarm given, and
joined. The Indians then returned to the
river bank eighty or one hundred yards dis-
tant; when Case, thinking they were still in
pursuit of the sheep, went to ascertain the
truth, and coming near the Indians they
wounded him severely in three places with a
knife and tomahawk.

"Fifth. Joseph Danforth, before Joel Wells,
J. P., swore that he saw Sacs at a fence be-
longing to John Wells, who forbid them go-
ing through, when they continued throwing
down the fence. Wells attempted to prevent
them, when one of the Indians strttck him
with his fist, and drew his knife. Danforth
got a stick, and. the Indians making several
attempts toward Danforth, he (Danforth)
knocked one of them down with his stick.
The Indian rose several times and made at

Danfoi'th with hi.s knife, and^finally deserted
the groimd, leaving his knife."

THE .\GEXT FEARS TROUBLE.

June 4, General Gaines wrote to Henry
Gratiot, sub-Indian agent, to investigate the
situation at the Sac village at once; and on
the twelfth that gentleman sent the follow-
ing reply:

"Rock Island, June 12, 1831.

"Sir: I have the honor to report to you
that, agreeably to my intimation to you I
visited the village of Sac Indians near this
place yesterday for the purpose of persuading
off the Winnebago Prophet and some young
men of his band whom I knew had previously
been there and, I believe, with an intention to
support the Sac Indians. I found that the
Prophet had just left there for his village,
which is within my agency upon Rock River,
and although he had previously promised
that he would retiu-n home and remain there,
I have reason to believe that his object is to
get as many of his band and of the other
bands of the, Winnebagoes (who reside at
Rock River, within my agency) as he can, for
the purpose of joining the Sacs and of sup-
porting them in their present pretensions.

"I have recently been at some of the prin-
cipal villages of Winnebagoes within my
agency, and have ascertained from \mques-
tionable authority that, although they had
been invited to join the Sacs, they had re-
fused to do so. I think it will be prudent for
me to follow the Prophet, to prevent him
from influencing any of the Indians up the
river to join him. Should I, however, find
that any of the warriors have left before my
arrival amongst them, I will (if you think
it best) return immediately to this place,
bringing with me three or four influential
chiefs, who can be relied on and who will,
with my assistance, I think, be able to con-
trol them.

"In my opinion there are at least 400
warriors at the Sac village which I visited

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

yesterday, apparently determined to defend
themselves in their present position. On the
receipt of your letter on the 4th inst., I
immediately hastened to this place with a
view to give you the most satisfactory infor-
mation upon the subject of it and tender my
ser\'ices in anj"^ way you may think useful.
"I am, respectfully yours.
"Henry Gr.\tiot, Sub-Agent, etc.
"Major-General Gaines."

THE ROCK RIVER RANGERS.

At the suggestion of General Gaines the
men and larger boys of the settlement formed
themselves into a compan}\ elected officers,
and named themselves "Rock River Rang-
ers," and tendered their ser\-ices to General
Gaines, who accepted the company of fifty-
eight men, and mustered them into the ser-
vice. No record of this company's enroll-
ment has been found, it probably never hav-
ing been forwarded to Washington. Judge
Spencer in his "Reminiscences," gives June
5th as the date. The following is a roster of
the company:

Captain: Benjamin F. Pike.

First Lieutenant: John W. Spencer.

Second Lieutenant: Griffith Aubury.

Sergeants: James Haskill, Leonard Bryant,
Edward Corbin.

Corporals: Charles French, Benjamin Goble,
Charles Case. Henry Benson.
Allen, Archibald Noble, Amos C.

Brashar, William T. Syms, Thomas

Bane, John
Bartlett, Michael
Been, Joseph
Case, Jonah H.
Danforth, Joseph
Davis, Thomas
Dance, Russell
Frith, Lsaiah
Gardner, Thomas
Harlan, George W.
Hultz, Uriah S.
Hubbard, Thomas

Sj^ms, Robert
Sams, William F.
Smith, Martin W.
Stringfield, Sevier
Thompson, Joel
VandrufT, Joshua
Vandruff, Henry
Vandruff, Samuel
Vannetta, Benjamin
Vannetta, Gorham
Varner, Edward
Wells, Levi

Hubbard, Goodridge

Wells,

George

Henderson, Cyrus

Wells,

Joel Sr.

Johnson, Moses

Wells,

Joel, Jr.

Ivinney, John W.

Wells,

Huntington

Kinney, Samuel

Wells,

John

Leek, Conrad

Wells,

Samuel

Levitt, Thomas

Wells,

Rinnah

McNeil, Henry

Wells,

Asaph

Miller, George

Wells,

Eri

McGoe, Gentrv

Wells,

Ira

THE ILLINOIS .SOLDIERS.

Governor Reynolds in defending Ixis posi-
tion in calling out the militia said: "If I did
not act, and the inhabitants were murdered
after being informed of their situation, I
would be cnndomned from Dan to Beersheba:
and if I levied by raising troops, when there
w£Cs no necessity for it, I would also be re-
sponsible." Governor Reynolds knew that
the settlers had applied to the Indian agent
and the military officers of the United States
and had obtained no relief, and he says:
"I considered it my duty to call on the vol-
unteers to move the Indians to the west side
of the Mississippi." It was but seventeen
years after the close of the war of 1812 and
these same Sacs and Foxes had fought the
Americans in that war. There were many
of the old soldiers still young enough to
enlist and they inflamed the young men to
appear against their old foe. The governor
had extracts from the petitions sent him
circulated throughout the counties from
which he had asked for troops. Moreover,
he made, as he saj-s, "both private and pub-
lic speeches to the masses," and urged the
people and his friends to turn out for the
defense of the frontier. He adds: "The
warm feelings of the late election for govern-
or had not yet died away, and my election-
eering friends converted their electioneering
fever into the militarj-, which was a powerful
lever in the crusade for Rock Island."

Although it was the most busy time in the
year with the farmers some 1,600 responded

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

to the governor's call and appeared at Beards-
town on or about the 10th of June. Some
were armed with muskets, some with shot-
guns and some with no firearms -whatsoever,
but all were mounted. The governor man-
aged to purchase enough muskets from a
Beardstown merchant for the remainder of
the troops. These muskets were light pieces,
made with brass barrels for the South Amer-
ican service, and answered the purpose.
The governor appointed Joseph Duncan,
then a member of Congress and afterwards
governor of this state, brigadier general to
take immediate command of the l)rigade,
and Samuel Whiteside a major, to take com-
mand of a spy battalion.

This army left its encampment near Rush-
ville for Rock Island June 15, the governor
marching with the brigade. After a pleasant
march the army encamped at Rockport, now
Andalusia. Here there had been previously
erected a small log cabin or stockade, which
was used as headquarters. During the after-
noon a steamboat arrived at the encampment,
coming from Fort Armstrong, loaded with
provisions. The camp at Rockport was laid
out according to military practice, pickets
were placed, as it was feared the Indians
might make a night attack, and the utmost
vigilance was observed. The night was a
beautiful one and it passed off quietly without
any disturbance.

GENERAL GAINES MAKES A DEMONSTRATION.

On the 18th of June, General Gaines sent
from Fort Armstrong the steamboat Enter-
prise, carrying one company of soldiers and
one cannon. The boat steamed up Rock
River, and passed the Indian village, the ob-
ject being to overawe and intimidate the
Indians. Black Hawk said: "The water
being shallow, the boat got around, which
gave the whites some trouble. If they had
asked for assistance, there was not a brave in
my bantl who would not willingly have aided
them." Judge John W. Spencer who was on

the boat says: "Strange to say, although a
steamboat was seldom seen in those days,
the Indians seemed not to take the least
notice of the boat, not even looking at it, and
even the women and children showed no signs
of wonder or fear."

PREPARE TO ATTACK.

On the morning of June 20th, bright and
early, General Duncan marched his army
from Rockport to a position on Rock River
opposite the Sac village. An attempt was
made to ferry the troops across, but it proved
too slow, and General Gaines being shown a
ford by George S. Miller, the army marched
across through the water to Vandruff's
Island. General Gaines left Fort Armstrong
on the steaml)oat Enterprise, which had been
fortified, and which carried one company of
regulars and several cannon. The Enterprise
entered Rock River and steamed up stream
until opposite the Sac village where it met
General Duncan's army with, which it was to
co-operate. The other nine companies of reg-
ular, together with the Rock River Rangers,
under command of Captain John Bliss, the
then commandant of Fort Armstrong,
marched from the fort to the Indian town.

Judge Spencer in his Reminiscences says:
"Major Bliss formed our company of Rock
River Rangers in an extended line of a half
mile in front of the regulars, with one cannon
in the rear, for our march for Rock River.
We marched near where the road is now
traveled until we reached General Rodman's
land, then turning to the left until reaching
the top of the bluff, taking the direction of
Black Hawk's Watch Tower. On arriving
there, we planted the cannon on the brow of
the bluff and then commenced throwing
grape and cannister into the bushes on Van-
druff's Island." Vandruff's Island at this
time was covered with bushes and vines so as
to be impenetrable to the sight at a distance
of twenty feet. The Enterprise was run to
the lower point of the island and several

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

rounds of grape and cannister were shot into
the bushes to see if any enemy was there.
The spy battalion under Whiteside then
formed a line of battle ;uul swept the island.
and it was then learned that the north bank
of Rock River was so near and so high that
the firing had no effect. General Duncan's
army followed in the wake of Whiteside's
spy battalion and before thej^ got to the north
side of the island the army was so jammed up
and mixed together that no one knew where
his company or regiment was. In the mean-
time Captain Bliss with the regulars and the
Rock River Rangers had learned that it was
impossible from that distance to distinguish
Indians from regulars or volunteers, and that
their shots were as likely to kill friend as foe.
The Indian village now became exposed to
view but no Indians were to be seen. The
river, narrow but deep, lay between the army
and the village, and the main part of Duncan's
army remained on the island \mtil scows were
foiuid in which they were ferried across."

Black Hawk says: "We crossed the river
during the night and encamped some distance
below Rock Island." He said he would have
remained and been taken prisoner by the
regulars but that he "was afraid of the multi-
tude of palefaced militia, who were on horse-
back, as they were under no restraint of their
chiefs."

THE ISUK.VIXli OF .S.AC VILL.\GE.

The Illinois militia had come to fight
Indians and when they fo\md the redmen
gone, they became determined to be avenged
upon something. Shortly after they reached
the Indian village it began to rain and soon
the rain descended in torrents, and early the
morning of the 26th, the troops commenced
setting fire to the houses. Soon the frail
dwellings were wrapped in flames and in less
than one hour's time almost every wigwam
in the village was in ashes. Governor Ford
who was present said: ".-^nd thus perished
an ancient village which had once been the

delightful home of six or seven thousand
Indians; where generation after generation
had been born, had died and been buried;
where the old men had taught wisdom to the
young; whence the Indian youth had often
gone out in parties to hunt or to war, and •
returned in triumph to dance aroimd the
spoils of the forest, or the scalps of their
enemies; and where the dark-eyed Indian
maidens by their presence and charm.s, had
made it a scene of delightful enchantment to
nianj' an admh-ing warrior."

THE ST.\MPKDE.

The army spent the night at the Indian
town, the regulars, however, going back to
the fort. On the morning of .Time 26, Gener-
al Duncan marched his army to the Mississ-
ippi River and encamped on the exact spot
where the City of Rock Island is now located,
the camp extending from where the Rock
Island Railway Company's freight depot is
now located down to wheie the present ferry
dock stands.

The horses, some sixteen hundred, were
pastured in the bend of the river below and
a strong guard placed around them. During
the second night a steamboat came up the
ri\er and when opposite where the horses
were kept commenced blowing its whistle.
This imnatural noise at night so frightened
the animals that they broke loose and stam-
peded, and it was with difficulty that their
guards escaped being trampled to death.
The frightened animals ran out on the prairies,
up and down both river banks, and it was
several days before they could be recovered,
some few however being lost.

BLACK HAWK FORCED TO SIGX THE TKE.\TV.

General Gaines on the 27th sent a notice
to Black Hawk that if he did not come to
Fort Armstrong he would come after him
with his army, a few of the Indians appeared
but not Black Hawk. Gaines then sent a
peremptory order to the chief and in a few

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

days Black Hawk and his chiefs and head-
men to the number of twenty-eight appeared
at Fort Armstrong, and on June 30th, 1831,
a new treaty was signed by which the British
band of Sacs again agreed to make their
homes on the west side of the Mississippi and
never to cross such river,, except with the
consent of the President of the United States
or of the Governor of Illinois. Black Hawk
signed this treaty and then for the first time
ratified, against his will, the treaty of 1804.
This treaty was signed by General Gaines
and Governor Reynolds for the United States,
and by Black Hawk and twenty-seven chiefs
and warriors for the Sacs and Foxes. The
vohniteer army was not satisfied with the
result of this campaign and called the treaty
a "Corn Treaty'' because General Gaines had
given to the destitute Indians corn to keep
them from starving. The army was dis-
banded on Jul}' 2d, and the men returned to
their homes. Not a man was injured or
killed, either by accident or bj' the Indians:
nor did any die of disease, and strange to say
none ever applied for a pension. This ended
the first Black Hawk campaign.

For a long time after the signing of this
treaty there was considerable discussion and
much feeling over the question whether
Generals Gaines and Duncan knew that Black
Hawk and his Indians had deserted their
village on the night of the 19th of June.
Thomas Ford, afterwards Governor of Illinois,
who was a militia volunteer and marched
ahead with the spies, said:

"Gaines and Duncan had reason to believe
before the commencement of the march from
the camp on the Mississippi, that the Indians
had departed from their village; that measures
had been taken to ascertain the fact before
the volunteers crossed to Vandruff's Island;
General Duncan, in company with the ad-
vanced guard, following the spies, preceded
the main army in crossing, and that this will
account for the want of order and confusion
in the march of the troops." When the

militia arrived opposite the Sac village the
greatest confusion reigned in their midst.
George S. Miller, a resident of this county,
acted as guide, and when it became known
that the Indians were not in the village,
General Duncan began to reprimand Miller
for not letting him know that the main river
was on the north side of Vandruff's Island.
Miller cursed him to his face at the head of
his troops for refusing his services as a guide
when offered the night before, and also cen-
sured him for not giving information which
had been offered him, which inclines me to
the belief that both Generals Gaines and
Diuu'an knew that the Indians had departed.
As witnesses to this treaty we find the
names of two Rock Island settlers, Joseph
Danforth and Benjamin V. I'ike.

THE ULAfK HAWK WAH.

Black Hawk with his l)and now removed to
Iowa near the mouth of the Des Moines
River, at the site of the abandoned Fort Mad-
ison. Neapope, second in command, took a
trip to Maiden, Canada, and upon his return
in the fall of 1831, told Black Hawk that he
would receive assistance from the British.

The Prophet, whose village on Rock River
was where Prophetstown, Illinois, now is,
and who had great influence over Black
Hawk, also sent word that the Ottawas,
("hippewas, Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes
would be with him and would render aid.
Black Hawk after receiving these messages
said: "We are to be happy once more."
Black Hawk now directed all his efforts to
getting together his warriors in anticipation
of his march to his old village and its occupa-
tion, and prepared for an attack by the Amer-
icans should they again undertake to drive
him away. The ami}- through spies was
kept informed of Black Hawk's actions, and
early in April, Keokuk sent to Fort Arm-
strong a warning that Black Hawk was about
to commence his march to reoccupy his old
village.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Again messengers were sent out from Fort
Armstrong to warn the settlers of their dan-
ger and advising them to seek shelter at once,
either at Fort Armstrong or in the stockade
which had been erected around the trading
store of Davenport and Farnham. The
most daring and persevering of these messen-
gers was Judge John W. Spencer. On foot
he traveled as far as Dixon, going from cabin
to cabin somiding the alarm and advising the
settlers to seek protecti(ni. We cannot realize
today the wild excitement and dread despair
the news of an Indian ujjrising cavised among
our pioneer settlers. Few if any had horses
to use in carrying their families and goods.
Oxen were the beasts of burden and the
settlers were obliged to take wliat little they
could and carry it on their persons. John
Wakefield, in his history of the Black Hawk
War wi'itten in 1834, gives an amusing sketch
of the excitement attendant upon the news
of the expected Indian attack. He says:
"In the eastern part of the state the people
were as much alarmed as in the northwest.
DiH-ing one of the many false alarms that
' The Indians are coming' a family was living
near the Irocjuois River that had no horses
l)ut a large family of small chiliiren. Tlie
father and mother each took a child and the
rest were directed to follow on foot as fast as
possible. The eldest daughter also carried
one of the children that was not able to keep
up. They fled to the river where they had
to cross. The father had to carry over all the
children at different times as the stream was
high and so rapid the mother and daughter
could not stem the current with such a l.iur-
den. When they all, as they thought, had
got over they started when the cry of poor
little Susan was heard on the opposite bank
asking if they were not going to take her
with them. The frightened father again
prepared to plunge into the strong current
for his child, when the mother, seeing it,
cried out: 'Never mind Susan! We have
succeeded in getting ten over which is more

than we expected at first and we can better
spare Susan than you, my dear.' So poor
Susan, who was only about four years old,
was left to the mercy of the frightful sav-
ages." But little Susan came off unhurt, as
one of the neighbors who was out hunting
came along and took charge of her.

THE TURKEY SCARE.

All the settlers in this vicinity had come to
Fort Armstrong and taken quarters there or
in the stockade, l)oth of which were over-
crowded. After the first scare, the settlers
wanted to go back to their farms and do
their spring planting. Captain Bliss, who
commanded at the fort, yielded to their re-
quest, and arranged with them a signal of
alarm in case the.v or any of them should be
attacked, or were in imminent danger of an
attack, which signal was that they should
"fire off a gun." When such gun was fired,
every one should flee to the Island. .\]n-\\
7. Joshua \'andruff and Hackley Samms,
while crossing Vandruff Island, saw a flock
of wild turkeys. They could not resist the
temptation and, creeping within raitge. fired
their guns at the flock, each man bringing
down his l>ir(l. Tlie noise of the two guns
c()\ild be heard all over the settlement and it
caused the greatest excitement, filling the
hearts of the settlers with terror. Mothers
caught their children and fled towards the
fort. Those who had horses and were plow-
ing, hastily, unhitched the animals, loaded
their families upon the horses and started to-
wards the fort. It is said some of the settlers
fled pell-mell, leaving their families to take
care of themselves. Vandruff and Samms
soon realized the mistake, especially Joshua,
when he encountered his wife and their ten
children, running towards the fort. When
the settlers reached the Mississippi they
crowded the few skiffs tied to the shore and
some came near being drowned. Captain
Bliss had heard the gun-shots and hastily
called together a company of his regulars and

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

started to meet the Indians, while Captain Phil
Kearney, who was left in command of the
fort, began preparing it for a siege. Bliss and
his men got nearly to Rock River when they
met Vandruff and Samms running after the
fleeing settlers trying to explain the mistake.
When these two told the captain "how it
happened," it is said the air became impreg-
nated with sulphur, so loud and vehemently
did that warrior swear. For many years after-
wards, the "turkey scare" was a tender spot
with Vandruff and Samms.

BLACK HAWK STARTS.

TIic 6th of April, 1S32. Black Hawk, with
about 1,00U Indians, including warriors,
women, old men and children, together with all
their possessions, crossed the Mississippi at
Yellow Banks (Oquawka) and leisurely pro-
ceeded up the east bank of the river to Rock
River and thence up that river opposite to
his old village where he camped the night of
April 12. The next morning he started for
the Prophet's village with the intention, as
he said, " to make corn." There is and always
has been a question whether Black Hawk,
when he crossed the Mississippi River and
invaded Illinois in 1832, intended attacking
the Americans, or merely again occupying
his village with the intention of resisting
forcible removal, or whether he intended
going to the Prophet's village merely to raise
a crop. If he wanted merely to raise a crop,
he could have done that as easily at the mouth
of the Des Moines River as at Prophetstown.
From Black Hawk's biography we learn that
the trip to Prophetstown was part of his plan
to again' get control of the site of his ancient
village and his cornfields. He tells us that
while at the Des Moines "I concluded that I
had better keep my band together, and re-
cruit as many more as possible, so that I
would be prepared to make the attempt to
rescue my village in the spring." He then,
as he says, "tried to recruit braves from
Keokuk's band," and "requested my people

to rendezvo\is at that place, and sent out sol-
diers to bring in the warriors, and stationed
my sentinels in a position to prevent any from
moving up until all were ready."

The taking with him his women, children
and old men would indicate that he did not
on that trip contemplate war, as no Indian
war party ever carries with it the women or
children. Black Hawk undoubtedly intended
taking his women and children to the Pro-
phet's village, there to leave them to make
a crop, and during the summer continue his
recruiting and possibly in the fall occupy
his village. For had he intended going to war
at once he would have stop])pd at his village
and there made his defense.

At Yellowbanks the Prophet met Black
Hawk, and made a talk to his braves, telling
them "that as long as they were peaceable,
the Americans would not dare molest them.
That we were not yet ready to act otherwise.
We must wait until we ascend Rock River
and receive o\u' reinforcements and we will
then be able to withstand an army."

GENERAL ATKINSON COMES TO FORT ARM-
STRONG.

On J>me 31, 1831, a war party of nearly
lUO Sacs and Foxes had attacked a camp of
Menominees situated about one half a mile
about Fort Crawford at Prairie du Chien and
killed twenty-five. Black Hawk says the
killed were Sioux and Menominees. Be-
tween the former and the Sacs and Foxes
there had always been a bitter and hostile
feeling. April 1, 1S32, General Henry Atkin-
son, then commanding Jefferson Barracks at
St. Louis, received orders to pro('eed up the
Mississippi and demand from the Sacs and
Foxes the principals engaged in the nuu-dcr
of the Menominees. Atkinson left St. Jjouis
April 8, with six companies of the Sixth Regi-
ment. 220 men accompanying the expedition.
Albert Sidney Johnson, afterwards a Confed-
erate general, was a second lieutenant in this
command.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

April 10. Atkinson's army reached the Des
^Toines Rapids, where they were informed
that Black Hawk and his warriors were
marching up the river. The army now has-
tened to Fort Armstrong, arriving there the
night of the Tith. The loth, General Atkin-
son called the Indians then in that vicinity to
the fort. Among those who came were Keo-
kuk and Wapello. Atkinson demanded the
murderers of the Menominees and these two
disclaimed any part in that aflfair. General
Atkinson then started for Fort Crawford and
also sent out messengers to warn the settlers
of Black Hawk's coming. On the 19th of the
month. General Atkinson returned to Fort
Armstrong. .Accompanying him was Lieu-
tenant Colonel Zachary Taylor, afterwards
President of the United States, and two com-
panies of the First Infantry. Before leaving
Fort Armstrong. General Atkinson had sent
a letter to Ciovernor Reynolds asking for state
aid.

.A.fter Black Hawk passed his old village,
General Atkinson sent Captain Phil Kearney
up Rook River after him, with orders for
Black Hawk to return and recross the Miss-
issippi, which order Black Hawk refused to
obey, claiming his mission was a peaceful one.

The news that Black Hawk and his war-
riors were again marching up Rock River
alarmed the whole northern frontier and the
Governor daily received messages asking pro-
tection. George Davenport, the Indian tra-
der on Rock Island, had before General
Gaines' arrival written him: ''From everj'
information I have received, I am of the
opinion that the intention of the British band
of Sac Indians is to commit depredations on
the inhabitants of the frontier."

THE governor's PROCLAMATION.

April 16. Governor Reynolds received
General Atkinson's letter, asking the assist-
ance of the state militia. Promptly on the
same day the Governor issued the following
proclamation:

"to the militia of the NORTHWESTERN
SECTION OF THE STATE.

'■ Fellow- Citizens:

"Your country requires your services.
The Indians have assumed a hostile attitude
and have invaded the state in violation of the
treaty of last summer. The British band of
Sacs and other hostile Indians, headed by
Black Hawk, are in possession of the Rock
Ri\er country to the great terror of the fron-
tier inhabitants. I consider the settlers on
the frontier to be in imminent danger. I am
in possession of the above information, from
gentlemen of resjjectable standing, and also
from General .Atkinson, whose character
stands high with all classes. In possession of
the above facts and information, I have not
hesitated as to the course I should pursue.
No citizen ought to remain inactive when
his country is invaded, and the helpless part
of the community are in danger. I have
called out a strong detachment of militia to
rendezvous at Beardstown on the 22d inst.
Provisions for the men and food for the horses
will be furnished in abundance.

I hope my coimtrymen will realize my ex-
pectations and offer their services, as hereto-
fore, with promptitude and cheerfulness, in
defence of their country."

The season was wet and backward, and
the farmers had lieen delayed in their work
but, as in the year 1831, volunteers were
eager and willing to offer their ser^-ices, many
of the most influential men in the state en-
listing and many who neither had horses or
could procure them, marching on foot.

April 27, the militia left Rushville and
marched to Yellow Banks (Oquawka) from
whence they marched up the Mississippi to
the mouth of Rock River which they reached
May 7. General Atkinson mustered the
troops into the service of the United States,
and May 9 they commenced their march up
Rock River. Before marching Governor Rey-
nolds engaged the sersdces of Thomas Ivinney,
a Rock Island settler as a guide, Mr. Kinney

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

being able to understand a little of the Sac
language. In the march up the river, Gen-
eral Whiteside with the Illinois Volunteers
marched on the east side. While General
Atkinson, with four hundred regulars came,
some on the west side and some in boats with
the supplies. With Atkinson was Colnnel
Zachary Taylor.

A ROCK ISL.\ND CO.MP.AXY.

It seems the martial spirit of the citizens
of Rock Island County was not stilled or
satisfied by the march of the Rock River
Rangers in 1831 from Fort Armh^tronj; to the
8ac village, for in 1832 we find one company
enrolled in the service where every menil>(>r
save one was from Rock Island County, that
one beinu- a brother of the captain, and he
came from Adams County to enlist under liis
brother. The following is from the rolls as
corrected and now on file iia the \A ar Depart-
ment at Washinjrton.

They all resided in Rock Island County,
with the exception of Thomas Kenney, who
was from Adams County.

Captain, John W. Kenney, enrolled May 20,
1832; First Lieutenant. Joseph Danforth. en-
rolled May 20; Privates, Thomas Davis, en-
rolled May 20; Manly Danforth, enrolled July
1; Samuel Danforth, enrolled May 20: Sam-
uel Kenney, enrolled May 20, on furlough;
Thomas Kenney, enrolled June 12: Gentry
McGee, enrolled May 20; Henry McNeal, en-
rolled May 20; Neel McNeal, enrolled July 1;
James Maskal, enrolled May 20; Martin Smith,
enrolled May, 20; William H. Sannns, en-
rolled July 1; Joel Thompson, enrolled May
20; William Thompson, enrolled May 20; Ira
Wells, enrolled May 20; Eri Wells, enrolled
May 20; Asaph Wells, enrolled :\Iay 20; Nel-
son Wells, enrolled May 20; Raniuih ^^'ells
enrolled May 20; Jeol Wells, Jr., enrolled May
20; Joel Wells, Sr., enrolled May 20; Luke
Wells, Sr., enrolled May 20.

After being received into the I'nited States
service at Fort Armstrong, this company was

assigned to Colonel Moore's regiment and
nuirched up Rock River to Dixon, where it
was assigned to art odd mounted battalion,
commanded by Major Samuel Bogart, and
was ordered to do guard duty on the frontier.
It was mustered out September 4, 1832, at
Macomb,

The companies composing this odd bat-
talion were: Captains Peter Butter's of War-
ren County, John W, Kenne}''s of Rock Island
County, James White of Hancock County,
John Sain's of Fulton County, William Mc-
]\Iurty's of Knox County and Asel F. Ball's
of Fulton County. It is impossible to learn
just what duty the battalion did to which
the Rock Island ccunpany was assigned.
Reynolds in "My Own Times" says: "On
tlip 12th of June I ordered a battalion to be
organized and to select their officers, to gviard
the frontiers between the ^lississippi and
Peoria on the north of Illinois River, Sam-
uel Bogart was elected major of the battalion,"

From another attthority, I learn that the
company did guard diitj- on the frontier,
drew its rations daily, ate heartily, played
euchre and received the remunerative sum
of 86 cents per day for each man and his
horse. Samuel Bogart, the major of the odd
battalion to which Kenney's company was
attached, was before enlistment a merchant
in McDonough County,

OTHER ROCK ISLAND SOLDIERS.

Rock Island County fm-nished more sol-
diers than those given in Captain John W.
Kenney's company. Yet, I have been able
to trace but few owing to the fact that the
rolls are by no means complete. A large num-
ber joined the state militia and were never
sworn into the United States ser\ ice, conse-
quently no lecord was kept and their names
will rcunain forever unknown. I have fre-
quently' heard certain of oiu- old citizens
claim to have been in the Black Hawk War,
and have made diligent search for their names,
I give in this sketch only such names as ap-

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

pear on record in the rejiorts of the war de-
partment.

All enlistments were from twenty to thirty
days and a great many enlisted in another
company on the same day that their term of
enlistment in one company expired.

KOSWELL U. SPKNCER.

Roswell H. Spencer was a brother of Judge
John W. Spencer and was one of the very early
settlers. He seems to have been an ardent
patriot, having three enlistments to his credit,
ser\'ing out each enlistment, and npon his
term of service expiring again enlisting in a
new company. He enlisted first in Captain
Thomas Carlin's company which lielonged to
what was known as the spy battalion. He
was enrolled May 10 at Rock Island, and
mustered out May 27 at the mouth of the Fox
River. He again enlisted May 27, 1832, in
Captain A. W. Snyder's company and was
mustered out of service Juno 21, at Dixon's
Ferry on Rock River. The same day we find
him again enlisting in Captain Jacob M.
Early's company and he was mustered out on
White Water River on Rock River, July 10,
1832, by order of Brigadier General Atkinson,
United States Army. This was one of the
companies in which Abrah.-im Lincoln served
as a private.

JAMES KNETSAR.

James Knetsar, who for many years lived
in Moline and who died there in the eighties,
was a member of Captain David Powell's
company of mounted volunteers. He enlisted
in White County on June 16th, and was
mustered out of the service on August 2d at
Dixon's Ferry (Dixon). The original records
give his name as "James Netson." but they
have since been corrected. Mr. Knetsar
lost his horse, saddle and bridle in the sen-ice.

REDDISH, THE TUNNELS AND EAMES.

In Captain Thomas Carlin's company, we
find enrolled \vith Roswell H. Spencer, John
Reddish, who enlisted at Rock Island May

10; Luther Tunnel and William Ttmnel, who
were also enrolled that day. The records
show that the night of May 22, Luther Tunnel
lost his horse, account "affright of horses,"
there being a stampede that night. This
company was part of an odd battalion of
spies, commanded by Major D. Henry of the
brigade of mounted volunteers commanded
by Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside. It
w'as mustered out of the service of the United
States at the mouth of Fox River on the
Illinois River May 27, 1832, and as the com-
pany was originally mustered in at Carrcflton,
the men were discharged two himdred and
thirty miles from the place of their enroll-
ment.

John Reddish was also in Captain Samuel
Smith's compan}-, servuig from May 27 to
Jime 15.

Charles Eamcs, who was sheriff of this
county from 1837 to 1839, was a member of
Captain Enoch Dimcan's company of mounted
riflemen, commanded by Colonel H. Dodge.
He enlisted in company with his brother May
19, 1S32. He was mustered out of the sendee
September 14.

THE WELLS FAMILY.

The Wells family seems to have been a
family of fighters. We find eleven of them
enrolled in the company of Rock River
Rangers in 1831, and in 1832 we find eight of
these enrolled in Captain Kinney's company.
Lucius Wells and John Wells were with
Spencer in Captain A. W. Snyder's company
and were present and participated in the
battle of Kellogg's Grove. Samuel Wells
was also a member of Captain Seth Pratt's
company of Illinois Volunteer Militia, sta-
tioned at Fort Armstrong, in the sendee of
the United States from April 21 to June 3,
1832.

CAPTAIN SETH PRATT's COMPANY.

I find a company of Illinois Volunteer
Militia was stationed at Fort Armstrong and
was in the service of the United States from

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

April 21 to June 3, 1832, when it was ninstored
out. This company did garrison duty. The
records say it was composed of men from
Rock Island and adjacent counties, but I
have been unable to place but one, he being
Samuel Wells. The ro.ster of the company is:

Captain: Seth Pratt.

Lieutenants: John il. Crabtree, Joseph
I.eister.

Sergeants: Simpson Stewart, William B.
Sisk, Elihu Sparks, .\braham Crabtree.

Corporals: James Stockson, George Yates,
James Keller, James Curry. Thomas Biu'ton.

Fifer: James Carr.

Privates: Gordon Acton, Nathan P>rad!.i\u'y,
Henry Brantly, C. Girdwell, Isaac liooth,
Daniel Brock, Amos Bradley, John J^radshaw,
John M. Bohvare, Henry Castlebury, Stejihen
L. Cooper, John Davis, Sanuiel Smith, Hem-y
Ford, William Foster, Isaac GuUiher, Parnell
Hamilton, Harrison Hunly, William Hopper,
Alfred Jackson, Jonathan Leighton, Nicholas
Long, James M. Low, Iredell Lawrence, Mar-
tin Langston, Samuel Wells, Larkin B. Lang-
ston, John Letcher, Henry .Melton, Francis
McConnell, Frederick McDaniel, James New,
Wm. C. Overstreet, John Pervine, William
Pointer, Jonathan Russ, .\ndrews Smothers,
Isaac Schmick.

Benjamin Gobel in his reminiscenses speaks
of joining a companj^ and doing guard duty
at the fort, but I do not find his name on the
roster.

At the commencement of hostilities. Gov-
ernor Reynolds of Illinois, appointed George
Davenport, the Indian trader on the island,
one of the quartermasters, his commission
giving him the rank of colonel, by which title
he was afterwards known.

The volunteer army after a hard inarch,
reached Dixon on the evening of i\lay lOth,
ahead of the regulars. Black Hawk and his
Indians had in the meantime reached the
Prophet's village and had sent word to the
Pot taw-atomies asking them to meet him in a
council on Sycamore Creek, (since called

Stillman's Run.) The Pottawatomies were
divided. Shaubena, their highest chief, fav-
ored the whites, but Big l''oot and Mike Girty,
a half-breed, were for war. When White-
sides arrived at Dixon, he fotuid there aliead of
him two independent Vjattalions, in all three
hundred and forty-one men. The one was
commanded by Major Isaiah Stillman, the
other liy Major IX'iA'id Bailey. These com-
mands objected to joining the main army
except as rangers, they said they had come to
"fight Indians" and believed if they were
allowed, they could go out and in a few days
end tlie trouble. .4fter much pei-suasion.
General Whitesides allowed Majors Stillman's
and Bailey's battalions to go on a scouting
expedition, and on the morning of May 13,
they set out. In the afternoon of the 14th,
they ]iitched camp al)out Ihree miles from
Sycamore ('reek. Black Hawk with forty of
his Indians were but three miles from the
camp of the whites. The Indians were pre-
paring a dog feast for the visiting Pottawat-
omies. Le.arning that a body of white sol-
diers were making camp. Black Hawk sent
three of his young men with a white flag to
talk with the w-hites, and to arrange for a
council with White Beaver (.\tkinson). When
the Indian party was still a mile awa3^ they
were perceived by the volunteers and almost
the whole cam]) rushed out and captured the
Indian envoys, and hurried them into camp.
Black Hawk had sent five other Indians to
follow those bearing a white flag, to watch
and see how the others were received. When
the whites perceived the second party, about
twenty of the mounted vobniteers started in
pursuit and killed two of the Indians, the
other three escaped and returned to where
]51ack Hawk and his thirty-five braves were
in camp. When Black Hawk heard of how
his flag bearers had been treated he prepared
his braves to meet the whites, who were now
all in hot pursuit. The Indians withdrew
behind a fringe of bushes and when the vol-
unteers came within close range the Indians

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

fired a volley. The volunteers fled, pursvied
by part of the Indians. Night fall ended the
phase. Stillman's and Bailey's hrisrade kept
up the flight until they reached Dixon, twen-
ty-five miles away. Many of them never
went to Dixon, but started for their own
homes. The report went out that the whites
had been defeated by Black Hawk and about
two thousand warriors. The number of
whites killed was eleven. While the number
of Indians was three. One of the latter being
one of the flag bearers, the two others being
of the party of five that had followed the flag
bearers.

It has been said that Stillman's and Bailey's
men were under the influence of liquor, that
they had taken with them several barrels of
whiskey, and they were indulging freely in
drink just before the Indian flag bearers ap-
peared on the scene.

The firing on the flag of truce was, to say
the least, dishonorable treatment. Had the
whites received tlie truce bearers in the prop-
er manner, there is no donbt that such ar-
rangements would have been made that
hostilities would never have commenced, and
Black Hawk and his Indians would have
- retnrned to the west bank of the Mississippi.

Black Hawk and his band were almost
destitnte of provisions and ammvmition, and
their capture of Stillman's stores, higlily
elated them. Black Hawk now sent his
women and children by waj' of the Kishwau-
kee to the swamps of Lake Koshkonong near
the headwaters of Rock River. The Winne-
bagoes acting as guides. Here his party
was recruited by Winnebagoes and Potta-
watomies.

On the day of Stillman's defeat. General
Whiteside with fourteen hundred men pro-
ceeded to the scene of battle and buried the
dead. The State of Illinois has at Stillman
Valley, erec+ed a monument in honor of those
killed in this engagement. On the 19th,
General Atkinson and the entire army moved
up the Rock River, leaving Stillman and

Bailey, and their brigades at Dixon. Atkin-
son soon however, returned to Dixon leaving
General Whiteside with his volunteers to
follow Black Hawk's trail. The volunteers
now began to object to going farther, claim-
ing that they were not compelled t(> sen'e in
Michigan territory. They also claimed to
having enlisted for one month, and that their
time of enlistments had expired. After sev-
eral days the officers determined to abandon
their search for Black Hawk and they turned
abovit and marched south to Ottawa, where
on the 271 h and 28th days of May, they were
nmstered out of the service.

On the 22d day of May, a party of thirty
Pottawatomies and three Sacs, under Girty
killed fifteen men, women and children at the
Davis farm on Indi.an Creek, twelve miles
north of Ottawa. Sylvia and Rachel, two
daughters of William Hall, were taken cap-
tive and carried by the Indians to their camp
on Lake Koshkonong. Afterwards, White
Crow, a Winnebago chief, who had been sent
to their rescue by Henry Gratiot, agent for
the W'innebagoes, succeeded in purchasing
them and delivered the girls to their relatives.
At the time of the mustering out at Ottawa,
Governor Reynolds called for at least two
thousand men to ser\'e during the war, and
General Winfield Scott started from Fortress
Monroe on the sea board with one thousand
regulars. In the meantime three hundred
mounted volunteers under Colonels Frj'e and
Henry agreed to rem.ain in the field to pro-
tect the frontier. Abraham Lincoln was
among this number. He, having re-enlisted
May 27, as a private. Black Hawk now
divided his people into several parties and
made forays against the whites.

On June 14th, a partj^ of eleven Sacs killed
five white men at Spafford farm on the Peck-
atonica River. Colonel Dodge with twenty-
nine men followed them and the ne.xt day
killed eleven, although he had three killed
and one wounded in his own party.

On June 24th, Black Hawk in command of

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

a party of braves made an attack an Apple
River Fort, fourteen miles east of dalena.
After an hour's siege, the Indians after de-
stroying the neighboring cabins, withdrew.

On June 25th, the same party attacked
Major Dements' spj^ battalion, a himdred and
fifty strong, at Kellogg's Grove. General
Posey arrived in time with a detachment of
volunteers for their relief. The Indians lost
fifteen. The whites' loss was five. Skir-
mishes were had at Plum River Fort, Hun-
Oak Grove, Sinsiniwa Mound, and Blue
Mounds.

On June 15th, the new troops met at Fort
Wilburn at Peru, their aggregate strength
was about three thousand and twenty men,
making the entire army in the field about
four thousand effective men. The army now
under General Atkinson, marched up the
east bank of Rock River. White Crow
offered to conduct our army to Black H.awk's
camp, and that wily savage kept the whites
on a goose chase for several days trying to
entrap them. Black Hawk in the meantime,
had started westward to the Wisconsin River,
and on the evening of July 21st, the Indians
were overtaken on the bluffs of the Wisconsin
where a decisive battle was fought in which
General Henry commanded the American
forces. This armj' charged the enemy and
drove them from position after positi(>n with
great loss, until sundown. This was the first
important victory of the whites in this cam-
paign. In the morning it was learned that
the Indians were heading towards the Miss-
issippi River and had left one hundred and
sixty-eight dead on the field, twenty-five
more being found next day along the trail.
General Henry having lost but one man killed,
and eight wounded.

On the morning of August 2d, the army
readied the bluffs of the Mississippi. The
Indians had reached the river and were mak-
ing active preparations to cross. At this
time. Captain Throckmorton commanding
the steamer Warrior, arrived at the spot.

The Indians displayed a white flag. Throck-
morton commanded them to come on board.
They replied that they could not, because
they had no boats. Upon this Throckmorton
fired his six-pounder cannon loaded with
canister into the Indians, killing twenty-three
women and childi-en. General .\tkinson now
came upon the scene, and at the mouth of the
Bad .A.xe, attacked the Indian encampment.
The Indians were completely routed, suffering
a loss of one hiuich-ed and fifty killed, besides
many drowned in their attempt to cross the
river. The .\mcrican loss was l)ut seventeen.
General Atkinson with the captiued Indians,
and about fifty women and children, went to
Prairie du Chien. There on Avigust 7th.
General Scott with nine companies of infantry
from Fortress Monroe, arrived and assumed
command. The vohinteors now returned to
Dixon and were discharged, on the 17th day
of August. Black Hawk, who had started
back, was cajitured by some treaclrerous
Winnebagoes and on the 27th day of August
was delivered a captive to the whites at
Prairie du Cliien. He was kept that winter
at Jefferson Barracks and in April. LSSS, was
sent as a prisoner to Fortress Monroe where
he was confined until June 4. when he w'as
discharged. After visiting the ]3rincipal cities
in the east, he returned west, locating on a
small reservation on the Des Moines River
in Davis County, Iowa, where he died October
3, 1S3S. The following year his remains
were stolen, and in the spring of 1840 Govern-
or Lucas succeeded in recovering them and
caused the skeleton to be delivered at the
then capitol at Burlington. When the capi-
tol was removed to Iowa City, the remains
were taken there. January 16, 1S55, they
were destroyed by fire.

The final treaty was concluded September
21, 1832. The treaty says: "Concluded at
Fort Armstrong." but in consequence of
cholera then raging at the fort, the treaty was
held on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi
now the State of Iowa.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Among the witnesses to this treaty were
Antoine LeChiire, interpreter, Benjamin F.
Pike, John W. .Spencer and George Davenport.
assistant quarter master general Illinois
Militia.

Governor Reynolds in referring to this
final engagement says: ".Although the war-
riors fought with the courage and valor of
desperation, yet the conflict resembled more
a carnage than a regular battle." Another
noted authority calls it "a di.-honorable
chapter in the history of the borders.'' Out
of the band of nearly one thousand Indians
men, women and children who crossed the
Mississippi at Yellow Banks in April, not
more than one hundred and fifty lived to tell
the story. The American loss in this war was
about two hundred and fifty. The financial
cost to the government- and the State of Illi-
nois was nearly S2,000,000.

ROCK ISL.\ND SETTLERS IN 1832.

The following is a list of settlers of this
county, as complete as I have been able to
make from the data that I have found, in the
spring of 1S32. Just previous to tbe break-
ing out of the war in 1832, there was quite an
increase of settlers, many of whom left.
Some stayed during the war and then left
and I have not been able to learn their names.
Anbury, GriflSth Kinney, Samuel

Allen, Archibald Kinney, Thomas

Bain, John L. Kent, Erastus

Barrel, John Lovitt, Thomas

Bartlett, Michael McCoy, Joseph

Burner, Edward McNeil, Henry

Brasher, William T. Miller, George V.
Benson, Henry McGee, Gentry

Been, Joseph McNeil, Neel

Bryant, Leonard Maskal, James

Case, Jonah H. Noble, Ames C.

Case, Louden, Sr. Pence, Judge

Case, Louden, Jr. Pike, Benjamin

Case, Charles H. Reddish, John

Cook, Horace Syms, Thomas

Clark, B. W. Syms, Robert

Corbin, Edward
Carr, William
(yulver, Martin
Danforth, Manly
Danforth, Josejth
Davis, Thomas
Dance, Russel

Sains, William F.
Smith. Martin W.
Stringfield, Sevier
Smart, Josiah
Sampson, H.
Spencer, John W.
Spencer, Roswell H.

Davenport, George Thompson, William

Davidson, Thomas Thompson, Joel

Frith, Isaiah Tunnell, Luther

French, Charles Timnell, William

Farnham. Russel Vandruff, Joshua

Gardiner, Thomas \'andruff, Henn'

Goble, Benjamin Vandruff, Samuel

Gouquy, Aiitoine ^^1netta, Benjamin

Graft, John ^'anetta, Gorham

Hnskill, James Vomer, Edward

Harlan, George W. Wells, Levi

Hultz, Uriah S. Wells, George

Hubbard, Thomas Wells, Joel, Sr.

Hubbard, Goodridge Wells, Joel. Jr.

Henderson, Cyrus Wells, Huntington

Hail, David B. Wells, John

Henry, William Wells, Samuel

Heans, William Wells, Rinn.ah

Hulls, M. S. Wells, Asaph

Haney, Wells, Eri

Johnson, Moses Wells, Ira

Kinney, John W. Wells, Nelson
Wells, Lucius

The Kinneys above mentioned are the same
whose names in the roster of the war depart-
ment are given as Kenney.

INCIDENTS CONCERNING FORT ARMSTRONG.

About the time the fort was completed the
Indians began crossing to the island and
woiild watch the soldiers in its construction.
They would often sing and go through some of
their dances to amuse the soldiers, and the
latter began to think that the Indians were
peaceful. The Hon. Bailey Davenport de-
scribed an incident during this time that
shows that the Indians had not become
reconciled to the erecting of the fort. He
said: "One day a small party came over to

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

dance, and after the dance the colonel in
command gave them presents. In a few days
after, and while a large number of soldiers
were out cutting timber, a large party of
warriors, headed by the Ne-ka-!e-quat, came
over in canoes and landed on the north side
of the island, and danced up to the entrance
of the encampment, and wanted to enter
and dance in front of the commander's tent.
About the same time a large party of warriors
was discovered approaching over the ridge
from the south side of the island, headed by
Keokuk. The colonel immediately ordered
the bugle sounded to recall the soldiers from
the woods, and had all imder arms (about
six hundred) and the cannon run ovil in
front of the entrance, ready to fire. The
Indians were ordered not to approach any
nearer. The colonel, taking the alarm be-
fore Keokuk's party got near enough to rush
in, saved the encampment from surprise and
massacre."

THE POWDER PLOT.

Be it truth or fiction there is connected
with the history of Fort Armstrong an inci-
dent that to my mind possesses more reasons
in favor of its being fact than fiction.

After the Black Hawk War, some soldiers
happening to enter the cave in "Rock Island
Arsenal," found three kegs of powder each
attached to a fuse. No one seemed to know
how these things had come 'there, but after
the war some Indians had said that Black
Hawk when he marched up Rock River in
April, 1832, stopped overnight at his old
village, and during the night of April 12 he,
with over two hundred braves, had gone to
the island, crossing at the ford between Rock
Island and Moline, remaining there nearly
all night. It was said his intention was to
see if he could not capture the fort. Black
Hawk, in his autobiography, does not mention
this incident, the reason being that his at-
tempt to blow up the fort proved a failure.
It is a fact that Black Hawk was on the island
that night. Benjamin F. Pike, the captain

of the Rock River Rangers in 1831, and
afterwards sheriff to this county, together
with two companions, had been selected to
do picket and scout duty that night. They
took their place ne.ar the ford, and some time
near midnight saw Black Hawk and his
braves cross the slough to the island. They
at once ran to the fort and to the stockade
and gave the warning.

The garrison at this time was commanded
by Captain Bliss who had with him only two
companies of infantry, partly full, not over
eighty men. The stockade around Colonel
Davenport's store was filled with settlers
and their families and was crowded to its ut-
most capacity. By an oversight the only
well on the premises had not been enclosed
in the stockade. Dreading fire from the
Indians' fire arrows, every bucket, tul) and
barrel was hastily filled with water and the
anxious settlers momentarily awaited the
attack. An old swivel had been brought up
from the fort and this was loaded to the brim
and placed in front of the gate, where Ser-
geant Hanchett of the garrison, with a smol-
dering fire by his side, stood ready to fire it
off at the first approach of the enemy. The
night was one of terror to the settlers; a
drifting rain and pelting hail storm had set in,
and the occasional claps of thunder and
flashes of lightning but added new alarm to
the already frightened women and children.
At about 2 o'clock in the morning the firing
of cannon was heard from the direction of
the fort and those in the stockade believed
the attack had commenced, but they were
soon apprized that the firing was from the
cannon on board the steamer Chieftain, which
brought General Atkinson and his regulars
from St. LouLs.

It is said that when the people at the stock-
ade heard the firing of cannon and the shouts
of the garrison welcoming the reinforcement,
they believed it the shouts of triumph of the
Indians at the capture of the fort, and Elder
Kinney of Rapids City, a devout Presbyterian

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

advised IIkmh all to "iinito in an appeal to
God as their only hope of safety:" whereupon
Antoine Gouqiiy, Colonel Davenjiort's French
Servant, said, "Ze prayer he be good for ze
vimmin an ze childer. hut he be not wort one
cent to fight ze Injins. Wattair, he be bet-
tair zan ze prayer."

Black Hawk had been with the British so
much that he well knew the use of gunpowder.
He was in the attack on the fort at Detroit
and undoubtedly believed he could with a
few kegs of powder blow up the fort at its
gate and the rock embankment upon which
it stood, and then with his braves rush in oij
the weak garrison. The Sac chief knew also
that the fort was but weakly garrisoned.
The Prophet had several times attempted to
enter its gate, but had been kept out on the
orders of Major Bliss, who suspected treachery.
The last attempt of the Prophet to enter the
fort was but a few days before Black Hawk's
attempt to capture it.

THE BURNIXG OF THE FORT.

For thirt}--nine years the fort stood as first
constructed, and though evacuated and no
longer the abode of the soldier since 1836,
it was used as a Government warehouse and
was a picturesque sight, being an object of
interest to all travelers up and down the
river as well a,s to visitors to this locality.

On Sunday afternoon, October 7, 1855.
some vandal set fire to the historic buildings.
J. B. Danforth, .Jr.. agent of the quartermas-
ters department of the army, in charge at
that time, in a letter WTitten on the 9tl^ of the
month to Major D. H. Vinton, quartermaster
United States Army at St. Louis, said, "Sir:
The barracks and one block fort "at this place
were destroyed bj' fire yesterday (Sunday)
afternoon. I was in the city at church at the
time the fire originated. I immediately
rallied abotit a hundred men with buckets,
and endeavored to quell the flames, but to no
pm-pose. We had no fire engine, and it was
impossible to stay the progress of the con-

flagration. The buildings were fired by some
persons to me vuiknown, and in the following
manner: About thirty kegs of powder had
been stored in the magazine by the contract-
ors for the improvement of the rapids, by
permission of the secretary of war. The
magazine had several times been broken
open and powder stolen. It was then stored
in a safe room, or what was believed to be
safe in the barracks. It had all been taken
away, except one keg and one or two parts
of kegs. Some persons, while I was at church,
had broken open a window and ignited a part
of a keg of powder, thus causing the loss of
the buildings. I have published an adver-
tisement (at my o\\-n expense) to endeavor to
find out the perpetrators of the outrage,
which I hope will meet your approval. I
send you a copy of my paper, containing the
advertisement and an editorial notice of the
fire."

When the United States government (under
the act of 1862) commenced the construction
of Rock Island Arsenal in 1863, all that re-
mained of Fort Armstrong was removed.
The first building erected stands nearly on
the site of tlie old fort, and the window frames
of the basement of this building are made of
oak obtained from the old fort.

ROSTER AT THE FORT.

The officers and troops stationed at Fort
Armstrong from August, ISIO (first return
on file), until abandoned May 4, 1836, were
as follows:

Commanding officers: Lieutenant Colonel
Willoughbv ilorgan, from 1819: Captain M.
Marston, from August 1819 to June 1821, of
Company F, Fifth Infantry; Captain S. Bur-
bank, from June, 1821 to Jime, 1823, of Com-
pany D, Fifth Infantry; Major J. H. Vose,
from June, 1823 to June 4, 1825, of Companies
D and F, Fifth Infantry; Captain S. Burbank,
from June 4, 1825 to May 21, 1826. of Com-
panies D and F, Fifth Infantry; Major J. H.
Vose, from May 21, 1826 to October 9, 1827,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND C U N T Y

of Companies E and H, Fifth Infantry;
Captain J. Plympton, from October 9, 1827
to April 28, 1828, of Companies E and H,
Fifth Infantry; Major S. Burbank, from April
28, 1828 to April 30, 1828, of Companies E
and H, Fifth Infantry; Captain J. Cireen, from
April 30, 1828 to June, 1828, of Companies C
and G. Third Infantry; Captain J. S. Nelson,
from June, 1828 to August 13, 1828, of Com-
panies C and G, Third Infantry; Captain J.
Green, from August 13, 1828 to July 27, 1830,
of Companies C and G, Third Infantry; Cap-
tain John Bliss, July 27, 1830 to July 26, 1831,
Companies D and H, Third Infantr}'; Cap-

tain T. J. Beall, from. July 26, 1831 to Sep-
tember 2, 1831, of Companies C and K, First
Infantry; Major John Rliss, from September
2, 1S31 to May 4, 1832, of Companies C and
K, First Infantry; Captain T. J. Beall, from
May 4, 1832 to October 26, 1832, of Companies
C and K, First Infantry; Lieutenant A. S.
Miller, from October 26, 1832 to December 2,
1832, of Companies C and K, First Infantry;
Captain T. F. Smith, from December 2, 1832
to June 8, 1833, of Companies G and K, First
Infantry; Lieutenant Colonel W. Davenport,
from June 8, 1833 to May 4, 1836, of Com-
panies G and K, First Infantry.

POLITICAL DIVISIONS

The fortunes of Rock Island County have
been those of the State of Illinois. In 1541,
Ferdinand De Soto discovered the ^lississippi
River, crossing it somewhere near Memphis;
and upon this discovery rested Spain's claim
and title to the "far west." The country now
known as the State of Illinois is shown on
the very early Spanish maps as a part of
Florida. Spain made no attempt, however,
to plant her settlements in the "Illinois."

In 1763, at the close of the French and
Indian Wars, Illinois became British territory,
and so remained imtil July 4, 1778, when
Colonel George Rogers Clark and his Virgin-
ians captured the British forts and settle-
ments. In October of that year, Illinois was
by act of the General Assembly of Virginia
created the "County of Illinois," and became
a part of the commonwealth of Virginia.

During the Revolutionary War, Illinois
and what is now the states of Ohio, Indiana,
Michigan and Wisconsin, was claimed by each
of the states of New York, Massachusetts,
Connecticut and Virginia. In 1785 these
states surrendered their claim to the General
Government, and then Congress passed ap

act for the government of this country, which
was designated "Western Territory." but
nothing was done towards organizing a form
of government. On July 13, 17S7, Congress
passed the celebrated ordinance known ,as the
"Ordinance of 1787," for the government of
this country, then called the "Northwest
Territory." In 1788 the first officers were
appointed. In 1790 the country now Illinois,
was established as St. Clair County, named
after General Arthur St. Clair, the first gover-
nor of the Northwest Territory.

In this year Illinois County became part of
Indiana Territory, and in 1809 the country
west of the Wabash, north of the Ohio and
east of the Mississippi, was erected into
Illinois Territory, which was divided into
two counties — Randolph and St, Clair — the
territory now Rock Island County forming
part of St. Clair County. On September 14,
1812, our county became a part of Madison
County, and on January 31, 1821, we were
made a part of Pike County. This was the
first county erected by the State of Illinois.

January 28, 1823, Fulton County was
erected from Pike County, and we became a

' HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

part of the former, and so remained until
January 13, 1825. when we became a part of
Peoria County. On February 17, 1827, Jo
Daviess County was erected from Peoria
County, and Galena became our coimty seat.
We remained part of Jo Daviess County until
1833, when Rock Island County was organ-
ized, with the boundaries as thej' exist
today.

The ordinance of 1787 provided for the
forming of one or two states out of the terri-
tory now the states of Wisconsin and Illinois.
The ordinance provided that the northern
boundary of the territory now Illinois should
be an east and west line drawm through the
southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan.
Had this provision been carried out when
Illinois was erected into a state in 1818, that
part of Rock Island County east of Moline
would now^ be in Wisconsin.

When the bill to admit Illinois as a state
was presented to Congress and referred to the
committee, our northern boundary was as
defined in the ordinance of 1787, which
would have left out of our state the counties
of Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago. Steph-
enson, Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, DeKalb,
Kane, De Page, Cook, Lee, Whiteside, and
also a portion of Kendall, Will. La Salle and
Rock Island Counties.

In 1816 the United States made a treaty
with the Ottawa, Chippewa and Pottawat-
omie Indians and it became necessary to
establish the point where a line "due west
from the southern extremity of Lake Michi-
gan" would strike the Mississippi River.
Such a line was siu^^eyed by John Sullivan in
1818, and a monument was erected at its
terminus, "on the bank of the Mississippi
River near the head of Rock Island." This
place is between Seventeenth and Eighteenth
streets in the City of Moline, and is now
occupied by the Moline City Waterworks.

Alexander Pope, the representative from
Illinois in Congress, was fully alive to the in-

terests of his constituency. Mr. Pope asked
to strike out of the bill the description which
bounded Illinois on the north b\' a line drawn
directly west from the southerly boundary
of Lake Michigan, and insert the following:
■"Beginning at the mouth of the Wabash
River, thence up the same and with the line
of Indiana to the northwest corner of said
state; thence east with the line of the same
state to the middle of Lake Michigan; thence
north along the middle of said lake to north
latitude 42 degrees 30 minutes; thence west
to the middle of the Mississippi River, and
thence down along the middle of that river
to its confluence with the Ohio River, and_
thence up the river along its northwest shore
to the beginning." This carried.

The northern boundary of Illinois was thus
fixed, and was made to include a strip of
land sixty-one miles nineteen chains and
thirteen links wide, extending from Lake
Michigan to the Mississippi River, embracing
a sm-face of 8,500 square miles. The line
siu-veyed by Sullivan in 1818 was accepted
as a true line until 1833, when Captain Talcott.
while making the siun^ey of the Ohio-Michi-
gan boundary, was instructed to ascertain
the exact point on the Mississippi River which
is due west from the southern extremity of
Lake Michigan. He established this point
as being "about seven miles north of the fort
(Armstrong) on Rock Island."

From 1829 to 1848 the question of adding
these fourteen northern and a portion of the
four other Illinois counties to Wisconsin was a
prominent one in the northern part of the
state. Strange to s.ay, for many years most
of the people living in the northern part of
the state were in favor of being added to
Wisconsin; but when Wisconsin was admitted
as a state in 1848 its southern boundary line
was fixed at the heretofore established north-
ern bovmdary of the State of Illinois, and
thus was forever settled what for many years
was a subject of much dispute.

HISTORIC ROC K I S L A N D COUNT Y

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL

(Originally named Island of Rock Island)

COLONEL STANHOPE E. BLUNT

Summing up the history pertainina; to the
Rock Island Arsenal, located upon the Islaiul
of Rock Island, and lying conjointly, one
might say, between the cities of Moline, Rock
Island and Davenport, is no light task. In
the data which contributes to the construc-
tion of this history, some of which has been
incorporated verbatim, there are numerous
dates and incidents which give rise to con-
flicting thoughts and deductions and the
writer has been compelled, in some instances,
to resort to comparisons upon which to base
his judgments.

Since the advent of Colonel George Daven-
port, May 10, 1816, several histories of the
Arsenal have been written, and a number of
personal memoirs of well known pioneers
have been printed. Of these latter, the
reminiscences of the late Judge J. W. Spencer
probablj' afford the most authentic report,
and it is to be deplored that he did not pursue
his work to the end that would dispel all
doubts as to many transformations and con-
ditions throtigh which the Arsenal passed
during the days of the early pioneers and the
settlement of Rock Island County.

Starting at the beginning, the pm-poses
and anticipations relative to old Fort Arm-
strong naturally present- themselves; and as
this celebrated fort was l)uilt on the Island of
Rock Island, acquired through a treaty with
the Indians in the year 1804, it will be proper
to precede our account of it by a Ijrief de-
scription of the island itself. Rock Island
is situated on the Mississippi River, opposite

the upper end of the City of Rock Island,
and between it and Davenport on the Iowa
side. It is about two and three quarters
miles long by three-fourths of a mile wide,
and contains an area of nearly a thousand
acres. The base of this island is a mass of
limestone, of the Hamilton group, which
underlies this section of coimtrv. At its
lower extremity this rocky exposure
rises in an almost perpendicular wall to a
considerable height above the water, and was
the cause of its being called by its appropriate
name — Rock Island.

This mass of light grey or whitish limestone,
rising in the broad channel of the Mississippi,
and crowned with its luxuriant covering of
natural forest trees, was an object of great
interest to the early explorers in this region,
and its effect was greatly enhanced by com-
ing in view of it unexpectedly, as the traveler
was sure to do, in passing the bend in the
river a short distance below. After Fort
Armstrong was built on the lower point of
this island, the view on ascending the river
became still more picturesque, and it has been
described as one of the most romantic and
beautiful scenes in the whole western coim-
try. Mr. Henry C. McGrew, who published
the first newspaper in Rock Island, and of
whom mention is made elsewhere, wrote a
letter in 1870, in which he said:

"Although thirty-eight years have passed
since I first landed at Rock Island, I shall
never forget my first impressions of the place.
It was a beautiful moonlight night in Jime;

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

and, as I stood upon the deck of the steamer,
as we rounded the bend below the village,
and beheld old Fort Armstrong on the island
in the river, with its whitewashed walls,
pretty gardens and officers' houses, the scene
was charming, presenting the appearance of
some ancient castle. Then there was the
village of Davenport on the opposite bank,
with its white painted cottages, and on the
east, Rock Island, encircled by the bluffs.
The panorama inspired me with a feeling of
happiness I shall never forget; and, coupled
with the idea that I was on the outskirts of
civilization, gave the whole scene an air of
romance."

Governor Ford, in his History of Illinois,
speaking of the arrival of the soldiers here dur-
ing the first Black Hawk disturbance, in 1831,
says :

"The volunteers marched to Rock Island
the next morning, and here they encamped
for several days, precisely where the town of
Rock Island is situated. It was then in a
complete state of nature, a romantic wilder-
ness. Fort Armstrong was built on a rocky
cliff at the lower point of an island, near the
center of the river, a little way above; the
shores on each side formed of gentle slopes of
prairie extending back to bluffs of considerable
height, made it one of the most picturesque
scenes in the western country. The river here
is a beautiful sheet of clear, swift-running
water, about three-quarters of a mile wide.
Its banks on both sides were inhabited only
by Indians, from the Lower Rapids to the
fort; and the voyage up stream, after several
days progress through a wilderness country,
brought the traveler suddenly in sight of the
fort, perched upon a rock, surrounded by the
grandeur of Nature, which, at a distance,
gave it the appearance of one of those en-
chanted castles in an uninhabited desert, so
well described in the Arabian Night's Enter-
tainments".

The island was the favorite resort of the
Indians long before it had ever been visited

by the white man. "Here they loved to
assemble for their summer pastimes, and to
indulge in the simple amusements of their
race; along these rocky shores was their fa-
vorite fishing-ground; the swift current which
here pours down over successive chains of
rapids, was the scene of many a dash and
frolic in their light canoes; and here dwelt the
kindly spirit who.se protecting power pre-
served the red man, and over whose subter-
rean abode none dared to walk but with the
silent step of supreme reverence and awe."
The estimation in which the Srx and 'Fox
Indians held this island is well described by
Black Hawk in the following language:

' ' This was the best island in the Mississippi,
and had long been the resort of our young
people during the summer. It was our gar-
den, which furnished us with strawberries,
blackberries, plums, apples, and nuts of vari-
ous kinds, and its waters supplied us with pure
fish, being situated in the rapids of the river.
In my early life I spent many happy days on
this island. A good spirit had care of it, who
lived in a cave in the rocks inamediately under
the place where the fort now stands, and has
often been seen by our people. He was
white, with large wings like a swan's, but ten
times larger. We were particular not to make
a noise in that part of the island, for fear of
disturbing him. But the noise of the fort
has since driven him away, and no doubt a
bad spirit has taken his place."

The events which led to the building of
Fort Armstrong on Rock Island are elsewhere
fully described. The British band of Sacs
and Foxes had been troublesome in this re-
gion all through the latter part of the War of
1812-14. The British had captured the fort
at Prairie du Chien, and had not only pro-
vided the Indians of this locality with artil-
lery, munitions of war, and men, but had left
them at the close of the war with feelings of
strong and bitter hostility to the Government.
From Jefferson Barracks, below St. Louis, to
the mouth of the Wisconsin, the Government

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COU XT Y

had practically no established militaiy post
by which to enforce its authority or to afford
protection to its citizens, whose duties might
call them into this jjortion of the ITnited
States. The river was, moreover, a highway
of the nation, which must be kept guarded by
suitable, military stations along its banks.
The situation at Rock Island was central,
accessible, and in near proximity to the most
dangerous body of Indians on the river: it
was also nearly centrally located on the west-
ern border of that great tract of country
which these Indians had ceded to the United
States in the treaty of 1804, and which would
soon be opened for actual settlement.

At the time the fort was built, there were
at least 4,000 Indians living on the main
shores and adjacent to the island. All those
On the east side 'were the wards of the Gov-
ernment, living on Government lands, which
I 'mm were nllov.-ed by the terms of the treaty
t'l iiceiipy so long as these lands belonged to
the United States.

BUILDING OF THE FORT.

In 1816 Fort Armstrong was built on the
lower point of Rock Island. The force of
regulars under Colonel William Lawrence
who came up the river for the purpose of lo-
cating and erecting the fort, arrived at the
mouth of Rock River and examined the coun-
try for a suitable site. They decided on the
above location. On the 10th of May, 1816,
they landed on the island, and as soon as they
had completed their encampment. Colonel
Lawrence employed the soldiers to cut logs
and build storehouses for their provisions.
He also had a bakehouse and oven erected,
whicli was the first building finished on the
island. The erection of the fort and its
accompanying buildings soon followed, and
was named Fort Armstrong, in honor of the
secretary of war.

It was a substantial structure of hewed
logs, built in the form of a square, the sides of
which were four hundred feet in length. A

blockhouse was built at each of the four
angles, and embrazures for cannon and loop-
holes for musketry were provided. A maga-
zine, store-house, barracks, and officers'
quarters were erected within the enclosure,
and sections of heavy stone work built for
protection against fire.

Colonel George Davenport came with the
troops as contractor for the Commissary De-
partment. On the 10th of August, 1816, Mrs.
Davenport and Mrs. Lewis, afterward Mrs.
Goldsmith, reached the island. They were
the first American ladies who ever ascended
the river to this place. Mrs. Davenport died
in 1847, aged 72 years. Mrs. Goldsmith, a
venerable relic of the ]K)st. died in the 76th
year of her age.

In 1823, the Virginia, laden with iHdvisions
for the garrison at Prairie du Chein, touched
the fort. This is said to have been the first
steamboat that landetl on the island. In
1831 , the old Fort on the island was the scene
of a council with the Sac and Fox Indians,
with a view to persuading them to retire
peaceably to the west side of the Mississippi
River. Aljout thirty chiefs were present.
This council was held by General Gaines, who
came from Jefferson Barracks in the steamer
Enterprise with a force of regular troops.
It resulted in convincing General Gaines that
the Indians were determined to fight rather
than give up their possessions.

We shall have more to say of these matters
when we come to give an account of the Black
Hawk War in 1831 and '32. During the war,
Fort Armstrong was the rendezvous for the
soldiers assembled in this qtiarter. On the
7th day of August, 1832, five days after the
battle of Bad Axe, General Winfield Scott ar-
rived from Fortress Monroe with a force of Uni-
ted States regulars to assist in putting down
the Black Hawk disturbance. He was, as we
know, too late for that, but in season to call
together the conquered Sacs and Foxes at
Rock Island, and to conclude a treaty with
them, on the 2Lst of September, for the strip

HISTORIC ROCK I S^L AlN D COUNTY

of land known as the "Black Hawk Pur-
chase," in Iowa. This treaty was not held
at Fort Armstrong, as was contemplated,
owing to existence of cholera among the sol-
diers, which then prevailed, but was held on
the opposite side of the river, on the grounds
formerly occupied by the Chicago, Rock Is-
land A: Pacific Depot, and now by the Kimball
House. At that time, there were about
1,500 soldiers at the fort.

Fort Armstrong was evacuated by the
garrison in 1836, but the island was still held
as a military reservation by the Government
under successive agents appointed to take
charge of it. The first of these was General
Street, Indian agent at Prairie du Chien, who,
by order of the Government, established the
Indian Agency on the island soon after the
withdrawal of the troops. In the spring of
1838, the Indian Agency was removed to
Agency City, Iowa, on the Des Moines River,
and General Street was succeeded by Colonel
George Davenport, who had charge of the
island until the spring of 1840. Fort Arm-
strong was then a depot for arms. Captain
Shoemaker was placed in charge, and re-
mained vmtil the spring of 1845, when the
arms, being required for the Mexican War,
were shipped to New Orleans, and Captain
Shoemaker went with the army to Mexico.
He was succeeded by Thomas Drum, who
died in 1853, when Sergeant Cummings, of
Fort Crawford (Prairie du Chien), was ap-
pointed, and on his declination, Colonel J. B.
Danforth, Jr., was appointed, January 20,
1854. In 1857, H. Y. Slaymaker, of Daven-
port, was appointed. In May, 1861, T. J.
Pickett succeeded Mr. Slaymaker, and held
the position until the island was again oc-
cupied for arsenal piu-poses.

ROCK ISLAND ARMORY AND ARSENAL.

The movement for the establishment of a
Western Arsenal on Rock Island was begun
as earlv as 1839, in which year it was made the
object of a special survey and the subject of a

report to the War Department by Major Bell,
of the Ordnance Department, as a feasible
and desirable location. In 1843 its advan-
tages for that purpose was reported to Con-
gress by a commissioner appointed by the
President, under the provisions of an act of
Congre.ss approved September 9, 1841. At
a later date it was also the subject of a recom-
mendation to the Government for the same
public use.

It was not until the summer of 1861 that
the initial step was taken by the citizens of
Rock Island looking to the accomplishment
of this object. On the first day of July, of
that year, a petition addressed to the senators
and representatives in Congress was drawn
up by the following committee of citizens of
Rock Island, viz: N. B. Buford, J. Wilson
Drury, Ira O. Wilkinson, Ben Harper, Reu-
ben Hatch, George Mixter, J. B. Danforth,
Jr., and P. L. Cable, asking Congress to estab-
lish a national armory and arsenal on Rock
Island, and setting forth the special advan-
tages of the site for such an establishment.

By the action of these gentlemen another
committee of leading citizens of the three
cities — Rock Island, Moline and Davenport —
was appointed, consisting of the following
named persons: Ira O. Wilkinson, N. B. Bu-
ford, H. C. Connelly, J. Wilson Drury and
Bailey Davenport, of Rock Island; W. H. F.
Gurley, George L. Davenport, and G. M.
French of Davenport, and C. ,\tkinson and
P. R. Reed, of Moline. These gentlemen
memorialized Congress in an ably prepared
pamphlet, with a map of this locality, upon
the claims and advantages of Rock Island as
the site for the proposed Western Arsenal
and Armory.

This memorial sets forth that a new Ar-
mory and Arsenal, for the manufacture, safe-
keeping and distribution of arms and muni-
tions of war, are of pressing national necessity
demanded alike by the present wants and fu-
tiue requirements of the Government , and that
the preponderating growth of the northwest,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

as well as the absence of any such estab-
lishment within its limits, indicate that such
an armory should be located upon the upper
Mississippi. Coming directly to the claims of
Rock Island, the memorialists say: "Be-
lieving that Rock Island, in the State of Illi-
nois, in the eentrality and safety of its geo-
graphical position, the facilities it affords for
transportation to and from other parts of the
country, the cheapness and abundance of its
motive power and the materials used in the
manufacture of arms, in the supply and
cheapness of labor and food, in the health-
fulness, spaciousness and general eligibilitv
of the site, and the possession and ownership
thereof by the Government free of cost or
expense — enjoys advantages equal, if not
superior, to those possessed by any other
place in the northwest for the location of such
an establishment — j-our memorialists would
respectfully ask your attention to a brief
notice of these advantages." The ad\-an-
tages are set forth in the ten or twelve pages
which follow with great force and cogency of
argument. In this document we find a re-
port of the action of the Iowa Legislature and
of the authorities of Illinois on the subject,
and a certificate of the government agent in
charge of the Island.

JOINT RESOLUTIONS OF THE IOWA LEGISLATURE.

"Be It Resolved by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the State of Iowa,
That the senators in Congress from this State
be requested to use their utmost exertions
to procure the establishment, at the earliest
possible time, by the Government of the
United States, of an Arsenal and Armory,
for the distribution of arms to the states of
the northwest, on the Island of Rock Island,
in the State of Illinois.

"Resolved That the Secretary of State
be requested to forward to each of the Sena-
tors and representatives in Congress a copy
of these resolutions."

'Approved March 24, 1S61."

No session of the legislature of Illinois
had been held immediately prior to this
action, but Governor Yates and the other
state officers, both civil and military, ad-
dressed a letter to the Secretary of War,
urging the location of the Armory upon Rock
Island.

CERTIFICATE FROM THE GOVERNMENT AGENT.

"I, T. ,1. Pickett, Government Agent for
the Island of Rock Island, hereby certify that
the lands owned by the Government on said
island are free from the claims of squatters,
and that the only occupants thereon are
eight in number, who hold leases under and
acknowledge themselves tenants of said
Government, in which lease it is specifically
agreed that the lessors are to vacate the
premises in thirty days from the date of
receiving notice requiring them to leave
T. J. Pickett, Government Agent.
Rock Island. 111., Oct. 2.5, 1861."

Copies of the above memorial were freely
distributed among the members of Congress
and laid on the desk of every senator and
representative. An act of Congress pro-
viding for the Arsenal and Armory, and mak-
ing an appropriation of $100,000, was passed
July 11, 1S62. In May of the following year
a commission, composed of Major F. D. Call-
ander, Major C. P. Kingsbury and Captain
F. J. Treadwell, was sent by the Ordnance
Department to locate the proposed Arsenal
building on Rock Island. Sites also for mag-
azines on the island were recommended by
the commission. The report was adopted and
Major Kingsbury was ordered to take charge
of the work of construction. He arrived in
August, 1863, and on the 3d day of vSeptem-
ber broke ground for the government build-
ing at the lower end of the island.

From an article prepared by Captain L.
M. Haverstiek, and published in the Chicago
Inter-Ocean at the time we quote the follow-
ing, with a few changes adapting it to our
purpose :

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

"An arsenal merely for the storage and
repair of arms was not what the Ordnance
Department contemplated, nor what the
country needed at Rock Island. Therefore
in August, 1865, General T. J. Rodman was
assigned to the command of the island, with
instructions to prepare plans for an armory
and arsenal combined, where small arms and
other munitions of war could be manufactured
as well as repaired and stored. The great
scientific knowledge and long experience of
General Rodman peculiarly fitted him for
this work, and the result was an elaborate
plan, equal to the wants and interests of the
country.'"

GENERAL RODMAN'S PLANS.

General Rodman's plans were submitted to
Congress during the session of 1865 and ap-
proved. An appropriation was made to be-
gin work on the new buildings; and from thiat
time forward steady progress has been made
until now Rock Island Arsenal is the fore-
most in the United States.

A portion of the Island had been sold under
a special act of Congress. The Chicago,
Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company
had located their track across the island and
built upon its banks the abutments for their
bridges. When the Government decided to
utilize the island for a permanent and ex-
tensive manufacturing depot, it was found
necessar}- to buy out the interests of the pri-
vate parties and of the railroad company.
A commission consisting of General J. M.
Scofield, Selden JI. Church and James Barnes.
was appointeii to appraise the lands on the
island owned by individuals.

An act of Congress, approved June 27,
1866. appropriated the money necessary to
buy out their claims, authorized the reloca.
tion of the railroad bridge, and provided for
compensating the railroad companj- for
changing its route across the island. The
same act made an appropriation to begin
work on the development of the waterpower.

Under this and subsequent acts the Govern-
ment united with the railroad company in
the erection of the iron bridge, which served
the general purposes until the constitution
of the present magnificent bridge, sharing
in the expense and securing a free wagon way
in addition to the railroad tracks.

By order of the War Department, in July,
1863, Rock Island was made a military
prison for the confinement of Confederate
prisoners. During the same month, Captain
Charles A. Reynolds, Assistant Quarter-
master United States Army, arrived, and
commenced building a prison and barracks.
The first soldiers for guard duty arrived
November 2, 1863. Lieutenant Colonel Schaff-
ner arrived on the 19th of November and
took command. On the 22d, Colonel Richard
Henry Rush arrived and took command of
the post, and Colonel A. J. Johnson was ap-
pointed in charge of the prisoners. The first
installment of prisoners, taken at the battle
of Lookout Mountain, arrived from Chatta-
nooga, December 3, 1863; and from that
time until the close of the war a large number
of prisoners were kept under a strong guard
upon the island. The whole number of
prisoners confined here was 12,215; the num-
ber of deaths was 1,960. About 500 died of
small-pox, many of scurvy, and others of
various diseases, chiefly pneumonia. They
were put into rough boxes and buried in
trenches. The corner-posts of the cemetery
where their ashes repose, are composed of
cannon taken from the Confederates, planted
with their muzzles in the grotmd, and strung
around with chains. Within this enclosure
sleep nearly 2,000 Confederate dead. At a
few of the graves, friends of the deceased
have erected plain headstones, and placed
on them a few simple inscriptions. There
is also near the head of the island, a Union
soldiers' cemetery where 310 graves are en-
closed by a neat fence.

On July 11, 1862. Congress passed the act
authorizing the establishment of the Arsenal

HISTORIC ROCK IS L A N D C U N T Y

and providing the first funds for beginning
the necessary buildings.

Major C. P. Kingsbury, a well known and
competent oflicer of the Ordnance Depart-
ment, was assigned as the first commandant
and under his direction, a year later, a store-
house was erected at the lower or extreme
western end of the Arsenal, which, with its
tower and clock, has since been a landmark
and an object of interest, not merely to the
inhabitants of the three cities, but also to all
travelers on the main line of the Rock Island
road.

In 1S65 General Thomas .T. Rodman was
assigned to the command, and followed in
1871 by General D. W. Flagler, who remained
commandant until 1SS6. To these two of-
ficers is mainly due the general plan of the
Arsenal as it exists today, with nearly all its
principal buildings; their conception of the
disposition and arrangement of the ten great
shops, with the various subsidiary buildings,
was an immense advance over the stereo-
typed plan of all arsenal construction of pre-
ceding years, and in subsequent developments,
in response to great demands upon the Ar-
senal's resources, has proved most admirably
adapted for the purpose for which designed.

These plans as first prepared by Rodman,
developed by Flagler, and followed with onl^-
slight modifications by their successors, have
resulted in the erection, principally of Joliet
stone, of a magnificent equipment of shops,
storehouses, barracks, quarters and numerous
subsidiary buildings.

The shops comprise ten stone buildings
sixty feet wide, built around three sides of a
rectangular central court, with fronts two
hundred and ten feet and wings three hun-
dred feet long: eight of the shops are of four
stories, the other two of only one, but pro-
viding in all over thirty acres of floor space.
Seven of these buildings are now occupied by
machinery, the other three by the raw mater-
ial for manufacture and by finished stores.
There are also two large storehouses and

numerous other ,,inall buildings for boilers
for the heating plant and for lumber, coal. oil.
etc., for officer's quarters, soldiers' barracks
and for the many other necessities of a large
government manufacturing establislmient.

One of these storehouses replaced an earlier
structure destroyed by fire with its contents
\ras only completed in the spring of 190.5.
It is most recently erected of all the main
buildings of the Arsenal.

For many years the commandant's quar-
ters and three others of stone have provided
accommodations for the assistant officers,
but within the last few years two attractive
biuldings of more modern design, one frame
and the other of yellow Ijrick. have been
erected at the eastern end of Terrace Road,
forming a most attractive addition to the
residential district of the Arsenal, and diu'lim-
the present year, the old buildings, relics of
the Civil War. used for many years as a
hospital and as stables, have been replaced
by attractive and convenient modern struc-
tures.

In May. 1886, Colonel T. G. Baylor. Ord-
nance Department, succeeded General Flagler
as commandant. He was followed three years
later by Colonel J. M. Whitte more and he, in
1892. by General A. R. Buffington. who con-
tinued in command for five years. Under
these officers the main Iniildings were carried
to completion, manufactures prosecuted at a
moderate scale, and under the latter, the
present magnificent bridge from the Arsenal
to Davenport erected.

The island is connected with the three
neighboring cities by bridges built and owned
by the Government and maintained and
guarded by the Arsenal, and by its own track
with the railways that reach them. The
bridge from the .Arsenal to the City of Daven-
port is the third bridge provided for railway
and subsequently for general traffic. Of the
first nothing now remains but a vine-covered
stone pier about a quarter of a mile above the
present structure. It was the pioneer bridge

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

across the Mississippi river from its iiidutli to
its source and was completed fifty-two years
ago, being used by the Rock Ishind railroad
until October, 1872, when a bridge upon the
present location was finished. Twenty-four
years later this latter bridge, having proved
insufficient for the traffic to which it was sub-
jected, the present magnificent structure was
finished. Its total length is 1 ,550 feet, divided
into five spans and one draw. It is double
decked, with a double railroad track above and
double street car track and wagon bridge be-
low. The traffic across this bridge is now tuuch
greater than formerly and is an indication of
the growth of population in the cities of Rock
Island and Davenport, which it connects.
Now it is at the rate of about 40,000 engines
annually, over 80,000 passenger cars, and
340,000 freight cars. In addition over 450,000
teams and nearly 1,000,000 pedestrians.

Only about 1,000 steamboats passed up
and the same n\imber down and the traffic
through the draw of barges and rafts has
decreased year by year.

A trolley line also crosses the bridge and is
traversed during the year by over 100,000
street cars. A branch of this line was some
years ago extended from Fort Armstrong
Avenue, crossing the western end of the is-
land, for about a mile up to the shops and
extending beyond across the branch of the
river at the south of the island to the neigh-
boring City of Rock Island. It was built in
response to petitions from Arsenal workmen
for their accommodation and tinder a special
revocable license granted bj' the Secretary of
War for that purpose. It is not available
for general traffic from Davenport to Rock
Island, nor from either city to the Ar-
senal, being reserveil solely for use of the
employes.

In March, 1897, Captain Stanhope E.
Blunt, Ordnance Department, was appointed
commandant and through successive pro-
motions to Major, Lieutenant-Colonel and
Colonel, the latter grade being given in June,

1906, has through more than ten years' con-
tinued in command.

Colonel Blunt's administration has been
marked by great expansion in the Arsenal's
facilities for manufacturing war material;
over $1,200,000 worth of modern machinery
being installed in the shops, and the power
transmission system changed from the anti-
quated wire rope transmission of the water
power to a modern hydro-electric plant of
amply capacity for the Arsenal's needs.

The island, containing nearly 1,000 acres,
is irregular in shape, about two and one-half
miles long and three-fourths of a mile across
at its widest part.

The main channel of the Mississippi ri\'('r
passes between the island and the Iowa shore,
a much narrower branch separating it from
the Illinois bank. Across this smaller stream,
a short distance above the shops, a masonry
dam has been constructed producing, in con-
sequence of the reach of rapids opposite and
above the island, a water power of ample
capacity; having a head of from seven and
one-half to eleven feet, according to the stage of
the river, and on the dam, operated by twenty
turbines, have been installed three alternating
current generators of 1,650 kilowat total
capacity, with the accompanying exciters,
switchboard, etc., required for their operation.

The building housing this installation, with
generators, shafting and all other incidental
machinery, has licen completed, not only in a
substantial but in a highly ornamental man-
ner, rendering the power house not only one
of the most interesting objects for visitors to
the Arsenal, but also from its appearance one
of the most attractive.

At present nearly 3,000 horse-power is thus
provided, which can be increased, if it should
ever prove necessary, by utilizing pen-
stocks on the dam now occupied, and
installing the corresponding additional elec-
trical machinery.

None of the navy yards or other arsenals
possess this combination of ample water

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

power and electrical transmission, and the de-
velopment of the power plant to its present
really magnificent condition, permitting the
greatest economy, with also the greatest
facility and convenience of operation, is
one of the pruicipal distinguishing features
of the Rock Island Arsenal.

Several years ago Congress made a prelimi-
nary appropriation for the necessary machin-
ery for manufacture of small arms at the Ar-
senal, following it at the next session with a
sufficient sum to permit the installation of a
plant that should turn out about two hundred
and fifty finished rifles per day.

The complete establishment of the plant
required a material increase in the power pro-
vided and also its transmission to the new
armory: it also included the completion of
three of the large shops, with elevators, a
steam heating plant, lavatory conveniences,
work benches for employes, rooms for fore-
men and in.spectors, and the introduction of
the many minor but essential appliances
requisite for economical and efficient opera-
tion, including even tunnels connecting the
basement floors of the different shops, which
afford passage for the heating pipes, fuel oil
pipes, electric power and lighting wires, and
for small trolley cars for transportation Ise-
tween biuldings of the various components of
of the rifles in the different stages of their
manufacture.

In this small-arms plant and in the shops
of the southern row over 2,400 machines of
a great variety are disposed, with the shaft-
ing for their operation and the necessary
benches, and the other numerous appliances
requisite for their occupancy by workmen.
Operation of the shops upon the scale now
required for the manufacture of gun carriages,
equipments, small arms, etc., employs at
present about 2,000 men, at a monthly charge
for wages of from $125,000 to $130,000. If
compared with its operation ten years ago
it will be observed that four times as many
men are now employed as at the earlier date

and that the monthly wages are about five
times greater. The annual tonnage of re-
ceipts and issues is also five times greater
than in 1897. The total expenditures at the
Arsenal in the fiscal year 1897 for all purposes
amounted to $68,'?, 000; while for the last three
fiscal years it has averaged nearly $4,000,000
annually

The Arsenal upon the scale now operated
provides the soldiers' ordnance equipment
for an army of 60,000 men, and is besides
constantly adding to the reserve supply.
By merely taking on additional employes it
could, without delay, increase its output to
meet the demands of an army of half a mil-
li(m men, and by adding additional machin-
ery, for which necessary space and power has
been provided and its disposition arranged
for, and also the employes for its operation,
this output could be still further immensely
increased.

Besides the saddle in all its parts, beginning
with the lumber used in the saddletree, the
bridle, saddlebags, rifle scabbard, halter,
horse-brush, cartridge box, saber belt, and
many other articles included under the gener-
al designation of infantry, cavalry and horse
equipment, are also made. The haversack,
canteen, cup, meat can, knife, fork and spoon ^
of duck and other material, which constitute
the soldiers' more personal equipment, and
of metal the bits, spurs, picket pin, etc.,
which he also uses, are included in the manu-
factures.

Many sets of artillery harness are annually
made and also the numerous parts and gen-
eral supplies pertaining thereto. Also pack
outfits for mountain artillery by means of
which gims, their carriages and ammunition
are carried on mule back.

The Arsenal has recently completed some
six-inch barbette carriages for seacoast forts
and for four years past has been regularly
engaged in the manufacttn-e of a large number
of the new three-inch field gim carriages,
model of 1902, with the accompanying

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

limbers, caissons, battery wagons, and tbcir
tools, implements, etc. This is of itself a
most important work, requiring the services
of a number of the best mechanics, and would
alone be deemed elsewhere a sufficient task
for many an establishment, though at Rock
Island it comprises as stated only a portion
of the maniifacturing work.

In order that the field artillery carriages
manufactured at the Arsenal may be tested
before issue to develop any unknown defects
if they should exist, all such material is proof
fired at grounds specially laid out for that
purpose at the upper or eastern end of the
island. This included a large timber and
sand butt into which the projectiles are shot,
and which is of such dimensions that they
cannot emerge therefrom. The many addi-
tional instruments for determining the veloc-
ity of the projectile, velocity of recoil of parts
of the carriage, or pressure of the powder
charge in the bore, and other features neces-
sary to give the constructing officer of ord-
nance the information which he needs in de-
signing other material, or in verifying the
correctness of the design undergoing proof,
are also installed in special structures erected
at the proving ground for their reception.
With these buildings is included an obsen-a-
tion tower permitting by its use a river
range for firing up the river of approximatel.y
6.500 yards and enabling these carriages to be
tested and proof fired under an elevation.

The Arsenal also makes the wooden targets
of different designs and all the paper targets,
steel silhouette frames, and pasters used in
target practice, as well as the insignia indi-
cating the soldiers' classification in markman-
ship, and the various insignia on saddle
cloths, rosettes on bridles, and similar orna-
mental jewelers' work.

In its armory shops the daily output for
several years past has been from one hundred
to one hundred and twenty-five finished mag-
azine rifles per daj', an industry in itself of
greater magnitude than that of the army's

other .'^mall arm factory until within very
recent years.

Besides its manufactures the Arsenal is
also the distributing point to all parts in the
middle west for the product of other arsenals
and of the private establishments from which
the government purchases.

The total cost of the Arsenal from its es-
tablishment to July 1, 1907, including the
erection of the permanent buildings, the ac-
quisition, development and later improve-
ment of the water power, the large bridge
across the Mississippi, and the smaller ones
to the Illinois shore, and the purchase and
installation of the machinery in the shops,
under the different commandants is as follows:

Major C. P. Kingsbury, 1863-6.5. S231,3S4.-
72; General T. J. Rodman, 1S65-71. S2,302,-
626.30; General D. W. Flagler. 1871-86,
$4,982,481.45; Colonel T. G. Baylor, 1886-89,
$663,450.00; Colonel J. M. Whittemore, 1889-
92, $377,318.48; General A. R. Buffington.
1892-97, $477,375.50: Colonel S. E. Blunt,
1897-07, $2,051,198.88; total, $11,085,835.33.

The total disbursement for labor has been
$17,213,056.90 since the establishment of the
Arsenal to .July 1. 1907.

During the first twenty-five years, or
up to the conclusion of General Flagler's
administration, construction of buildings,
bridges, roads, etc., and the earlier steps in
development of water power formed the
principal work, the very limited amount
of machinery which had been installed, being
operated to only a moderate extent and the
disbursements, including wages, being mainly
in connection w'ith building construction.

In the second period, continuing until
about the time of the Spanish War, construc-
tion except for the rebuilding of the bridge
from the Arsenal to Davenport, nearly
ceased, while the manufacturing operations
of the Arsenal continued at a slightly increas-
ing but still very moderate extent.

The third period embraces the great in-
crease in amount and variety of manufacture,

HISTORIC ROCK I S L A X D C o JJ y T Y

inchiding that of small arms, and accompany-
ing expansion of plant, with some inciden-
tal building operations, commencing in the
latter part of 1897, during the first year of
the administration of Colonel Blunt, slightly
before the earlier days of the Spanish War,
and continuing to the present date.

Senator Allison, to whose faith and interest
in the Arsenal must be largely ascribed the
generous appropriations granted during many
years past for its construction and develop-
ment, is quoted as saying that "Rock Island
Arsenal, during the few months of the late
Spanish War, more than returned in advan-
tage to the country the great cost of its con-
struction; and unquestionably in a war of
any magnitude and diu-ation this cost would
again be repaid many fold.

The Arsenal from March, 1897 to August,
1907, was commanded by Colonel Stanhope
E. Blunt, Ordnance Department. The other
officers are now Majors Babbitt, Thompson
and Burr; Captains Gallup and Hillman and
Contract Surgeon Craig. The garrison is a
detachment of one hundred soldiers of the
Ordnance Department,

Commencing .in the spring of 1907, the
superstructure of the old truss bridge, over
Sylvan Water, connecting the Island with the
Illinois shore, was removed, for the prepa-
ration of the new viaduct concrete bridge.
The old four stone piers, with two abutments,
were used in the new substructure, and
owing to the girder stvle of construction of

the new bridge, fo\ir new concrete piers were
built. The new viaduct bridge was designed
by Ralph Modjeski, the noted architectural
engineer, and built under the supervision
of the war department ; the contractors being
Bayne and Hewett of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Its construction represents an expenditure
by the government of $12.5,000, with S1600
additional, for widening the causeway, be-
tween the bridge and Fort Armstrong Avenue,
and bridge sidewalks. The Tri-City Railway
Company, assiiming the cost of the brick
cemented driveway, trolley poles, and new
tracks, amounting to $10,000; making a total
cost of .SI 36,600. The new bridge was
opened for street car and passenger traffic
December 12. 1907; opened for general
traffic, December 18, 1907, and was accepted
by the government, January 16, 1908.

The width of the structure is twenty feet
between curbs, with two sidewalks, each six
feet.

The incline approach from the City of Rock
Island side consists of the original stone wall
one hundred and twenty-four feet long; the
new concrete wall, .joining same, extending
to railroad track abutment, is one hundred
and seventy feet long. The bridge proper
consists of eleven spans, making a length
of 801.1 feet, and total length with approach
approximately 1096 feet. The solidity of the
entire structure is evident in every detail.

The present commandant of the Island, is
Colonel S. E. Hobbs.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

TOPOGRAPHY OF ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Rock Island County lies upon the western
boundarj' of the great agricultiiral prairie
state of Illinois. This boundary, the majes-
tic Mississippi River, is bordered by bluffs
that give a rugged and diversified surface to
this river county. Rock Island County is
notpbly a river county, for it stretches for
almost sixty miles in an irregular strip along
the Father of Waters. It bIso has for its
boundary line (for the upper half of the
comity) upon the southeast another famous
stream, Rock River. The third natural
boundary is Meredosia Slough or creek which
separates Rock Island from Whiteside County
for some miles on the comity's northeastern
portion. The county is separated into two
somewhat compact sections or portions by
the Rock River which crosses the county on
its way to union with the Mississijjpi.

The northern section of the county has
unusual topographical interest, being almost
entirely upland of an elevation of fifty to
one hundred feet above the general level of
the rivers on either side. This wall of bluffs
varies greatly in outline and picturesqueness.
It is of gentle declivity at times and at others
of rugged abruptness. The bluffs along the
Mississippi follow the river in general and for
the most part rise from the water's edge. A
few miles above the present locations of
Moline and Rock Island the bhiff line recedes
from the river, and an alluvial plain of rich-
ness and gentle slope is formed. The bluffs
which form the other side of this plateau of
the upper county section are manifest in
rugged beauty along the north bank of the

Rock River near the location of Milan. The
lines of bluff and stream diverge not far east
of Milan, leaving a broad stretch of alluvial
acres. The same relative location of bluff
and stream and plain is maintained after the
Meredosia Slough is reached. From this creek
the bluffs turn west and reach the Mississippi
near Cordova. Men of research say that it is
altogether probable that in the early days
of the great river its path lay, through the
Meredosia Slough and the bed and valley of
Rock River. If so, the portion of Rock
Island County under consideration, at one
time was upon the western or Iowa side of
the Father of Waters. This elevated tract
of the upper county was originally well
covered with undergrow'th and scattering
timber. Its surface is fairly rough but is
generally continuous except where a depres-
sion called Pleasant Valley cuts across the
upland region from Hampton on the Mississ-
ippi to Carbon Cliff on Rock River. The
farms in Pleasant Valley are considered among
the best of the upper county. The elevated
region has been farmed many years and has
been made to jdeld productively, especially
in cereals and fruits. The bottom lands are
of surpassing fertility. Along the rivers
there are some sandy tracts that are unfitted
for tillage, but in the main the farmers of this
portion of the county have greatly prospered.
The southern portion of Rock Island
County is a fairly symmetrical rectangle
thirty-three miles from east to west. It has
for its northern boundary the Mississippi
and Rock Rivers. Its western boundary is

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

also the Mississippi wliicli tiiriistothesouthwanl
at Muscatine on the Iowa shore or just west of
Dnir3''s landing; on the Illinois side. Merner
County lies to the south and Henry County to
the east of this' portion of Rock Island County.

This section comprises the greater part of
the excellent farming lands of the county.
There are alluvial bottom lands, rolling up-
land prairies and bluff lands of less agricul-
tural value. The prairies responded most
quickly to the efforts of the early settler and
have for many years shown the most beautiful
farms in the county. The alluvial lands were
some what swampy or boggy in part and did
not yield well until modern methods of drain-
age were employed. Along the south side
of the Rock River bottom bluffs appear, the
range rising abruptly in places to an average
height of more than one hundred feet. At
Andalusia the bluffs approach the Mississippi
River which washes tlieir base almost to the
southern line of the county, except in a few
places where an uncultivated low bottom
intervenes, seamed with sloughs. This range
of bluffs is cut up with hollows and
ravines and is covered with a moderate
growth of timber, principally oak. The
rough land extending back into the highland
for several miles is tlie least vahiable portion
of the county for agriculture.

Rock River is the principal stream within
the borders of the county and furnishes a
water power second only to the Mississippi.
It rises in Wisconsin about midway between
the Wisconsin River and Lake Michigan. Its
course in Illinois is almost one hundred and
eighty miles long. Its chief tributary, the
Pecatonica, discharges its waters below the
northern boundary of the state. The valley
of the Rock River is one of the most healthful
and wealthy sections of Illinois. After form-
ing a portion of the boundary between Henry
and Rock Island Counties it di\ides the latter
into its northern and southern portions and
empties into the Mississippi about three miles
below the Citv of Rock Island. In the last

few miles of the stream there is a sharp fall in
level, and as a result a series of beautiful rapids.

GEOLOGY.

The soil of the Rock River and Meredosia
bottoms is the rich alluvial deposit that is
found in the neighborhood of all streams in
this part of the Mississippi basin. The small
portion of the county lying north of the bluff
line is level sand prairie. This level stretch
assists the imagination in calling up a vision
of a mightier Mississippi than the one with
which the earliest inhabitants of the valley
were acquainted. In those earlier ages of
the earth's history when the river divided at
this ]3oint with its main channel in the slouffh
and Rock River bed it was miles in width.
This prairie was a broad hearlland and bar.
The bluff buttressed upland of the northern
cotmty was a noble island rising from the
waters of the swiftly rolling, magnificent
river. The sand brought down by the cur-
rent lodged against the head of this great
island and the sand plain was slowly formed,
just as the bars are now being formed against
every obstruction in the river in these days.

This great stream which has left its history
written on bluff and bar and pictured in
sculptured bedrock and drifted cairn has no
more perfect record than its old shore line
marked high along its bluffs. The town of
Cordova is built almost entirely upon a terrace
which was once the bed of the river. This
terrace is fifty feet above the present low water
mark of the Mississippi. This reminder and ev-
idence of the ancient river's majesty can be
traced along the slough and Rock River bluffs
until that river empties into the Mississippi.

Evidences of glacial drift are almost absent
in this county. Genuine drift gravel and
boulders are scarce. The soil of the bluffs
and hills is a marly deposit kncjwn as ''loe.ss"
which overlies blue clays and sands. Farther
from the river the "loess" gives place to fine
luminated drift clays such as cover most
Illinois high prairies and upland barrens.

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

The surface soil is underlaid by founda-
tions of stone nf successive geologic ages.
At the eastern end of the county near Hamil-
ton the upper and more shaley beds of the
Hamilton limestone first appear in outcrop-
pines along the Mississippi bank. Still
heavier outcrops show near Moline. Here
the stratum is thicker, is brown in color, and
is fossil bearing. Farther west near Rock
Island and Milan the Hamilton is thicker,
bedded with more irregular stratification,
the color bluish white or brown on recent
fracture, and the rock of firm texture and
density.

The island in the Mississippi known as
Rock Island is a great mass of this Hamilton
limestone, chiseled into shape by the water.
covered with eomparativelv thin soil and
splendidly wooded. This island is rich in
indications of primitive conditions in this
section as it has stretche? of forest that have
been allowed to retain their natural beauty
and charm.

The Devonian limestone of this county
have been divided by scientists for litho-
logical reasons into three divisions namely:
the upper, the middle and the lower; each
marked by its distinguishing character-
istics. The upper-most division is limestone
of gray or brown color, is rough and coarse-
grained, and filled with the shells and corals
that mark the Hamilton beds. The deposit
is from thirty to forty feet in thickness. The
middle division is made up of argillaceous
and calcareous shales of equal thickness, this
rock being filled with characteristic Hamilton
fossils. The most easily noted outcropping of
this division is between Rock Island and Moline
where in quarrying a perpendicular space of
thirty feet has been exposed. Under this
division lies the third division which consists
of a fine grained compact stone, of gray or
dove color. This extends below the river
level and is of an unknown thickness. It has
been penetrated by borings to the depth of
one hundred and seventy-five feet.

This Devonian limestone of the third
division forms the bed of Mississippi and Rock
Rivers in this region. Rock River from
Milan almost to the Mississippi is paved with
what seem to be massive blocks of this com-
pact stone irregular in size and contour and
worn to smoothness by the ceaseless flow of
the rapid current. The depth of this lithic
stream bed has not been determined. At
Sears' mill which formerly stood below Black
Hawk's Watch Tower, rock was quarried
from the stone floor of the channel to the
depth of twenty feet, and it is probable that
they were only upon the upper surface of the
formation. .\t Cleveland near the eastern
line of the county this same rock appears in
the bed of the stream, so that it is probable
that the bed of Rock River in its course along
and through Rock Island Coimty is formed
of the Hamilton limestone at times obscured
and overlaid by a mud deposit made possible
by irregularities in the formation and moder--
ate river fall. The limestone of the Rock
River bed shows few fossils.

It is this same division of the Hamilton
limestone that forms the bed of the Mississippi
throughout the sixty miles that this stream
washes the shores of Rock Island County on
the north and west. It created the terrors
for the early navigators by its "hog-backs"
and rocky chains thrown across the rapids in
their sixteen miles of declivity and rapid
rush of the mighty current. From the City
of Rock Island to the western border of the
county there are but few places where the
bed of the stream is so near the surface of the
water as to cause trouble to the rivermen. It
is an alternation of stretches of sand, mud and
rockj' bottom.

At Andalusia excellent building stone has
been quarried from this lowest member of
the Hamilton group. The layers are com-
paratively thin. The stone is fossiliferous
and of a dove or light blue color.

Another limestone formation appearing
locally that has added to the wealth of Rock

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U N T Y

Island County is the Xiapiara deposit which
outcrops heavily from Cordova to Port Byron.
A little south of Hampton it disappears l)e-
neath the outliers of the coal measures. At
Cordova this limestone has a tough consisten-
cy and hornstone appearance, differing in
these respects from the same formation as it
appears farther north along the river bank.
All the upland region of the upper county
lying above Pleasant Valley is underlaid by
this Niagara limestone. The upper soil and
upland clay is cut thro^igh by the streams
and in the beds of these small waterways the
limestone appears.

This Niagara limestone has been commer-
cially valuable through its burning into
excellent quicklime which is strong, white
and ]nire. At Cordova and Port Byron there
have been for many years extensive works
for the manufacture of lime and this has
found its way on its merits into the markets
of this country The Hamilton limestone
has also been found very available for lime-
burning and great quantities of this raw
material have been converted into merchant-
able lime. The limestone deposits of Rock
Island County have furnished inexhaustible
quantities of building stone to the quarryman
and builder.

Another lithic mine of wealth to the settlers
of Rock Island County has been the deposit of
sandstone which outcrops in the lower part of
the county. For a half century a quarry in a
ravine midway between Millan and .Anda-
lusia has furnished building stone or rock for
heavy masonry. The stone is dark colored
and iron stained and comes from a stratum
about ten feet thick. This deposit seems to
be available by removing the soil deposit at
any point along the bluffs to the west line of
the county. Near Copper Creek in Drury
Township there is a quarry which has supplied
the demand for this material for walls which
has proved durable and reliable where it has
been \ised. After many years of use it seems
to be unaffected by the elements.

The clays of the upper part of the coimty
have been used for commercial purposes.
There are unlimited deposits of material for
the manufacture of drain tile and this has
become an important industry at various
points, the most important point for manu-
facturing and shipping being Carbon Cliff on
account of excellence of clay and convenience
to railroads. The vein of potter's clay which
also appears in this section of Rock Island
County has been worked to advantage.
There has been a pottery in successful oper-
ation at Hampton for many years.

In this series of geological notes naturally
belongs reference to a remarkable group of
mineral springs known as the "Rinnah
Wells" springs. They have been known
from Indian days to have medicinal proper-
ties and some of them were long ago improved
by stone curbs and facilities for obtaining the
water in perfect purity. The sediment of
the water caused liy natural or artificial
evaporation is a whitish mineral salt of pro-
nounced and rather agreeable soda taste.
These springs have also been called the
"White Sulphur Springs", also the "Soda
Springs" and through the similarity of the
waters to those famous ones of Saratoga
and their marked "medicinal value it was
prophecied years ago that a great resort
would some day be built uj) near Andalusia.
These expectations have so far been unreal-
ized, the use of the w-aters having been limited
to local converts to their good qualities. It
may yet be that Andalusia with its romantic
name and waters of healing may yet attract
the attention of the world and that this
beautifully located village may be the mecca
of tourists and healthseekers.

NATUR.^L SCENIC BEAtJTY.

The variety in the topography of Rock
Island County has made possible scenery of
commanding beaut}^ Early voyagers were
impressed with the charm of situation of Rock
Island, the splendid island surrounded by the

// / N T O h' I (■ HOC K I S L A N D CO U \ T Y

bright waters of the Mississippi and bounded
by the outlying bluffs like unto a spacious
amphitheatre changing with the seasons from
the charm of green clad eminence to russet
autumn foliage splashed with vermilion tints
and then to sno>v-elad winter hills. Many
chapters have been written of this section.
One extract will be sulficient to give an idea
of all. Governor Reynolds in his "Life and
Times" has this paragraph: "The scenery
about Rock Island is not surpassed by any
in the whole length of the Mississippi. It
seems as though Nature had made an effort
in forming this beautiful and picturesque
country. Rock Island itself presents a grand
and imposing appearance, rising out of the
waters of the Mississippi a solid rock with
many feet elevation. It is several miles
long, and three-fourths of a mile wide. The
rocks are covered with a fertile soil. The
river washes around its base with a rapid
cm-rent of pure and limpid water and Rock
River, a few miles south, is seen in the dis-
tance, forcing its way with great rapidity over
the rocky rapids into the Father of Waters.
The countrj' around it is interspersed with
beautiful groves of timber, which give to the
scene a sweetness and a beauty rarely equaled.
The blue hills in the distance, directing the
course of the river, are seen on the north and
the south to rise with gentle slopes from the
water to considerable elevations, and the
valley between, embracing the river is some
miles in extent, presenting a variety of surface
and a beauty of landscape never surpassed."
This scenic beauty Rock Island County
naturally shares with the part of Iowa lying
on the opposite bank of the Mississippi-
There is however one location of great natural
beauty soleh^ within the boundaries of this
county. It is the rugged upland formed on
one hand by the bluffs of the Mississippi and
on the other by the precipitous bluffs of the
Rock River. From countless elevations on
this tract there are views of surpassing
beauty. The eye is challenged by striking

declivities of solid rock; rests admiringly
upon stretches of woods that border winding
streams of bright and limpid water and rests
peacefully upon widely stretching farmlands
marked by hedgerows and clumps of trees.
Rising abruptly for a height of two hundred
feet above the water level is the eminence
known as Black Hawk's Watch Tower.
From the crest of this noble hill a panorama
of striking beauty is unrolled before the eye
of the visitor. To the west stretches the line
of bluffs that overlooks the confluence of the
waters of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers.
To the southwest one can see the location of
Black Hawk's village. To the south in the
foregroimd lies the town of Milan to which the
elevation and distance give picturesquene.ss.
In the immediate foreground are the four
channels of Rock River spanned by railroad
and wagon bridges, the intervening islands
covered with groves of stately elms and be-
tween the shimmering and gliincins: waters
hurry over rocky rapids. The neighborhood
of the Watch Tower, as it is familiarly known,
is rich in Indian legends through its having
been the location of one of the largest Intlian
settlements of the continent frotn the time
when tradition begins. Black Hawk's Watch
Tower takes its name from this Indian chief
and great Sac warrior; he having watched
from its siunmit the approach of the troops
sent against him by Governor Reynolds at the
beginning of the short, sharp and decisive
conflict known in history as Black Hawk's
War. The Watch Tower is easily accessible
from Rock Island, Moline, Davenport and
Milan by electric lines and is visited annually
by many thousand tourists and residents of
this locality. A handsome inn crowns the
elevation and the various attractions of a
modern amusement park furnish recreation
for the multitude.

COAL ME.ASURES.

In that portion of the county Ij'ing west of
Rock Island the coal measures are found as

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

"outliers", overlaying; and resting uncon-
formably upon the Devonia and Upper
Silurian limestone, as far north as the vicinity
of Port Bvron, where it finally terminates.
The most northerly point where a workable
bed of coal has been found on this side of the
river, is at Rapids City, where the seam is
from four to five feet thick, and OA-erlies
the Niagara limestone, with only a few
feet of thickness of -shales and fire clay
between.

Two miles east of Hampton, where coal
shafts ha\-e been sunk, are good seams from
four to five feet thick. The Carbon Cliff
mines were the earliest XAorked on the west
side of Rock River. For many years exten-
sive coal operations were carried on at this
point but the limited supply of coal finally
became so nearly e.xhausted that mining
here was discontinued.

The triangular piece of elevated land east
of the City of Rock Island, bounded by
I'leasant "\'alley, Rock River and the Mississ-
ippi, is a mass of coal materials, resting upon a

Devonian or Upper Silurian formation of
imderlying limestone.

.\11 that part of tb.e county, south and east
of the Mississippi and the Rock River ranges
of bluffs, is imderlaid by the coal measures.
In every part of the county the coal measures
are covered with a deep deposit of drift-clays.
At ;\Iilan, Carbon Cliff, and east of the City
of Rock Island, this drift clay is from forty
to seventy-five feet in thickness.

South of Rock River the coal measures
are more regular and more extensively
developed than in the northern part of the
county. The coal mining industry in this
county has become most important. The
thickness of the coal seems to vary from
three and a half to five and a half feet and is
reached at a depth of from forty to one
hundred and twenty feet. Coal is raised at
the principal mines by steam power. The
active operations in mining have greatly
enhanced the value of contiguous lands, and
led to the introduction of railroads as a special
means of transportation.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY

In the early historv of the State of Illinois,
all the territory lying north and west of the
Illinois River formed one county, under the
name of Pike County. Prior to the organ-
ization of Rock Island County, it was at-
tached to Jo Daviess County.

By an act of the legislature, approved
February 9, 1831, which after fixing the
boundaries, and naming the county, provided
for the election of certain count\- officers,
whenever it should contain three hundred
and fifty inhabitants; and that after such
election, said County of Rock Island, should
be considered as organized. Said boimdaries
were as follows: Beginning in the middle
of the channel of the Mississippi River, on the
north line of Township 15, north, and west
of the Fourth Principal Meridian; thence
running eastwardly on said line to the Fourth
Principal Meridian; thence north to the
middle of the channel of Rock River; thence
up the middle of said channel to the Marais
d'Osier Slough; thence along the middle of
said slough to the middle of the channel of
the Mississippi River; thence down along the
middle of said channel to the place of
beginning.

On the first daj' of March, 1833, a further
act was passed, and three commissioners were
appointed to select and locate a permanent
seat of justice for Rock Island County;
and when selected to be called Stephenson,
in commemoration of Colonel Benjamin
Stephenson; also by said act the citizens of
Rock Island County were authorized to elect

on the first Monday of July, 1833. three
county commissioners, one sheriff, three
justices of the peace (to reside in separate
districts), three constables, and one coroner.

An election was held July 5, 1833, at the
house of John Barrel, in Farnhamsburg,
near the point where the south end of the
present south bridge of the Rock Island
Railroad is now located.

At this meeting, which was duly held at
the time and place appointed, sixty-five
citizens were present and took part. Joseph
Danforth, Joel Wells, Sr.. and William H.
Simms served as judges, and Joseph Conway
and W. Thompson as clerks. Those honored
by election to the county commissionership
were: George W. Harlan, John W. Spencer
and Colonel George Davenport. Benjamin
F. Pike was made sheriff; Levi Wells, coroner;
George W. Harlan, J. B. Patterson, and Joe
Wells. Jr.. justices of the peace; George V.
Miller, Huntington Wells, and Edward Cor-
bin. constables. These were the pioneer
office-holders of Rock Island County.

The covmty commissioners met at John
Barrel's and organized three days later.
Joseph Conway was made clerk and Joseph
Wells. Sr., treasurer and assessor. As there
was neither count}- seat or am- count}' build-
ing, the commissioners ordered that sessions
of court and general elections be held at the
house of John Barrel in Farnhamsburg.
Asaph Wells and Joel Wells. Jr., were ap-
pointed supervisors of roads at the March
term, 1834.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U N T Y

At this time the settlers had to depend upon
Fort Armstrong for mail facilities. The
matter of going to the postoffice became
burdensome, as it included ferriage to the
island. This expense added to the postage
of twenty-five cents on each letter became
grievous and the settlers petitioned the
postmaster-general for a postoffice to be
established at the convenient and useful home
of John Barrel. This was done in 1834
and Josej)h Conway made postmaster.

In June, 1834, the county was divided for
convenience into rwo voting precincts, these
being denominated the "Upper" and the
"Lower." The boundaries of the Upper
Precinct commenced at the mouth of the
Marai.s d 'Osier Slough and continued as far
west as Henry McNeal's house. The voters
in this territory assembled at the home of
\\'alter Phillips. The remainder of the county
formed the Lower Precinct and the voting
place was fixed at the house owned by Daven-
port and Farnham in Farnhamsburg. The
first judges appointed in the Upper Precinct
were Asaph Wells. James Haskell and Thomas
L. Galpin; in the I,o\ver, Joel Wells, Sr.,
William Brashar and William Tarr.

February 12, 183.5, the legislature passed
an act to establish the county seat of Rock
Island County. The con.missioners ap))ointed
under this law, on the 8th daj- of June 1835,
located and established the town of Stephen-
son, and the county seatof Rock Island Comity.
The commissioners were George Davenport,
John W. Spencer, and John Vanatta.

B}- order of the county commissioners
court, in November, 1835, the records and
courts of the county were removed from
Farnhamsburg to Stephenson.

The report of the commissioners was made
June 8, 1835. This document ordered "that
Charles R. Bennet be appointed to survey
the town of Stephenson, in Rock Island
County, as soon as practible." A further
provision of the report was to the effect
that "one-third of the town lots be offered

for sale on the 11th of July next, and that
the same be published three times in the
St. Louis Republican, the .'Vlton Spectator,
the Northwestern Gazette and the Galena
Advertiser."

The town of Stephenson was therefore laid
out by Charles R. Bennet and the plat
recorded July 10, 1835. This recorded plat
bears the certificate of Joseph Conway,
clerk to the county couunissioners. The
town comprised within its modest limits
twenty blocks in addition to the one set
aside for a public square upon which the
county buildings were to be erected and
upon which the handsome modern court
house now stands. The lots were most
generous, as befitted a time when land was
cheap. They measured eighty feet front
and had a depth of one hundred and fifty feet.

Colonel George Davenport, John W. Spen-
cer and John Vanatta, the county com-
missioners, entered the town site of Stephen-
son for the purposes of a county seat, Maj'
11, 1836. Its description was "the north-
west fractional quarter of Section 35, con-
taining 61.95 acres." This entry was made
in the land office of this district at Galena.

To add to the official dignity of the local
courts, the commissioners ordered September
7, 1835, "that Joseph Conway be authorized
to get two seals, one for the circuit court of
Rock Island County and one for the county
commissioners' court of Rock Island County,
the device to be a sheaf of wheat and a plow."
These courts were removed from Farnhams-
burg to the new county seat, Stephenson, in
November, 1835.

One incident of these early days, having
peculiar interest through later national legis-
lation and civil war was the onlering of the
court that a tax of one-half per cent be
levied "on slaves or indentured negro or
mulatto servants, pleasure carriages, dis-
tilleries, horses, nuiles, cattle, watches and
their appendages, household furniture, clocks,
wagons, carts, sheep and town lots."

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

By this listing of slaves among real and
personal property with a recognized cash
value to be the basis of a percentum tax the
ownership of slaves was recognized in this
section which later took important and
active part in the war which destroyed and
discoimtenanced the entire system of slave
ownership. The occasion of the tax levy
upon "indentured negro servants" was the
holding of slaves by some of the officers at
the Fort Armstrong garrison. When these
officers were transferred to this post they
brought with them these "indentured negro
servants." This practice though not sanc-
tioned by the constitution and laws of the
State of Illinois was possible under the old
territorial laws, enacted when Illinois was
a part of the Territory of Indiana. Under
these territorial provisions permitting slaves
to be introduced into this free soil as "inden-
tured servants," many lived in Illinois. In
1810 there were one hundred and sixty-eight
slaves in this state. Ten years later the
number had increased to nine hundred and
seventeen. Ten years later in 1830 there
were seven hundred and forty-six slaves
within the borders of Illinois. It was about
this time that Dr. Emerson, the surgeon

of the post, brought to this section as his ser-
vant, the famous negro, Dred Scott. When
Fort Armstrong was evacuated in 1836,
Scott went with his master to Fort Snelling
in .Minnesota and there proceedings were
commenced which culminated in the Dred
Scott decision by the Supreme Court of the
United States, one of the history making
incidents of ante-bellum times. Dr. Emer-
son afterwards made Davenport his home,
erecting a handsome residence on East
Second Street. There he died and wa"s
buried at an early cemetery, now the crossing
of Sixth and LeClaire Streets.

In 1829, it is a matter of history that a
number of slaves were held for a short time
in Rock Island County on a farm just above
:Moline. Their owner, a southern man,
brought them with him when he moved to
this section. He brought his holding to the
number of seventy-five expecting to give
them their freedom and place them tipon
lands entered in this section, but the
colored people preferred to return to their
"sunny" southern home, and were allowed
to do so after experiencing the rigors of one
northern winter.

COUNTY COURT HOUSE.

As attractive, perhaps, as any court house
in the states and more remarkable in archi-
tecture bjf far than many, is the handsome
county building of Rock Island. Stately
and inviting for business, this edifice stands
a monument to the progressive spirit of the
people, who, keeping pace with the advance-
ment of the times, put it there.

Way back in 1826 a sijiall but well designed
liuilding known as "John Barrel's house,"

enclosed within its walls the first gathering
of men to transact Rock Island County
business. That house stood in Farnhams-
burg and besides being the first county court
house, served as postofTice and hotel.

The first jail was built in 1836— then the
city was the town of Stephenson. John W.
Spencer in October, 1835, was awarded the
contract to build this jail, which was origi-
nally a hewed log building, two stories high

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COU N TIY

and twenty-two feet square. The brick
portion of the structure, afterward added,
was built by Daniel Doty in 1839. It stood
on lot No. 5 in block No. 15 in the old town
until it was sold to a German, who converted
the brick portion into a residence.

It was in this building that the nnu'derers
of Colonel Davenport were confined, and
from which they were led forth to expiate
their crimes upon the gallows on the morning
of October ^Oth, 1S45. Birch and Baxter
were also confined there: the former took a
change of venue to Warren Covuity where he
broke jail and escaped. Baxter escaped the
gallows on the grounds of liaving no willful
intention to take the life of his l)enefactor;
for wliile he laid the plot for the robbery of
Colonel Davenport's house, and jjlanned
with the robbers to be ready to enter it on
that memorable Fourth of July, he did it
thinking that the house would be unoccupied.
But in that he was disappointed: all the
family had gone to the celebration excepting
the colonel. When the robbers entered,
they unexpectedly foimd him in the house
and to make sin-e of escaping with their
phmder, murdered him. Baxter was sen-
tenced to the penitentiarj- for life but was
afterwards parolled on the pn.mise that he
would leave this part of the country.

The present jail was built in 1857 at an
initial cost of $60,000. Additions of note
have since been added. Until this date, 18-57,
the jail building contained besides the
sheriff's office and residence, the offices of
circuit clerk, recorder, and the county
clerk.

A contact with >Ionah H. Case to furnish
200,000 bricks at eight dollars a thousand,
was the first step toward the erection of the
then, new court house. That was in April,
1836. In June the contract for the building
was let to Samuel Smith for $10,500, to be
completed December 1, 1837. The building,
a square brick structure, was of two stories
with a central cupola. It stood on the square

reserved for that purpose when the town was
mapped out and on the land of the present
temple of justice.

Immediately after the jail fire in 1882, the
people began to agitate a new court house.
In January 1883, the board of supervisors
decided to erect an office building of sufficient
capacity for the offices of county judge, cir-
cuit clerk, and county clerk: consequently, a
contract was made with S. J. Collins for a
one-story brick building, situate on the south-
east corner of court house square, at a cost
of aljout S13,00(), the building being com-
pleted during the year.

Diu'ing the time of its construction, office
room was obtained in the old court house,
and improvised space in the jail building.
As Rock Island County grew it was soon
apparent that extensive improvements and
additions to the court house would be neces-
sary. This rehabilitation would have cost
the county so mucli money that it seemed to
the wise men quite the wTong thing to do,
but rather appeal to the people to decide at
the polls whether or not it was their desire
to bear the expense of a new and modern
building. Supervisor Joseph Fitzpatrick of
Milan championed the movement. He intro-
duced a resolution at the April term, 1893,
calling for a committee to investigate the
needs of the county and the probable cost
of a new court house, to report to the board
at the July meeting, with recommendations
as to the time and money necessary to erect
such a court house as would compare with
the wealth and progress of the county.

This committee composed of Supervisor
Joseph Fitzpatrick, A. F. Vinton, James (i.
Britton and Conrad Schneider made a favor-
able report and thought $125,000 would be
about the right amount.

An election was held November 6, 1894,
and the proposition to issue bonds to the
amount of $125,000 was carried by the
following vote: For the proposition to issue
bonds, 3,913; against proposition, 2,174;

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

majority for said proposition, 1 ,789 Accord-
ingly the contract was let, Charles J. Larkin
winning. Work on the founrlation com-
menced June 26, 1895, and October 1, 1896
the corner stone was laid. The arrangements
being in charge of the Old Settlers' Asso-
ciation.

The following men constituted the Court
House Committee: Charles L. Walker, chair-
man; Phil .Mitchell, Hon. William Jackson,
John Ohiweiler. T. S. Silvis, (deceased), Hon.
Charles J. Searle, H. P. Simpson, William
McEniry, J. F. Robinson, (deceased), C. F.
Lynde, S. J. Collins, S. S. Hull, Hon E. E.
Parmenter, (deceased), W. P. Quajde, (de-
ceased). After the formal notice was made,
the following orations were delivered by
Edward D. Sweeney. C. J. Searle and Judge
J. M. Gould at the laying of the corner stone
of the new court house, October 1, 1896.

THE ORATIONS.

(Orations printed in part.)

Edw.\rd D. Sweexky.
Mr. Chairman and Fellow Citizens:

We celebrate today the laying of the corner
stone for the new court house, and the occa-
sion is an event which awakens in us emotions
of the deepest interest. While it is true that
this vast assemblage of citizens are of divers
nationalities, of varied political faiths, and
of many religious beliefs, we all stand before
this mute block of granite as before the
throne of the Eternal on equal footing, no
s])ecial privilege of nobility or preference
places one before the other.

The significance of this great gathering is a
tribute of respect to the grand temple of jus-
tice planned to rise from this corner stone;
and an acknowledgement of homage to the
fair Goddess of Justice, who, with sightless
e3'es and extended hand under the law, holds
the balances in which causes between man
and man are weighed without partiality or

favor, and determined. The law-abiding
people of this great county as by one common
impulse, from the various pursuits of life, the
farmers from their fields, the merchants from
their counters, the mechanics from their shops,
the bankers from their desks, and the hum-
blest toilers from their work, have come to
witness the simple act of the laying of this
stone. It must be that in this there is much
that ought to challenge our thoughtful con-
sideration and engage our earnest contempla-
tion for the hour which we are permitted to
spend togetheron thisevent. It is the transition
moment from the old to the new; it is the
passing of a great milestone in the career of
our county. More than fiftj' years of history
is about to close its record today, and a new
book presents itself in which we are to record
events, yet in the bosom of the future; to be
born each day and each month in the coming
years. The thought which occupies every-
one here assembled must be in reference to
the old court house, its associations of law-
yers, and judges, of law suits, of law and its
administration, and of officers — and this is
mj' theme.

The early beginnings of all communities
are remembered with the greatest of interest
and cherished in the fond recollections of
those who have participated therein. The
County of Rock Island was organized on the
8th day of July, 1833, it having been formerly
a part of Jo Daviess County, and the first
term of the circuit coiu-t was held at the
house of John Barrel, beginning on the 28th
day of April, 1834. This house stood on the
banks of the Sylvan Waters, just west of the
Cable residence, and was chosen by the
county commissioners as the tem])orary
place of holding the court and the village was
called Farnhamsburg. In this house was
held the covirt until abandoned at the Sep-
tember term, 1837; in all six terms of court.
At each of these terms there was a grand jury
selected and chosen, and in looking over the
list of names which compose these grand

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

juries, I find that Benjamin Ggble, the old
settler who lays the corner stone today, was
a grand juror at three of these terms. It is
very evident that they in those days had as
good an opinion of Mr. Goble as we of the
present day, while we think he is a little too
old to do heavy mason work, yet, if called
upon, that he would be as willing to serve as
a grand juror to punish wrong doers as he
was in those early times. I also find the
name of ou.r venerable and worthy friend,
Michael Ilartzell, that he served two terms
as a grantl juror in vindicating the law in this
new-forming comnuniity. I also find that
John Tindall, the sturdy and prosperous
farmer of Bowling Township, and Charles
Tilterington, the leading farmer of Edging-
ton, the father of our present county treasurer,
each served a term as a grand juror in the
house of John Barrel; all of these ionr are
now present on this glad day to witness the
laying of the corner stone of the new court
house, which to them must be an event of
inore than usual interest. I also find that
\Mlliam Bell was a grand juror at the house
of John Barrel at the April term. 1837. This
gentleman, who alwaj-s took such an interest
in the affairs of our county and City of Hock
Island, and always had a pleasant word and
smile for everybody, is absent in body, but
we know must be present in mind. He is
living with his daughter, Rosa, at Toledo,
Ohio, and in a ripe old age.

This was the beginning of our long coiu't
dockets of hundreds of cases and terms of
court dragging through tedious months, to
which has been added the county court, now
given common law jurisdiction with a civil
and criminal docket, ami with its long [jrobate
docket ui)on which are the estates and through
which already has passed nearly all the titles
to real estate within the limits of the county.
The population of the county has grown from
350 to about 45,000; at the time of the organi-
zation there was one straggling village on the
site of the City of Rock Island and here and

there a settler throughout the county. Now
there are six incorporate towns and villages, fviU
of activity and business, and two large com-
mercial cities, teeming with industry, thrift
and enterprise, growing in importance and
multiplying in wealth; then the taxable pro-
perty of the county was a few hundred
dollars, now it is over eight millions. For a
few years there were only two terms of court
in each year, but very soon the legislature
gave this county three terms of the circuit
court, with a probate court in session sub-
stantially all the year round.

The number of criminals which come
before the courts of our coimty for correction
are surprisingly small. Few comities in the
state send a less number to the penitentiary,
schools, and the jails for punishment, in
accordance with their jiopulation than the
Count}- of Rock Island. As evidence of how
carefully the legal limits are observed among
us stands forth the fact that in the affairs of
our county, transacted by our honorable
board of supervisors, every step of the way
in which they proceed being regulated and
determined by law, not a legal contest is
raised or issue made concerning the new court
house, the greatest building ever yet erected
in the county, which is rising to is comple-
tion and will be bviilt from foimdation to
dome without the circuit coiu't having taken
cognizance of it in any manner whatever
except to hear the hammers of the workmen
and to finally obey the summons to quarter
itself in the magnificent court room; as grand
as the old hall of William Rufus, the pride of
England for a thousand years; which is Ijeing
provided for it in accordance with law, there
to administer the law for the people "with
malice towards none and witii charity for
all".

.\mong the names of those who have served
their day and stamped upon the events of
the times in which they lived, the imjiress of
their character and have gone to their reward,
and are in your memories while I speak, are;

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Joseph Knox, Ira 0. Wilkinson, E. R. Bean,
John B. Haw ley, Alfred Webster. J. J.
Beardsle}-. Robert W. Sniitli ant! Patrick
O'Mara. '

The oratory of Joseph Knox will always be
remembered by those who have heard him.
The iiaipression that his oratory made upon
my mind when a young man, was that it was
close akin to that of Demosthenes. History
records that when the issue was before the
Athenians whether thej' would submit to
Phillip of Macedoa, or resist him with arms,
that Demosthenes espoused the cause of war;
in this he was opposed by the accomplished
orator. Aschines. When Aschines addressed
the people they woidd say, what wonderful
eloquence, what a great orator; when Demos-
thenes would speak thej' wotdd leap and
shout, "let us go and fight Phillip." ilr.
Knox was often greeted with similar responses.
Judge Wilkinson was a slave to his profession;
he never allowed his mind to be occupied bj-
anything which wotild draw him away from
the pure pursuit and practice of the law. He
was for many years the mentor of our bar
and no young lawyer struggling with legal
difficulties ever went to him but he received
him kindly and furnished material help with-
out claim of compensation. He did not lay
down his work until the hand of disease
arrested his powers, and like "Nicanor" he
"lay dead in his harness." General Hawley
will be remembered as the impetuous, vigi-
lant and aggressive advocate. He was like
the plumed knight of Ivry, always to the
front in the thickest of the contest, pushing
every advantage tmtil victory crowned
efforts. Patrick O'Mara was the silver-
tongued orator of the bar, young, promising
and brilliant; he was a shining mark for tlie
shafts of death, which too soon claimed hira
for a prey. Time forbids further mention of
the merits of the dead, btit the best and the
highest efforts of those who have gone and
those who remain are to be found in the
records of the courts, published in the 58

volumes of .the Appellate and in the 15.5
volumes of the Supreme Court reports. It is
in this work the real test comes of the law-
yer's knowledge of the law and his merits as
a lawyer, who has within his grasp and com-
prehension the highe.st elements of law.

There have been nineteen different judges
who have held court in our count}^ Rich-
ard M. Young was the first judge who ever
held court in otu- county. He came from
Galena and was succeeded by Daniel Stone,
who came from the same place. Sidney
Breese held the second term. He afterwards
became a member of the supreme court and
served a number of years; was elected to the
United States Senate where he served a term,
after which he went to the supreme bench
again, where he remained until his death in
1S78, full of years, honors and good deeds.
Benjamin R. Sheldon held the May term.
1849; He afterwards went on the supreme
bench, where he remained until his death,
a good man and a strong judge. Thomas
Ford held tlie April term of our court in
1836; he afterwards became governor of the
state and in his declining days wrote Ford's
History of Illinois, the best yet written of
tlie state. Of those who are not now in
office, I know of only two who are living —
the Honorable J. W. Drury, who was circuit
judge from 1856 until 1859 or '60, and the
Honorable Arthur A. Smith, who first held
court here in 1879 and resigned on account
of ill health in I he fall of 1894.

Thus far I have said nothing about the
offices of county judge and county clerk.
The county clerk's office is the great work-
shop of the county; in that office all the taxes
are levied and extended, the judgment for
tax sales entered and the record of the sales
made and kept. In that office all the busi-
ness done by the board of supervisors is
written up and recorded; aside from this is
the probate business of the cotmty, which
has grown to be of immense magnitude,
and to which is added the records of the

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

county court, civil and criminal proceedings;
within the last few years has passed through
the county clerk's office the proceedings for
the paving assessments, which has been a
stupendous work in itself. To appreciate
the volume of the work which is done iu this
office you must be acquainted with its vast-
ness and its importance. I would be pleased
on this occasion to speak of the men who
have acted as county clerks, and who have
been responsible for and so ably and faith-
fully discharged their obligations, but time
forbids any lengthv notice. Of the ex-
county clerks who are s+ill with us, Joseph
Conet is the oldest. He will be remembered
by all as long as we can remember anybody,
as being the most accommodating, courteous
and willing public servant that ever served
in the court ho\ise. The readiness to serve
anij aid anyone who had business in his
office came natural to him; what he did was
disrobed of every semblance of affectation
or effort. Mr. Conet was succeeded by Major
Beardsley, who came into office in the latter
part of the war and performed herculean
labors in the interests of the widows and
orphans of the soldiers who died or had
fallen in battle during the Rebellion, whom
he e'.er carried on his heart. The accounts
kept in the book of remembrance bj^ Him,
"who neither slumbers or sleeps" will show
a great credit to the major's account for the
disinterested and patriotic work of these
years. John V. Cook succeeded the major
and his memory is embalmed in the hearts
of all who knew him; he was succeeded by
Mr. Donaldson, whose efficiency and relia-
bility were not excelled by anj' one. Colonel
Hjalmar Kohler, the present incumbent
needs no commendation from me, his work
shows for itself and his manner and demeanor
in office are su.fficient to win for him the
highest respect and regard.

Of the e.x-probate justices and county
judges there are only two living today,
Captain T.J. Robinson, who acted as associate

justice, with John W. Spencer as judge
in 1849. and J. M. (umld who takes part in
the exercises of this occasion, who was county
judge in 1854 to 18.57. There has been no
more responsible position in our comily than
that of lookinji' after the trusts in the hands of
executors, administrators and guardians, and
faithfully have these trtist estates l)een
guarded and protected by our county judges.
The present incumbent, the Honorable l.ucian
.\dams, has grown gray in the service of these
trusts and no one has ever been allowed to
suffer in his hands.

Three members of Congress have been sent
from our Coimty. The Honorable John B.
Hawley, the Honorable William H. G est and
the Honorable Benjamin Cable. AVe are
indebted to these gentlemen for a:reat services
in seeming ap])ropriations for the National
armory on the Island, for the great bridge
across the Mississippi River, the Moline
daiu, the viaduct, the new go^•ernluent build-
ing now being erected, and the Hennejiin
Ca'^nal.

The soldiers of Illinois were foremost at
Donaldson, Shiloh, A'icksburg, Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain and in Sherman's march
to the sea. General Sherman was their great
leader in that famous march, but it is said if
the old hero had fallen by the way, the boys
would have gone right on to the sea. The
Illinois soldiers l:)rought home from the fields
of the south three hundred battle flags taken
from the enemy, and it was an Illinois flag
that floated over the advance guard of the
soldiers who first marched into Richmond
with President Lincoln at their head, in
April, 186.5. All honor to the old soldiers
and love and charity to all their kith and kin.

Solomon's Temple surpassed all former
ones in its glory and grandeur, but in follow-
ing years there was erected a second temple,
and the glory of the latter house exceeded
the former. The days of the early pioneers
were full of noble deeds, efforts and struggles,
around which a halo of heroism lingers, while

HISTORIC ROCK ISLANE COUNTY

the names of the men and women who took
part in the stirring events of those days are
held in tender remembrance by tlieir descend-
ants and the peojile of today. No state in
the I'ninn excels Illinois in the race of noble
pioneers who wrought out of the broad
untracked and uniilled prairies the beginnings
of the greatest agricultural state of the
Mississippi valley, and which laid the foun-
dations of greatest and grandest common-
wealth of the Union, and no county in
all of the one hundred and two in the state
can boast of a nobler band of early settlers
than can our County. The limit line of
pioneer and old settlers' life is drawn at the
vear 18-50 and all time subsequent is counted
out. I-et due honor and credit be given to
the early settlers and old pioneers and to all
who have heljied in the early efforts to lay
the base of the institutions of which we are
so proud today and to which we can point
with becoming pride; but no one will think of
comparing what has been accomplished in
the advancements of civilization since the
date of the limit with what has gone before.
In 1850 the City of Rock Island had been
organized only one year and was a mimicipal
infant, and Moline, now the proud city of
factories, schools and churches, was still a
village, and ouside of these there was not an
organized town or village in the county; the
iron horse had never sounded his sonorous
tones on the shores of the Father of Waters:
the great plow factories of the Twin Cities
were only in the prophecies of the dim future;
the magnificent water works, now sending
flowing water through every street and into
every house, were unthought of; paved
streets, which have come to us within the
last eight years, and which make our cities
the rivals of those in the old world of a cen-
tury's growth, were not even in the dreams
of the oldest inhabitant; while every man
was his own letter carrier, express messenger
and "telephone girl." Never since the days
when Adam and Eve went forth from the

Garden of Eden, unsandaled and uncovered,
was human nature so well clothed, so well
fed, so well housed and surrounded with
the conveniences and luxuries of life, as
today; we are all pleased to hear the old
settlers talk of the "good old times," and
never tire of hearing rehearsed the events of
early pioneer life: but we who did not live
in these "good old times" may be excused
for speaking of the "good new times."

Today the forces of the "good old times."
and the forces of the "good new times" meet
on this common platform to lay the corner
stone of the new court house and blend
without rivalry in a united effort for the
common weal.

At the April term, A. D., 1893, of the
board of supervisors. F. M. Sinnet, Esq.,
was elected chairman, and in his address
to the board, returning thanks for his election,
among other things he said that the necessity
existed for the erection of a new court house,
and he believed that the times were propi-
tious for its erection. During this session
of the board, Joseph Fitzpatrick. Esq.,
then su.pervisor from Black Hawk, came
to the f)ffice of Sweeney tt Walker and talked
to the same effect, and Jlr. C. L. Walker
prepared resolutions setting forth that the
necessity existed for a new court house and
that the times were propitious for the build-
ing of the same. The resolutions were
delivered to Mr. Fitzpatrick who introduced
them in the board then in session and they
were adopted. The resolutions, among other
things, provided for the appointment of a
committee to report on the feasibility of the
project at the next meeting in Jul}-.

In the meantime Charles J. Searle. our
young and vigorous state's attorney, with
his accustomed zeal and enthusiasm, took
hold of the work and put the report of the
committee in shape, which was presented at
the next session of the board and adopted,
and the cause of the new court house vs'as
sqiiarely before the people. The press, which

HISTORIC ROCK I S L AN E COUNTY

has always been a great factor in the pushing
forward of the welfare of the county in all
channels, took hold and advocated the enter-
prise, the people with great unanimity
seconded the move and the board of super-
visors, pushed on until the building of the
new court house became a fixed fact.

Messrs. Larkin and Collins and the Rock
Island mechanics have completed a credit-
able foundation — one strong enough to sus-
tain the National Capitol — from which will
rise a building worthy of our county and the
times in which we live.

Ch.^rles J. Searle.

Mr. President, Citizens of Rock Island County ,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I feel highly flattered at being accorded the
privilege of taking part in the important
ceremony of laying the corner stone of your
new "Temple of .Tustice," and while the
nature of a statistical paper for permanent
preservation, requires me to indulge in a
greater use of statistics than is conducive to
present any temporory interest, I have
striven, in the very limited time I have had
to bestow upon the task, to cull out of the
records and traditions of the county such
statistical information as in my opinion
would most interest those present, jis well as
future inhabitants of the county, to whose
curious gaze the contents of this corner stone
will be revealed, perhaps a century from now.

My endeavor shall be to confine myself
almost exclusively to matters of local interest,
but no historical or other information con-
cerning Rock Island County would be complete
without takingsomewhat into consideration the
history and growth of our country as a whole.

The records of the world's history disclose
the rise and fall of many jireat and prosperous
nations, but history never recorded such
great, rapid, and, we hope, enduring, progress
of a people as has been witnessed in the
United States since its formation. Pre-

eminently a peaceful nation, our area has
grown from ,S27.844 square miles in 1789, to
3,603.844 square miles in 1S95, and that too,
mostly by peaceful conquest. Our popu-
lation has grown from 3,929,214 in 1790. to
62,622,2.50 in 1.S90. Under the benign influ-
,ence of the free institutions handed flown to
us by our illustrious forefathers, from a few
scattered settlements, skirting along the
Atlantic seaboard, we have developed into
a mighty nation. A nation whose institu-
tions are not beyond improvement, but in the
main, filled with a happy, prosperous people.
A nation of inestimable wealth. A highly
civilized nation, filled with chtuxhes. schools
and libraries. A nati(m makinp; unprece-
dented strides in industry, art, science and
education. A nation that is indeed the "land
of the free an<l the Ik hop of the brave." A
nation of the utmost possibilities of resources
and development, and destined, I hope, to
be diu'ing all time, the greatest, grandest
nation the world ever saw.

Illinois, ovu- beloved state, taking its name
from the Indian word. "Illini." signifying
"Superior Men," has, in the short space of
seventy-seven years, from its admission in
1818, grown to be a mighty empire of
3,826,351 people. The virgin soil of her
wonderful prairies, the wealth of her prime-
val forests and the hidden treasures of her
mines, have made her the gem of that great
galaxy of states known as the "Great North-
west," which has no etpial in fertility, re-
soiu'ces and possibilities of development on
the face of the earth.

tireat as our National and State develop-
ment have been, Rock Island Coimty has
kept pace with our common country: and
that, too, notwithstanding the fact that we
came so comparatively late in the order of
settlement. Marquette and .loliet were likely
the first white persons to set eyes on the then
wild, beautiful and romantic scenery of Rock
Island County, at that time the home of the
Indian and the buffalo, in the vear 1673. The

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

first white settler was Colonel Georsje Daven-
port, who located, with his family, on the
beaiitifu! island in the Mississippi River
between here and Daven]iort in 1816, a time
within the memory of qiiite a number of the
grand old patriarchs within the sound of my
voice. Little did the unbroken wilderness
surrounding that solitary habitation, distant
hundreds of miles from any other, forbode the
marvelous development that has taken place
here since its erection. The first house
erected on the main shore of our county was
by Colonel George Davenport and Russell
Farnham, in the eastern part of our present
city. The first white child born in this
vicinity was George Davenport, in 1S17. The
first lands that were entered were entered
October 19, 1829, by Colonel George Daven-
port and Russell Farnham, the governn;ent
land office then being at Galena, Illinois. The
first marriage was that of James L. Burtis to
Angeline Beardsley, in 1833. In 1805 for
the first time the flag of the Union proudly
waved .over Rock Island County's present
domain, is beautiful field of blue then only
contained a constellation of seventeen stars
instead of forty-five, as now.

The early settlement was slow, for, while
nature was kind and presented few obstacles
to settlement, the savage and treacherous
Indian did. It required the Black Hawk
War of 1832, that had for battle ground the
beautiful prairies and unbroken forests of
Rock Island County, to drive the able and
revengeful Black Hawk and his tribe bej^ond
the Mississippi, to make way for the advanc-
ing tide of settlement and civilization.

It was not till 1S33, that the inhabitants
had increased sufficiently to justify the legis-
lative act of that year, providing for the
organization of the county, and even then
the total vote of the county was only sixty-
five. The first seat of justice was established
in the same year, at John Barrel's house, in
what was then called Farnhamsburg, now a
part of the City of Rock Island. In 1835

the seat of justice was changed by com-
missioners appointed by an act of the legis-
lature, to the present site, in what was then
called the town of Stephenson. Richard
il. Young was the first judge to preside over
the circuit court, Joseph Conway was the
clerk, Benjamin F. Pike, sheriff; Thomas
Ford, state's attorney, and Joel Wells the
foreman of the grand jury. Lists of the
jurors, witnesses and parties to suits, dis-
close the names of the ancestors of a great,
many of our present citizens, manj"- of whom
are prominently known, but which my
limited time will not permit nie to give. The
circuit then including Rock Island County
was known as the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and
included the counties of Cook, LaSalle, Put-
nam, Peoria, Fulton, Schuyler, Adams, Han-
cock, McDonough, Knox, Warren, Jo Daviess,
Mercer and Henry. The first attorneys at
the bar were Ford. Turney, Smith, Maxwell,
Strode, Walker and Mills; these were soon
followed by such well remembered characters
as Knox, Drury and Wilkinson. The first
hotel, tavern as they were then called, -was
opened in 1833, belonging to Jonah H. Case,
whose family has ever since been prominent
in the coimty. Private schools were opened
at an early date, and free schools were estab-
lished in 1856. The first church (Methodist
Episcopal) was built in 1844; the first library
opened in 1855, and the first newspaper, the
Rock Island Banner and Stephenson Gazette
was started in 1839.

The City of Rock Island, including the
towns of Stephenson and Farnhamsburg,
and outlying additions, was organized in
1841. What was known as "Rock Island
Mills" was in 1843 organized into the beau-
tiful City of Moline, "the city of mills."
Camden, afterwards "Camden Mills" and
now Milan, was laid out in 1843; Port Byron,
in 1836; Cordova, in 1837; Hampton, in
1834; Rapid City, in 1833; Coal Valley, in
1856; .\ndalusia. in 1859; Edgington. in
1843, and Reynolds, in 1876.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

The assessed valuation of the county in
1833. immediateh^ after its organization was
so low that the taxes collected only amounted
to the sum of $53,723^, so that it can be
readily seen that the county's affairs did not
permit any great defalcations on the part of
the county officials. The population of the
county in 1840, at the time of the first census,
was 2,610 souls.

But few in numbers, and poor though they
then were, the people of the county in 1835,
with commendable public spirit and ambi-
tion, and with a realization of the future needs
of the county, resolved to build a court house.
They let the contract for $10,500, furnishing
the brick themselves at a cost of $1,600,
making a total cost of $12,100 at the time
of the acceptance of the completed building
in 1838. Humble as it now seems, it was
then a grand structure, one of the finest
buildings in the state, and was the pride of the
city and county for years. Its erection had
entailed an expenditure of perhaps not less
than $10 for every man. woman and child
in the county, which in view of the poverty
of the ]ieo]3le and the scarcity of money then
in circulation, was indeed an evidence of the
greatest puldic spirit; an amount of money
harder to raise then than $1,000,000 would
be now by the people of this county. Could
the walls of the old building relate the scenes
they have witnessed, what a story they could
tell. From it have issued more than 17,000
official licenses, authorizing the solemn, God
ordained rites of matrimony; and there we
find the sad record of thousands of deaths;
records of joy and happiness on the one hand,
and of grief and sorrow on the other. There
are recorded the story of elections, the history
of the rise and fall of many an ambition.
There are preserved the evidences of the
titles of the people to their homes and their
belongings; the administration of the estate
of departed loved ones; the financial records
of the county; the enlistment of the heroic
volunteer for the preservation of our National

life, and his honorable discharge; in the record
of the 11,697 civil causes that have been
recorded on the dockets of the circuit court,
we have a record of conquest and defeat,
justice and injustice, poverty and wealth,
anxiety and exultation, hope and fear. The
criminal records, disclosing 4,554 cases, tell
us a tale of injustice, hate, malice, revenge,
crime in all its hideous forms, from the most
trivial offenses, to robbery, rape and murder.
If its walls would reverberate the echoes it
has heard and flash upon our vision the sights
it has seen, what sights we would indeed
behold, what sounds we would hear! We
would see every phase of human character,
good and bad. We would witness the play
of every emotion of the human mind and
heart. We would see the joyous, hopeful
bride, the grief stricken mother; we would
see the anxious, uplifted faces of litigants as
they scrutinized the jury, or waited with
bated breath for the decision of the judge;
we would hear the exultant, victorious laugh
of the victor, and the heart-broken sobs of
the convicted criminal, his relatives and
friends; we would see many a fierce combat
between giants at the liar; we would be
startled at their audacity; we would wonder
at their display of earnestness and passion;
we would be thrilled by their elocpience as
they pleaded for the property, liberty and
lives of their clients; we would anxiously
await the verdict of the jury; and at last we
would listen to the solemn sentence of the
upright judge. But the old building has long
been inadequate.

From a popiUation of 2,610 in 1840 we now
number nearly 50,000 souls. Instead of two
marriages on record as in 1833, last year we
had 390. To keep abreast of the times and
to meet the demands of the coimty, the people
have elected to build this fine building.

On the 20th day of June, 1895, the contract
for its construction was let for $112,201.
According to the contract, it is to be fully
completed by November 1, 1896. From all

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

indications, it will be a grand and stately
structure, an ornament, and the pride of the
county for generations to come, and com-
mensurate with the needs and demands of the
county. It will jjerhaps remain the seat of
justice of the county for a century. In it
will be repeated, only on a large scale and in
a more multifarious form, the history of the
old court house. In it the county's affairs
will be hereafter conducted, justice will be
administered, rights secured, guilt punished,
innocence vindicated; the constitutional rights
of life, liberty and the pursuits of happiness
conserved. The time is not far distant when
coiu-t will have to be held throughout the
year; yes, when the court will have to be
held in sections, for this court house will
still be in use when this county will have a
population of 150,000 people or more.

Well may the people of Rock Island County
anticipate the era of wonderful increase of
population, wealth and progress we are just
now fairly entering upon, by the erection
of this grand building; for second to none in
natural resources, industry and thrift, we
will be in the van of enterprise and progress.

J. M. CIOULD.

Mr. Chairman, Friends and Fellow Citizens;

Having been informed that the board of
supervisors had requested that the ceremony
and laying of the corner stone of the new
court house should be by the Old Settlers'
Association of the county, and that I had
been requested to make some remarks upon
the occasion, I deem it will be proper to do
so in a sort of historical line, and will say that
I will not trespass upon your time with a long
harangue.

This county was in early times a part of
the present County of Pike, which extended
north to the state line; afterwards embraced
in what is now Jo Daviess County. The
first court in this county was lield in a log
house, as I am informed, located near where

the residence of Hon. Benjamin T. Cable
stands, the town being named Stephenson.
On the 18th day of November, 1848, I
arrived in the village of midline, to become
a resident of the county, being a member of
the firm of Deere, Tate & Gould, for manu-
facturing farming implements, Messrs. Deere
& Tate being the practical members. My
department was the financial. I opened and
kept the first set of account books, by double
entry, in the county, learning at the time
that the system was not used in Scott County',
Iowa. We did not have any banking facili-
ties in either of the three towns. Cook &
Sargent, of Davenport, occasionally, could
sell us bills of exchange upon St. Louis, and
sometimes New York, but not often upon the
latter named city. Our business away from
here was generally with St. Louis, as our
only transportation facilities, except by
wagon to Chicago, were by the river. Our
remittances were usually made in the season
of navigation by the captains or clerks of the
steamboats. There were no regular paydays
for our employes, and we seldom paid much
money to them, except upon final settlement,
when they were either discharged or resigned.
We gave orders upon merchants with whom
we could arrange for credit, in the three towns
for such goods as were needed, and usually
boarded our single men with parties whom
we could supply, in our dealings with farmers,
such articles as they could use, namely:
vegetables, meat, fuel, etc. We had a daily
mail coach to and from Chicago and St. Louis,
which, in the winter, was the only means of
public communication with other towns.
Letters for Chicago and St. Louis were sent
by stage, which followed the river to Albany,
then via Union Grove, now Morrison, Dixon
and thence for St. Louis via Peoria and zig-
zag to destination, requiring from five to
seven days to get replies to their letters sent
to St. Louis, and four or five days to Chicago.
At that time, and imtil about 1850 to 1853,
there were four saw mills, one grist and one

HISTORIC ROCK IS L AND COUNT Y

merchant flouring mill, one foundry and
machine shop, and one woodenware factory
in Moline; one boat yard and marine waysj
and one saw mill in Rock Island. Davenport
had no manufacturing intlustry, I think, until
about 1854. Previous to 1849 the coimty
business in every comity in the state was
transacted by a board of county commission-
ers composed of three members, and on
account of the prevailing custom of not pro-
viding by a proper assessment of taxation to
pay claims against this county the warrants
were from 10 to 45 and 50 per cent l)elow par;
the tliscount being based upon the proximity
to, or from the time, they could be used in
payment of taxes, and I think that every
other county's finances were about in the
same condition.

At one session, the records of which I saw,
and probably the same was true of others of
the board, claims were allowed merchants
for supplies for paupers and for other pur-
poses. Proliably claimants in making prices
ff>r such supplies, included a high profit,
knowing warrants woukl be issued upon a
treasur}' that had no funds, and in addition
persuaded the board to add one hundred per
cent to the claim, and then inserted these
words: "Double for depreciation of county
orders, and a warrant for twice the sum
issued." Under the revised constitution of
1848, the law abolishing the county commis-
sioners' court, and creating what was termed
a county court in 1849, with one county
judge and two associate justices of the peace,
was enacted. At the first election under
the new law, John W. Spencer was first judge,
and Thomas J. Robinson and .James Weaver-
ling associates, were elected : the three persons,
at regular quarterly sessions of the board
in December, March, June and September in
each year, and at as many special sessions as
were necessary, attended to all the county
business, the same as is now transacted by
our board of su~pervisors; the probate matters
were adjudicated by the county judge at

twelve sessions, upon the third Monday at
each quarter, and the first Monday of the
other eight months, holding each session as
long as circumstances required and special
sessions if needed; the fees were $2.50 each
per day fen- actual time spent for the county.
Judge Spencer resigned at the end of three
years, and William Bailey was elected to
serve the remainder of the term. In Nov-
ember, 1853, I was elected county judge.
George E. Holmes, of Port Byron, and John
Kistler, of Buffalo Prairie, were my associates
— two gentlemen several years my seniors.
We accepted the offices and qualified. I
think it was at our first session for business —
if not the first it was not later than the
second — which was in the southwest corner
room of the present court house, then occu-
pied by the county clerk, and, I think, was
the sheriff's quarters also. The next room
north was the county assessor's and treas-
urer's office; the southeast corner room,
which was one-half of the present super,
visor's room, was occupied by tlie circuit
clerk and ex-officio recorder, who was Major
Frazier Wilson; the next room north, upon
the east side, was rented to George W. Pleas-
ants (now Judge Pleasants) and Henderson,
lawyers. We discovered that the records of
the county were in a very unsafe condition
respecting the risk of fire, all being in
wooden cases in the rooms named, and
concluded that the matter was of so much
importance that a building must be erected
which would be nearly fireproof, and having
only a very poor substitute of a jail,
would combine the two departments under
one roof. We had no money and county
warrants were so much Ijelow par that it
was utterly impossible to use them, and the
only course to pursue was to get a special
law passed, which could l)e done at that
period, permitting the issue of bonds for
$20,000 which we succeeded in accomplishing
and sold them at par as they bore interest
at ten per cent. We procured the erection

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

of the present jail with several offices. Now
we have come to our court house beautiful,
or at least the foundation.

THE COMPLETED NEW COURT HOUSE OF 1S97.

A detailed description of the exterior of
the new court house does not seem necessary;
it stands out with such grandeur. A typical
temple of justice. The finely prgportioned
dome, the four turrets, and two pavilions,
most materiall}' add to the structure. Its
dimensions are one hundred and fifty feet
long, fift}' feet wide, with extended pavil-
ions and turrets on the two sides. The
main structure is sixty feet high, the central
dome towering to a height of one hundred and
fifty feet. The magnificent, strong and
stable presentation of the interior, including
the marble work, wood work, painting, tile
flooring, bronze, iron, fresco and other orna-
mental work, harmonize; all reflecting great
credit on the architects, Gunn and Curtis;
Charles J. Larkin, the contractor, and Stephen
J. Collins, superintendent.

In the basement is the engine room, fans,
steam pi^e,s. engineer's work room, and store
room for old time files and records. The
boiler room is in a separate brick building
in the rear of the jail building, a tunnel
running from the boiler room, to the engine
room of the court house. On the first floor
are grouped the offices of the sheriff, the
master in chancery, the coroner, the janitor,
the county superintendent of schools, ladies'
waiting room, the county surveyor, public
and ladies' lavatories, and waiting rooms.
Broad stairways lead to the \ipper floors,
also a good elevator.

On the second floor are the offices of county
judge, circuit clerk, county clerk, county
treasurer, also county court room and super-
visors' room. The circuit and county clerks'
offices have large, well lighted, roomy vaults
adjoining, fitted with metallic furnishings.

On the third floor circuit court room,
judge's private room, court stenographer's

rooms, court library room, clerk of the
court room, rooms for state's attorney
(private and reception), jui;y rooms, and
witness rooms. On the fourth floor is the
Memorial Hall designed for the Grand Army
of the Republic members, and other loyal
societies. The furnishings throughout all
the offices are exceedingly rich, tasty, and
substantial.

The following material was used in its
construction: Over 2,000 perch of LeClaire
stone was used in the foundation, which is
laid on rock foundation, with one foot of rock
concrete on the bottom to fill holes and level
off. The base or water table is of Carthage,
Mo., granite; the die and sill course of dressed
blue Bedford stone. The first and second
stories of rock-faced buff Bedford stone and
the two upper stories of sand-rubbed buff
Bedford. Eighteen thousand cubic feet of
stone was used above the foundations; 360
tons of iron beams in the buildings, 120 tons
of steel was used in the construction of the
tower, and about eightj^ tons of steel was
used in the ornamental work. One million
six hundred thousand hard brick was pur-
chased and used in the structure: eighty
tons of copper for cornices and roofing;
40.000 square feet fire proofing for arches;
15.000 square feet of plain plastering, besides
a large amount of ornamental stucco work:
30.000 feet of maple flooring, together with
11,000 square feet Mosiac flooring; 7, -500 feet
Tennessee marble wainscoting.

The floors contain 2,2.50,000 pieces of
marble. Four nations contribute to the
floor; black marble from Belgium, red from
France, white from Italy, and pink from
Tennessee.

The board of supervisors, through their
broad and liberal spirit, together with the
strenuous and faithful efforts of the citizens'
committee brought about the result of giving
the county the handsome building we have.
The dedication ceremonies occurred March
31, 1897, and were unusually prominent, the

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

new court house being opened for inspection,
the circuit court in session in the old court
house, adjourning to the new court house for
the dedication ceremonies, and occupancy
by the court, and the presentation by the
chairman of the board of supervisors of the
keys of the new building to the sheriff of the
county.

The following addresses were made by
William Jackson and Charles L. Walker,
the sentiment of which toward the bench and
the bar were exceptionally complimentary.

Address by Hon. William J. Jackson.
May it please the Court:

I desire to make a motion for the adjourn-
ment of this court, but preliminarj^ thereto
I wish to say a few words, which I hope may
be deemed appropriate to this occasion and
the circumstances under which this court is
now in session.

This day is an interesting one to the mem-
bers of this bar and the people of this county.
We have just withdrawn forever from a
forum that for more than sixty years has
stood in the midst of the people, as the
visible place or temple where the law has
been administered, under which the people
have lived, and under its benign and protect-
ing influence, have prospered. It has been
'sacred to the people, because therein the
sovereignity of the law was asserted, a sov-
ereignty that assumed the form of organized
law, which has always commanded, and still
commands, the fealty and respect of the
citizens of Rock Island County.

In this beatuiful edifice in which we are
now assembled, we are to continue the admin-
istration of public justice, to decide under
the forms of law and in a spirit of impartiality,
so far as it can be done by human agencies,
the claims of contending litigants, and to
preserve, protect, and maintain the rights
of the state, and the individual rights and
interests of the people, collectively and
respectively.

Almost sixty-four years have passed since
the first session of this circuit court, which,
on the 28th day of April, 1834, was held at
the plain and unpretentious log and frame
house of John Barrel, in the eastern part of
this city. Judge Richard M. Young presiding.
The machinery of justice, thus set in motion,
was started under very humble circumstances.
The house of John Barrel contained no
paneled ceilings, frescoed walls, or marble
wainscoting. There was harmony and uni-
formity of design, finish and color, both in
the interior and exterior, yet it was more in
keeping with nature, than art; yet the decrees
of that court, from that plain forum, were
recognized and regarded by the people, the
pushing, hardy, tolerant and hopeful pioneers
of that day, who had pushed ahead into this
country, then the far west, to found for
themselves and the generations to come
after them, a local government.

The architectural style, beauty and finish
of this edifice especially interests the members
of this bar. The years of the past have come
and gone; the administration of the law and
the business of the courts has not been done
in marble halls, yet it has been well done.
At no time have the people considered it
necessary to assume or take the administra-
tion of the law out of the regular channels;
they have always entrusted it to the direction
of the lawfully constituted authorities.

There is not, at this bar today, a lawyer
that connects us with the beginning of our
judicial existence, but few links, however,
intervene between this assemblage today
and the very beginning. This, how'ver,
can only be said of the lawyers. We have
with us today in this room, citizens of ad-
vanced years, who were active citizens of
this county in the years of the beginning;
who helped to lay, firm and deep, the founda-
tion of law and order in this county, and who
can, and do, today, rejoice that the work was
so well done and has been so well maintained.
To emphasize this present thought, we would

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

pray that in the conduct and lieart of the
future people of this county, there shall
dwell that sense of the dignity and supremacy
of the law that so signally characterized the
fathers.

The log house of John Barrel was soon
superseded by the brick court house, to which
we have this day bidden adieu, and while we
contemplate the grandeur of the present
edifice, and consider the burden, voluntarily
imposed by the people to provide for its
construction, we must not forget that the
pioneers of this county, according to their
numbers and ability, assumed an equal
burden to provide the court house that we
have just abandoned, which, in the day of
its completion, was the pride of this part of
the northwest.

The construction of this court house in
which we are now met, is not the result of a
protracted effort, first suggested in the board
of supervisors in April, 1893, by Supervisor
Joseph Fitzpatrick, the means to erect pro-
vided by the people, by vote in 1894, the
foundation stone laid in October, 1S9.t:
and completed for dedication in March,
1897.

The necessity for a new court of justice was
promptly recognized by the honorable board
of supervisors, although the building of a new
structiu-e involved increased taxation, and
added to existing burdens, yet the people of
this county, by their votes, declared that the
time had come when the character and dignity
of the county, in connection with its execu-
tive and judicial departments, demanded a
temple of justice that would truly represent
the progress, culture and improved artistic
taste of the present. The people decreed;
it has been done.

We look around, and beyond, and behold
this edifice, beautiful in design, symmetrical
in proportion; in its architecture the designer
lives, and will continue to live to tell the
onlooker how, in his brain, there was planted
that quality of art and artistic appreciation

of form, color, quality and proportion, that
could conceive and plan this b\iilding, about
which there can be only one expression,
"How beautiful!"

Not only does the building display the
skill and artistic talent of the designer, but
also the skill of the more humble craftsman,
who, by cunning manipulation, mechanical
conception and execution could, and has,
so worthily and successfully fashioned and
built that which the artist in beauty designed. .

This court house stands as a monument
to the good taste, broad and liberal spirit of
the board of supervisors of this county, who,
notwithstanding many adverse and discour-
aging criticisms, yet, believing that the
people of Rock Island Countj' were worthy
of a structure that should represent the
intelligence and energy of the people, had
the courage and determination to build this
building. For the push, energy and official
integrity that has brought the work to so
successful a termination, we will today
award to the board of supervisors that
measure of credit, recognition and praise
that is their due.

We should not, at this time, when speaking
of the means and forces that insured the
successful completion of the court house,
forget the faithful contractor, and the super-
intendent, who have so well performed their
labors, and won for themselves the recogni-
tion of their fellow citizens, who will award
to them the credit of having performed
their work with signal ability and merited
tribute of praise.

The board of supervisors have ordered that
on the 31st day of March, 1897, the people
should be invited into this public edifice, to
cordially and quietly enjoy and contemplate
this ])ublic enterprise so auspiciously com-
l>leted; hence we are now surrounded with a
bu.sy, earnest throng of citizens, who are
this day, with music attending, treading the
broad aisles of this court house, enjoying
the delight of its beauty, and expressing by

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

their attendance their interest in the work
that was so worthily conceived, and has been
so successfully completed.

And now, in the presence of this court and
the people, what shall be further said on this
occasion? We have built this house, doomed
and cupaloed, principally with iron, stone
and marble, not only because we wanted
to build, but to build with such form and
grace that it should stand in the midst of the
people as a public recognition of the suprem-
acy and majesty of the law; the law, not as a
shifting and uncertain influence to be changed
by the casting of a die, but a controlling moral
and political force, that stands guard by day
and by night, shielding and protecting all
classes alike; not only the house of luxury
and refinement, but an all powerful influence
encircling and protecting the cabin of the
poor; a law so potent that it tempers the
power of the executive, as well as the will of
the people; the limitations of the law being
its safety, its adaptation to all being its
strength and beauty. The majesty of its
influence was well illustrated in the celebratetl
speech of Earl Chatham, in the British
Parliament, "The poorest man in his cottage
may bid defiance to all the forces of the
Crown; it may be frail, its roof may shake,
the storm may enter it, but the King of Eng-
land cannot enter it, — all his power dares
not cross the threshold of that ruined tene-
ment."

When the citizen surveys this public
structure, he can not only enjoy the grandeur
of its appearance, but the mental fact that
it is the monument of a free people, guided
and inspired by wise and just laws, and
intent upon the enforcement of them; laws
to be obeyed until repealed; and if, in the
course of time, experience demands a change
to meet new conditions, then shall the change
be made, not by wilful disregard of existing
enactments, but by legal and constitutional
methods, for only by such methods, and
under such conditions, shall the "govern-

ment of the people, by the people, and for
the people," survive, and not perish from
the earth.

I am loath to close my remarks without a
few words to my associates at this bar.

The sixty-four years of the judicial life of
this court is behind us. Many of us passed
the summit; what we have done, or left
undone, the world knows. The personal
and mental characteristics that have marked
our lives and actions during the years of the
past will probably remain unchanged to the
end. If our lives have not been well rounded
out by upright conduct and moral force, the
fault has been with ourselves. Happy for
us if om- personal characters have so impressed
our fellows that they are willing to concede
that our lives have been well spent.

But there are at this bar, at this time more
than at any former period of its history,
many young men of varied talents, who will
be the leaders of the future. It is an inter-
esting and important question to ask what
will be their position in this court, and what
estimate their fellow citizens will place upon
them. Will they come and plead at this bar
only for personal glory, that men may praise
their ingenuity and skill as lawj^ers? Will
they simply estimate their personal impor-
tance by their gains, without reference to
the means and instrumentalities used to
command these gains, or will the lawyers of
the future at this bar be men whose highest
aim shall be so to discharge the varied and
exacting duties of the profession, and their
personal duties to their fellow practitioners,
that inquiry will not be necessary to find
out to what plane of public estimation they
have attained, — but the constant, truthful,
kind and even tenor of their professional
conduct shall lead men to a prompt, instant
and cordial recognition of their personal
worth. I hope this may be the standard of
the lawyers of this county.

A word to the judges of this court. I speak
after an experience of thirty-six years; diu-ing

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

those years I have had the honor to appear
before all the judges that have presided in
the circuit and count}- courts. Considering
the arduotis and delicate duties that a judge
has ■ to perform, restraining the impetuous
lawyer, client or witness, instructing and
encouraging the timid and independent, decid-
ing delicate and intricate legal questions,
affirmed by positive counsel and questioned
by others equally positive; and yet, so
deciding the questions involved that the
decision shall carry with it the respect of all. —
duties of this kind would appear to be so
difficult that complaint would seem to be the
rule; 3'et this bar, and the people of thig
county have a right, and it is their duty to
accord to the judges now living and to the
memor}' of those departed, that the work
of the judiciary has been well and faithfully
done; and the kindly and earnest expression
of good feeling of the lawj-ers of this count}^
towards the judges is a just and proper
tribute to the bench of the courts of this
county. If, in the future, another court
house shall supplant the beautiful one in
which we are now gathered, and it is then
said about the judiciary, as it can now be
said, that the bench has been an inspriation
and kindh- assistance to the bar, the years
of the future in that regard will be years
of pleasant association and reciprocated
kindnesses.

And now, if the court please, in view of the
public interest now manifested in this cotirt
house dedication, and to enable the judges,
lawyers and officers of this court to join with
their fellow citizens in this gathering of the
people, I move that this court do now adjourn.

C. L. Walker's Address.
May it please your Honors:

yiy name is not mentioned in the program,
nor is the subject which I wish to submit to
your honors referred to therein. Yet as the
matter is germaine to the proceedngs of the
day, I have been requested by the committee

in charge of the e.xercises to address your
honors thereon, and I therefore beg a mo-
ment's indulgence before your honors shall
pass upon the motion to adjourn.

Thereupon His Honor Judge J. Glenn,
presiding, granted the request.

What I shall say will be on behalf of the
citizens' court house committee of Rock
Island and I have been requested first to
give the hi.story of its organization and of
the work of this committee.

Prior to October, 1894, the court house
project seemed to be regarded favorabh- bj-
the people, but about this time an under-
current of opposition developed and a series
of articles appeared in some of the papers
outside of this city, urging the voters to
vote against the building of a new court
house, and the issuing of the .$125,000 of
bonds, both on account of the increased
taxation and because the time was inop-
portune.

Owing to these conditions it seemed
necessary that some sj-stematic and tmited
efforts be put forth to overcome these objec-
tions and to stimulate an active sentiment
in favor of the project.

To this end some of those in favor of build-
ing the new court house determined to
organize a committee to formulate means
and measures to seciu-e it.

Accordingly early in October a meeting
was called at the office of State's Attorney
Searle to consider the matter. Some twenty
citizens attended and T. J. Robinson was
elected chairman, and C. J. Searle secretary.
After a full discussion of the situation a
committee was appointed to report at a
subsequent meeting. This meeting was held
within a few days thereafter, and a sub-
committee of fourteen was selected which
should have full charge, and take such action
as should seem advisable to secure favorable
action by the voters.

This sub-committee consisted of T. S.
Silvis, E. E. Parmenter, William McEniry,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U \ T Y

S. S. Hull, C. F. Lynde, Phil Mitchell, William
Jackson, C. J. Searle, H. P. Simpson, W. P.
Qiiayle, J. F. Robinson, John Ohhveiler, S.
J. Collins and myself. This committee or-
ganized by electing H. P. Simpson secretary
and myself chairman, and as thus organized
began work.

Of this committee C. F. Lynde, J. F. Rob-
inson and John Ohlweiler were appointed a
committee to raise the necessary funds, and
secured subscriptions from seventy-two citi-
zens, of sums ranging from fifty cents to fifty
dollars, aggregating six hundred and seventy-
two dollars.

The committee decided to make a com-
plete canvass of each ward in this city by
personal interview of the voters and see that
a full vote was polled; and at the same time
send from one to three men into each town-
ship in the count}', to enlist the efforts of as
many influential men of the township as
possible, and employ one or more suitable
men in the township to continue the work
until the polls closed.

The committee also prepared and printed
literature consisting of original matter, e.x-
tracts from the "opposition articles" with
appropriate suggestions and distributed them
throughout the county attempting to place
pamphlets in the hands of every doubtful
voter; enlisted the acti\e support of friendly
papers, and thus aroused the friends of the
project, turned the tide of disaffection and

carried the propositions by 1,739 majority.

The committee therefore believes that its
work was timeh' and thorough and made
victory possible.

Of the money collected, $553.67 was
devoted to the above purposes, leaving a
balance of $118.33 in the treasury. The
board of supervisors delegated the honor
of laying the corner stone to the Old Set-
tlers' Association, but refused to appropri-
ate money sufficient to defray the necessary
expensas of the exercises, and that society
being without funds our committee appro-
priated $47.94 to cover this deficit.

After paying these bills there still remained
$70.39 in the treasury-, and after thoughtful
consideration the committee concluded that
it would be appropriate and wise to apply
the balance towards the purchase of some
suitable memorial to be placed in the building,
and finally decided to purchase and have
hung in this court room portraits of all the
chief justices of the United States Supreme
Court than whom the names of no abler
judges adorn the pages of judicial .action.

This has been done and I now have the
honor and pleasure of jiresenting to this court,
on behalf of the seventy-two subscribers to
the fund, the portraits which you now see
upon the walls of this room, and the com-
mittee trust they will be accepted by your
honors as suitable appointments to this
beautiful temple of justice and right.

HISTORIC ROCK I S LAX D CO U X T Y

COURT, BENCH AND BAR

WILLIAM JACKSON

The first term of the Circuit Court of Rock
Island County was held April 28, 1834. in
the house of John Barrel in Farnhamsburg,
Richard M. Young presiding Judge.

Farnhamsburg was located on the bank of
the Mississippi River, in the east part of the
City of Rock Island, a short distance west of
the residence of the Hon. Ben T. Cable.
The first house built on the present site of
the City of Rock Island, then Farnhamsburg,
was a log house built by Colonel George
Davenport and one Russell Farnham, who
was engaged in business with Colonel Daven-
port. This log house was afterwards enlarged
and kept as a hotel b}- John Barrel, a A'ir-
ginian. In November, 1835, the records and
Court were removed from the house of John
Barrel to Stephenson. I'nder an act of the
Legislature of March 31, 1819, the State of
Illinois was divided into four judicial circuits.
The Judges of the Supreme Court of the State
held the Circuit Courts. The Circuit Courts
are Courts of general jurisdicture.

The County Commissioners Court was
e.stablished March 22, 1819. It had juris-
diction throughout the County in revenue
matters, count}' tax, licenses, and other
public business. Three Judges formed the
Court. One was the County Judge, the
others Associate Justices. This Coiu't con-
tinued until the Count}' Court was established
by act of February 12, 1849. The County
Court consisted of one Judge. It had probate
jurisdiction. Under the law two Justices of
the Peace were elected. These had authority

to act with the County Judge to transact the
business formerly done by the County Com-
missioners Court, and so continued to 1857,
after which the Count}' business was trans-
acted by the Board of Supervisors, the
County being then organized under the
township organization law.

The following persons, residents of Rock
Island, were at various times members of the
County Commissioners Court: George Dav-
enport, John W. Spencer, John Vanatta,
George W. Harlan. John S. Miller. Lucius
Wells, Nathaniel Belcher, Jacob Coleman,
Lemuel Andrews, Adolphus Dunlap, John R.
Taylor, George .•>. Moore, John Kistler,
William L. Lee. M. W. Wright, Samuel Sloan,
Jacob Starr, T. C. Temple, Captain T. J.
Robinson, James Weaverling, William M.
Bailey, John M. Gould, George E. Holmes.

The County Court was established by an
act of the Legislature of February 12, 1849,
in addition to its jurisdiction in probate
matters and matters pertaining to the
revenue. The Legislatm-e conferred upon the
Court a limited law jurisdicture, which it still
possesses, although enlarged.

The office of County Judge has been filled
by prominent citizens of Rock Island
County :

John W. Spencer, 1849 to 18.52;

William Bailey, 1852 to 1853;

John M. Gould, 1853 to 1857;

Cornelius Lynde, Jr., 1857 to 1861;

Joseph B. Danforth, 1861 to 1865;

John W. Wilson, 1865 to 1871;

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Samuel S. Guyer, 1S71 to 1877;

Lucian Adams, 1877 to 1902;

E. E. Parmenter, 1902 to 1906;

Robert W. Olmsted, now acting Judge,
elected in April, 1907, in place of E. E. Par-
menter, deceased.

Courts of Probate were first established by
law February 10, 1821. In the County of
Rock Island Harmon G. Reynolds was
Probate Justice from 1S.39 to 1846. He was
followed by Ira 0. Wilkinson, 1847 to 1849.

The Circuit Court of Rock Island County
was originally in the fifth judicial circuit of
the State of Illinois, afterwards in the sixth
judicial circuit. In 1873 with the Counties
Henry and Mercer it comjiosed the fifth
judicial circuit. Afterwards, under the act
of June 7, 1877, the Counties of Rock Island,
Mercer, Henry, Henderson, Warren and
Knox composed the tenth judicial circuit.
Under the act of April 23, 1897, the Counties
of Rock Island, Mercer, Whiteside and Henry
now compose the fourteenth judicial circuit.

Gentlemen eminent as jurists in this State
have presided in the Circuit Courts of Rock
Island County; we find on record the names of:

Richard A. Young, 1834;

Sidney Breese, 1835;

Thomas Ford, 1836;

Daniel Stone, 1837 to 1841 ;

Thomas C. Brown. 1841 to 1848;

Benjamin R. Sheldon, 1848 to 1849;

William Kellogg, 1850 to 1851 ;

Ira O. Wilkinson, 1850 to 1857;

J. W. Drury, 1858 to 1860;

John H. Howe, 1860 to 1861 ;

Ira O. Wilkinson, 1861 to 1867:

George W. Pleasants, 1867 to 1897;

J. J. Glenn, 1878 to 1897;

A. A. Smith, 1878 to 1894;

Hiram Bigelow, 1895 to 1902;

Emery C. Graves, 1903;

F. D. Ramsey, 1897 ;

William H. Gest, 1897.

Among the gentlemen named above as
Judges who were residents of the County of
Rock Island are Ira 0. Wilkinson, J. W.
Drury, George W. Pleasants and William H.
Gest. Judge Wilkinson, after leaving the
liench in 1867, went to Chicago, where he
practiced law \nitii 18S1, when he returned
to Rock Island County and resumed practice.
He died August 24, 1894. Judge Pleasants,
after he became Judge in 1867, continued to
preside as such until the year 1897. He died
October 22, 1902. For nineteen years he
presided as one of the Judges of the first,
second and third districts of the Appellate
Courts of this State.

Judge Drury after he retired from the
bench in 1860, resvinied the practice of the
law at Davenport, Iowa; he died March 1,
1S99.

Judge Gest is now one of the Circuit Judges
of this judicial district. The members of the
bar of Rock Island County who are now in
actual practice are about sixty-five. Many
of them are young men who have lately
entered into the practice of the profession.
The oldest memlaers of the l.)ar now living
and nearly all are in actual practice, are
John T. Browning, Edward D. Sweeney,
William Jackson, Lucian Adams, Henry C.
Connelly, M. M. Sturgeon, W. J. Entriken,
William A. Meese, William R. :\Ioore, J. T.
Kenworthy and Charles L. Walker.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY SOLDIERS' MONUMENT

The feeling inspired in a great number of
the people of the County, to pa\^ a tribute to
the soldiers of this County, who had and would
die in the war for the protection of the Union,
was expressed and recognized by the Board of
Supervisors December 17, 1863, by the
passing of a resolution, appropriating $1,500
toward the building of a suitable monument
to be placed in Courthouse Square as a
memorial to the soldiers of this County who
died in the War of the Rebellion; and that
their names be inscribed thereon.

For the purpose of carrying out the intent
of the resolution, the clerk of the Court was
authorized to issue county orders to the
amount of $1,500 to the County Monument
Committee whenever they may call for them.
The committee appointed were Nathaniel
Belcher, B. H. Kimball, S. S. Foster, J. Q.
Wynkoop and S. W. Wheelock. September
12, 1S67, the Board of Supervisors authorized
Major James M. Beardsley, chairman of the
Citizens' Committee, to procure plans and
specifications. The design presented by
Leonard W. Volk, Sculptor, of Chicago, was
accepted by the committee and contracted for.

Committees were appointed throughout the
County to solicit contributions from every-
bod}-, which received a hearty recognition.

December 17, 1868, the Board of Super-
visors authorized the County Clerk to draw
an order on the County Treasurer for the
amount necessary to complete the Rock
Island County Soldiers' Memorial Monument,
upon the order of the County Monument
Committee, after they should have expended
the amounts already appropriated by the

County and donated by the peojjle. The
approximate cost of the monument was
810,000; larger proportion coming from the
people's donations.

The base of the monument is Concord
granite, and Athens, Illinois, limestone; the
shaft, which is capped, is surmounted by a
statue of a Union soldier; all of Italian marble,
and is about fifty feet in height. A copper
box was placed in the base, under the marble
shaft, where was placed newspapers of the
day, and historical documents. Names of
all soldiers enlisted from the County are
engraved on the bases.

The monument was first placed a trifle
north of midway, between the east entrance
of the Court House and the street sidewalk.

In removing the monument to its present
location one of the base stones were broken
and replaced with granite. On the base of
the monument is inscribed this sentiment:

"In memory of its patriotic and heroic sons,
who served their country during the Great
Rebellion, and died that the Nation might
live. Rock Island County dedicates this
Monument."

On Friday, April 9, 1869— the day being
the fourth anniversary of the surrender of
Lee's army to General U. S. Grant at Appo-
mattox Court House, Virginia — occurred the
dedication of the Soldiers' Memorial Monu-
ment.

With clouds and rain the previous day,
filled the feelings of the people with disap-
pointment; but the morning dawned clear
and beautiful. The crowds gathered from
the cities and country, with a fine, strong and

HISTORIC RO C K ISLAND COUNT Y

large representation of our Iowa neighbors.
The Court House square, with Illinois and
Orleans Streets, were crowded. The city
was gaily decorated with flags, tiiuiting and
banners. At about 2 o'clock the police and
military formed at Court House square; the
Masonic orders on Buffalo Street, the Odd
Fellows and Good Templers on Illinois; the
Fire Department on Market square, and the
civic societies in Court House square. A
long line of march was made, starting from
Court House square; east on Orleans Street
to Madison; north on Madison to Illinois;
west on Illinois to Otter; south on Otter to
Orleans; and east on Orleans to Court House
square, where the ceremonies commenced.
The military from the Island made a most
commanding appearance. General T. J. Rod-
man and most of the officers were present.
The Turner Societies with their fine singing
added nuich to the occasion. Salutes were
fired, whistles blowing and church bells ring-
ing. After the invocation to the people,

Honorable Emery A. Storrs of Chicago was
introduced, and made the main address of the
day, a most eloquent and patriotic oration.

The ceremonies of the day were highly
interesting and impressive, and indication of
the community's deep respect for the dead
soldier. The occasion was the most memor-
able in the history of Rock Island County —
full 30,000 people being present.

The twelve cannon originally placed around
the Court House yard were given to the
County by the War Department through an
act of Congress, and are cannons captured
from the Confederacy — several of them being
spiked. Two of these cannon were after-
wards presented to Graham Post No. 212,
G. A. R., Moline, Illinois, and placed in
Riverside Cemetery.

Decoration Day ceremonies have been
regularly observed ; first by the Rock Island
Light Artillery, and since their disbandment
bv G. A. R. Posts situate here.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION

September 1, 1856, on ajiplication of three
petitioners, signed by over fifty legal voters
of Rock Island County, praying for the
question of township organization; it was
ordered liy the court that the question be
submitted to the voters of said coimty, to
vote for or against township organization at
the next November election. Abstract of
votes given at said election resulted as fol-
lows :

For township organization, 2314.
Against township organization, 147.

Tuesday, December 2, 1856, the court
apiK)inted Lemuel Andrews, NathanielBelcher

and Flavel J. Whitney as commissioners to
divide the county into towns, in accord-
ance with general assembly act for township
organization, passed February 17, 1851.

June 29, 30, and July 1, 1857, credentials
were presented to the board of supervisors
by the representatives of the following named
towns :

Rock Island, R. M. Marshall, Zachariah
Cook; Canoe Creek, I. H. Marshall; Hampton,
Lucius Wells; Drury, Peter Demoss; Edging-
ton, James Baker; Bowling, T. W. Vincent;
Coal Valley, Lewis Wilson; Buffalo. O. H. P.
Moore; Port Byron, David S. Hobert; Walker,
Rinnah Wells; Fremont, A. S. Coe; Camden,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

H. J. Brunot; Moline, Jeremiah Cliainberliii:
Cordova, George Marshall.

September IS, 1S57, by ortler of tliel:)oard
of supervisors, the names of the following
towns were changed:

Town of Camden, changed to Black Hawk;
town of Fremont, changed to Penn; to^\^l of
Buffalo, changed to Copper; town of Walker,
changed to Zuma.

January 6, ISoS. town of Copper, changed
to Buffalo Prairie; town of Penn, changed to
Coe.

September 16, 1858, a part of Edgington
Township, was, through the pra3'er of peti-
tioners — citizens of Edgington Township —
by order of the board of supervisors, named
Andalusia.

September 15, 1871, bj- petition of eightj--
three legal voters of Coal Valley To^Tiship,
a jiartition of the township was made, and
named town of Rural.

March 3, 1873, a petitibn was presented to
the board of supervisors, by Quincy McNeil
and others, to annex that portion of the
Town of Black Hawk north of Rock River to
the Town of Rock Island.

December 12, 1873, by a vote of the board
of supervisors — yeas, nine;na}^s, eight; absent,
one — it was ordered that the portion of Black
Hawk Township l3'ing north of Rock River
and south of the corporate limits of the City
of Rock Island, be detached from the Town
of Black Hawk and annexed to the Town of
Rock Island.

December 14, 1877, the board of super-
visors adopted a resolution that the portion
of Rock Island Township, south of the cor-
porate limits of the City of Rock Island,
extending to the north shore of Rock River,
be created and constituted the new Town of
South Rock Island, to take effect March 1,
1878. The corporate limits of the Cit}' of
Rock Island to be the Town of Rock Island.

November 16. 1872. Upon petition by
three-fourths of the voters and property
holders of the following tract to- wit: N. w.

H, Sec. 6, T. 17. H. 1, 4th P. M.. and W.
fractional 3^ (south of S3'lvan Water) of
Sec. 31, T. 18, R. 1 W., 4th P. M., the city
council annexed said territory to the Citv of
Rock Island, and made it a part of the
Fourth Ward of said city.

September 15, 1875. at a meeting of the
board of supervisors the above tract (a part
of Moline Township), to simplify adminis-
tration and taxation, was annexed to the
Town of Rock Island.

March 14, 1879. Adopted by the board of
super^^sors, that the Town of Moline be sub-
divided. The incorporated City of ^loline
be organized as the Town of Moline; the
remaining territory of iloline Township to
be hereafter known as the Town of South
Moline.

CORDOVA TOWNSHIP.

The town of Cordova lies in the extreme
northeast end of the county. It is a frac-
tional township. Iving well up on the bhiffs,
and commands one of the finest views on the
Mississippi River. The earliest settler was
Herdman East, who built a log cabin in 1836
on the present site of the village of Cordova.
Other settlers coming that year and in 1838
were J. S. Phillips and John Marshall from
New Jersey: Guy W. and Amazi Rathburn,
Nelson and Chauncey M. Tripp from New
York: William Kellew Dudy Buck. Peter
Beardsley, A. G. Adams, Wm. Armstrong,
Jeremiah Rice, Robert and Wm. Jenks, Dr.
Thos. Baker, Benoni Haskins, A. Whiting,
all having families. Nathaniel Belcher and
Miss Jenks. and Joseph Mills and Miss Jenks
were among the first married. The township
is quite rough and broken, though some fine
farms. The principal industry is the manu-
facture of lime.

TILLAGE OF CORDOVA.

This village .situated principally in the
township of Cordova, with a very small
portion in the township of Port Byron, lies

// / .S' T Hie R ( • K I S L A X D CO U X T Y

well up on the bluff and commands one of
the finest views on the Mississippi River,
which stretches away in both directions
until lost bj' its windings; the Ijluffs at this
point are rather abrupt.

The earliest settler of this place was Herd-
man East, who built a log cabin in 1836;
John Marshall and family. Dr. Thomas
Baker, Amazi R. Rathburn. Theodore and
John Butcher coming the same year. William
and George Marshall, Jonathan and K. S.
Cool, and Joseph R. Sexton came in 1838.

The town was laid out in 1837 by John
Marshall and Dr. Thomas Baker, and the
first frame houses were built the following
year by these gentlemen. Lime kilns were
early established, and for some years this
was a busy point. The first school was
taught by Dr. Baker in his own house, where
he instructed in a primiti\'e way his own
children, together with those of his neighbors.

The first school house was built in 1863,
and conducted under the common school
laws of the state. Since Februar}' 16, 1865,
a board of education, composed of six mem-
bers, control school affairs. The especial
pride to which the residents direct attention
is their fine graded school which numbers
upward of 300 scholars, under the super-
vision of an efficient principal and corps of
teachers. The school also has a well equi]iped
circulating library. The principal product of
the locality is corn, of which large shipments
are made. The first postoffice was estab-
lished in 1839, John Marshall being its first
postmaster, who also kept the first hotel. In
1853 the first grist mill was erected by
Brigham and Marshall. A petition for village
organization was filed March 16, 1867. An
election was held and went against organiza-
tion. In 1877 the subject was again sub-
mitted to the voters and affirmed in favor of
village organization, and on the 23d day of
April, 1877, the village was dulj- organized.
Cordova is situated on the Mississippi River,
and Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railwav.

COE TOWNSHIP.

Coe. surrounded by the townsliips of Canoe
Creek, Port Byron, Zuma and Cordova, is
considered one of the best agricultural jwr-
tions of the county. John Walker was the
first settler in 1835, followed shortly by John
Butcher; his brother, Burrall Butcher, coming
in 1836, and in 1851 locating on his brother's
section, his brother having left for Cali-
fornia, but died on his way there. Samuel
Allen came in 1837, moving from what was
afterwards the village of Port Byron. Sam-
uel Ennison came shortly after from Indiana.
Henry Smith, Henry M. Stockton and Isaac
Hollister also coming in 1837. Mrs. Charity
Marshall, a widow with nine children, came
in 1S38 from New Jersey. The first to wed
in the township were Hiram Walker and
Mary Ennis, and David Allen and Miss
Remson.

PORT BYRON.

In the year 1826 two brothers. Robert and
Thomas Syms, located on the present site of
Port Byron, and established a wood yard for
supplying cord wood to steamboats on the
Mississippi River. Their location soon came
to be known as Syms' W^ood Yard. They
were among the first white settlers in this
locality, other residents being principally
Sac and Fox Indians.

During the year 1828 Archibald Allen,
Conrad Leek, George W. Harlan and others
came with their families and settled in this
township. Archibald Allen traded with the
Indians, l)uying skins and furs. He was
afterwards appointed supervisor of roads,
was elected to the office of constable, and from
1833 to 1834 was United States mail carrier
between Fort Armstrong and Galena. He
was also postmaster, the office being kept in
his own house, which was located just north
of Syms' Wood Yard. Prior to its removal
in 1836 it was known as Canaan. Mr. Allen
built the first frame house between Quincy
and Galena.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

In 1830, Thomas Ilnl.hanl, H. Mast and
Britton arrived and became residents of the
new settlement. During this j-ear a son was
born to Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Leek, which
was the first white child born in the township.
In the year 1831 a son of Geo. W. Harlan
died, this being the first death in the town-
shij).

During the }-ear 1832 Edmund A. I'hilleo
was killed, the result of a quarrel over claims
and possession of land. Mrs. A. Allen was
the first adult person to die. The first school
was taught in 1833. New settlers who came
in 1834 were Walter Phillips, Geo. R. Allen,
H. M. Smith and Presley Quick. The next
year, 1835, Samuel Allen, William McKenney
and a Mr. Hathaway came with their families.
Samuel Allen kept a tavern in a double log
house. His wife. Aunt Candace, as she was
known, was a good cook, and they were well
patronized. This year the government sur-
veyed anil subdi\ided the public lands. In
1836 the arrivals were Moses Bailey, Rufus
B. Chase, Nathaniel Belcher, Jeremiah H.
Lyford, Addison N. Philleo, Astimus Philleo
and his daughter Lucretia. R. B. Chase
manufactured the first white lime, for which
Port Byron became noted.

About this time a town was platted and
Port Bj-ron became a pouit of considerable
business activity. George S. Moore erected
a store building; the postoffice at Canaan was
closed and opened at Port Byron, with
Nathaniel Belcher postmaster. Mr. Belcher
built a hotel and the first frame dwelling.
Dr. Jeremiah H. Lyford, a graduate of Dart-
mouth College, was the first physician; his
]iractife extended over a large territory, both
in Illinois and Iowa.

Colonel Eads was a resident here for a time,
living with Archibald Allen ]irior to taking
up his residence on "The Heights," at this
time known as LeClaire, Iowa. His son was
the famous Jas. B. Eads, also living at Le-
Claire during the late forties and early fifties,
removing from there to St. Louis. He

became widely known as a builder of boats
for the United States government, constructor
of the St. Louis bridge and the jetties at the
mouth of the Mississippi River.

On August 1, 1836, the first election was
held for the selection of representatives in
the state legislature and in congress. On
November 7th the first ])residential election
was held, at which eleven votes were cast,
all for Martin Van Buren.

This is a school town. The Port Byron
Academy is a flourishing institution, under
the management of the Congregational
chiu'ch; it has close relationship with Beloit
College. The public schools are on a high
order and are recognized for their good work.

VILLAGE OF PORT BYRON.

The village of Port Byron was incorporated
in February, 18.56. The village was laid out
in 1836, b}' Sanuiel Allen, Dr. P. Gregg,
Nathaniel Belcher and Moses Bailey; the land
was held in common by them. On the lanrl
was but one log house and a small log store.
The store was started by Walter Phillips.
Shortly after the site was laid out Nathaniel
Belcher built a frame store, and put in a
stock of general merchandise, associating
with him Mr. Hambaugh. The first grist
mill was erected in the spring of 1849 by T.
G. Temple and N. Dorrance. It was run by
steam, and had one set of burrs for wheat and
one set for corn. The first school was held
in the old log store of Samuel Allen in 1838,
Harriet Dodge being teacher. The first
school house was of brick, and was built in
1864. In addition to the public school, an
Academy was erected in 1883, and is in a
flourishing condition. The village is situated
on the Mississippi River, and its railroad
facilities are the Chicago, Jlilwaukee & St.
Paul Railway.

CANOE CREEK TOWNSHIP.

It was about seventy years ago that white
people first settled in what became Canoe

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNT Y

Creek Townsliip. These first settlers were
Jonas Carter, John M. Walker and Joseph
Martin. They came with ox teams from
Wayne County, Illinois, and landed at Canoe
Creek on the 26th day of August. 1835.
Their first work was to cut down some small
trees and make a pen for their stock, and then
to cut some larger ones and split them up to
make a rude shelter for themselves. Mr.
John M. Walker is the only one of the three
now living. After selecting his claim he went
back to his former home and was married.
He and his young bride then made their
wedding trip on horseback from Wayne
County to Canoe Creek. Mr. Walker still
resides on his first choice of land. His wife
passed away a few years ago. Abstractors
would have an easy time tracing Mr. Walkers'
title to the land he owns. He has a deed
signed by James K. Polk, president of the
United States, and it has never been trans-
ferred.

Mr. Carter and Mr. Martin went to work at
once on their arrival and biiilt log houses on
their claim. These were the first houses in
what is now Canoe Creek Township. A part
of the land covered by their claim is now
owned by Wallace Woodburn and a part by
William Pearsall. The land at that time had
not been surveyed bj' the government, except
into townships. Al)out three years after-
wards it was subdivided into sections.

At this time there was only one house
where the Cities of Rock Island and Moline
have since grown up. Mr. Walker informs
the writer that their nearest neighbor to the
north at that time was at Savanna, where a
man lived who ran a ferry; and the nearest
one to the east was at Dixon, where there was
a stage station.

Their first market place was Chicago, to
which place they hauled all of their surplus
grain and drove the stock which they had for
sale. They would haul a load of wheat to
Chicago and trade it for salt. This was slow

and tedious work in those days, and there
were no good roads and no bridges.

They would often find streams with full
banks, swollen by heavy rains, and would
have to camp for days waiting for the water
to subside so they could cross with a reason-
able degree of safety. At a later date
Savanna and Galena' became milling places,
^'ery often one would take a sack of wheat
and go on horseback to one of these places to
have it ground into flour. When they went
by team it usually took several daj's. The
mills had small burrs and ground but slowly
and each customer had to wait his turn to
have his grist ground.

Money was scarce in those days. People
did not go to the stores every week as now,
for groceries and other supplies. One old
settler has stated that one year his grocery
bill was made up of three items: one dollar's
worth of sugar, a gallon of kerosene oil at
seventy-five cents, and a barrel of salt.
Wild game furnished most of the meat;
Johnny cake, corn bread, and a little -white
bread, potatoes and wild fruits, honey and
maple syrup made up their bill of fare; and
it was not so bad either. Housewives spun
their own yarn and did their own weaving.

The scarcity of money is illustrated by the
statement of one old settler, who states that
before he could raise the fifty cents per acre
to pay the government for his land, he had to
pre-empt it several times. First by himself,
then his wife and his children, making
repeated filings in order to hold the land until
the money could be raised.

The first house was of logs and was built by
Jonas Carter.

The first frame house was built by George
Kendall. The first school house was built of
logs and was located on Canoe Creek.

The first frame schoolhouse was the Poplar
Grove schoolhouse, and was built by John
Denison. The first school was taught by Miss
Johanna Herd.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

The first deed conveying real estate was
signed by James K. Pcilk. president of the
United States.

The first ferry was at the big rock on the
lleredosia.

The first church built was the Bethesda.

The first person buried in Bethesda Ceme-
tery was Jlrs. Parry Henderson.

The first person buried in Mt. Marie Ceme-
tery was Mrs. Maria Liphardt.

HILLSDALE VILLAGE

Is in Canoe Creek Township and is not
incorporated. It is a small village but has
good school facilities, general stores, black-
smith shop and two hotels. The first post-
office was established in 1842 or 184.3, with
Moses Hubbard as postmaster. The second
postoffice was called Hill's Crossing. At this
crossing a station was established by the
Sterling & Rock Island Railroad, now the
Chicago, Burlington & Quinc}-, and the
village was laid out in 1868 by Richard Hill
and named Hillsdale. It is the shipping
point for a part of Canoe Creek and Zuma
Townships.

ZUMA TOWNSHIP.

The first white child born in what is now
Zuma Township was Mary Ann Sturdivan;
the first white boy was L. \\'. Beal, long
afterwards colonel in the army. The first
school house was built in 1854. It is known
as the Wake school house and is where all the
elections are held. The first frame house
built was by Mr. Center on what is known as
the John Moody place. The houses in those
days were small, rude and inconvenient. If
they had floors they were usuallj- of good
solid oak, an inch and a quarter or more in
thickness. I remember of only two houses
in those early days of 1850 that were painted;
those were Nelson Wells and Joseph Shanks.
Polished floors were unknown and rugs and
carpets verj- scarce. The people who settled
in Zuma in those earlj' daj's were generous

and hospitable; the stranger was always
welcome. They believed like President
Roosevelt in having plenty of good girls and
boys, and in those daj-s the bo3's helped their
fathers and the girls their mothers.

Mr. J. B. Walker has lived in Zuma the
longest; he was born in 1838. The first brick
house was built by Hiram Walker in 1853.

There were no carriages or buggies in those
days. If a yoimg man wanted to take his
best girl out. they had to go on foot or horse
back or ride in a lumber wagon. And the
people seemed happy in those days, had good
times and enjoyed themselves just as well as
they do today, if not better.

Among those who settled here fifty years
or more ago, and whose farms are now occu-
pied by persons of the same name are the
following: Nelson Wells, Monroe Swank,
Ambrose Searle, James Searle (on Rock
River), Madison Bowles, George Wake, A. H.
Mead, J. A. Donahue, Charles Schaffer, A. E.
Herren, Davis Daily, Hiram Walker and
Wesley Hanna.

The first school house was built by sub-
scription in 1855, and was called the Oak
Grove school house.

In 1856 the Syms school house was built
with public funds raised by taxation.

The first frame house was built by Ambrose
Searle in 1838. The frame was hewed out,
rafters and all. The shingles and lath were
split or ' ' rived "' out of oak with an instru-
ment called a "frow." The boards were of
maple and were sawed at a mill between
LeClaire and Princeton, Iowa, owned by a
Mr. Barber.

The first cider was made by Gregory Brown
in the fall of 1857, from apples raised on his
farm near Rock River.

Chinese sugar was introduced into this
township in 1857 and some molasses was made
by Munroe Swank.

The first postoffice was established in the
township in 1848 and was called Fairport.
It was located on section twenty-eight, on

HISTORIC RO C K I S LAND CO U N T Y

the hank of Rock River, and Truman f!orton
was postmaster.

In the 3-ear 1856 A. F. Rnssell Wu\ out a
town site at what is called Zuma Center. It
soon had a store, blacksmith shop and shoe
shop.

JOSLIN

Is situateri in the southeastern part of
Zuma Townshi]\ and is a station on the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. It
was located by Benjamin B. Joslin, who came
to this county in 1853 and acquired 600 acres
of good land in the locality, and marked out
the village at the time of the building of the
old Sterling Railroad. N. B. Joslin, his son,
started the first store in 1870 and was the
first postmaster. The village is not incor-
porated, is small but has two general stores,
one implement store, a new church, several
dwellings and a good farming community
surrounding it. The railroad station is named
Joslyn, but the old family name is Joslin.

ZUMA CENTER

Is situated in Town of Zuma and is not
incorporated. In 1S56 A. F. Russell laid out
a town site which was named Zuma Center.
It soon had a store, blacksmith shop and shoe
shop. The bounds consist as laid out of
three streets, two blocks and thirty lots. It
is a small place with church, school and three
houses.

OSBORN.

Named after Fred Osborn. a long time resi.
dent and land owner of the locality. The
village is not incorporated. It is situated in
the southern part of Zuma Township, near
Rock River and on the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy Railroad, and near the old Cleve-
land ferry crossing. The postoffice, railroad
depot and half a dozen houses constitute the
village. At one time years ago the Sterling
branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad had a bridge here across Rock

River, the railroad line continuing to the
Briar Bluff coal mines, but the bridge was
afterwards removed to Barstow.

HAMPTON TOWNSHIP.

This township is situated north and east of
Moline Township, the Mississippi River form-
ing the northwestern boundary, and the Rock
River the southern. The township consists
of bluffs along its northern and southern
boundaries, with wide rich bottoms along the
rivers and a broad valley running east and
west through its center, extending from the
Mississippi River to Rock River. Martin
Culver made the first land claim in 1826.
Rev. John Kinney and two brothers made the
next claims in 1827. During 1828 Henry
McNeal, Joel Thompson, Michael Bartlett,
Asaph Wells and Joel Wells, Jr., settled in
the same vicinity. The first birth, was the
daughter of Henry McNeal — Mary Ann —
born October 5, 1832. The first death occurred
in 1829 or 1830, on board the Steamer Joseph-
ine, on her way to Galena; a lady from Eng-
land coming to Galena to visit her son, died
just as the boat was landing, and she was
buried at Hampton. The first couple married
in the town was Joel Wells and Mary Mc-
Murphy, by Jonas Wells, justice of the peace,
in 1835. Within the township are si.x vill-
ages: Hampton, Watertown, Silvis, Carbon
Cliff, Barstow and Rapids City, all incor-
porated villages but Barstow. The township
contained some rich coal beds ; some of which
have been worked for many years. Charles
Ames opened the first coal mine. Heagy and
Stoddard, and Taylor Williams operated
quite extensively in coal on sections 15, 16
and 22, where was located the mining town
of Happy Hollow, now extinct, having at one
time a population of 1,000 hard working, busy
people. A railroad connecting these mines
with the Western Union Railway, now the
C, M. & St. P., at Watertown, was built in
the winter of 1872 and 1873. Taylor Wil-
liams and H. M. Gilchrist & Co., operated in

100

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

coal at Rapids City; Samuel Hdwies. I). G.
Porter and Silvis Bros, operating in the
southern part of the township.

Joel Thomp.son was the first postmaster,
and received his appointment in the winter
of 1837. Lucius Wells taught the first school, .
in a log cabin, in 1833 and 1834. Elihu
Wells was the first teacher under the school
laws.

In the years of 1833 and 1834, Henry Mc-
Neal furnished all the wood for the Mississ-
ippi River steamboats above the DesMoines
rapids, and for forty years thereafter Hamp-
ton was one of the principal points for
furnishing coal and wood to the river steam-
ers. Henry McNeal owned the first tax
receipt issued in Rock Island County for
taxes paid. Hampton Township is well
supplied with railroads: Chicago, Rock Island
& Pacifie; the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul;
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and the
Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern
traversing her territory.

VILLAGE OF RAPIDS CITY.

Rapids City was surveyed and laid out in
1838. About 1833 a grist mill was built by
the Wells Brothers; a saw mill Ijeing subse-
quently added. Another grist and saw mill
was built by Joseph Cox in 1838. A Mr.
Runkle and a Mr. Blanchard sold the first
goods. Joseph Garnett, the first blacksmith
shop in 1847. Henry S. Shurtliff started a
regular grocery store in 1855, and afterwards
added dry goods. In 1857 E. M. Prudens
started a general merchandise store.

August 12, 1875, the county court, after
canvassing the votes of an election called and
appointed prior, to vote on village organiza-
tion — the residt of which was forty-six votes
for organization and one vote against — the
court decreed the Village of Rapids City to
be incorporated. It is situated on the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.

TIPPECANOE.

Tippecanoe Milage was platted and filed
for record the 2d day of September, 1839;
the formality of going through the necessary
forms of recording was done, and on February
18, 1840, was approved by the county com-
missioners. The plat was six blocks long an
two and one-half blocks wide; recorded by
Joseph Cox, Samuel Cox and David Jennings
the 17th day of February, 1840. It was ■
located between Rapids City and Hampton,
on the Mississippi River, about o])]iosite
Sycamore Chain. A very few people know of
its ever having had an existence. It evi-
dently was a paper town.

VILLAGE OF HAMPTON.

The Village of Hampton, in Hampton
Township, was surveyed and platted soon
after the organization of Rock Island County.
Among the earliest business men were Joel
Thompson, Alonzo P. Clapp, Dower and
Hammond, Samuel and David Lambert, M.
W. Wright and Francis Black, followed by
L. F. Baker, H. F. Thomas, H. O. Norton,
Dr. George Vincent, S. L. Brettun, and Wm.
B. Webster. The first postoffice was estab-
lished in the winter of 1837, Joel Thompson
being commissioned postmaster, followed by
Francis Black, Samuel Heagy and L. F
Baker. From the earliest settlement Hamp-
ton was one of the principal points for sup-
plies for the farmers in the upper end of the
county, and even considerable territory in
Henry County. Here they brought their
grain and sold their pork, which was packed
by M. W. Wright and Francis Black, and
shipped down the river by the steamboats.
In after years the coal interests were the
principal business reliance; Heagy and Stod-
dard and Taylor Williams being extensive
operators. In 1884 Heagy and Stoddard were
succeeded by the Northern Mining & Railway
Company, who ceased operations about fifteen

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

101

years ago. The educational interests of the
village are well attended to, having a good
school house and good instructors.

The oldest person liorn in the township, if
not in the county, now living, is George
McNeal, who was born in 1834 in a log cabin
which stood just south of the town hall in the
same block in which he now resides.

The assessors' plats show there exists in the
Village of Hampton, an old village called
Milan, which was platted in 1837. The plat
showing about thirty blocks. In this dis-
trict at the present time are only four or five
houses. In that year the postoffice depart-
ment at Washington, D. C, was petitioned
for a postoffice at this place to be called
Milan. There being a postoffice of that name
already in the state, the department estab-
lished the postoffice under the name of
Hampton, from which name the township
and village derive their names.

BARSTOW.

Barstow is not an incorporated village.
When the Sterling branch of the Chicago,
Burlington A: Quincy Railfoad was com-
pleted through Hampton Township, a station
was established on land owned by Joel G.
Franklin, and named Franklin Crossing, a
postoffice being soon after established and
given the same name as the railroad station,
and Mr. Franklin being commissioned its
first postmaster.

When the main line of the railroad was run
to this place, the name was changed to
Barstow, and shortly afterwards the name of
the postoffice was likewise changed. A large
transfer in mail, passenger and freight busi-
ness is done here, to and from the Sterling
branch, and despatched and received to and
from the main lines to St. Paul and St. Louis.
The village now comprises about twenty-five
buildings and houses, an eating house, depot,
restaurant, a general store, blacksmith shop,
school house and postoffice.

VILLAGE OF WATERTOWN

Is located in Hampton Township, and was
platted in 1857. The first store was started
that year by Lucius Curtis, who became the
first postmaster. The Western Illinois Hos-
pital for the Insane is located there. On the
14th day of March, 1905, fifty-one legal voters _
of a district prescribed, petitioned the county
court for the organization of the Village of
Watertown. The 15th day of April, 1905,
was set apart for an election t<.) be held at the
M. W. A. hall to vote for or against village
organization; the result being sixteen votes
for incorporation and forty-four against.

April 24, 1905, another petition was pre-
sented to the county coiu't by forty-five
petitioners for village organization and an
election day appointed for the 13th day of
May, 1905; the result being sixty votes for
village organization and thirty-eight votes
against organization.

An election held the 17th day of June,
1905, for village trustees, resulted in the
election of Frank H. Sovey, John Rah, Henry
C. McNeal and David Y. AUsbrow. A tie
vote occurring of forty-nine votes for Eric
Bowman and Henry Hillberg. Each came
into court on the 23d day of Jvme, 1905, and
agreed to decide by lot. One of the officers
of the court was blindfolded, two slips of
paper with each candidates names written
thereon were placed in a hat, and the officer
drawing therefrom, Eric Bowman was de-
clared elected the si.xth trustee.

VILLAGE OF CABBON CLIFF

The village of Carbon Cliff lies in the south
part of Hampton Township, and is principally
noted for its pottery and tile works.

November 13, 1906, thirty-seven legal
voters of Hampton Township, desiring village
incorporation, petitioned the county court
for same. The court ordered an election to
be held on the 8th day of December, 1906,
for or against village organization, the elec-

102

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

tioii to be held at Hennegan's store. The
result of said election was fifty-five votes for
village organization and twenty-eight votes
against same. An order was issued calling
for an election for six trustees of the village
the 12th of January, 1907. W. R. Carey,
William Gearhardt, J. A. Hennegan, Clans F.
'Hansen, R. X. O'Donnell and P. N. Hennegan
being elected.

TOWNS OF ROCK ISLAND AND MOILNE

A history of the towns of Rock Island and
Moline would apparently be similar and
coincident to the history of the cities of Rock
Island and Moline, the two towns being the
corporate limits of the two cities. The date
of the formation of these two townships is
noted in Township Organization.

SOUTH MOLINE TOWNSHIP

Was organized as a town March 14, 1879.
It comprises all the territor}^ originally in
Moline Township, lying south and east of the
corporate limits of the City of Moline. The
history of the township, with the exception
of its e.xtreme eastern portion is so strongly
interwoven with Moline, it is hard to draw a
historical line. Among its earliest settlers
were David Sears, Charles Atkinson, Joseph
Danforth, Joel W^ells and Huntington Wells.

VILLAGE OF SILVIS.

November 14, 1906, thirty-six petitioners
representing over 300 resident popidation,
jjetitioned the coimty court of Rock Island
County, Illinois, for the organization of the
Village of Silvis. An election was ordered to
be held December 1, 1906, for or against
village organization.

The corporate limits of said village to be as
described in ]ietition, about two square miles.
Result of election was seventy-nine votes for
organization, and six votes against. An
election for six trustees was held January 12,
1907. R. Walsh, J. W. Pike, James Shannon,
Wm. Emniert, F. J. Ball and Herbert Love

being elected. The general railroad sho]w of
the C, R. I. & P. R. R. are located here
em])loying from 1,.500 to 2,000 men.

VILLAGE OF EAST MOLINE.

On the 22d day of November, 1902, forty-
two legal voters of the district petitioned the
county court for the organization under the
general law, of a village to be named the
Village of East Moline. The 20th day of
December was appointed as an election day
to vote for or against village organization;
election to be held at John Deere school
building. The result of said election was
forty-seven votes for organization and seven
votes against. December 2.3, 1902, the votes
were canvassed by the judge of the county
court and two justices of the peace, and
announced and adjudged for village organiza-
tion.

January 17, 1903, Andrew L. Mills, Thomas
J. Gorman, Albert E. Bergholtz, Frank E.
Palmer, August G. Schipper and James B.
Hock were elected trustees.

This is a rapidly growing village, and famous
for its number of manufactories. At present
the village is unable to accommodate the
hundreds of working men who are employed
there and at Silvis, a few miles above, and
where the Rock Island shops are located.
The employees of the gigantic shops are com-
pelled to live in Rock Island, Moline and
Davenport, for the most part owing to the
fact that not a sufficient number of houses
have been erected for their occupancy.

East Moline was incorporated as a village
December 23, 1902. It is situated in South
Moline Township, seven miles east of Rock
Island, and four miles east of Moline.

The Rock Island System, the C, M. & St.
P., the D., R. I. A N. W^ Railroads and the
Mississippi Valley Traction Company electric
line enter the village.

This village offers unprecedented oppor-
tunities for investment and factory locations.
The population is now about 600. It

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

103

has telegraph, express and telephone facili-
ties.

The village of East Moline was incorporated
as a city in January, 1907.

COALTOWN.

What was considered old Coaltown was
more of a locality than a village, embracing
a territory contingent to numerous coal
mines in the southeast portion of the present
township of Hampton and a small part of
South Moline Township, and a very active
locality it was in the early days. At one
point where Samuel Bowles, who came to this
county in 1835, discovered the first coal bed
in this vicinity, and at one time built a church
there. The vicinity was called Bowlesburg;
another vicinity Tinkerville. The Silvis
mines are still running, and a branch of the
D., R. I. & N. W. Railway run there.

SOUTH ROCK ISLAND TOWNSHIP.

The township extends south from the cor-
porate limits of the City of Rock Island to
the north shore of the Rock River. This
township is exceedingly productive of agri-
cultural products. Its chief distinction lies
in its jjhenomenal growth. From a mere
pasture, hills and farm lands it has developed
into one of the most desirable residence
portions of Rock Island County. The prin-
cipal place of interest is the noted Black
Hawk's Watch Tower, which at the present
time is quite a summer resort. From this
tower Black Hawk kept watch for his ene-
mies, either red or white.

There are few locations, if any, in the
great northwest, that will compare with it in
natural beauty of scenery. Black Hawk's
Watch Tower is a prominent point of ground,
rising almost perpendicularly some two
hundred feet above the level of the Rock
River; and from its summit one can look out
over miles and miles of pastoral beauty, and
seventeen miles of the Rock River Valley.

ROCK ISLAND CITY

Was located opposite the western end of
Vandruff's Island, on the north shore of the
Rock River, taking in the site of the old
Sac Indian village. It was eighteen blocks
long, running north from the river, and east
and west nine blocks. It was platted and
accepted by the County Commissioners July
20, 1836, and recorded July 22, 1836. A
beautiful paper city.

VILLAGE OF SEARS

Is located in the Town of South Rock Isl-
and. Forty-three legal voters of South Rock
Island petitioned the County Court to have
the privilege of voting on the incorporation
of the Village of Sears, under the general
law; petitioners describing bounds and affirm-
ing the district contained a population of 350.

May 3, 1894, an election was held for or
against incorporation, resulting in fifty-three
votes for organization, and six votes against.
May 26, 1894, the following six trustees were
elected: C. H. Dibbern, John E. Breen, B.
Patterson, J. McCarty, J. F. Mead and E. D.
Fisher.

BLACK HAWK TOWNSHIP

Derives its name from the noted chief of
the Sac and Fox Indians, who for many years
had his home within the present limits of
South Rock Island Township.

This township originally was full six miles
square, with the exception of a few hundred
acres cut off from the northwest corner by
the Mississippi River, and with Rock River
flowing from the east nearly through its
center. Afterwards the township was divided
and Rock River became the northerly line of
Black Hawk Township, and that part of the
original township north of the river was
named South Rock Island Township.

The first marriage license in the township
was issued on August 22, 1833, to Benjamin
Goble and Barbara Vandruff, both now
asleep in the beautiful Chippiannock Ceme-

104

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

tery. They lived for many years on Big
Island.

Joshua Vandruff was an early pioneer and
lived on what was then called Lowell Island.
His sons, Joshua. Jr.. John, Henry, Jacob and
James, all had farms on Big Island, where
they lived for many years. Other early
settlers in the township were William Dick-
son and Col. John Dickson, the latter for
many years justice of the peace; James
Johnston, G. W. Heflin, James Dickson. Ira
Whitehead. X. D. Bradley, Wm. Young,
Daniel Pinkley, David Brownlee, Garret
Davis, John BuUe}-, Morgan Fergurson. A.
L. Buck and N. Bruner.

The township has an abundant supply of
coal and wood and is traversed by two rail-
roads — the Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific to
Peoria, and the Cable and Mercer County
Branch. The Peoria line was built in 1854.
It also has an electric car line, connecting
Milan, Black Hawk's Watch Tower, Rock
Island, Moline and Davenport. The cele-
brated Hennepin Canal, connecting the Great
Lakes and the Mississippi River, is completed
through this township.

It also has one of the finest water powers
in the state and some time it will, no doubt,
be more largely utilized.

At one time there were three paper mills
on Rock River and two large flouring mills,
one owned bj' James Johnston and one by
the Sears company. All were consumed by
fire.

There are now two churches in this to-UTi-
ship and eight school houses. No other
township has better educational facilities.

Martin Wliistler was the first merchant to
open a general store in the township.

The stars and stripes were first hoisted here
in the summer of 1805, by Lieutenant Pike.

The first land entered was on October 19,
1829, b}' William T. Brasher, covering the
location now occupied bj^ the cemetery.

Black Hawk Township comprises a section
noted not onlv for the beauty of its landscape,

but also for being an exceedingly prosperous
farming community. The bottom land is
very rich and produces immense crops of
corn, hay, jjotatoes and small grain, while the
finest apples, peaches, grapes and berries are
raised in large abundance, and all find ready
market close at hand. It is not surpassed —
perhaps not equalled — by any other section
of the state, or the great west. Farmers, as
a rule, are well-to-do, prosperous and happy,
and a hajjpy home amidst such surround-
ings means an extension of life. The south
side of the township has a line of beautiful
bluffs and are made practical from being
underlaid with a vein of most excellent coal,
from four to six feet thick.

With rich soil, beautiful scenery, cheap
fuel, clear running streams, extensive water
power, transportation bj' rail, both steam and
electric, by river and canal; nearby markets
and a healthful climate; what more can be
desired, and what is there lacking to make it
an ideal farming communitj'?

With farms paid for, and carrying an
unquestioned value of SI 00 to §120 an acre,
and with good health, why should not our
farmers be contented and consequently happy.

LOWELL

Was located on the north shore of Lowell
Island — now Vandruff's Island. It was sur-
veyed in June, 1844, and plat approved by
count}' commissioners the second of Sep-
tember, 1844, and filed of record the 16th of
October, 1844. The plat was executed for
Joshua VandrufT, Zadoc Kalbaugh and
Thomas Patterson, and was four blocks long,
east and west, and three blocks wide, facing
north on the main branch of the Rock River,
about where the first present north wagon
bridge crosses the river. Regularly named
streets were Kalbaugh. Patterson and Mill
running north to the dam. Lemuel Andrews
kept the first store. It was short lived. An
old canal was built here in the early forties,
to surmount the Rock River rapids; for the

HISTORIC ROC K I S L A N D C U N T Y

105

construction of which the government appro-
priated $100,000 in gold. Foot prints still
show where it existed.

VILLACK OF .MILAN.

On the south shore of Rock River, in
Black Hawk Townshi]), stands Milan, deriv-
ing a thrifty trade from her adjacent farming
country. Cheap coal and abundant water
power make ililan essentially a manufactur-
ing point, though sad to relate, a nemises has
aj)i«irently ]>ursued every establishment ever
erect eil there.

Milan was originally called Camden, and
was laid out by William Dickson in 1843. In
1848 the name was changed to Camden Mills,
on account of there being another Camden in
ychuyler Count)'. In 1S70 the name was
changed to Milan. The ])Iace was incor-
porated as a village in 1865.

When white settlers first arrived here, the
famous Sac village of Black Hawk stood on
the op])osite side of the river. A colony of
Kickapoos occupied the south shore below
the town. In 1828 Rinnah Wells came here
and .settled among the Indians, who did not
leave their village till 1S31. Joshua \an-
druff came the year following. For two or
three years these pioneers and Indians lived
together, and had their friendly intercourse
and their disputes and qiiarrels. Mr. A'an-
druff built where Sears' Mill now is, and lived
there until he built his house on the island
which bears his name, and where he died
and was buried about 1859. Hi.s remains
were afterwards taken up and removed to
Chippiannock Cemetery. Mr. Wells died
suddenly in 1852, being fouiul dead in his
buggy on the road.

William Dickson, the founder of the town,
was the father of Colonel George Dicksdu.
for many years justice of the peace in Milan.
He was born in Newburg, N. Y., March 27,
1783. His father was a Captain in the
Revolutionary war. His grandfather and
grandmother were murdered by the Indians

and Butler's Rangers in the famous Cherry
Valley massacre. After the Revolution the
father of William Dickson moved to West-
moreland County,Pennsylvania, where William
was brought up till he was eighteen, when he
moved to a farm in Erie County, Pennsyl-
vania, near the shore of Lake Erie. Here he
was married and became quite a noted man
of his time, being at one time a member of
the Board of Canal Commissioners of the
State of Pennsylvania. He raised a family
of nine children, seven sons and two daugh-
ters. In the sjiring of 1S34 he visited this
portion of Illinois on horseback, and returned
home in the fall. In 1836 he returned here,
and was one of the ])roprietors of the famous
' ' Rock Island City '' scheme. In the spring
of 1837 he brought his family here, and
resided on the site of the old Sac town till
1S67, when he sold to D. B. Sears and moved
to Milan, where he died NovemI)er 25, 1869.

Colonel John Dickson was born in Erie
County, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1813, and
came to Milan in 1844.

The Dickson and Brunot Flouring Mill was
built in 1843 by James Dickson and Felix R.
Brunot. In 1846 Howard and Weeks biult
a saw mill just below the above. In 1848 it
was converted into a flouring mill and carding
machine by James Dickson and N. D. Brad-
ley. In 1843 Joshua \'andr\iff and Zadoc
Calbaugh built a saw and flouring mill at the
north end of the dam on Vandruff's Island.
The flouring mill was struck by lightning and
l)urned in 1857; the saw mill became delapi-
dated and fell into disuse, and finally rotted
down about 1870.

Today Milan has no manufactories to speak
of, and serves simply as a village trading
point for the farming community. The glory
of her earlier days, the immense in\-estments
and the rugged ami acti\-e life which once
made for Milan a rejnitation long to be
remembered, the factories and shops which
once represented upwards of a million and

106

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

a-half of dollars — all have become a memory
and constitute a ground for reminiscence only.

COAL VALLEY TOWNSHIP AND
VILLAGE.

Coal Valley dates its staple history from the
spring of 1857. Large deposits of coal in
the vicinity, and the opening of mines, fixed
its location. The first small coal mine was
known as the "Bailey Coal Bank.''

In 1856 Ben Harper. S. S. Guyer and
David Hakes acquired a large tract of land
containing large deposits of coal ; thej- organ-
ized a company to mine coal and construct a
railroad to get it to market — the railroad
being completed from Coal ^^alley to Rock
Island in October, 1857. The first coal
loaded on a railway car at the Valley was
handled by Robert Lee, afterwards super-
intendent of the mines of the Coal Valley
Mining Company at Coal Willej', Cable and
Sherrard; and considered one of the best coal
mine experts in the state. At present he is
resting on the laurels of a good honest bus}^
life.

Opening the mines gave a strong impetus
to the new town. The first business house
was a general store, owned by Mr. Herrick;
afterwards by Bailey and Boyle, then by
Cable, Lee and Bardsley. The building is
quite a landmark. The first physician to
locate was Dr. Thomas Martin, coming from
Camden Mills. The first meat market by
Mr. Grantz, then by Thomas Corns, who
came from Camden Mills and to Rock Island
Count}- in ISoI. The first lumber j-ard was
owned bj- Frederick Wej-erhaeuser, the great
lumber and timber king.

The first blacksmith was David Rowland,
who was assisted by INIurt}' Connor.

The first carpenters and builders were John
Petty, William Myers and Richard and P.
Callahan.

The first hotel was kept by L. Evans, and
called the Coal \'alley House.

The first brick were manufactured by John
T. Hass.

About 1859 Philander L. Cable of Rock
Island purchased an interest in the mines of
Harper, Guyer i^- Hakes, and later acquired
entire control, with R. R. Cable an interest.
The Cables never having any trouble witlt the
miners; helping them to get their homes; and
it is understood, dividing with them the
market price of coal — one-third to the firm.-
one-third to the railroad and one-third to the
miners; which would seem mutually equitable
and just. The first shoemaker was Peter
Schroeder, a German. The first settlers in
the Valley were largely foreigners — Welch.
English, German and Irish; but a more
hospitable community was never known.
Latch strings of all the homes were always
on the outside. The first mail to Coal
Valley was by stage. Mr. Dack of Rock
Island was carrier. Mail was received once
a week. The first postoffice was kept in
what is now J. K. Stenstrom's shoe store.
The first postmaster was Thomas Jones, who
was also mine boss for Hakes, Guj-er & Harper.
After the railway was built the mail was
brought twice a week, then three times a
week, and in the early sixties became dail}-.
At one time Frederick Weyerhaeuser was
postmaster; the present incumbent being
Thomas J. Murphy, who has filled the position
for ten years.

The Coal \'alley Mining Company's mines
being nearly exhatisted, the company sought
a new field at Cable, .\fter the removal of
the company from the "\'alley, a number of
other mines were opened by the Black
Diamond Coal Company; John J. Pryce and
others. There is a vast field of coal, within
a radius of two miles of the town; the owners
of which are the Guinty heirs, the Hillier
heirs, Robert 8ommerson, Thomas Lees, the
Black Diamond Coal Company, Dr. W. F.
Myers and the Banner Coal Company.

Besides the coal mines the\- have a fine
farming country; merchants of all kinds; a

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

107

grain elevator; two large general stores; two
meat markets; grocery stores; two black-
smith shops; shoe store; drug store; barber
shop; restaurant; livery and feed stable;
brick yard; and all to make up a flourishing
wide awake community.

RURAL TOWNSHIP.

The first settlers of Rural, which formerly
formed part of Coal Valley Township, were
Thomas and Davis Goodlow, brothers, who
built the first house on section 29. John
Farlow being the second, who came from
Pre-emption Township, at which place he
was the first settler. He built the small house
on section 30 of this township. The first
child born was a son of John Farlow, in 1839.
The first marriage was that of David Good-
low and Nancy Farlow. Before the j-ear
1840 the following persons came to this
township: A. L. and A. N. Sayre, J. M.
Wilson, Capt. J. A. Jordan and Daniel \'alen-
tine. Capt. Jordan and Mr. Valentine lived
just over the line in Pre-emption, but most
of their land being in Rural they finally Ijuilt
in this township. The first school was taught
by Seth Trego, in a private house. The first
school house was built in 1846, by contribu-
tions from the following persons: Capt. J.
A. Jordan, Albert N., Alonzo S. and j\I. Sayre,
J. M. Wilson, Daniel Valentine and William
Crist. These persons also contriljuted money
to secure the first teacher, Mr. Shedd.

Robert Middleham, Patrick Campbell,
Henrj^ Brown, Charles Wilkinson, Jlichael
Ballman, Philip Deal and Alexander Cordon,
all of whom had families, arrived in what is
now known as Rural Townshij), about the
year 1848. At that time the nearest habita-
tion was six miles, at Milan (Camden Mills at
that time.) Rock Island then was the nearest
postoffice.

Alexander Bailey, who won the appellation
of "Old Satan" among his neighbors, was
also among the early Rural settlers. He
scjuatted on and held the southwest corner of

section 1. His place was soon known as
"Satan's Kingdom," and even to this day
the land he held as a squatter is called ' ' The
Kingdom."

In 1850 Francis Baile}' settled on a farm
in section ll, and soon thereafter a school
house was built on his land, which is still
known as the Bailey School House.

In 1851 William and Charles Bailey, with
their families, lived in the only log house in
what is now Coal Valley.

John C. Bailey relates that when he arrived
in Rock Island, in 1849, that he labored for
$4.00 per month and got a grocery order for
pay. The family settled in Rural Township
in 1851. They broke prairie for several
years with oxen of from four to six to a
plow. Upon one occassion they broke forty
acres of ground for a neighbor and received
as remuneration the munificent sum of .$80.00
all in silver 50 cent jiieces. At another time
they liroke a like number of acres for the
same money and considered that they were
making money rapidh'.

BOWLING TOWNSHIP.

Bowling Township is botmded by Rural on
the east, Edgington on the west, north by
Black Hawk and south b}- Mercer County.
The country is quite rolling, with splendid
farms, and plenty of timber land and prairie.
The first settlers were Mr. Bowling, John
Tyndall, William Tyndall and Edmond Crop-
per, in 1838. William Tyndall came to the
county in 1835, living in Stephenson over two
years. In 1841 James, David and John
Clarke and John Johnston and Christopher
Armstrong — all from Ireland — formed the
next settlement, known as the Clarke settle-
ment, in the southeastern part of the town-
ship. Curtiss McKnight settled soon after.
The first school was held about 1844 or 1845,
in a small frame house on section 26.

EDGINGTON TOWNSHIP

This is one of the oldest settlements in the
county. Three score and ten years have gone

108

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

into the past since the first white settlers set
foot upon its soil.

The first white children born here are now
among the old men ami women of our times.
They are the Dunlaps, Edgingtons, Titter-
ingtons, Montgomeries, Parks, Parmenters
and Eberharts. Only a few of them reside
here now to tell the story of their childhood
days. Many have removed to other parts of
the globe, and some have passed the bourne
whence none return, and so the name of
Edgington has now a halo of sacredness
about it.

The pioneers have all passed aw-ay, and the
old homes are inhabited by members of the
old families or strangers.

The first settlers were James Robison,
Joseph Dunlap and Daniel Edgington. It
was in the summer of 1834, when Andrew
Jackson was president, and the State of
Illinois had attained the age of sixteen years,
that they planted homestead stakes. Robi-
son moved up from Warren Count}', Illinois,
and Dunlap and Edgington came prospecting
from Steubenville, Ohio. Immigrants came
overland in wagons, or down the Ohio and
up the Mississippi by steamboat. Pros-
pectors came mostly on horseback. Robison
and Dunlap located on section 5 and Edging-
ton on section 6. On each section good
springs of water were found. Where Jacob
L. Harris now lives, James Robison built his
cabin, and returned for his family that same
fall.

About the center of the section, on the
east border, Joseph Dunlap built a double
log house. He and Edgington returned to
Steubenville and brought their families.
They came in the spring of 1835. Those
three cabins formed a sort of triangle, with
a path leading from one to the other. Such
was the beginning of the settlement of
Edgington Township.

George W. Kell and Henry Eberhart and
familj-, came in the spring of 1835. Charles
Eberhart and family, John Titterington and

family, with Moses and Charles Titterington,
came in the fall of 1835. The Eberharts
coming from New Jersey and the Tittering-
tons from Ohio.

In 1836 B. McNutt and family from Ohio,
William Snell and family from Mississippi,
Daniel Montgomery from Pennsylvania. Soon
after came Alexander Hazlitt and family,
W. D. Hatton, Parley Laflin and family,
Joseph Asquith and family. In 1838 George
Parmenter, Allen Parmenter. Lorenzo Par-
menter, Seth Parmenter, H, H. Parks, A. J.-
Webster and Timothy Dulton increased the
settlement.

Daniel Edgington was the first justice of
the peace. The business of the justice was
not very onerous in those days. Squire
Edgington, however, had the honor of per-
forming the first marriage ceremony that was
solemnized; the parties united by him were
John P. Cooper and Miss Mina Pace.

The first school was taught in the cabin
home of Mrs. Amanda Cushman, on section
6. just opposite the present residence of Geo.
T. Harris. Mrs. Cushman was the teacher.

The first postoffice was kept in the Cush-
man home, and Mr, C. D. Cushman was
postmaster. It was not against the law to
scratch matches on mail boxes, for there
was no matches nor mail boxes. There were
no postage stamps, no envelopes, no money
orders, no registering of letters.

The first storekeeping was by George D.
Parmenter, in his own residence at the "four
corners," where the Edgington village is
located.

The first and only grist mill, which was a
great thing for the neighborhood, was con-
structed b}' Joseph Dunlap, at his own
residence, in a very primitive manner. The
building was of logs. Its size w:as sixteen
feet square, one story. The burrs were two
granite boulders. The mill was run by horse
power. Its grinding capacity was about
fifty bushels per day. To make a fine quality
of flour the bolting was done by hand with

// I ST R I (• U O ( ' A" 7 N L .1 X D CO U .V T Y

109

a hair seive. But the wheat flour was, for
the most part, a first class quality of what is
now called graham. Much corn meal was
used. Neighbors on coming to the mill
usually furnished their own horse power, and
did their own grinding, and the proprietor
took no toll.

EDGINGTON VILLAGE

Is an unincorporated village, situate in the
Town of Edgington. In the early forties and
up to the coming of the railroad it was quite
a thriving place. George D. Parmenter
opened the first store in 1843. in his house, a
log cabin. He afterwards built what was
called the old store, selling out to Isaac
Negus and E. Burrall. The firm of Negus
& Burrall subsequently built a larger and
better building. They were succeeded by
Charles R. Ainsworth, and he by Rufus
Walker. In 1855 Fish & Lee commenced
business here, afterwards locating in Rock
Island. The railroad on the east cut off
the early trade, and conditions now are much
more quiet.

TAYLOR RIDGE VILLAGE

Is not incorporated. It is situated in
Bowling and Edgington Townships. The
Rock Island and Mercer County Railroad was
completed to this place in September, 1876,
and on the day of its completion twenty-three
cars of stock were shipped to Chicago; and
on the following day seventeen car loads.
The village is surrounded by a good agricul-
tural country. It was laid out by J. L.
Frankeberger, a civil engineer employed on
the railroad, and contains two blocks and
twenty-four lots, two stores, a blacksmith
shop, an eating house, postoffice, drug store,
hotel, elevator and excellent conveniences for
carrying on grain and stock business. The
people along the line of the railroad have
shown a remarkable degree of enterprise and
liberality in contributing to the constructing

of this road. Mr. James Taylor gave the
right of way here and $1,000, and the place
was named Taylor Ridge in his honor. The
railroad crosses the village transversely.

VILLAGE OF REYNOLDS.

Wait and Walker originally platted a por-
tion of Section 36, of the township of Edging-
ton, for a village, and gave it the name of
Reynolds, in honor of Elisha P. Reynolds, the
railroad contractor and long time resident of
the City of Rock Island. The first plat con-
tained three blocks of forty lots. The
village as at present is situated in two counties
and four townships. Edgington and Bowling
Townships of Rock Island County, and
Perryton and Pre-emption Townships of
Mercer County. The Rock Island and
Mercer County Railroad was completed to
Reynolds October 6, 1876. On that day a
half-mile of track was finished by 3 o'clock
and at 6 o'clock thirty-three cars of stock
were shipped to Chicago. A glorious day's
result. The first building erected was the
depot building, by Rufus Walker, and where
was sold the first goods. W. D. Goodner
erected the first hotel, the Commercial House,
in 1876. The first blacksmith was H.
Webster, winter of 1876. The first harness
maker was Emil Helpenstell, in 1877. Joseph
Flora the first wagon maker in 1877. The
first physician. Dr. F. Stuart in 1877. The
first grain buyers were Wait & Walker; load-
ing grain directly into the cars from the
farmers' wagons. The postoffice was estab-
lished in 1876, with R. B. Olmstead its first
postmaster.

School District No. 7 was formed in 1877,
the first school being taught in the house of
Weaver Kuhns by Miss Jenny Kuhns. At
present they have a fine commodious school
house. The school is a graded one.

An election held at the bank in Reynolds,
February 28, 1891, for village organization,
resulted as follows; si.xty-seven votes being
cast: Thirty-three \-()tes for organization,

HISTORIC ROC K ■ I S L A A" D CO U N T Y

and thirty-four votes against organization.
May 17, 1894, ui)on petition to the Cotintj-
Court of thirty-one legal voters of the district,
June 2, 1894, was appointed the date to hold
another election on the jiroposition of village
organization. Said election resulted, fifty-
six for incorporation, and twelve against.
July 3, 1S94. J. P. Johnston, W. G. Davis,
J. M. Walker, Gust Olson, W. P. Kuhns and
R. P. Wait were elected village trustees.

TOWN OF ANDALUSIA.

Andalusia is one of the historic towns of
Rock Island Countj-. It is located ou the
Mississippi River, about ten miles west of the
City of Rock Island. The township has
about six miles of frontage on the river, but
has less depth, being less than half the size
of a congressional to'WTiship. Though small
in size it is one of the hustling townships of
the county. Its historj^ dates from the
earliest settlement of the country. One of
the first settlers was Captain B. W. Clark,
father of Captain W. L. Clark, of Buffalo,
Scott County, Iowa, now the oldest living
first settler in the State of Iowa.

A quarter section of land, which forms a
part of the present town plat of Andalusia,
was entered by Captain B. W. Clark, and in
the fall of 1832 he built a hewn log house at
the west end of what is now the Milage of
Andalusia. This house when first built was
the only one between that of Joshua Yan-
drufT on Yandruff's Island, at the foot of
Black Hawk's Watch Tower, and Erastus
Dennison's, at the upper "Yellow Banks,"
now New Boston. The logs used in Captain
Clark's house at Andalusia are still doing
good service. They were taken down long
years ago and hauled across the river on the
ice to the Town of Buffalo, and at the jiresent
form, the west half of Henry Springmeier's
residence at that place.

The next house built here was on the
Sulphur Springs farm in the spring of 1834,
by Hackley Sans. The next was built by

John \'anaita, during the fall of 1834. This
was afterwards bought and occupied by
Jonathan Buffum, and for half a century was
known as the old BufTum place, now owned
by A. Hofer. This same fall Mr. Dunlap,
Daniel and John Edgington came to this part
of the new west and located lands just south
of Andalusia. They soon returned to Ohio,
and in the spring of 1835 chartered a boat
and brought their families and household
goods and became permanent residents.
The}' also brought with them the elder
McXutt and his son John, a carpenter;
Moses and Charles Titterington and two other
brothers and their families; also Charles and
Harr}' Eberhart and families, and Adolph
Dunlap, a noted gunsmith. James Robison
and the Parmenters came a little later.

Clark's Ferrj^ which was operated between
Andalusia and Buffalo, became the most
noted river crossing above St. Louis. Many
of the first settlers of this section of the west
came down the Ohio River by boat and then
up the Mississippi to Clark's Ferry. Many
of the first settlers of Scott, Muscatine, Cedar
and Linn Counties, Iowa, crossed the river
here. Captain Clark operated this ferry
until 1836. when he sold his interests on this
side of the river, including the ferry to Colonel
Stephenson, W. S. Hamilton and a Mr. White-
side, of Galena, Illinois, for S17.000. These
men, with others, laid out the town of
Stephenson, afterward Rock Island. They
also laid out the town of Rockport, the east
side of which was Fancy Creek, and the west
side the creek on the west side of the Sulphur
Springs farm, and the south line at least a
mile from the river. They had it platted on
paper in a most gorgeous and attractive
manner and took it to Washington, D. C,
where, it is said, thej' sold thousands of
dollars worth of town lots to such men as
Daniel Webster, Henry Clark, John C. Cal-
hotm, General George W. Jones and other
prominent people, none of whom ever saw
the lots. Rockport only grew on paper and

HISTORIC ROCK I S L A N D COU N T Y

111

finally died a slow and easj^ death, was sold
for taxes and bought up by Napoleon Bona-
parte Buford, who relaid a portion of it into
lots and named the new town Andalusia.

Their public schools have the well earned
reputation for being amongst the best in the
county.

The Memorial Association is composed of
old soldiers, old settlers and others. Its
organization was effected by the members of
Alfred Bing Post, G. A. R. The idea was to
have an association that would be historical
in character and in time, when the old
soldiers have all passed away, would succeed
the Post in a way, and aid in perpetuating
the memories of war heroes and also of the
historic characters conspicuous in the early
settlement of the country. This organization
sets an example worthy to be followed in
other communities.

Captain W. L. Clark, in his reminiscent
sketches, tells of a wedding party in the early
days, where the knot was tied by the late
Daniel Edgington, when a young man and
justice of the peace. John Cooper and Jane
Fay were the contracting parties. They
lived in Buffalo, which was then in an unor-
ganized territory, so they came to Rock
Island County for a license and were married
on this side of the river. The young justice
had never performed a ceremony of this kind
before and was more or less nervous. Thus
it happened that he forgot to ask all the
usual questions and when the consent of the
bride had been signified he pronounced them
man and wife without propounding the usual
queries to the groom. Mr. Cooper, who
lived many years in Buffalo often asserted
that he had been but half married.

An interesting statement by Captain Clark
is the following:

' ' Since boyhood I have lived in the territory
known as the Louisiana Purchase, State of
Illinois, Michigan Territory, Wisconsin Terri-
tory, Minnesota Territory, Black Hawk Pur-
chase, Iowa Territory, and the State of Iowa,

and all this time only moved one mile. I
might add that I have a friend, 'Timber
Woods,' of Burlington, Iowa, whose oldest
son was born in Michigan Territory, his
second son in Wisconsin Territory, his third
son in Iowa Territory, and his fourth son in
the State of Iowa, and all were born in the
same log cabin, standing all the time on the
same spot."

VILLAGE OF ANDALUSIA.

Captain B. W. Clark was the original owner
of the village plat, which was a ]mrt of the
old paper city of Rockport. In 1S43 Samuel
Kenworthy opened a store in his log cabin,
which stood near the river and ferry landing.
In 1845 Colonel N. B. Buford bought at tax
sale the lots of Rockport, built a store and
warehouse, and named the place Andalusia.
In 1866 S. M. Boney had the place re-surveyed
and laid out into lots and blocks with streets
named. In early days the village did a good
prosperous business with the farmers and
steamboat shipping trade. An election was
held May 10, 1884, in the Town of Andalusia,
at the hall of Robert Ross, for village organi-
zation; the total vote being seventy. For
village organization, thirty-nine votes; against
thirty-one votes. Vote was canvassed and
approved May 12, 1884, by County Judge
Lucian Adams and Justice of the Peace,
David Hawes, and James W. Ballard. The
third day of June, 1884, an election was held
in the village of Andalusia for six village
trustees, seventy-five votes being cast. Trus-
tees elected were William Smith, John H.
Brookman, James W. Ballard. I^enjamin
Dill, J. H. Britton and H. Mosher.

BUFFALO PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

This town, under original organization, was
named Buffalo; afterward changed to Copper,
and then to its j^resent name.

Its northern boundary is the Mississippi
River, the southern Mercer County, eastern

112

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U X T Y

the Townships of Edgington and Andalusia,
and west by Dniry Township.

John Edgington was the first settler, com-
ing here in 1S34 from Jefferson Coimty, Ohio,
with his wife, who was Miss Susan Crabs,
born in the same county, just married and
together they came west. John Kistler was
the next to locate in the vicinity, and who
became quite prominent in local affairs.

Samuel Sloan came in 1839 from Pennsyl-
vania.

The first boy born was a son to John and
Susan Edgington, ilarch 20, 1835. named
James. The first school was in 1840, taught
b}^ a venerable Scotchman. A ver}- thrift}-
class of the people were Germans, who came
in an early day. The township is composed
of prairie land and timber, about equalh-,
with numerous fine and well improved farms.
It is said that Buffalo Prairie derives its name
from the fact that in the early settlement
days a great portion of the prairie land had
been long and strongly trodden and stamped
by the buffalo in their earl}- grazing grounds,
together with their deep trail paths leading
to their drinking places.

BUFFALO PRAIRIE

Is situated in Buffalo Prairie Township,
and not incorporated. Is a small place, with
postoffice and two or three houses.

DRURY TOWNSHIP.

Drury TowTiship was named in honor of the
Drury famil)^ the earliest pioneers of the
township. It is situated in the southwestern
corner of the county and embraces one full
congressional to^Tiship and parts of three
others. It contains some verj- rough and
broken upland and some smooth bottom land ;
much of it, however, is of the best quality
as to soil, and there are as some fine farms in
this township as can be found in the county.

Some of the early settlers were: Miles,
Isaiah, Reynolds, Eli, Silas and James Drury,
William and Ithamar Re3'nolds, Jacob A.

Seiver, W^illiam Huff. I., B. Elijah and James
Essex. Matthew and Jeremiah LeQuatte.
William Womacks, Solomon Simpson, An-
thony Ricketts. John Ballard. John Har-
baugh, James McPherson, Harry Hampton.
S. Prentiss, William Hays. John Boruff.
Joseph and Antoine Blair. L. V. Reed and
M. H. Johnson.

The settlers who came to this country in
the thirties and the early forties to carve"
homes for themselves and families found thej'
had undertaken no light and easy task. They
had many difficulties to overcome, many
hardships to endure. They indeed lived the
"simple life," in rude log cabins and with few
comforts, while luxuries were not thought of.
All settlers were neighbors, although they
might be miles apart. All were on a common
level as to mode of life and largely as to
resources. All were ' ' horney handed sons of
toil." Their opportunities for mental growth
and culture were of their own creation, and
evolved from their own individualities.
Xature was their teacher and nature's lessons
were well learned. In those early days there
were no schools for the children, no churches,
no doctors, no mills, no stores, no roads, no
bridges; just the rich soil, groves of timber,
pure air and water, and a healthful climate.
But the}' were hopeful, energetic, industrious
and persevering. Years rolled b}', other set-
tlers came, schools and churches, roads and
bridges, railroads, cities and villages were
built, and those who have lived until the
present day have witnessed a growth and
development that has been indeed marvelous.

Other reminiscences would undoubtedly
find, many times, almost similar occurrences.

Mr. John L. Wray, when a boy, worked from
six in the morning until sundown for fiftj- cents
a day, which was considered good wages.

Mr. J. A. Seiver speaks of "planing" corn;
that is, took ears of corn, before getting too
hard, and shaved them across the bottom of a
jack plane and shaved off the kernels. The
corn shavings making good mush and very

// / S TORI C R C K I S L A N D CO U N T Y

113

good bread, yhortl}- after lie was married he
went to Cambridge, Indiana, for a housekee]i-
ing outfit. He got a Dutch oven, a skillet and
an iron kettle, and these amoimted to their
cooking utensils for some time. School
teachers received so much a pu])il instead of a
salary. A log cabin on the Miles Drury jslace
was used for a school house, and another one
on Section 29, commonly known as the ' ' bull
pen." Miles Drury's barn was used as a
church. The people were obliged to go to
Drury's Landing, six miles away, for their
mail, and paid twenty-five cents postage on
every letter. Mrs. Rosman says when they
went visiting, oxen and a lumljer wagon was
their carriage. They sheared their sheep
before they sold them in Indiana, and clotli
was made from this wool by her mothei'. who
carded, spun and wove it by haml.

Reynolds Drury settled at Drury's Landing.
where he opened a general store, bought grain
ami pork and did a flourishing business. A
postofHce was established there at an early
day and it became for a time the priuci|(al
market place for this section of the covuitry.
But the iniilding of railroads changed business
centers and residents of the tnwn now tratle
at Muscatine.

Isaiah and Silas Drury had a grist null, a
saw mill and a wool-carding nuichine. located
on Section 20, on Copperas Creek, built as
nearly as can be recalled, in 1(S37 or 1838.

l)i'. Reynolds was the first physician in
this township and in the lower end of the
county.

Residents of Drury Township boast of
having some of as good, and as fine bred live
stock as can be found anywhere, but to
Buffalo Prairie Township belongs the dis-
tinction of raising "Alex," known for many
years as the fastest horse in the world.
Daniel Hayes had the honor of breeding and
raising this speedy animal. Her time was
2:03^.

There is one rural free delivery mail route
in the township and three postofficcs. The

latter are located as follows: Ferdinand, in
the southeast corner of the township, with
Mrs. Ryan as postmistress; Foster, on Section
17, with J. H. Foster as postmaster; and Wray-
ville, in the center, with Helen Wray as post-
mistress. The name "Wrayville," was sug-
gested by James Britton, who was teaching
school at that point, when a name was wanted.
The educational advantages of the town-
ship are fully equal to those of any agricul-
tural community. We have nine schools
whose districts are wholly within the town-
ship, and two union schools, one being in the
district reaching into Mercer Count}'.

DRCRVS L.ANTDINC.

Was nothing but a steamboat landing, and
at one time in the early days, considerable
shipping was done from its old warehouse,
.lust back of the Landing a village named
Richmond was platted by S. R. Drury, and
filed ilay 7, 1843, and afhrmed by the County
Commissioners. It was five blocks long,
imly one block deep, with one side street
sixty feet wide, running back from the
^lississippi Ri\cr, a slough bordering the
place on b:)th east aiul west sides.

ILLIXOIS CITY

Is situated in Ijolh Drury and Buffalo
Prairie Townships. It is not an incorporated
\-illage. Has a church, two stores, a hotel,
l.)lacksmith shii|i, postoftice with two rural
nuiil routes, public school aiul ]iublic square,
and about fifty houses, with a |io])ulation of
a little over two hundreil. Illinois City was
laid out at an early date, and quite exten-
sively platted, its owner antici])ating great
results. For some years the village thrived
nicely, but when the railroad came a few
miles away, trade was diverted, and ruined
the prospects of Illinois City.

CITY OF ROCK ISLAND.

The City of Rock Island is a well laid-out
a.nd substantially built town, containing a

114

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

po])iilati()n of aliout ^'J.OOO. In our recently
issued city directory is ^Wen 14,0.55 names;
which by the usual multiple of 2},^ would
give us a ]iopulation of 81.G24. It is situated
on the Illinois side of the .Mississippi River.
at the foot of the Upper Rapids, and just
lielow the western extremity of Rock Island,
from which it derives its name. The situa-
tion of the city is one of the most beautiful
that can be imagined. The bluffs on the
Iowa side approach the shore, so that the
City of Davenport lies chiefly on the hillsides;
on the Rock Island side the hills recede to a
distance of more than a nule. leaving a broad
and beautiful plain on which the city is built.
This plain is sufficiently elevated to afford a
dry and healthy location, and is Ijounded by
the river in front, forming a graceful curve
southward at the lower end of the city, and
in the rear of the distant hills, which form a
charming backgroimd to the city plat. Here
the space is amply sufficient for a city of a
hundred thousand inhabitants. From almost
any point of observation in this city the views
are fine. They combine a landscape of
nunglcd art and nature: the cities of Daven-
])ort. Rock Island and Moline, with their tall
s]jires and smoking factories; the Island of
Rock Island in the broad liright channel of
the Mississippi, and connected with both
shores by its magnificent iron britlges. Look-
ing up the river towartl the Island, the
bridges, with their piers and spans, are seen
stretching across a space of three cpiarters of
a mile, at the ])oint formerly occupied by old
Fort Armstrong, while in the distance rises
the tall smoke stacks of the Government
works, the Arsenal and Armory — almost
hidden in the trees — which in this part of the
Island have been preserveil. and the grounds
converted into a beautiful syhan park-
About the center of the Island, from a tall
flag staff erected on top of a high structural
iron pier, floats the Stars and Stiipes — symbol
of national aiitliorit\-.

The Island, the Arsenal works and groimds,
and tlie wonderfid improvements of the water
))ower. constitute the chief points of attrac-
tion to visitors at Rock Island.

EAIU.V HISTOUV F.\RXH.IMSBURG .\.XD

STEPHENSON.

The City of Rock Island was preceded by
the Town of Farnhamsburg. the first settle-
ment on this side of the river within the
])resent City limits. Here the first house was
built by Colonel Davenport and Russell
Farnham. partners in the Indian trade, in
1826. It stood near the landing from old
Fort Armstrong, about a block south of the
southern approach to the present railroad
bridge over Sylvan Water, and on an elevated
lime stone knoll. The county road from the
east ran in front of it. and turned from the
Moline road to the west of the Lemuel
Andrews residence — now Honorable Ben T.
Cable's residence — and down along where is
now the Hurlington and ^lilwaukee Railroad
tracks, until it reached Twenty-fom-th Street,
where it met old Illinois Street, now Second
Avenue. The house was a noted place in the
early history of Rock Island County. Here
the County Covernment was formed, the
first elections held, and the first postoffice
established; it was the seat of the Circuit and
County Courts from 1833 to 1835. In the
latter year, this original seat of justice of the
county was sui^erseded by the Town of
Stephenson, and a ■village laid out in what is
now the lower ])art of the City of Rock
Lsland. It was laid out by the commissioners
authorized by the Legislature to establish the
seat of justice for Rock Island County, anil
contained the old county grounds, with a
])ortion of the county buildings. There are
still standing many of the earlier buildings
erected by the pioneers and here were inaug-
urated man}' of the first institutions of Rock
Island. Stephenson was the cradle of Rock
Island, the nursery of much of that intellec-
tual and social life which has since expanded
into the laraor and intenser life of the cit\-.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

115

The founder of the first newspaper here, in
1839, thus speaks of the old Town of Stephen-
son, as it appeared to him in 1840:

"The inhabitants of the town and its
environs could not be surpassed, if equalled,
by any city in the west, for men of intelli-
gence — courteous and kind in everything.
Our judiciary consisted of Judge Stone, who
was very soon superseded by Judge Brown;
our bar consisted of Joseph Knox, Joseph B.
Wells, J. \\'ilson Drury, and H. CJ. Reynolds;
the clerk of the court was an old bachelor,
Joseph Conway, brother of Miles Conway,
who, with a Mr. Cooper, composed the
magistrac}- of the village; while our medical
department was represented by Doctor Gregg
alone, a man eminent in his profession.

"There were three stores in the place, kept
by John Meller, Lemuel Andrews and a Mr.
Kauffman. Two more came afterwards, viz:
ilr. Bond and Mr. Moore. There was one
tinning establishment, Lee & Chamberlin's;
one saddler shop. J. il. Frizzell's; one cabinet
maker's and one gunsmith's sho]); three
taverns, ^Ir. Bently's en the river l)aiik;
Buffum's, back of the Court House Square;
and the Rock Island House on Main Street,
kept b\- \'anConrt iV: Brothers. This was the
leading hotel at that da}-. There was one
restaurant, and one other, called a saloon for
the want of a more ajjpropriate name. One
minister of the gos])el (Presbyterian), Rev-
erent "Sir. Stewart, preached in a little school-
house liack of Doctor Gregg's residence on
Main Street — our only church, lyceum and
town hall. * * * The Powars family,
Guarnseys and old "Sh. ^'andruff, who lived
on the island in Rock River, and kept a ferry
at the Rapids, and something for the inner
man, were among the first settlers of Rock
Island. There were but few places of any
note above Quinc}-, Illinois. Where Keokuk
now stands there was a trading post ke])t Ijy
a half-breed, who sold liquor to the Sac and
Fox Indians, and engaged in towing barges
over the rapids with horses, to Fort Mont-

rose. At the east side of the Mississippi, at
the head of the rapids, at a place then called
Commerce, was situated a stone warehouse,
where passing steamers discharged freight for
the surrounding country. The JMormons had
a short time ]ireviously l)een driven out of
^lissouri, and they encamped on the west
bank of the river, awaiting transportation to
the Illinois side to build the City of Nauvoo,
and their wagcms and equipages presented the
apjiearance of an army encamped. The town
of Burlington, Iowa, had but few houses. *
* * Bloomington. now Muscatine, con-
tained about six houses, and had the appear-
ance of being a very sickly jilace, if I could
judge from the looks of the citizens who came
aboard the steamer.";

This had reference to the Summer of 1838,
when the writer, Mr. C. McGrew, came up the
river. In all the distance described, from
Quincy to the lead mines at Galena, Stephen-
son was then the most noted steamboat
landing. Here for manj^ years, travelers
from the "Sangamon Country" and Fort
Clark, reached the river on their way to
Galena, and the mineral regions north.

TOWN OF ROCK ISLAND.

The Town of Rock Island came into being
as a new edition of Stephenson, enlarged and
revised by an act of the Legislature, passed
in March, LS41. This act changed the name
to Rock Island, and incorporated the latter
as a town under a board of nine trustees.
The trustees of the old village held over until
the next annual election in September, but
a special election was held on the first Jlon-
day in April for four other trustees, who,
together with the five old trustees, constituted
the new board. The additional trustees
elected were: John Bufcn-d, George W. Lynde
Lemuel Andrews and James JI. Bellows.

The boundaries of this town, as defined by
this act, were made to include ' ' all that por-
tion of land contained within the limits of
the plat of the town of Stephenson, and all

116

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CorXTY

tlie adilitions thereto, as of record in the
recorder's office, in the County of Rock
Ishmd." hy c()ii:~ulting the records we found
that the following additions had been made:
Thomas and Wells' Addition, April o, 1S36;
Sjjencer and Case's Addition, May 17, 1836;
and Jones, Garnse}- and Beardsley's, known
as the Chicago or Lower Addition, October
22, 1836, As is well known, numerous
additions have since been made to the city,
extending its limits to something like ten
scjuare miles, viz: About two miles and a
cjuarter in average width, by about three and
a half miles in length. It was invested with
a city charter by ' ' An Act to Charter the City
of Rock Island," February 12, 1849. Feb-
rviary 16, 1857, a more comprehensive charter
was granted, November 4, 1879, by an
election the incorporation was changed, and
an organization effected under the general
laws of the State, of 1872, A canvass of the
votes bj- the City Council November 10,
1879, affirmed for organization, under the
new general law, and on December 10. 1879,
was certified to and made of record in the
County Court. Its eastern bounrlary coin-
cides with the western corporate limits of the
City of Moline, and thus the two cities adjoin,
and aie connected by three street railways, as
well as by the regular passenger trains of four
railroad systems.

The nearest approach to a "boom" exper-
ienced by Rock Island was in 1854, when the
old Chicago and Rock Island Railroad
reached Kock Island in January of that 3^ear,
being the first railroad to reach the Mississippi
River; but in 1857, a year of panic, and
heavy migration west, gave us a few years
set-back; we regained, however, in good
time, and since have had a steady, legitimate
growth, one to be proud' of. From that
])eriod the city began to move west in its
i)uikling operations, and of late years, both
east, west and soutli. The greatest credit
for the vast and ra|)i<l improvement now
enjoyed by Rock Island may be ascribed to

the Citizens Improvement Association. Tlie
proposer of the association was Richard
Crampton, who, coming from a trip east,
recognized that we were stagnant, needed a
jjush and stu', and his ideas interested W . T.
Medill, Will R, Johnston. Dr. Willard A.
Paul, Fred Flass and others, and the associa-
tion was organized. They advocated and
secui-ed, through the good offices of tlie City^
Council, the special assessment tax for home
improvement.

This organization of business men perform-
ing the same beneficial work now being
accomplished by the Rock Island Clul). It
was mainly through the efforts of the asso-
ciation and club that the paving of our streets
was secured, new additions were laid out into
city lots, sidewalks brought to a high stand-
ard, factories encouraged, and others secured,
the force at the Arsenal enlarged, new bridges
constructed, new railroads promoted, a new
Federal building secured; all these materially
increasing the population, and adding stren.gth
and reputation to the city.

Rock Island has a strong urban population,
beautiful homes, cheap fuel, the finest of coal
at our very door, an abimdance of water
furnished by a fine combbied system of water
works, a large water power adjacent to our-
selves and neighb,oring city, awaiting develop-
ment, a wealthy farming district surrounding
us, and a location that capital and labor can
both appreciate. There are few cities that
can boast of, and offer more advantages for
investment, than the City of Rock Island.
The Chicago. Rock Island and Pacific; the
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy; the Chicago,
^lilwaukee and St. Paid, and the Davenport,
Rock Island and Northwestern Railroads
entering her boiindarie-s — each of the great
roads supplying every facility for both pass-
enger and freight traffic. There is also a net
work of electric surface cars running to Dav-
enport, Aloline, East Moline. Silvis, Milan,
Watertown, Rock Island .\rsenal. and a
score of pleasure resorts, giving her one of

HISTORIC ROCK

1 SL.

IND COUNTY 117

10th.

—Ohio.

nth.

— Swan.

12th.

—Otter.

13th.

— Beaver, and Sliort.

14th.

— Deer, and Stoddard.

143^.

— Cntter.

15th.

—Elk.

16th.

—Buffalo.

17th.

— Eagle.

18th.

— Washington.

19th.

— Jefferson, and (Ticny.

20th.

— Madison.

21st.

— Adams.

22d.

—Dock.

23d

— Broadway.

24th.

— Arsenal

25th.

— Davenport, and Keoknk.

26th.

— Stickney, and Raih'nad.

27th.

— Howard Avenue.

28th.

— Twenty-eiKhtii.

29th.

— Cohimbia, and Twenty-ninth.

30th.

—Elm.

31st.

— Andre\\-s.

32d.

— Kimball, and Tliirty-second.

3Sth.

— Robbins, or College Avenue.

42d.

— Sylvan, and Walnut.

43d.

— Francis.

45th.

— Brooks .\ venue.

1st.

Ave.

— Mississippi, Water and Front
Streets.

2d.

Ave.

— Illinois.

3d.

Ave.

— Orleans.

4th.

Ave.

— Rock River.

5th.

Ave.

— Moline Avenue, His,hland, and
Canal Streets.

0th.

Ave.

— Commercial, (commerce. Pleas-
ant, Green, Cable, Cirove, and
Sherman Streets.

7tli.

Ave.

— Toledo, and Spencer Streets,
and Second Avenue.

8th.

Ave.

— Barnard, and Harper Streets.

8K Ave.

— Clark Street.

9th.

Ave.

— Indian Boundary Street, and
Prospect Street, and Xinth
Avenue in Etlgewood Park.

nth.

Ave.

— Atkinson Street.

9>2

Ave.

— Toledo, and Fnion Streets,

the finest street car systems anywhere. Her
prosperity is evidenced bj' the parks and
drives, which excite the admiration of all
visitors; her substantial and commodious
schools and colleges, the large number of
churches of all prominent denominations,
shops and stores of every kind, and manu-
factories with millions of capital, giving
eni])loyment to thousands of men. A plow-
factor}^ which ranks Avith the best in the
country, a large stove factory of prominence,
an immense table oil cloth factory, a brewery
with 1,500 barrel capacity, soda and mineral
water factories, candy factories, inunense
lumber, sash door and blind interests, large
insurance agencies, good hos])itals, ample
police and fire protection, the best of hotels,
has a magnificent inU.)lic library, which is a
home production.

EARLY NAMES OF OUK STUKETS.

In tlie original plat of the town of Stephen-
son the allej's were named. The main streets
running east and west, parallel with the
river, were: ilississippi, Illinois, Orleans,
Rock River, and Moline Avenue; its continu-
ations being Highland, and Canal Streets.
Tiie alley between Mississippi Street and
Illinois Street was named Cherrj' Alle}-, tlien
came Molet, Pink and Rose Allej-s; between
Orleans and Rock River Streets, Peach and
Phun AUej's; between Illinois and Orleans
Streets, running north and south, in the
blocks east and west of the Court House,
The names are surely not suggestive of some
of our present allevs.

Streets and Avenues — old names and new:

XEW.

ORIGIXAL.

1st.

— Pike, and Pine.

2d.

—St. Clair

3d.

— Monroe.

4th.

—Carroll.

5th.

— Huron.

(ith.

— Main.

7ih.

—Pearl.

Mil.

— Ontario.

(illi.

— Exchange.

118

// 1ST UK I C ROCK ISLAND COUNT Y

The first brick store in Hock Island was
built by Lemuel Andrews, and is still in
existence, just east of the Court House, and
now occupied by Mrs. Roessler, adjoining the
old frame house built and occupied by Mr.
Andrews, and Ions occupied l)y Mrs. Benja-
min Cobb. This (lid lii'ick luiihliufi was a
general store, kept by Andrews and Mc-
Masters. Mr. Andrews later building on the
site of the present E. P. Reynolds' homestead,
a good brick residence with a large porch
around three sides, and facing the slough,
beside the county i-oad, where the railroad
tracks now are.

Mr. Andrews afterward built the large,
costly mansion known as the Cable residence.
He also built the first saw and grist mill in
the lower end of town, in 1841. The first
boat yard was established by J. C. Holt, in
1841, succeeded by Bailey and Boyle, about
where the present Arsenal viaduct bridge is
located. They h^ter established a large gen-
eral store in a new brick block, on the present
site of the i\Iitchell and Lynde block.

The principal early-time liook store was
that of H. A. Porter and Brother, in 1849,
located on the south side of Illinois Street,
between Buffalo and Eagle Streets. At one
time their chief clerk was Richard Crampton,
who arriA-ed here from New York ;\lay 1,
1854, and e\-er since has been in the book
business in this city. H. A. Porter and
Brother went to Chicago in 1858, where they
e.stablished the Chicago Type Foumlry. Mr.
Crampton succeeding to their book business,
later forming a partnershiji with .John G.
Devoe, who at one time was a proof reader
for Horace Greeley on the old New York
Tribune, the firm becoming Devoe and
Crampton, They started in at the old
stand, afterwards moving to Frank Warren's
old store, where Sam \\'right now is, and then
to the old postoffice building of L. M. Webber,
on which site Miss Byrnes is now in business.
Later they moved into a new building erected
bv Tom Plummer, the old lixci'v man, in the

center of the same iilock, where his old livery
stable was, the first story being below the
street. The building was cpiite a tlistance
from the siilewalk. ha\-ing a vn-y wide and
long platform making a carriage way to the
second story, nearly even with the street.
Afterwards the firm mo\-ed across the street
to the Peter Fries Ijuilding, located nearly on
the site of the old W. H. Whitman residence,
which .Mr. fries and family at one lime
occupietl, where Voimg and ilcCombs now
are. Devoe and Crampton's store was the
political and newspaper headcpuirters of the
city, everybody going there after supper for
the Chicago papers and talk. Those were
lively, chatty evenings. At one time they
had a prominent elevated sign in front of the
store on the outer edge of the sidewalk repre-
senting a very large wheel, the spokes of
which advertised their wares, and on the rim
was the motto by which the establishment
was long known — "The floral Center of the
Intellectual World."

Where Bengston's block is, in the early
fifties, stood an old two-story long frame
building, called Doty's Row, built in the
forties. In 1855 Smith and Lathrop leased
forty feet of the grounil on the corner foi-
twenty years, at a yearly rental of four
hundred dollars and taxes, and tearing down
the old Doty Row, they built a three-story
brick block, which they later sold to E. H.
Smythe. It was called the E. H. Smythe
block, a covered stairway running up the
outside of the building, as does the present
Bengston block, built on this old site in 1875.
E. H. and H. A. Smythe were old clothiers
here, having been preceeded by Knox and
.Company.

The chief caterers were Mr. an 1 Mrs.
Butcher, two respected colored people, who
will be remembered by a great many of the
(lid timers. At their i-estaniant the best
supper, game, steaks and chops, could be had,
none better since their day; game, especially,
being \('ry plentiful, (inail imuLI be l),)ughl

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

119

for twenty-five cents per dozen in those days,
and prairie chickens in comparison. Mrs.
Butcher often served families at their home
jiarties.

The Butchers were located in a good sized
frame house, back of the old Rock Island
House toward the rivei-, on old West Eagle
Street. They had an unusually bright, smart
son, and there was no better dressed man in
town than AI. Butcher. Dame Rumor says
he used to wax the white boys at jioker; no
names mentioned. He paid a short visit
here a year ago from Memphis, his home now,
where he was made provost marshal after the
War of the Rebellion.

The nlain provider for the inner man was
old Fred Ridenbaugh, who conducted the old
Young America — called the Empire — on
Market Square, a place where the best men
in town went for a supper, oyster stew, or
drink — business men, lawyers and doctors.
At his demise, according to his desire, the
funeral was held from the First Presbyterian
Church, its pastor, Reverend S. T. Wilson,
officiating.

One of the very early butcher shops, in
1852, was that of L. Buttrick, situated in
Market Square, near the ]iresent drinking
fountain and hay scales. It was a small,
one-story frame building, hoards running up
and down, with a small shed addition in the
rear, and all whitewashed.

The first foundry and machine shop was
established by Webber, Boyd and Company,
in 1849, on the corner of Illinois and Broad-
way Streets, succeeded by C. C. Webber and
Company, and known as the Union Foundry.
One door east, in 1855, was estat)lished the
office of Lowry, Thomas and Company,
proprietors of the Carbon Cliff Coal Mining
Company. In 1853 N. B. and T. J. Buford
built a foundry and machine shop on Water
Street east of Buffalo. Another good old
foundry man, an expert, was W. H. Thomp-
son, who in 1856 had the \'ulcan Foundry
near liroailwav and Moline .AAcnuo, facing

what is now Twenty-fourth Street. His son,
David C. Thompson, for the past thirty-six
3-ears superintendent of the foundry at Rock
Island Arsenal, became, under the tutelage
of his father, an adept. W. H. Thompson
was a great ' ' Bobby Burns " man. and always
recognized his birthday. He could quote
Burns galore, and with the genuine Scotch
idiom.

John Btdley, an Englishman, in 1S55 kept
a crockery store on the corner of Buffalo and
Rock River Streets, and was an importer of
china, crockery and glassware. The building
was a long one-story frame building, the
boards running u]) and down, anil white-
washed both inside and outside. He was
commonly s])oken of as the "bully man."

Lee and Wilmans had another crockery
store in 1854, in a frame building just east of
the present Central Presbyterian Church,
north of the Covn-t House.

.John Bengston came here in 1862, clerking
in the drug store of C. H. Fahnestock, in the
center of the block east of Buffalo Street.
The store was conducted afterwards by
Fahnestock and Lewis, and then by Charles
A. Benser, who ni(i\ed to the corner of Eagle
and Illinois Streets, the ])resent place of T, H.
Thomas, where the old corner has had Cook,
Sargent and Parker's bank, the grocery stores
of il. S, Herrick, and Charles M. Knox, son
of .foe Knox, one of our old time lawyers.
There have also been two drug stores on this
site.

■J. K. Bard, in the nii<l(lle sixties, kept a
grocery store called the "Painted Barrels,"
located under Dart's Hall. The store took
its name from a prominent ele\'ated sign of a
barrel painted in \-aried colors.

In the centre of the block between Six-
teenth and Seventeenth Streets, in the early
sixties, used to be a large sized nursery dis-
play grounds for the Hakes Nursery, which
was in the rear of Holmes Hakes residence,
now .Joseph Rosenfield's residence, on Seventh
Avenue near Eighteenth Street. A two-storv

120

II I ST Rl C R C K I S L A N D C U N T Y

brick building was built there afterwards,
occupied by W. C. and H. T. W'adsworth as
a dry goods store: they were succeeded by
Mitchell and Parsons. Next door west, in
1854. was the grocery store of Gray Brothers,
Tom and Jessie. Near where Carse's Block
now is, a heavy set man. known by the name
of "Puff and Windy Smith," had a dry goods
and general store.

Henry Hcnsman started a stove store and
tin shop in 1845. in the center of the post-
office block on Illinois Street, next door to a
butcher shop kept by .James Copp, senior.
and his son. George. Mr. Hcnsman some-
time later moved to the present Buford
Block, leaving Rock Island for Denver in
1863. He was succeeded by Hass and Kane,
and afterwards by Michael Kane, J. B. Dan-
forth being a silent ])artner. In 1855 George
Whisler kept a grocery and seed store next
to Copp's meat market; next door was Eric
Okerberg. who came to Rock Island in 1851,
said to be the first watchmaker in Rock
Island County.

In 1852 David Bowen and brother kept a
one-story, good sized frame grocery store on
the present postoffice corner.

In 1862 David Don opened a stove store
and tin shop on Illinois Street just east of the
present Illinois Theatre. Robert Don, in
1860, ran a bakery where the Beecher prop-
erty is. just west of Carse's Hall. The old-
time baker was Charley Yates, en Illinois
Street east of Buffalo, and then Jake Aster
on Market Square. For years Ernest Krell
was baker, confectioner and caterer; alwavs
ready to assist the ladies at their church
socials. W. B. Sargent started a small
grocery store in 1860 en the corner of Illinois
and Washington Streets, where the Peoples
National Bank stands, afterwards having as
a partner, Harry Williams, then David
Hawes. After Major C. W. Hawes, his son,
returned from the Armj', he bought his
father's interest. The store was a small
frame building, painted a reddish brown, and

Sargent and Hawes used to advertise it as
the ■' Dilapitated Corner." It made way for
fut\u-e improvements. ^Ir. Sargent and his
son. Nute. in 1868. bought out the grocery
store of J. H. Plummer. under the old Rod-
man House.

Warnock antl Kelly started the first soap
factory, prior to 1855. advertising as manu-
facturers of "candles, variegated soaps, and
common soaps, and dealers in soda — ash and
rosin." This mantifactory was near the boat
yard.

In December, 1859, Archie and Tom Shaw
commenced pork packing on the present site
of James S. Gilmore's packing house, and
continued until 1870, when they went to
Chicago, and James S. Gilmore succeeded to
the business, which he has carried en ever
since, making a continuous pork packing
business for over forty-eight years at the
same place.

Joseph and Mayer Rosenfield started busi-
ness in 1856, in hides and leather findings,
in a one and one-half story building next to
Gray Brothers' grocerj^ store, on the north
side of Illinois Street, between Buffalo and
Eagle Streets, afterwards moving to the
Iglehart corner, then to the N. B. Buford
Block, east of Carse's Hall, and afterwards
to more commodious quarters at 1628 Second
Avenue.

SO.ME OLD-TIME MERCHANTS AND C'lTIZEXS I\
1855 AND PRIOR.

H. L. Abbott, "daguemean artist," Illinois
Street, east of Buffalo.

Ainsworth and Lynde. "Boston Store,"
dry goods and groceries, corner Water and
Washington Streets.

Christopher Atkinson. brickmaker :.n I build-
er, en Bluff Road near the old grave yard,
afterwards locating at the present c.irner of
Seventh Avenue and Thirtieth Street, and
later en Thirtieth Street between Tenth and
Eleventh Avenues.

William K. .\yres. painter, in basement of
(lid Methodist Church.

HISTORIC ROCK I S L A X D CO U X T Y

121

Hawes and Babcock, David Hawes and
George M. Babcock, stone quarry and linio
kiln, south side of Moline Avenue, now Fifth
Avenue and Thirty-fifth Street. David Hawes
came here in 1835, returning to Nashville,
and coming back in 1S37.

John Barge, school teacher and City Clerk.

Barnes and Handel, old saw mill, above
railroad bridge, afterwards the site of the
second Chicago and Rock Island railroad
round house, the first round house being
built on the north side of Illinois Street, at
the foot of Broadway Street.

Barrett and Cobb, auction store, Illinois
and West Eagle Streets.

.lolm Beierlein, old time coojjer, located on
the corner of Rock River and Elk Streets.

William Bell, carpenter and builder, one of
our foremost citizens, quiet in manner, and
a most thorough man was " Uncle Billy Bell."

A. Benedict and Company, shoes, leather
belting, etc., Illinois Street, west of Buffalo.

Block and Loewonthal, clothing store.
south side of Illinois Street, west of Eagle.

Blythe and Stoddard, wagon and carriage
makers, corner of Eagle and Orleans Streets,
the ohl shoji being operated afterwards by
Thomas Hooper.

W. T. Riggs, watchmaker and jeweler,
between Washington and Eagle Streets,
commenced liusiness in the Spring of 1850.

J. M. .Moore, in 1847, erected a two-story
brick building ou the northeast corner of
Illinois and Jiuft'alo Streets. In 1860 the
main store was remodeled, another story ]Mit
on. and a residence erected, adjoining the
rear of the store, wliich was the first hard-
ware firm.

Clasius and Speidel, ilruggists, on the
corner of IlHnois and East Eagle Streets, in
the Buford IMock. Dr. Clacius coming here
in 1858, Mr. Speidel jdined him the following'
year. They sometime later sold out to (ileim
and Hinckley. ,Iohn Bcngston buying the
stock March 15, 1808, building and moving
to his jiresent quarters in 1875.

John H. Langley and Company, George W.
1). Harris being the company, forwarding and
commission merchants, steamboat agents,
agricultural implements, cement, fire lirick.
etc. Water Street west of Madis(ni Street.
They were successors to E. T. Sawver and
Company, prior to 1855.

Peter Fries, wholesale dealer in wines and
liquors, on the southeast corner of Wash-
ington and Water Streets, commenced busi-
ness in 1855, with F. W. Kellerstrass, who
retired in 1861. TIk^ location was the old
"Boston Store" of Cornelius Lynde, senior
and junior.

Biddison and (lilniore, com])osed of Joseph
A. Biddison, George E. IJiddison and \A'illiani
F. Gilmore. Planing Mill and corn mill, on
the corner of Washington and Rock Rivei-
Sti-eets; commenced business in 1853.

Warner Mills, built in 1856, corner of Wasli-
ington and Highland Streets, was a four-
stor}' brick building, originally built for a
barrel factory, but converted into a flouring
mill, with a cajiacity of two hundred and
forty barrels of flour a day. The flour mill
was first run by Baker and Gilmore, then by
John Warner and L. C. Biu-\vell, afterwards
by John R. Warner, who later built on .-i
heavy frame addition for a sash, door and
blind factory, and ])laning mill, now occu])ied
by the Rock Island Stair Works. There is
still in existence on the premises one of the
first artesian wells drilled in the city, one
luuidred and fifteen feet deep.

C. H. Leas and son, T. Silas Leas, built the
first steam flouring mill, in the Winter of
1854, on Water Street east of F^xchange, \A'.
H. Hayes being their head miller.

William AV. Langdell, blacksmith and
farmer, Moline Avenue, near Littig's brewerv.

Reaugh and Camertni, shingle factory near
the boat yard.

Hakes and Riggs, watches and jewel;-y,
Illinois Street, west of Buffalo.

Jacol) Sailor, saddlery, harness and trunk
manufactory, Illinois west of Washinglr)n.

122

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Sargent and Bollman, blacksmiths. Eagle
Street south of Illinois.

Amos Stillman, County surveyor. 1855.

Henry Curtis, junior. City surveyor and
civil engineer, whose work can still be seen
on many of the original jilats on file in the
Court House.

W. L. Sweeney, wagon maker (1855) and
Cyrus Churchill, blacksmith (1855), nuist
have joined forces shortly after, as the old
firm of Churchill and Sw^eenej- existed for
years on Eagle Street south of Orleans.

Whitaker and Everts, dry goods. Illinois
west of Eagle.

Uridge Whiffen. ornamental painter, an old
timer and still on earth, generally known as
John Whiffen.

Peter L. Hig. brewerj-, on Moline .\venue
east of Andrews Street (1855).

Charles B. Knox, undertaker. Rock Ri\er
and Madison Streets.

John Lusk, collector on ferry boat, after-
wards ran a hack between Rock Island and
Moline.

Bill Kale and Charley Fisher, barbers.

H. A. J. McDonald, carpenter and builder,
on Rock River Street east of Broadway, was
the father of our present postmaster.

A. J. Swanson, boots and shoes, started in
1856 on the .south side of Illinois Street east
of Buffalo and next door to Graham's stove
store, and was afterwards, for many 3-ears,
near the old Island City Hotel and Harper
House,

John Harper and Alexander Steel came
from Chillicothe, Ohio, to Rock Island in
1855, and started a hardware store at the
present location of the Rock Island Savings
Bank. They continued in business together
until 1865, when John Harper removed to
Denver and started in the hardware business
there. They were succeeded by Harper and
Company, a firm composed of William Harper,
a brother of John, and his brother-in-law, J.
R. McCalister, then of Aledo, Illinois, the
latter being a silent partner. In 1S57

William Harper died after a brief illness,
and ^Ir. McCalister took charge of the busi-
ness. On September 1, 1869, J. W. Stewart
moved to Rock Island from Dayton. Ohio,
and took Mr. Harper's interest, the firm being
^IcCalister and Stewart. In 1874 Mr. Mc-
Calister sold his interest to James M. Mont-
gomery, then of Andalusia, Illinois. The
firm. Stewart and Montgomery, continued
until 1892. when J. W. Stewart bought Mr.
Montgomery's interest and continued the
business alone until 1905. being then suc-
ceeded by the present owners, the Rock Island
Hardware Company. The business has been
in but two locations since the beginning,
namely; The Second Avenue and Seven-
teenth Street corner from 1$55 to 1877, and
the Dart corner, Second Avenue and Eight-
teenth Street, from 1877 to the present
time.

Quincy McXiel, school teacher in the little
l)rick school house in Union Square, was one
who used the rod and was for manj' j-ears a
strenuous figure around the Court House,
being at one time Circuit Clerk.

C. S. Newberry and Brother, jtainters. Eagle
and Water Streets.

Jacob Norris, furniture <lealer, corner of
Illinois and Elk Streets, was a well known
character and politician.

Childs and Baker, dry goods, crockery, etc.,
Illinois Street, east of Buffalo.

Elton C. Cropper, builder and carpenter.
East Eagle, north of Illinois; afterwards
Police Magistrate.

David L. Cunkle, millstone manufacturer,
and dealer in flour mill supplies, Illinois
Street, west of Jefferson.

Fisk and Lee, brokers and insurance agents.
East Eagle Street, north of Illinois.

Tim Babcock, wholesale grocer, near Arf/ux
office.

W. Hurst, fruit and confectionery. Illinois
Street, east of Buffalo.

Charles Jeanneret, watchmaker and jeweler.
Illinois Street, west of Washington,

HISTORIC ROCK 1 S L A X D CO V N T Y

123

George D. Bromley, dry goods, jewelry,
etc., Illinois .Street, west of Buffalo.

N. B. Buford Block, the red brick building
near the northwest corner of Illinois and
Buffalo Streets.

Bulkier and Pleasant 's Ciothic Block, north
side of Illinois Street, between East Eagle
and Washington Streets.

Physicians: Patrick Gregg; Brackett anil
Bulkley: Judd and Rathbun, eclectic; W. F.
Cady: Calvin Truesdale; S. G. Plummer;
William A. Knox.

In 1858 Henry Tremann and Augustus
Tremann opened a butcher shop oft the
north side of Illinois Street, between Elk
and Buffalo Streets.

In 1855 Frederick Kramer, carpenter,
.Moline Avenue, east of Andrew.s Street.

1833. Reverend Asa McMurt}- was the
first clergyman, and that year, or the j'ear
following, organized a Methodist Episcopal
Church. *

1834. Charles H. and L. L. Case built the
first house in Stephenson on the corner of
Water and Beaver Streets. The building was
used as a Court House luitil 1837, when the
first Court House was built in Court House
Square, being the first brick building in town.
The first hotel in Stephenson was opened by
Walter Phillips on Orleans Street, opposite
the Coiu't House.

1835. This Spring the town was surveyed
by Charles Bennett, w-ho was the first sur-
\eyor. J. H. Coon was the first brick maker
and brick laj-er.

1836. James Copp opened the first butcher
stall, also packed the first pork. William
Lathrop was the first wagon maker. Israel
Showdy the first blacksmith. Morgan Fer-
guson the first painter. Adam Y. Smith the
first lawyer. Doctor P. Gregg opened an
office, and kept drugs and medicines for sale.
The first school house was erected on the
corner of Orleans and Otter Streets.

1837. First .ipwciry store opened liy R. H.
Kinney. The first dentist was .1. H. Hranch,

who had an office in the Rock Island House.

1838. Jacob Sailor was the first harness
maker and saddler, and John Thompson the
first cooper.

1839. The first stove store, tin and sheet
iron factory opened by Lee and Chamberlin.
Marcus B. Osborn was the first land agent.

1840. Joseph Johnson, the first chair-
maker.

1841. Name of Stephenson, changed to
Rock Island.

1S43. B. F. Barrett opened the first
lumber yard.

1845. The first forwarding and commis-
sion house opened by Henry Powars.

1846. First livery stable by Josejih H.
Jiarnett.

1849. First telegraph office o)iened, con-
necting with eastern lines \ia St. I.duis:
Chicago communication was oi)eued in l.Soo.

1850. First skylight daugerrean gallery
by Erastus Downey. A. Benedict and Com-
pany opened an extensive store of boots and
shoes, leather belting, saddlery, hardware,
and carriage trimmings, French and American
calf skins, shoe thread, lasts, boot trees, awls
and tacks. N, B. Buford and M. B. Clark
l)eing the Conspany, location Illinois, west of
Buffalo Street.

1851. The Collegiate Institute and Female
Seminary. The four-story brick liuilding in
rear of the Rock Island Club house, and
facing Third Avenue, was built and opened
in 1852, by Reverend J. W. Dennison as
principal.

Rock Island Cias, Light and Coke Company,
the first gas company in the city, was organ-
ized June 24, 1854, and has been iii successful
operation since January 1, 1855. The original
stock was $100,000: Jacob Riley coming from
Pittsburgh to install the plant. During 1854
the company laid one and a iialf miles of
street mains, had over one hiuidred private
consumers, and thirty public lamps. Tl ey
contemplated laying pipes to Moline duiin'j.-
1855, Imt the extension was not made until

124

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

1888. Benjamin Harper was prdjirietor for
some time, later selling out to Sylvester
Watts of St. Louis. W. H. Judge was the
superintendent uj) to 1 892, when the property
was sold to the Jirush Electric Light Com-
pany, and in 1893 transferred to the Peoples
Power Company, who at the present time
have fort^v-fi^^e to fifty miles of street mains.
The Rock Island County Agricultural
Society, situated in the town of Rock Island
for a number of years, on the old Camden
road north of Cooperstown, was organized in
1853, holding fairs in October of each year.
At its first fair .S1.5().9.5 was distributed in
premiums.

1854. February 22d the Chicago and Rock
Island Raih'oad being completed, the first
train arrived. A big celebration was given,
and an excursion of six steamboats carried
the railroad officials and notetl visitors to St.
Paul.

1855. The Methodist portion of Church
Sqmire was purchased by the City and the
name changed to Union Square, and enclosed
with a neat, fence. The first exclusive hat
and cap store opened by Cook and Spangler.
First exclusive music store started hy .1. T.
Croft. First regular millinery and fancy (h-y
goods store by Strickland and Judd.

In 1855 there were four hundred and tliirty-
four business places in Rock Island, including
professional men.

In October, 1839, was i)ublished the first
local directory, only mentioning town officers,
hotels, professional men and merchants.

Pliysicians and Druggists: Haviland and
Gregory, P. Gregg, J-. R. Hadsell (botanic),
Silas Reod. H. Reardsley.

Lawyers: .). Wilson Urur}- (ofiice in Shop
of Dr. Gregg). .1. H. Wells, H. G. ReynoMs.

Tinners: Lee and (^hamberlin.

Shoemakers: I'^lihu Turner, John Motzgar.

Bricklaj^ers and Plasterers: \\'. H. Sage,
J. M. Bellows.

Coopers: John 'l"hom]ison. .1. Millcnan.

Drayman: .lohii Thompson.

Butchers: James Copp, Robert Dunlap
and Company.

Watchmaker: R. H. Kinney.

Blaci<sniiths: Hibliard Moore, J. Shonde.

Saddlers and Harnessmakers: Jacob Sailor,
J. .M. Frizzell.

STAGE A.\U HACK ROUTES IX 1855.

Rock Island and Moline Hacks run as fol-
lows: Leave Rock Island at S. 9:30 and 11
o'clock A. M.. and at 1. 2:30 and 5 o'clock
P. M.; leave :Moline at 7:15, 9:15 and 11
o'clock A. M., and 1, 3 and 4 o'clock P. M.
Packages of less than one hundred and fifty
pounds weight carrietl carefully and delivered
jiromptly.

Camden and Rock Island Hack leives
Camden at 8 o'clock A. M. and 2 o'clock P. M. ;
leaves Rock Island at 11 o'clock A. M. and
6 o'clock P. :\I.

Stages for Galena and Dixon, via Port
Byron, leave the Rock Island House every
Ti'iesday, Thursday and Saturday morning
at 7:30 o'clock. For [Macomb at the same
time and place. For Knoxville, every Tues-
day and Saturday morning as above.

ROCK ISLAND POSTOFFICE.

The first jiostoffice in this comity was
established in connection with old Fort
Armstrong, April 23, 1825, Colonel George
DaA-enport being the first postmaster. Owing
to the fact that there was no one to administer
the obligations of the position Mr. Davenport
served a number of years without taking an
oath. April 4. 1834, the first postoffice was
established upon the mainland and Josejjh
Conway was made the' first postmaster. The
office was first located at Farnhamsburg, but
when Stephenson became the country seat it
was removed to somewhere in the neighbor-
hood of what is now Seventeenth Street. In
1843. when Colonel John Buford was post-
master, the office was located between Six-
teenth and Seventeenth Streets on First
.\ venue. In 1849 it was removed to Second
Avenue between Seventeenth and Eighteenth

HISTORIC ROCK I S L A X D C U N T Y

125

Streets. In 1853 Bailey ;ind Hdvle's build,
ing, in the rear of where Mitchell ;inil I.ynde's
building now stands, was occupied. Tliree
years later another remoA-al to the south side
of Second Avenue, No. 1704, between Seven-
teenth and Eighteenth Streets, was made, but
in 1S61 Bailey and Boyle's building was again
occupied, the office remaining there till the
removal to the present quarters in tiie federal
building in December, 1896.

The different postmasters since the estab-
lishing of the office with the term during
which they served are as follows:

Joseph Conway, 1834-1836; :Miles W. Con-
way, 1836-1840: Jo.seph B. Wells. 1840-1841;
Colonel John Bnford, 1841-1847: Harmon G.
lieynolds. 1847-1849; Elbridge R. liean, 1849-
18.33; James Kelly, 1853-1855; William Friz-
zpll. 1855-1856; Lewis M. Webber, 1856-1858;
Hernian Field, 1858-1861 ; Doctor Calvin
Truesdale, 1861-1865; John B. Hawley, 1865-
1866; Captain James F. Copp, 1866-1867;
Marcns B. Osborn, 1867-1871; Captain J,. :\I.
Ilaverstick, 1871-1873: William Jackson. 1.S7.3-
1876: Thomas Murdock, 1876-1880; .Major J.
M. Beardsley, 1880-1884; Major Charles W.
Hawes, 1884-1888; Angu.st Hnesing, 1888-
1889; Howard Wells, 1889-1893; J. W, Potter.
1893-1897; T. H. Thomas. 1897-1906; Hugh
A. J. McDonald, 1906.

As one of the best indications of the manner
in which the city has grown, the receipts of
the pDstoffice at different periods during the
])ast twenty-three years are given :

1884 $15,441.84 1900 .'$69,2.50.91

1885 ___._, 18,829.63 1901 .__ _. 77.881.96

1889 23,560.38 1902 75,429.97

1892 29,749.63 1903..- 74,108.17

1896 30,721.84 1904 78,660.29

1897 .. 34,495.95 1905 87.983.22

1898 43,205.80 1906 88.375.64

1899 57.440.11 1907 96,734.67

The free delivery system was inaugurated
in 1888 with five carriers. The money order
dejiartment does an unusually large amount
of l>usiness for a citv the size of I\ock Ishiiid.

Twenty-nine mails are received and thirty-
two dispatched daily. There arc now being
received daily an average of over 12,000
pieces of first class and 7,000 pieces of other
mail. ■ The present office force consists of
nineteen clerks, one au.xiliary clerk, eighteen
carriers, three substitute carriers, one nn-al
carrier, and one special delivery messenger.
Ten jwstal stations are also located through-
out the city.

The office has been of tlie first class since
1898.

Paid money orders in 1907 were 105.469,
amounting to .SI ,612,671.17.

ROCK ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT.

In the early days of Rock Island the police
force was small, being in ])roportion to the
needs of the city in this respect. As the
)X)pulation increased the number of guardians
of the property and peace of the citizens was
gradually increased, mainly by the addition
of night men. For many years the mar.shal
was the only day man on ordinary occasions.
He staid aliout the city (jffices and if anything
came up demanding his services he went out
alone and disposed of the business. About
thirty years ago the first attempt was made
to ])rescribe uniforms for the members of the
force, but each man was allowed considerable
latitude in the matter, with the result that
there was a wide variety in the makeups. It
is only during the last fifteen years that the
officers have been uuifoi'med witli any degree
of precision in the details of dress.

The force now emploj-ed consists of;
Chief <if police, two desk sergeants, two plain
clothes men, a police matron, sixteen patrol-
men, and the following apparatus; One rub-
l)er tire anil.)ulance, one patrol wagon, one
chief's buggy.

ROCK ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The old ' ' Bucket Brigade " was followed by
(lie i-egular A'olunteer I'ire Department, which
^\■as (H-ganized in 1856. .■ind ;i i,,-ind engine

126

IIISTOinC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

imrchased, and named " \\'(-.sterii No. 1."
Tli.e onginc \\ hen recei\ed was housed in a
new two-story brick huildinK on the nortli-
west corner of Court House Square. Frazer
Wilson was elected ])resident, and (ieorge E.
Biddison foreman. The company was limited
to seventy-five members.

Later another company was formed and
took the name of "Aquarius No. 2" — motto
"Water Hearer." The comjiany having a
membership of si.\ty-five, with George L.
Carlton as foreman. The second comjiany
organized was the "Rescue No. 2." in 1.S.5S,
and a doul)le-decker hand engine purchased,
named "Rescue No. 2," and stationed in a
new engine house on Jefferson Street, l)etween
Orleans and Rock River Streets, afterwards
Walter Dauber'.s old blacksmith shop.

The old primitive ladder wagon was a
rough convenience, the ladders likewise: the
sides being of good sized gin poles, sawed
lengthwise in the center, and heavy enough
to take eight or ten men to raise them. The
first modern Hook iuid Ladder Truck was
purchased in 1S74; named the "Reveille,"
and housed in the Western No. 1 engine house.
The Wide Awake Hose Company was exjjected
to run this truck, but arrangements were
made for quick word to a livery stable for
a s])an of horses, often running their street
hack on the .juni]) tf) furnish the horses.

The first steam fii-e engine was purchased
in LS69 and named the William Eggleston,
and housed in W^estern No. 1 house. The
second fire engine was the Reserve No. 2,
piu'chased in 1S71. and hoiised in Rescue No.
2 iuind engine house.

In 1876 the department consisted of fi\e
hose companies, one hook and ladder truck,
and one steam engine held in reserve, and one
hose carriage. The hose companies were the
Phoenix No. 1, Wide Awake No. 2, Hope
Hose No. 3, Rescue No. 4, Neptune No. 5.
The old volunteer chiefs have been George
Carlton, Elton C. Cropper, William Kale,
S. Ji. Stoddard, A. Roswog, ('. 15. Kno.x,

.lacob Udllcnhaupt . Thomas Yates, Patrick
Kennedy, Thomas HoUman, in IS76. Harry
Hall assistant chief, and .laines Johnston.

Sei>tember 2. 1X01. the j)aid Fire Depart-
ment of the City of Rock Island was organ-
ized. Honorable William McConochie, mayor
Daniel Corken. B. F. Knox and Winslow P.
Tindall fire and light committee. William
Ramskill was appointed chief, and Bernard-
Hrahm assistant chief. The department at
that time consisted of eight men, including
officers. The apparatus included one two-
liorse hose wagon, and one two-horse ladder
truck, that was formerly used l)v the Volun-
teer Fire Department. On March 8, 1892,
the department was increased by three men,
making tlie total number eleven men. On
May 26, 1S94, two sub-stations were installed;
No. 2 hose com])any located on Eighth Street,
in the building formerly occupied by the
Phoenix hose company; and No. 3 hose com-
pany located on Twenty-sixth Street; these
hose comjjanies consisted of three men each
and one two-horse hose wagon. At this time
T. J. Medill was mayor, and appointed Bern-
ard Brahm chief of the department, and J. D.
Collier assistant chief. In 1895, as mavor,
11 F. Knox a|)pointed James Johnston as
chief and .1. 1). Collier as assistant chief.
Mr. Johnston had served the old volunteers
as their chief with honor and credit to him-
self and the city. In May, 1897, T. J. Medill
being again elected mayor, J. D. Collier was
apjiointed chief, and Peter Frey assistant
chief.

In 1899 Charles Hastings was ajjpointed
chief under Mayor McConochie's administra-
tion, aiul Peter Frey assistant. Mr. Hastings
served as chief without interruption frf)m
1899 until June 1, 190.5, when he resigned.
Mr. Fred L. Tul)l)s was appointed chief
September 9, 1905, and served until the
Spring of 1907. when Mr. Hastings was again
appointed chief, and Peter Frey assistant
chief; and both are the present incumbents.
The recognition of both Mr. Hastings and

HISTORIC liO C K 1 S L A X I) COUNTY

127

^[r. Frey bespeak their merit and efficiency.
Mr. Frey has been in continual service as
assistant chief since May .5. 1S97. As one of
the new chiefs says, "a kind word of praise
for the volunteer firemen of liygone days
should not be amiss; too much praise or credit
can not be given these men who in the faith-
ful, voluntary discharge of their tluty often
endangered their lives and health, while
responding to alarms of fire; often contracting
serious illness and jjermanent disability;
never receiving one cent of compensation for
their services; these heroes of tlie other days
deserve the same credit as the volunteer
solider. but the public as usual in such cases
withholds the reward that is due."

At the present time the department force
consists of nineteen men; eighteen men being
paid full time, and one man acting as substi-
tute when men are laying off through sick-
ness or injuries, or on their annual fvndough.

The apparatus of the department consists
of three two-horse hose wagons, one two-horse
h(Hik and ladder truck, and one chief's buggy.

The truck and chief's buggy ai'c new; the
new truck replacing the old Jiabcock truck
which had been in service for thirtA'-one years.

THE WATERWORKS SYSTIIM,

August 14. ISTI. the city council passed an
ordinance authorizing the location of a pump-
ing station near the Rock Island Flow factory.
at the west end of the city and the installing
of \\ater mains along the business streets,
l)onds to the amount gf $75,000 being issued
to meet the cost. In a few years there began
to he complaints that the water was bad,
especially after a system of sewers had lieen
built in 1878. The city was divided into two
sewer districts, with Seventeenth Street as
the dividing line, and the waste of the lower
district in particular a])pears to have affected
the water supply. In l.SSl the ])resent
pumping station at the foot of Twenty-fourth
Street was Iniilt, F, L. Cable contriliutiiig
.|'2.").t)(l() toward its construction. .\ t\\(Mit\--

inch iidet pipe, 2,200 feet in length was laid
to the channel at the north end of the (Jovern-
ment bridge, and two Holly |)umps were
installed, having a capacity of :{,()()0,()()()
gallons a day.

At the end of ten years the consumption
of water in the city became so great that
these facilities were inadecpuite. A Gaskcll
pump with a capacity of ,5,000,000 gallons
daily was installed and a thirty-incli inlet
pipe was laid beside the old twenty-inch one
to the channel of the river. At this time
there was no way in which the water supply
could be filtered and at times it was rendered
unfit for most uses by the sediment caused
by floods. A mechanical filter was donated
by Honorable Jien T. Cable as a memorial to
that gentleman's father. F. I,. Cable, and
considerable im])rovement in the w.ater su]iply
was noted.

The bluffs above the city affording such
e.xceptional advantages for the location of
gravity filters and reservoirs, a strong senti-
ment in favor of such an improvement
developed and in 1897 the tract of land now
known as Reservoir Fark was purchased from
a syndicate of Rock Island ca[)italists for the
sum of $27,600, and the following year the
e.xcavation for six basins was begun. The
system was adopted in response to the pains-
taking efforts of the then mayor. T. ,1. Medill.
In 1899 the work was done, but imperfections
in the workmanship brought about through
bhmders on the jjart of the engineer in charge,
developed, and it became necessary to do a
great part of the lining of the basins over
again. The system is now in perfect working
order. Its operating capacity is 3.000,000
gallons daily, wliich is barely sufficient to
supply the city's needs in ordinary times.
There are two settling basins, three sand
filters and a large clear water basin, the latter
having a capacity of 5,500,000 gallons. The
water is pumped direct from the ri\-ei- to the
settling basins and after filtration it i-etiu-ns
to the nuiius through the action of gravity

12S

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

which gives sullicieiit pressure for ordinary
jiiirposes.

For fire protection and to furnish the bhiff
district with water, a stand pipe lias been
erected on Thirtieth Street and last year an
electric puni|)ing station with a capacity of
l.oOO.UOU gallons daily was placed near the
reservoir.

The total cost of the system to date
(August. 1908) has been 8260,000. There
are now 4.400 private consumers, and two
hundred and fifty fire hydrants, against one
hundred and sixty fire hydrants six years ago.
The average daily water consumption is
3.000.000 gallons, and daily operating capac-
ity 16.000.000 gallons. There are about
forty-five miles of water mains. A new
pump was installed at the pumping house in
February, 1907, at a cost of §25.000, which
with the addition to the building made a
total expenditure of S40,000.

ROCK ISLAND PUBLIC PARKS.

The parks of Rock Island consist of three
public squares, and a tract containing about
forty acres within the corporate limits, known
as Long A'iew Park. The small parks are
known respectively as Spencer Square, Ciarn-
sey Square and Court House Square,

Spencer Square is situated in what is known
as Spencer and Case's Addition, this Addition
was laid out in 1836 by John W. Spencer and
Jonah Case. What is now known as Spencer
Square was not laid out in lots, but in the
first instance was occupied in part for school
piu-poses. from April. 1846. to about 1850.
The little old one-story brick school house
being in the center of the square, the north-
west part by the Fir.st Methodist Episcopal
Church, and the southwest part by the
Baptist Church, It ceased to be occupied
for school purposes about the year 1850, by
the Baptists about 1846, and in the year
1855 the City of Rock Island bought out the
claim of the Methodist Church. After the
year 1855 it was not occupied for either

church or school purposes. It was fenced in
by the City, a large Liberty Pole erected, and
trees planted; the fence was removed about
the year 1870, since which time it has been
in actual use by the public.

Previous to the year 18S0. occasionally
during periods of high water in the Missis-
sippi River, Spencer Square, then known as
Union Square, was flooded. This continued
until the grade of Second Avenue was raised.
This prevented any further flood on the
Square. Previous to 1889 there existed in
the City a society known as the Citizens
Improvement A.ssociation. This association
was organized for the purpose of advancing
the imi)rovement of the City in matters
material.

The first objects of improvement advocated
by the association was the paving of the
streets and the filling up to grade of Spencer
Square; the Square before that time was in
a very rough condition. At one time a
quarry was opened in the Square by the City,
very much to the disgust of ilr. Ren Harper,
who in 1870 built what is now known as the
Harper House, situated on the west side of
the Square. For the purpose of further
improvement the Cit}- Council appointed the
office of park commissioner without salary,
to which office flavor William McConochie
appointed William Jackson, a lawyer of the
City. Immediately after his appointment
^Ir. Jackson laid out the Sqiuire with cross
and interior walks, then called upon the citi-
zens for donations of statuary, vases, arches
and other ornaments, the principal orna-
ment was a fountain donated by Honorable
Ben T, Cable and IMrs, Lucy Castleman,

In 1892 a granite statute of the Indian
Chief, Black Hawk, was presented by Otis
J. Dimick, of Chicago, who for many years
was a resident of Rock Island, ^lany citizens
contributed to the ornamentation, costing
altogether about S6,500. When completed
the Square was conceded to be one of the
handsomest in the northwest, the pride of the

HISTORIC ROCK 1 SL A \ D CO U N T Y

129

citizens of Rock Island. Judge Spencer,
after whom the Square is named, came to
Hock Island about the year 1828, and resided
here until his death-in 1878. He was a kind,
Christian gentleman, held in high regard by
all the people. The Square was named after
him in 1885.

About the year 1871 the heirs of Jonah
Case endeavored to recover from the City
an undivided half of the Square, claiming
that the purposes of the dedication of the
Square by the proprietors had been abandoned
by the City and others, and that the Jonah
Case half of the Square belonged to his heirs.
Judge Spencer supported the City's claim.
A suit was brought in the United States Court
in Chicago by the Jonah Case heirs to recover
the land, but the court sustained the posses-
sion and right of the City. Since tliat time
no attempt has been made to disturb the
City in the possession of the Square as a
public park.

The Coiu't House Square was dedicated for
County purposes by the County Commission-
ers, who laid out the town of Stephenson in
1835. Afterwards, in 1841, it was named the
town of Rock Island, The Square was named
Stephenson Square after one Colonel Benja-
min Stephenson. On this Square is located
the Court House and jail, the first Court
House was built in 1837, the first jail in 1836.
The present jail was built in 1857, the present
Court House in 1895. It is never spoken of
as Stephenson Square, always Court Hotise
Square.

Garnsey Square is located at the west end
of the City, it is located in what is known as
the Chicago or lower Addition, and was
fir.st called Franklin Sqviare. It is named
after Daniel G. Garnsey, who was one of the
proprietors of the Addition. The Square was
underlaid by a gravel deposit, a few trees
were grown upon it, but the nature of the soil
was not favorable to trees and vegetation.

.•\bout the year 1881 the City Council
induced by the popularity of the imi)ro\-c-

ment of Spencer Square, resolved to improve
Garnsey Square. With that end in view the}'
hauled away the gravel underlying the Square
and filled it u]) with clay; after that was done
the Square was graded, trees were planted,
also impro^■ed by walks and cross walks, a
fountain, the gift of Weyerhaeuser and Denk-
mann, was placed in the center, and improved
and ornamented in other respects b_v gifts
from citizens. Tlie Sq\uu'e is now a beautiful
public resort.

Long Mew Park contains about thirty-nine
acres. It is bounded by Eighteenth and
Twelfth Avenues, Seventeenth and Fifteenth
Streets. The land was donated to the City
for park purposes by Frederick Weyerhaeuser,
Morris Rosenfield, Charles H. Deere and
Captain T. J. Rol^inson

The deed conveying the land, made by
Rudolf Weyerhaeuser, who was trustee for
the donors, is dated August 30, 1897, and
contains a provision forbidding the sale,
barter, gift or use of intoxicating liquors on
the land.

About 1902 ilr. Chris Gaetjer was appointed
superintendent of the park without salary,
but on account of the meager annual appro-
priations made by the City Council little was
done by way of improvement except the
cleaning up of the land and the trimming of
the trees.

In 1905 the Honorable George W. McCask-
rin, then ma3'or of the City, for the purpose
of securing the permanent improvement of
Long View Park, appointed a Board of Park
commissioners, consisting of William Jackson,
Fred C. Denkmann, William H. Dart, Otto
Huber and Ed B. McKown. These gentle-
men afterwards formulated a plan which was
concurred in by the City Council, bj' which
the City agreed to appropriate for two years
the annual sum of $6,250, provided the
citizens would subscribe a like stun.

The work of obtaining subscriptions from the
citizens was begun by the members of the board
ill which they were assisted by Superintendent

130

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Gaetjer. Tlie cffoii was successful. By
the month of May. 1!)()(). the citizens'
siibscriiition anKnuited to over .|13,OU0; there-
upon the work of ])ermanent improvement
was befiun. The phiii of iinjirovement con-
sisted of hiving out macadamizing and drain-
ing a road and l)rancli road through the park;
excavating for two hikes on which beautiful
swans and water fowl could disport, and be
viewed with pleasure by visitors; the improve-
ments also including a model public building.
Cement walks, a waterfall, a lirooklet con-
necting the lakes, a splendid pavilion over-
looking the Cities of Rock Island and Daven-
port, a rustic bridge and series of dams on
the line of the lakes and connecting brooklet.
A beautiful memorial fountain, the gift of
Misses Naomi and Catherine Davenport, of
Davenport, Iowa, in memory of their uncle,
the Honorable Bailey Davenport, deceased,
several times mayor of Hock Island. ^lany
other valuable imjirovcments were made, all
of which are highly ap]ireciated by the citizens
of Rock Island, as evidenced by the numbers
that visit the park daily. On the west side
of the park is a children's ]ilay ground, with
swings, slides and other fixtures for their
amusement, the gift of Mrs. Anna Davis.
From the varied character of the land com-
posing Long Mew Park, with its beautiful
plateaus, mounds, slopes, with the improve-
ments nuide it is no exaggeration to say that
when completed it will favorably com]3are
with any ]iark on the Mississipjii River; the
ease l)y which it can be reached by the people
will make it always a center wliere the people
can enjoy its restful and beautiful surround-
ings.

ROCK ISI.AXI) IMHI.IC SCHOOLS,

The citizens of Rock Island at an early day
evinced a great interest in education. Prior
to 1857, the schools of Hock Island existed
under the sub-district form of organization.
At this time, however, the attendance liecame
so large and the schools were growing so

lapidly that a different organization became
nece.ssary in order that the pupils of the
district might enjoy better facilities for secur-
ing a common school education. Through a
united effort a law was enacted to incorporate
the "Rock Island School District," and a
charter obtained February 18, 1857. for the
establishment of the present school system.
This charter which was thus created for the
government of the Rock Island schools, has
been in force for over fifty years, and under
its wise provisions the schools have been
efficient in jjroviding excellent facilities for
obtaining a good, common and high school
education.

The first board of education consisted of
AV. L, Sweeney, George Mixter, Jacob Sailor,
Elton C. Cropper, and David Hawes, Of
this board Messrs. Cropper, Sailor and Haw-es
served two years, George Mixter and AV. L.
Sweeney six years. Of the forty-eight ])er-
sons who have served on the board since 1857,
J. M. Ruford served twelve years; S. AV. Mc-
Master, eleven years; ]\[. D. Alerrill. thirteen
years; F. M. Sinuett, ten years: and Mylo
Lee, nine years.

Among those who have rendered excellent
service in Iniildiug up, from a snuill beginning,
the excellent system, were William Bailey,
Charles Buford. George Mixter, E. C. Cro]Ji)er.
John Barge. A. F. Cutter, M. I). Merrill.
Edward Burrall. and W. S. Knowlton. who
have ]3assed to their eternal home. They
are. howe\er, kindly remembered by thcni-
sands who ha\-e enjoyed the educaticuial
advantages they were so largely instrumental
in providing.

The first sujierintendent ]ilaced in charge
of the schools, as organized under the charter,
was B. M. Re\nolds, who served from lSo7
to 1862. During the jiast forty years, the
schools have had ten superintendents, whose
names and terms of service are as follows:

B. M. Reynolds, 1857-1862; A. M. Gow.
186'2-1868; James M. Gow. 1868-1869: \\'. A.
Bemis, 1869-1S71: J. V. Gowdv. 1S71-IS72:

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

131

J. F. Everett, 1S72-1881; S. S. Kemble, 1881-
1895; James A. Ament, 1895-1896; R. C.
Young, 1896-1900; H. B. Hayden, 1900, luvl
at present, 1908, our good superintendent
and director.

It will be observed that S. 8. Kemble. who
is largel}' responsible for the system of schools
which has been built up in the city, has had
the longest term of service, having held the
position of superintendent for fourteen consec-
utive years. Superintendent Kemble did a
grand work in our city during the long term
he had charge of the schools; and, though he
is today far away in his western home, he
holds a warm place in the affections of our
citizens, both young and old.

The schools of the city are as follows:

High School, Twenty-first Street and Sixth
Avenue. H. E. Brown, principal; Cora L.
Eastman, assistant principal.

Hawthorne School, Eighth Street and Third
Avenue. L. C. Daugherty, principal; ^lary

E. Entrikin, assistant principal.
Washington School, Thirteenth Street and

Third Avenue. Emily Freeman, principal.

Kemble School, Nineteenth Street and
Fifth Avenue, .^dda Ellen Muse, principal.

Lincoln School, Twenty-second Street and
Seventh Avenue. Mary Piatt principal.

School for Deaf Children, in Lincoln School
building.

Eugene Field School, Twenty-ninth Street
and Seventh Avenue. Sarah Johnston prin-
cipal.

Irving School, Twelfth Street and Ninth
Avenue. Leonora Witherspoon principal.

Longfellow School, Forty-second Street and
Seventh Avenue. Ida W. Lundy, principal.

Horace Mann School, Thirty-seventh Street
and Fourteenth Avenue. Mary L. Carter,
principal.

Grant School, Seventh Street and Eleventh
Avenue. Dora E. Newton, principal.

Board of Education of 1907 and 1908: C
H. Seidel, W. B. Mclntyre, Hamlin H. Hidl,

F. C. Denkmann, Doctor J. W. Stewart.

Our district should congratulate itself upon
the exceptional facilities that have been pro-
^•ided for the education of its young people.
Few cities have their school Ijuildings more
wisely distrifnited, more substantial in struc-
ture, and graceful in architecture, or more
completely and comfortably furnished.

In the year 1856 there was set on foot a
]ilan to erect a High School building. A lot
was imrchased for .16.000 and a building
erected for $30,000. When nearly finished,
on the night of July 4, 1858, it was fired, and
the interior entirely destroyed. It was re-
built and occupied in 1859. The second
High School was burned February 15, 1901;
after which the classes were conducted in the
Broadway Presbyterian Church Sunday School
rooms. The present High School was erected
in 1901, at a cost of $125,000. Mr. Frederick
F. Borgolte was the architect, and John Volk
and Company the contractors.

The original contract was $85,985; extras
and additions making the total $125,000.

The contract was let June 4, 1901, and the
building opened for occupancy September 6
of the same year. While the chief object of
the High School is the preparation of pupils
for life, rather than for college; several
University prejniratory courses are offered.
Graduates of this school who have completed
any of these courses are eirtitled to a Uni-
versity certificate which will admit them to
any (jf the leading colleges and universities.

COLLEGES.

AUGUSTAXA COLLEGE.

Augustana College and Theological Seminary
was founded in 1860, making it one of the
older educational institutions of the State.

At a meeting held in Chicago, April 27,
1860, the founders of the Augustana Synod
(feeling the urgent need of teachers, preachers
and citizens prepared to take the lead in
religious and intellectual work) decided to
erect an institution where young men could
be prepared for the great work of life. This

132

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

ilatc has liceii jienerally ohserx'ed e\er since
as ■■Founders Day" by the churches (if the
synod; the income from ail tliese celebrations
to be fiiven to a permanent fund for an
Aufiustana professorship.

Durinj; the first three years of its existence
(1S(3()-1S68) Angustana was located at Chicago
Professor L. P. Esbjorn Ijeing president.
Througli inducements from Paxton, Ford
County. Illinois, in 1S63. Augustana was
nio\ed there, where it remained for twelve
years, under the successful guidance of
President Doctor T. X. Hasselcpiist and
Professor Henry Rock of Pennsylvania. The
location at Paxton not being considered
central enough a removal was very strongly
urged, some wishing Chicago, and others the
Mississipjii A'alley. Rock Island was finally
chosen and ground broken for the new college.
A few friends assembled on the forest-covered
bluff at Rock Island, and as they prayed that
the institution in its new home should become
a teni]ile of the Lord and shed its benign
influence far and wide, they thought of the
tcnqile of the Israelites, and how men in
their prayers turned t<iward it as a source of
blessing to a whole nation. Filled with this
feeling, they luinied the hill ■'Zion," which
name it bears to this day. In 1875 the
college was opened, although not thoroughly
com])leted. Doctor Hassekiuist being jiresi-
dent and Professor Rock vice-president.

From these beginnings the institution has
grown to be a first class American College,
offering courses and doing work equal to the
very best, with students numbering seven
hundred and a faculty composed of men
from the leading American and European
universities. All departments are extremely
strong and jjrogressive. The academic de-
partment offers a foin--years' course, giving
preparation for entrance to Vale and other
universities. F(n- graduates who desire to
become clergymen the institution has an
excellent theological seminary. The college
department of foin- years offers courses in

classical and scientific work leading to the
degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of
Science, recognized by American universities,
such as Yale and Harvard, and European
universities. The normal dejiartnient jire-
pares students for woi'k as teachers. In the
conservatory of music thorough instruction
is given in singing, violin. ])ipe organ, jiianp,
harmoii}-, counterpoint, musical dictation,
elocution, ph3-sical culture, orchestra instru-
ments, and other subjects. The art depart-
ment, under the direction of Professor Grafts-
strom, a fellow student of the great artist,
Zorn, has shown some excellent work. In
the business department are taught book-
keeping, stenography, type WTiting, and
other necessary commercial branches. It is
an institution that Rock Island should
more than be proud of and appreciate. For
tliirty-three years, in which it has made its
home with us. under the guidance of Doctor
(lustav Andreen. the scholarly gentlenuui
who is now Augustana 's ]3resident. the college
is experiencing an un])arallelled ])eriod of
prosperity and growth.

THK \ ILLA Di; CHAXTAI..

This institution (Home school for girls) was
formerly known as Francis de Sales Academy,
and was founded in 1864 at Maysville. Ken-
tucky. In Aug\ist, 1S99. the academy was
removeil to Rock Island. The Mlla de
Chantal is located on one of the most beautiful
bluffs o\-erlooking the Mississippi, and com-
manding a superb view of the surrounding
country. The institution was first incor-
porated in 1S6G. under the title of "The
Sisters of the Msitation." Maysville. Ken-
tucky, and after its removal to Rock Island
it was re-incorporated under the laws of the
State of Illinois, with the new title, "The
Sisters of the A'isitation," Rock Island. Illi-
nois. By its charter the academy possesses
all the rights and privileges of a collegiate
institution. The course of study embraces
the academic, intermediate ami primary
departments.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U X T Y

133

The academic department offers two
courses, the general and the college prepara-
tory; art, drawing, painting and crayon work
are provided for in the course. The piano,
organ, harp, mandolin and violin are taught
by competent instructors.

The department of elocution is under the
supervision of a finished pupil of the Chicago
School of Oratory. Foreign languages may
1)6 studied under the supervision of accom-
plished linguists. Aesthetic culture, and daily
physical exercises receive special care. The
library of the Villa de Chantal is one of the
most complete school libraries in the State.
The City of Rock Island is to be congratu-
lated on possessing this excellent educational
institution.

THE ROCK ISLAND PIBLIC LIHRARY.

The public library building of the City of
Rock Island, is very beautiful in design and
architecture, and is the most imposing edifice
belonging to the citv, and of it all its citizens
are justly jjroud. In fact it is readilv con-
ceded to be the most beautiful and com-
modious public building in the county, and
with its valuable and well .selected library,
both for reference and general literature, its
influence for good in the community is very
great and cannot be over-estimated. Its
architecture is of "Ionic" design. Its in-
terior decoration is in "Italian renaissance''
and most beautifvd in design and execution.
Tiie building complete with all furnishings
together with lot cost approximately .194,000.

The present library is the result of arduous
and incessant toil and attention; and it is to
l)e deplored that no record of the exertions
and sacrifices of the intellectual men and
women who were primarily responsil)le for
its l)eiiig, has been preserved. All the facts
are therefore not obtainable, but tiiis mucli
is known :

Karly in June, 1855. a few imlilic spirited
citizens of the city begun the serious consid-
eration of this question, and it began to take

definite form June 26, 1855. The Rock
Islander of July 4, 1855, announced that
"one of the oldest and most eminent citizens
will gladly give one hundred dollars toward
a library; provided nine others would give a
like amount." On September 15, 1855, a
public meeting of citizens was held in the
basement of the First Presbyterian Church,
and was organized by the selection of Hon-
orable M. B. Osborn as chairman and H. C.
Connelly and O. P. Wharton as secretaries.
The desirability of a lilirary organization was
discussed by Messrs. Bailey. Hayes, Pershing,
Knox and Marshall, and sesulted in the
appointment of Messrs. Knox, Velie, Steel,
T. J. Buford, Pershing, Fish, Bailey, Conway,
Harper and Kelly a committee to solicit sub-
scriptions upon the conditions that those
giving one hundred dollars, their children
between the age of fourteen and twenty-one,
should be life meml)ers: persons giving fifty
dollars shoidd he life members; those giving
twenty-five dollars shoukl be members for ten
years, those giving ten dollars should be
members for four years, and those giving
three dollars should be members for one
year. Five hundred dollars was subscribed
at that meeting, and Messrs. Knox, Pershing
and Wilkinson were appointed a committee
to draft a constitution.

On October 3, 1855, the organization was
completed by the adoption of the name of the
" Rock Island City Library and Reading
Room Association" and the election of the
Honorable Joseph Knox ])resident, H. C.
Connelly vice-president. Honorable W. M.
Bailey treasurer and R. M. Marshall secre-
tary. At this meeting Mr. C. H. Waite of
Chicago donated lot three, block fifty-three,
Chicago or Lower .\ddition, valued at two
hundred dollars, to the Association, and the
hall ciiinmittee was instructed to lit up
"Lilirary Hall" on the third floor of Jiaile}'
and Boyle's block. On October 24. 1S55, an
advertisement was inserted in the Rock
IMandcr for a librarian, and Mr. Ricliani P.

134

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Cropper was cho.seti librarian. The reading
roona was opened about November 7, 1855,
from 10 A. M. to 10 P. M. On December 3,
1S55, announcement was made tliat a large
invoice of books had been received from New
York and that the fully equipped library
would be ojjcned to the public (in Tuesday
and Wednesday following, from 1(1 to 12
A. M., 1 to 5:30 and 6:30 to 10 I'. M. In
1857 the nundjcr of volumes had increased
to 1,000. P'or many years this association
was prosperous, and proved a great benefit
to the city. After some years the interest
seemed to wane, and Mr. Charles Pettifer
became librarian. During his incumbency the
library substantially ceased to be popular and
it was closed.

Afterward some of the young men of the
city organized an association known as the
"Young Men's library Association," and the
library of the original association passed to
its control. It continued to he. a live and
valuable association until the organization of
the present City library, having increased
the number of \(ilumes to 2,000, and was sup-
ported by the annual dues of its members.

It was not until August, 1872, that full
public cognizance was taken of tlie manifold
and far-reaching value of such an organiza-
tion. In this last mentioned year the General
Assembly of this State passed the present
library law, and it was approved and came in
force March 7, 1872. A few of the leading
citizens of the City readily realized that a
public library would be of inestimable value
to the City, and they ]iromi)tIy ]iroceeded to
avail themselves ol' the law, and their efforts
to that end were readily sti|)ported by the
mayor and V\ty Cinmcil of the City. On
August 12, 1S72, tlic City Cotuicil pa.ssed an
ordinance organizing a public library as a
part of the City government, and at the same
meeting Messrs. Henry Curtis and E. I).
Sweeney appeared before the council, and on
behalf of the "Young Men's i,il)rary Associa-
tion," donated tie entire librai'v of that

association, consisting of about 2,000 volumes,
to the City. Thus the present public library
was established, and it is believed to have
l)een the second library established under the
law of 1872.

On October 12, 1872, Mayor Bailey Daven-
port recommended to the City Council that
Messrs. Kdward Burrall, Cornelius I-ynde,
junior, E. I). Sweeney, W. H. Gest, L. M.
Haverstick, Milton Jones, Conrad Spiedel,
R. Lloyd and P. T. McKlhern should consti-
tute the first hoard of directors, and they
were unanimously approved as such directors.
The Vioard organized by the electitm of
Edward Uurrall as president and K. 1).
Sweeney as secretary.

The discussion of the proposition to erect
a new library building in the City begun as
early as 1895, and serious consideration was
given it by the Ijoard of directors, collectively
and individually, from time to time; Init
definite action to that end was delayed for
the reason that the majorit_y of the board
thought it inadviseable to increase the taxa-
tion upon the citizens to the extent necessary
for such iiur]iose. During these years the
different members of the board gave the
cjuestion much thought, and various wealthy
citizens of the City were approached u])on
the subject, with the view to elicit their co-
operation and financial aid toward the erec-
tion of a suitable building as early as 1897.
Mr. Frederick Weyerhaeuser early showed an
interest in the project, and proposed to join
with others he mentioned in providing a fund
with which to build: but as no one else wcuild
co-operate the project failed. ^Ir. Andrew
Carnegie's attention was called to the needs
of the City by one or more citizens other than
members of tiie hoai'd of directors, but with-
out being able to interest him in tlie matter.

The accomodations for the lil):'a;\v beca lie
so poor ami inadequate and tlie growing needs
of the library so great, that finally the iward
of directors, which consisted of Charles L.
\\'alk<'r, ]iresi(lent ; .lohn \V. Welch, secretary;

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

135

and Walter Johnson, Louis Kohn, Charles J.
Larkin, C. W. Foss, Charles Fiebig, Alexander
lie Soland, and Joseph Kerr, were compelled
to take action looking toward the erection of
a new library building by general taxation,
and in view of the steady advance in real
estate it seemed imperative that a suitable
site be secured without delay, and the board
finally, on October 10, 1S99, appointed a
committee to consider the matter and report.
On March 6, 1900, the committee reportefl
that they had obtained an option on the
present premises for $8,500, and the committee
was continued to further consider the ques-
tion. On April 7, 1900, they reported that
Messrs. Drack and Kerns had been emjiloyed
to prepare preliminary plans for a suitable
liiirary building, and such ]>lans were sub-
mitted, with the estimated cost of $70,000,
The board unanimously approved such report
and plans, and passed the required resolution
for the erection of the building, out of general
taxes, to be collected in seven yearly install-
ments. On April 9, 1900, the City Council
authorized and directed the board of directors
to proceed to have such building erected.

For this action, and the liberal and pro-
gressive spirit manifested, the jieople are
indebted to the following city otiicers: Hon-
(iral)le William McConochie, Mayor; H. C.
Schaffer, city clerk; and Aldermen George
W. Aster, Fred Gall, John Lawhead, Thomas
A. Pender, H. L. Wheelan, Andrew Soder-
strom, Michael Concannon, Charles Willis,
Albert Johnson, Robert Beck, Charles Heide-
mann, Basilius Winter, J. O. Freed and Henry
Elwell.

On June 12, 1900, the board requested that
the first installment of $10,000 be levied, and
the City Council on June 26, 1900, duly
ordered such levy. August 20, 1900, the
l)oard of directors obtained a deed for the
lots on which the building now stands.

On November 13, 1900, Mr, Walker re-
ported to the board of directors that .Mr.
Fiederick Weyerhaeuser, in order to ))ei-niil

the immediate erection of a library building,
had very generously offered to give the
l)oard outright $10,000 and to loan them
$50,000 at five per cent, provided a fire proof
and ornamental building be erected. This
offer was gladly accepted and i)lans for such
a building were ordered. Mr. Leonard Drack,
architect, submitted plans of the present
building, but when the bids for its erection
were opened, it was found that it coidd not
be erected within the jimoinit at the disposal
of the board, except by eliminating the
beautiful columns and ])ilasters. This dilem-
ma was submitted to Mr. Weyerhaeuser, and
he insisted that the beauty of the building
should not be sacrificed; and in order to pre-
vent it, generously gave $2,500 in addition,
and ptn-suaded Mr. F. C. A. Denkmann to
give a like amount. Sui)scquently. in order
to eiuxble the board to liquidate the extra
cost of the building occasioned by the diffi-
culty of getting a safe foundation and some
other necessary changes, Mr. Weyerhaeuser
gave the further sum of $5,369.32, and
finally his generosity induced him to purchase
thirty feet additional ground adjoining the
library lot on the east, so as to make the
lot one hundred and fifty feet square, thus
making his total gift to the library $20,769.32.
The contract for the liuilding was entered
into September 10, 1901, with Collins Broth-
ers as general contractors, for $58,147, who
immediately begun work. The corner stone
was laid in the Fall of 1902, and the building
was opened to the jniblic for general use
December 15, 1903. The first floor consists
mainly of one large room, divided only by the
delivery desk with its attachments and
metal stacks, into stack room, reading room,
reference room and children's room. To the
right of the stack room are the librarian's
office and the work rimui. The stack room
will accommodate 60,000 \-olumes. Up stairs
are the directors' room, art room and audience
room, the latter to Ije used in tiie future for a
general reading nioui. In ilie ixisement are

136

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

rooms for Government documents, newspaper
files, heating plant, lavatories, etc. All are
finished in quarter-sawed oak. in antique
finish. The rooms are thus conveniently
arranged for entire supervision from the
delivery desk, and the rooms are spacious
and airy. It is, withal, a public institution
for which the people of the city and county
are justly proud, and for this they are largely
indebted to the generosity and public spirit
of Mr. Weyerhaeuser. It contains, in round
numbers, 18,000 volumes, besides pamphlets,
which are freely loaned to all citizens. The
art and assembly rooms are large and well
adapted to such uses, and the directors' room
is beautifullj' decorated and furnished.

The building committee consisted of Mr.
C. L. Walker, elected member of the board in
Juty, 1891, and who has been its president
since July 25, 1893; Mr. J. W. Welch, ap-
pointed a member of the board in 1890, and
has been its secretary since Juh- 25, 1891;
C. J. Larkin. appointed in 1886, and Louis
Kohn, appointed in 1894. The present
members of the board are Charles L. Walker,
.John W. Welch, Claude W. Foss, Charles J.
Larkin, Louis Kohn, Charles Fiebig, Alex-
ander de Soland, C. P. Comegj-s and Doctor
Joseph DeSilva.. Miss Ellen Gale is the
librarian, and Miss Fanny F. Cleland first
assistant librarian, and Miss Elsie Schocker
second assistant. The library and reading
rooms are open from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. on
week days.

HOSPITALS AXl) HOMES.

For a city the size of Rock Island, it is
adequately supplied with institutions for
careing for the sick, injured and indigent.

Bethany Home, for neglected children,
orphans and deserving poor, located in the
upper end of Rock Island, on Fifth Avenue,
was formerly known as the Lnian Mission,
and was located at Eighth Street and Fourtli
Avenue. Later it wa.s transferred to South
Rock Island, wl-.ere it was maintained until

January 3. 1906. The new quarters are of
brick, and are capable of accommodating
fifty children. There are now forty inmates.
The cost of the present home, inclusive of
SI .000 transferred in real estate, was 810,600.
It was incorporated July 12, 1899, and its
donors and supporters ran into the hundreds.
It is non-sectarian.

This magnificent and much needed struc-
ture was originally established in 1894, under
the care of the Franciscan Sisters of the
Immaculate Conception. In 1904 the present
building, including the new section and alter-
ations, was completed at a total cost of
S60,000. The hospital is now self-supporting,
twelve nurses are employed, twelve sisters are
retained to perform the necessary work aside
from nursing, and it has a capacity of one
hundred patients. The building is an im-
posing four-story brick structure, and is
surrounded by a beautiful and spacious lawn.
Miss Mary X. Robertson, widely known for
ability as a trained nurse, is superin-
tendent.

CEMETERIES.

Chippiannock Cemetery Association of Rock
Island was organized in 1855. The cemetery
grounds occupy a beautiful natural spot of
sixty acres, one mile south of the City of
Rock Island. Outside of the natural advan-
tages, the grounds are beautifully laid out in
winding drives and walks, according to plans
made by Mr. Hotchkiss, who laid out the
celebrated Greenwood Cemetery of Brooklyn.
New York. The grounds are mainly sLijiing.
with the hill top flat, backed by a wooded
ravijie, and are nicely timbered with fine old
trees. It is an ideal spot for a cemetery, and
surpassed by very few in natural beauty.
The name Chippiannock is of Indian origin,
and means ''City of the Dead." Here rest
over 7,000, including those removed from the
old cemeterv at the head of Eagle Street.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U N T Y

137

The Hebrew Burying (iroiind Association
of Rock Island was organized in 1.S69, and
owns one acre in Chii)]iiannock Cemetery,
very beautifully laid out and enclosed with
a fine hedge.

Calvary Cemetery Association, adjoining
Chippiannock Cemetery (jh the southeast
corner, contains about five acres, and was
established nearly fift_y years ago. Three
years ago it was incorporated under the name
of "Calvary Cemetery Association," and is
controlled by a board of directors. In this
cemetery rest about one thousand.

8t. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, located
south of Chippiannock and Calvary, was
instituted about ten years ago, aiul is gov-
erned by a board of directors.

Carr's Cemetery is located in South Rock
Island, north side of the river road.

Dickson Cemetery, is located in Sears.

Lutheran Cemetery, located on the Twenty-
fourth Street hill, one-half mile south of city
limits.

BANKS OF ROCK ISLAND COUNTY.

Before entering into details of the banks of
Rock Island County it would be well to recall
early conditions and incidents.

Within the last fifty-six j^ears there have
been numerous panics, but none so disastrous
locally as that of 1S57 and 1858. Four banks
in Rock Island were reduced to one (MitcheU
and Cable) as the immediate result, and that
bank and the bank of Gould, Dimock and
Company, Moline, were the only banks in the
county for several years. The bulk of the
currency in this section in those days was
issued by the Bank of Florence, organized by
Cook, Sargent and Parker, but it was located
at Florence, Nebraska, which is still an
insignificant suburb of Omaha. It must be
remembered that there was no railroad across
the State of Iowa in 1857. hence the jilace of
ultimate redemption of Florence money was
|iractical!y inaccessible. As long as the pow er-

ful banking house of Cook and Sargent at
Davenport voluntarily redeemed the notes,
they stood high bvit when that firm went
down in the panic great distress followed in
this section.

As far as I know there was never but one
daylight baidv hold-up in thecounty. March 24,
1856 there was a robbery of $5,000 from the
bank of Cook, Sargent and Parker in Rock
Island. Jlr. Parker, the cashier, was out of
the city, and at the noon hour A. F. Heath,
bookkeeper, had gone to the Rock Island
House for dinner, leaving the teller. John
Thorington. alone in the office. Thorington
said he was assaulted by three men, having
been knocked down with ashmgshot , ami that
the robbery and escape followed.

He dragged himself inin th(> adjoining
hardware store of Har|)('r and Steel in a \ery
much battered state. Alarm was immedia-
ately given and officers and citizens, horse-
back and afoot, swarmed over the city and
surrounding country, but withotit a-vail. The
matter is still a mystery.

.lulj' 20, 1904, burglars made a desperate
attempt to enter the safe of the State Bank of
East Moline. With a liberal use of nitro-
glycerine they blew off the outer safe door.
but left at about two o'clock in the morning
without having made any impression on the
Inu-glar proof money box.

While they did not get a cent of money
the}- made a sad wreck of office and furniture.
No clew was ever obtained of the burglars.
Charles Fiebig, lock expert of this city,
opened the money chest next morning and
contents were intact and uninjvu'ed.

John L. Drew, of Davenport, was a clerk
in the tiank of Cook, Sargent and Parker of
Rock Island in 1854. continuing with tl e
bank of Mitchell and Cable for a few niuntlis
during the year of 1856. He, therefore, served
as a lianker at an earlier date than any livini
man in this section. Honorable .1. .M. floid 1
late of Moline, served for a great many

138

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

successive years as a banker, and is the pioneer
living bank president. Phil Mitchell com-
menced his bank service in 1863; it
has been practically continuous, and he is
probably entitled to credit for longest
service.

In order to sliow the growth of the banking
business it may be said that in 1873. which
was a panic year, deposits in all the banks in
the county did not exceed $600,000. Now
they are SI 1.800,000.

The first bank in this section was that .of
Cook and Sargent, established in 1847 at
Davenport. It continued in business, as the
leading bank on the upper Mississippi until its
failure in the ]5anic of 1858. Its owners,
Ebenezer Cook, John P. Cook and George B.
Sargent, were able financiers, and at the time
of the failure they probably owned more
good Iowa land than any later firm or indi-
vidual, but it could not be sold at any price
in those distressing times.

The first bank in Rock Island County was
that of Cook. Sargent and Parker, which in
1852 occupied the room now occupied by
T. H. Thomas, Second Avenue and Seven-
teenth Street. In 1854 this bank was moved
to the quarters' now occupied by the State
Bank of Rock Island, its successor, showing
a continuous existence of more than fifty-six
years. It is the oldest bank in the State of
Illinois, save one. In 1856 the late P. L.
Mitchell, and the late P. L. Cable came to
Rock Island frcnn Kentucky and bouglit out
the Cook, Sargent and Parker bank, con-
tinuing the business under the firm name of
Mitchell and Cable mitil 1860. \\hen the
late Cornelius Lynde. junior, bought out Mr.
Cable's interest, and the firm became Mitchell
and Lynde, whicli firm was in turn succeeded
by the present State liank of Rock Island iu
1905.

In the latter part of 1852 or early 1853 the
late Isaac Negus, and the late William L. Lee
and the late M. B. Osborn organizeil tlie Rock

Ishuid Hank, a state institution, and author-
ized under the then existing state banking
law to issue bank notes, which it did liberally.
Jolin H. Kinney, now of Chicago was
cashier for several years. This was the
first hank of i.ssue in the county, and it
is fair to state it met every dollar of
its oldigations. both to depositors and note
holders, chiefly through the financial rectitude
and moral stamina of the late Isaac Negus,
wlio stood by it manfully, and was its last
president when its bank building and business
were sold to Mitchell and Lynde in 1861.

The Hank of the Federal Union of Rock
Island was organized in 1856 by the late
General N. B. Buford. H. C. Blackburn antl
Bushrod Birch, all brothers-in-law. This was
also a bank of issue as well as deposit and
svu'ciinilied to the ]ianic of 1857 and 1858.

In 1S56 there was the private banking
house of Fish, (Joodale and Lee at Rock
Island. This bank also went out of business
in the panic of 1857 and 1858, but our late
fellow citizen. Mylo Lee, was the medium
through which every dollar of its oljligations
were paid.

Mitchell and Lynde continued to be the
only bank in Rock Island from 1861 to 1863,
when P. L. Mitcliell and Cornelius Lynde.
junior, organized the First National Bank of
Rock Island, capital .Sloo.diio, with P. L.
Mitcliell as president and J. .M. Buford as
cashier. It was among the earliest of the
national banks to be in operation in the
United States, its charter number being
one hundred and eight. It continued in
business until 1S90. when its business was
merged with that of Mitchell and Lynde.

The next liank to be started in Rock Island
was the Rock Island National Bank, in 1871,
whose first president was the late Captain
T. J. Robinson, and first cashier Mr. A.
Benedict, now of San Jose, California. Mr.
Benedict served but a short time and he was
succeeded bv the late J. F. Robinson, the

// / ,s T R I C R C K I S L A N D C U N T Y

139

present officers being H. E. Casteel, president-
M. S. Heagy, vice-president: and H. B. Sim-
mon, cashier. Capital, SI 00,000.

The Peoples National Bank of Rock Island
— capital, $100,000 — was organized in 1S74,
with Bailey Davenport as president, .Joseph
Rosenfield, vice-president and John Peetz as
cashier. Its present officers are Otto Huber,
])resident, and Carl Hellpenstell, vice-president
and cashier.

The Rock Island Savings Bank was the
first savings bank, and first state bank to be
organized imder the present Illinois banking
laws in the county. Capital, $100,000. The
first officers were E. P. Reynolds, president,
and .1. M. Buford, cashier, which position he
retained up to the time of his election to the
presidenc}' to succeed the late P. L. Mitchell.
The present officers are Phil. Mitchell, presi-
dent; H. P. Hull, vice-president, and P.
(ireenawalt, cashier.

The Central Trust and Savings Bank of
Rock Island— capital, $100,000 — was organ-
ized in 1899, and its present officers are H. E.
Casteel, president; M. 8. Heagy, vice-president
and H. B. Simmon, cashier.

In Moline, Chajjinan Brothers conducted a
small banking and exchange business, with
insurance agency, as early as 1856, but they
failed in the ensuing panic, and it may be
truthfully said the beginning of the banking
business in Moline was in 1857, when Gould,
Diniock and Company started their private
bank.

This bank was succeeded in December,
1863, by the Fir.st National Bank of Moline,
with J. S. Koatiir as president, and J. M.
Gould as cashier. John Deere was president
in 1866, succeeded by J. M. Gould as president
and J. S. Gillmore cashier in 1867, H. S.
Chai)man becoming vice-president in 1905,
succeeding J. T. Browning. It was merged
with the Peoi)les Saving.s Hank and Trust
('oni]nin3- in 1905.

The Peoples Savings Bank of Moline —
caiiital, $1()(),00()- organized in 1S91, its first

officers being C. H. Deere, president; Morris
Rosenfield, vice-president, and J. S. Gilmore,
cashier, merged with the Peoples Savings
Bank and Trust Company in 1905.

The Peoples Savings Bank and Trust
Company of Moline was organized in 1905.
Capital, $150,000. This was a consolidation
with the First Xatioinxl Bank, and Peoples
Savings Bank of Moline. Its first officers
were C. H. Deere, president; H. L. Chapman,
vice-president; and J. S. (iillmore, cashier.
The present oflicers are William Butterworth.
]iresident; N. H. Green, vice-president; and
C. W. Lundahl, cashier.

The ilanufacttu'ers Bank of Muline was
organized under a state charter in 1869. Its
first officers were S. W. Wheelock, president ;
Porter Skinner, vice-president; C. W. I.obdell.
cashier; and C. l'\ Henicnway. assistant
cashier.

It was succeeded in 1872 by the .Moline
National Bank— capital. $100, 000— with the
same officers as above, and this bank was in
turn succeeded in 1906 by the State Savings
Bank and Trust Company, of Moline — capital,
$200,000. The pre.sent officers are F. (].
.\llen, president; C. I. Josephson, vice-presi-
dent; and Sol. Hirsch, cashier.

In 1863 W. H. Devore started a pri\atp
bank at Port I5yron. At first it was under
the name of Brown and Devore, lint .Mr.
Devore succeeded and continued until Simon-
son and Schafer became his successor, to l)e
in turn succeeded by the jiresent Port Byron
State Bank— capital, $50,000. The present
officers are J. W. Simonson. president:
F. S. Gates. A'ice-president; B. B. Huntlex-,
cashier.

E. E. Rogers and Sons .started in the
private banking business in Port Byron in
1871, the partners being E. E. Rogers, I'rank
E. Rogers and E. M. Rogers, the bank beim:
known as the Bank of Port Byron.

M. Schoonmaker started the Reyii 1 Is
Bank, at Reynolds, in 1888, a jirivate bank
which was sold to R. I'. W'.-iit and ('omnan\-

140

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

several years thereafter, wlio (■(intiiiue the
business.

The Farmers State Bank of Reynolds was
organizedin 1904— capital. S25.G00— with M.
Schoonmaker, president; Elisha Lee. vice-
president; and J. E. Lee, cashier.

The State Bank of East Moline was organ-
ized in 1904— capital. $25,000. Its first
officers were Phil Mitchell, president ; Daniel
McNeal, vice-president; and B. J. Mitchell,
cashier. The present officers are ,1. A.
O'Neil, president ; William Jackson, vice-
president; and F. A. Sudlow . cashier.

R. P. Wait started the i)rivate liank of
Taylor Ridge in 1905.

H. R. Cox started the private liiank of
Silvis in 1907, which is the last one to be
started in the county.

ROCK ISLAND MANUFACTORIES.

Our manufacturing interests are strong and
growing every day. Space forbids our men-
tioning everybody. The products of the
factories are very diversified, and all. large
and small, are on a good sound basis, with
a very satisfactory business.

The Rock Island Plow Company was orig-
inally established in 1854 by Charles Buford
and R. N. Tate; afterwards named B. D.
Buford and Company, and later the Rock
Island Plow Company. They manufacture
high grade agricultural implements; mainly
plows, cultivators, harrows, hay loaders and
other farm implements. The company has
recently been re-organized, increasing its
capital stock from $600,000 to $2,600,000.

Weyerhaeuser and Denkmann Company,
manufacturers of and dealers in lumber, lath,
shingles, and anything connected with that
line of business. Thej' are also the largest
general concern in the logging and timl)er
interests in the United States.

Rock Island Stove Works, manufacture all
kinds of cooking stoves, ranges and heating
stoves.

Hock Island Lumber and Manufacturing
Company. A general line of lumber, mould-
ings, etc.

Uock Islantl Sash and Door Works. \Miole
sale nuuuifacturers of everything in sash,
doors, blinds and mouldings.

THK STANDARD TARLE OIL CLOTH CO.MPAX-V.

In July. 1901. the organization of the
Standard Table Oil Cloth Company was
effected; seven manufacturers sold their
jilants to the Standard Company.' These
l)lants were largely located- in the east. The
jiroduct of the company is light weight oil
cloth, liy which is meant oil cloth manufac-
tureil on a cotton base used for covering
tallies, imitations of leather, bag muslin,
shelf and stair oil cloth. The company has
never manufactured oil cloth for floors, which
is a separate industry, inasmuch as floor oil
cloth is manufactured on a burlap instead of
a cotton base, the machinery and method of
manufacture being entirely different.

The growth of the business, particularly in
the A\est necessitated the erection of a new
plant, one of the largest of its kind in opera-
tion, at Rock Island. Illinois, with a frontage
on the Mississippi Ri\-er. This plant in time
will likely be the largest plant of its kind in
the world. It is centrally located, has good
shipping facilities and caters to the wants of
the richest country on the globe; the Mis-
sissippi and Missouri ^'alleys.

The output of the Standard Company has
steadily increased. For its last fiscal year
it manufactured about 36.000 miles of light
weight oil cloth, one yard wide. Its trade
mark " Meritas," which is stamped on the
l)ack of every yard of its product in oil cloth
is well known in all commercial centers. A
large export business is done.

One of the products of the company which
has been recently introduced to the public is
a washable wall covering called " Sanitas."
This new product is meeting with great
success.

// I ST U Rl C R U C K 1 .S L A X D CO U A' T Y

141

III May, 1907, the assets of the Stanilard
Tal)le Oil Cloth Coni])any were sold to tiu'
Staiulard Oil Cloth Coni]jaiiy tmder a iiierfier
agreement, the directors and oHicers retain-
ing' their ])ositions.

The Stanilard Oil Cloth Company has a
capital stock of $6.(X)().0(K): .f3,()(Kl.(l()() of
preferred and S3, ()()().()()() of coninion. Its
officers are as follows; President and treas-
urer, Henry ^I. (iarlick, ^'onnjistown, Ohio:
vice-president. George H. Hughes, New
York City: secretary and general manager,
Alvin Hunsicker, New York City; assistant
treasurer. ^V. E. Thatcher, Orange. New
.Jersey.

The company is the largest of its kind in
the world, and employs a large nuniiier of
men in its various plants.

.\mong the many other enterprising in-
dustries are found ;

National Neck Yoke Comiiany.

Fi'emont Butter Tvdj Companv.

Electric Construction and .Machinery Com-
l)any.

Colona Sand Stone Quarries.

Hock Island Skirt Company.

Kramer Printing and Puldishing Company.
successors to Kramer and Company, the old
reliable ]irinting and hook binding establish-
ment.

lUlbDIXO ASSOCIATIONS.

THI-: HOCK ISL.\XD MUTUAL JiUILDIXC, L().\N
A\D SAVINGS ASSOCIATIOX.

In the year 1880 on the inx'itatioii of the
late Samuel S. Guyer, the pioneer savings
institution of Rock Island was organized.
This instit\ition was one of the first Puilding
.\ssociations organized in Illinois an<l lias
lieen the model for many similar associations
in this and adjoining States,

During the first year the total receipts were
only •S-l,263.7(). But so lapidly were the
inxesling ]iublic educated in the ad\antages
of the Uuilding .Association, that in the \-('ar

1894 the annual receipts had increased to
«237,619.05.

How much benefit has accrued from this
association to the City of Rock Island in
promoting habits of thrift and economy, in
furnishing the means whereby rent payers
(■oul<l become home owners: in putting life
into real estate investments generally and in
stimulating all the Ijuilding trades, can hardly
be overestimated.

Through the medium of this association
over two thousand citizens have been enabled
to provide their families with homes on the
payment of monthly installments, no more
luirdensome than the monthly payment of
rent. Savings depositors have been accorded
the full earnings of their moneys and these
earnings have averaged considerably above
the rates that money could be loaned for.
There are no favored stockholders to absorb
the major part of the earnings. The associa-
tion is purely mutual. All the earnings are
divided equitably \'Vo rata according to the
amount and the time of investment.

The association's motto is: '"Tho American
Home is the Safeguard of .\moricaii Liber-
ties."

THIO liLACK HAWK IIOM lOSTI ; \ I) nUILIlIM;, LOAN
AXn SA\IXOS ASSOCIATIOV.

The Black Hawk Homestead I'.uilding,
Loan and Savings Association, of Rock
Island, Illinois, was incor])orated under the
laws of the State of Illinois on July 25, 1SS7,
with an authorized capital stock of $1,000,000,
consisting of ten tliousaud shares of one
htmdred dollars each, to be issued in series
at the discretion of the board of directors.
So great was the demand for the stock, the
association, at the end of two years, was
.compelled to increase its autiiorized capital
stock to 110,000,000.

This association has l)v resolution of its
board of directors issued series every three
months. The stock is issued in three classes,-
namely; ",\," " I' " and ■■('," .■uid [layalile

142

HISTORIC RO C K ISLAND COU N T Y

as follows: Class "A," fifty cents per sliaro
|)cr iiKiiitli: class " H." mic ilnllai' per share
per month; and class ■'("," iwo dollars pcv
share per month, matnrinu' to par value of
one lumdi-ed dollars ].)er share in one
hniidred and thirty-seven months, seventy-
nine months and forty-five months. res]jec-
tivelv.

This money is loaned by the association to
its stockholders at the rate of six per cent
per annum, and a monthly ])remium of twenty
cents per share ])er month. Thus, a 'stock-
holder having a lot of sufficient value to
warrant a loan for huikling a house is enabled
to acquire a home by the payment of
easy monthly installments similar to house
rent.

Through this system, the association has
prospered wonderfully, and in the twenty
and a half years of its existence has loaned
to its stockholders over $1,700,000, jiroviding
money for the building of houses to the
number of eighteen hundred in the Cities of
Rock Island and Moline. Estimating the
population on the basis of five to a family.
the association has provided homes for nine
thousand people, which in itself would make
a city of no mean proporticin.

This association is to be regarded also
from the standpoint of a savings bank, and in
this feature cannot be excelled. It affords
an opportunity to those who are desirous of
saving money in small amounts of one dollar
and upwards, and pays a liberal interest upon
their investment. It has, during the time of
its exi.stence paid out to retiring and maturing
.stockholders, »2,250,000.

The officers of the association at present
are: E. D. Sweneey, president; H. H.
Cleaveland. \ice-president; F. K. Rhoads.
treasurer; T. J. Medill, secretary; and Sweeney
and Walker, attorneys.

The office of the a.ssociation is suite No.
210, Peoples Naticuial Rank building. Rock
Island, Illinois.

IXDl'STRIAL COMMISSION.

]lUli:i.' (U-ri,l\E OF THK HISTORY or Tin: IN-
DU.STRUL COMMISSIOX.

J'ollowing a wide spread movement among
cities and towns to develop their commeroial
and manufacturing importance and recog-
nizing that this could best be attained through
an organization whose efforts would be con-
fined to this field of activity the Industrial
Commission of Rock Island was created.

The first step necessary thereto was ac-
complished through the contribution of a
ftuid of $10,000 intended to meet the expenses
incidental to the work for a given period, and
upon the attainment thereof an organization
was effected liy the creation of five com-
mittees, namely: The manufacturers, the
railroads, the jobbers, the conventions and
the board of control, of which F. C. Denk-
mann was elected first president, Charles
McHugh, vice president; T. J. Medill, treas-
urer; and Mayer Levi, secretary.

Soon after the completion of the organiza-
tion it became evident that something more
was necessary if Rock Island woidd compete
with other points in an effort to secure the
location of new industries, and in recognition
thereof impetus was given to a movement to
raise a fund of $100,000 to be employed in
providing sites and buildings and in such
other ways as would meet the appro^•aI of
the board of trustees. The mere suggestion
was sufficient to awaken an interest in the
plan outlined and within less than thirty
days there was subscribed a total of nearly
$150,000, known as the Greater Rock Island
Development Fmid.

Nothing speaks more loudly of the loy^alty,
unselfishness and progressive spirit of the
people of Rock Island than the success that
marked this undertaking.

This fund has since then been comple-
mented b}- a donation from Weyerhaeuser
and Denkmann. Charles H. Deere, and the

HIST TilC ROC K I S L A X D CO U \ T Y

143

J. F. Robinson and Morris Rosenfield estates,
of fifty acres of land exceptionally well
adapted to manufacturing purposes and
admirably situated with respect to shipjiinf!;
facilities, both by rail and water.

Coupled with these concrete conditions
there has been a spirit awakened to the
consciousness of the possibilities that lie
before Rock Island and a determination to
grasp them in furtherance of the aniljition
to become what nature ordained and which
is already evident in our wonderful growth
as a successful manufacturing center.

ROCK ISLAND CLUB.

The idea of forming an association such as
the Rock Island Club was first broached by
a part}' of Rock Island gentlemen, who met
on the evening of November 18, 1896, at the
Harper House. F. W. Bahnsen was chosen
temporary chairman, and E. J. Burns tem-
porary secretary. A committee of seven was
named to jierfect an organization, and at a
meeting two days afterward, the latter
appointed a sub-committee of three to draw
up a constitution and by-laws, and to take
o\it articles of incorporation. A charter was
secured during December of the same year,
and at a meeting held that month the first
board of tlirectors was elected, consisting of
A. ('. Dart, Charles McHugh, F. W. Bahnsen,
W. H. Marshall, E. H. Guyer, Mayer Ilosen-
fifld. William Jackson, Phil Mitchell, E. W.
Hiu-st, Henry Carse and C. J. Searle.

For nearly two years the club renuiined
practically dormant, negotiations being in
]irogress at that time for suitable quarters.
Finally terms were arranged with Mrs. Dr.
C. B. Kinyon for the use of the present
(piarters on Sixteenth Street and Third
.\ venue, and October 14. 1898, another
meeting was held at the Harper House, at
which a three-year lease of the premises was
ratified. liefore this time had expired, in
.Inly. 19()L tlie clubhouse and grounds wvvt-
purchased from Mrs. Kinvon, .¥T_>. 0(1(1 l>eiiig

the consideration. Immediate plans for ex-
tensions were begun, and tluring the Fall
$5,000 was spent upon improvements, which
have given the club quarters that are considered
the finest in the State outside of Chicago.

The Club began with a membership of 100.
Being a pronounced success from the start,
there was no difficulty in securing additions
to the enrollment, and at the present time
there are 287 members in good standing.

F. W. Bahnsen was the first president, and
Joliu T. Stafford was the first secretary.
Mayer Rosenfield was elected treasurer when
the organization was effected, and held the
position up to the time he ceased to be a
resident of the City. At the .election in
January, 1899, the board of directors was
divided into three sections, one serving three
years, another two years, and a third one
year, as follows: Three years, W. H. I\Iar-
shall, E. H. Guyer, C. A. Stoddard; two
years, A. C. Dart, F. W. Bahnsen, Dr. G. L.
Eyster, George A. Price; one year, Charles
McHugh, Phil Mitchell, John T. Stafford,
Mayer Levi. Since that time one section has
been elected annually for a term of three years.

The defined oljjects of the club are, of
course, largely social. The quarters are
fitted up with ]iarlors, a library, private
dining rooms, a billiard room and bowling
alleys. The rooms are elegantly furnished,
and provided with everything for the enter-
tainment of the members and guests. They
are especially convenient at times \\hen the
City is called upon to do hoimr to a visitor
of distinction.

There are fourteen standing committees
j)rovided for in the by-laws. Of these nine
are appointed on club affairs and entertain-
ment. The others are calculated to help in
the tipbuilding of the community. The sub-,
jects they cover are local improvements,
Rock Island Arsenal, the tri-cities, manu-
facturers and railroads. Through these latter
bodies many important matters have been
brought to the attenti'Ui "f the clulj, and

144

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

subsequently acted upon, with great benefit
to the city. A number of enterjirises that
were looking for a suitable field in which to
locate have been induced, through the efforts
of the Club to locate in Rock Island, and
concessions have been secured from various
cor])orations doing business here, upon which
private appeals would have had no effect.

Another acquisition to the City, for which
the Club deserves almost entire credit, is the
Illinois Theatre, built on the advance sale seat
plan, by George H. .Johnson of St. Louis, at
a cost of SoU.OOO, and completed in 1901.
The matter was first taken holil of by the
Club in 1900. Rock Island now has a play-
house second to none in the country, and it is
all the more a source of satisfaction to the peo-
ple at large because it was secured through local
enterprise, manifested by a local organization.

Another important movement the Club
fathered, and the one that will probably do
more for the Cit}- than any other one thing
that has ever been undertaken, was that for
the installation of a small arms jilant by the
Government at Rock Island Arsenal. This
was one of the ver}^ first matters taken hold
of by the Club as the champion of the City's
interests. How the sujjport of Illinois and
Iowa Congre.ssmen and Senators was drawn
to the project is too well known to need
relating in detail. These successes point to
the results which can l)e olitained by active
and persistent co-operation, which the Rock
Island Club has, upon numerous occasions,
demonstrated it is capable of promoting.

The Rock Island Club is now in a flourish-
ing condition. It is established ujwn a firm
basis, for it fills a real need, and is conductetl
along correct lines.

ROCK ISl.AXD-DAVENPORT FERRY.

SEVE.\TY-OXE YE.\RS OF IXTERCOMMUXIC.VTION
AXD TR.\X.SPORT.\TIOX SERVICE LIXK-
IXG THE TRI-CITIES.

The waters of historic old Mississi]:)pi. with-
in smoke-signal of the Watch Tower of Black

Hawk, the Sachem, have been jjarted by the
keels of Illini dug-out, Huron birch canoe,
batteau of voyageur, flat boat of pioneer,
winch-ferry of the early settler, horse-ferry
of established villagers, steamer of modern
date, and motor boat of oil and electricity. of
the opening era, and almo.st without excep-
tion, the introduction of these modes of
passing over its waters have been due to
transversely directed migration rather than
lateral travel — the desire to cross the river
rather than float with or stem it.

At this point the "Father of Waters" is a
trifle over three-fourths of a mile wide, and
while not deep enough to float an ocean
liner, it is never shallow enough to ford; and
even the earliest settler found himself natur-
ally beset with the hankering to keep both
sides the might}' stream under foot sover-
eignty. As a result, the boat. Probably
at first a canoe or dug-out did duty for such
as dared the red man's treachery — white
taught: but the day was soon when the
advent of the advance guard of the pioneer
host made its appearance and household
effects, and women and children called for
better accommodation — and got it.

Just when Antoine LeClaire of Dubuque
started ferrying his followers across is prob-
lematical, but May 28, 1S37. it is sure that
he deeded to John Wilson, of Rock Island
County, Illinois, "the right to keep and
operate a ferry across the Mississippi at a
point known as 'The Ferry Hou.se,' recently
erected and staniling on the west bank of the
Mississippi in the town of Davenport, extend-
ing one miles u]) and one miles down the
river" together "with the boats and crafts
now used on said ferry." and including the
"privilege of passing over his land for pur-
pose aforesaid," for the sums of So. 00 in
hand and Sl.OOO.

The jjhraseology is not of the clearest and
the "one miles" up anil down river is especi-
ally obscure, but the intent is clear so far as
the ferrv being alreadv in existance as owned

HISTORIC ROCK I S L A X D CO U .V T Y

145

jiroperty i.s concerned, as is also the fact
that the said Antoine LeChiire owned much
hmd in the locality. By another clause it is
also made clear that the said Antoine Le-
riaire was fairly modern in his ideas and
would have done credit to this day and age,
namel}-: "Subject to the said I.eClaire
crossing in ferry free of charge.''

That the ferry in those days was not a gift
enterprise is shown by the schedule of prices
afh.xed to this document, now yellow with
age, held in the vaults of the Rock Island
National Bank by the present secretary-
treasurer, which schedule shows as follows;

Ferry R.vtes, 1837 — Footmen, 25 cents;
man and horse, 75 cents; loose cattle and
horses, 25 cents per head; yoke oxen, 50
cents; loaded w^agon and two horses, $1.50;
loaded wagon and yoke oxen, $1.50; loaded
wagon with horse or ox, 25 cents; two-wheel
carriage with horse or ox, SI. 50; hogs and
sheep, 12}4 cents per head.

Just when John Wilson and wife came into
the matter is uncertain, V)ut in 1853 and 1854
John W. Spencer, James Cirant and Thomas
J. Robinson accpiired the Wilson interests in
this ferry, and January 28, 1857, the first
actual charter for the ferry was issued to
Spencer, Grant and Robinson. It gave wide
latitude to the landing place, allowing for
the growth of Rock Island and Davenport
up or down the river, but stipulated the
keeping of a Rock Island landing between
Buffalo and Madison Streets, the keeping u;)
a suitable equipment, etc.

April 7, 1888, the original license to operate
this ferry was issued by the United States
Treasin-y Department, and April 26, 1888, a
charter was issued to the incorporated body
— The Rock Island-Davenport Ferry Com-
pany, with a capital stock of $60,000.

From that time practically no change of
stockholders in the corporation nor in its
management occurred until the death of
Thomas J. Robinson, which occurred in
,\pril of 1800. when his stock was heirod by

his son, J. Frank Robinson, and with it went
the management. r))oii the death of J.
Frank Robinson in .May of 1902. it was
learned that he bequeathed the Robinson
stock to his cousin, (,'aptain ilarcus L.
Henderson, who had been in charge of the
ferry as general manager since 1896.

Captain Henderson is the president and
manager, with H. E. Casteel secretarj' and
treasurer.

In 1891 the ''Augusta'' was put in service-
In 1902 she was rebuilt, re-christened the
"T. J. Robinson." electric lighted and re-
furnished. In 1904, entirely without public
demand, the " Davenport '' was biult at Rock
Island by Kahlke Brothers, and put in com-
mission. She is also of modern design.

TRl-CITY PRESS CLUB.

The Tri-City Press Club is an organization
representing some sixty odd working news-
paper men of the Cities of Rock Island, Maline
and Davenport. The condition of active
membership is identical with the editorial or
business departments of the papers and other
reputable journals of the three cities. Two
other classes of membership are honorary
and non-resident. The Club was organized
at a banquet tendered representatives of the
press of the three cities at Black Hawk Inn
by Charles McHugh and J. F. Lardner, in
September, 1898. The Club at its first
meeting elected Mr. McHugh and Mr. Lardner
honorary memliers, and since that time has
added the names of H. E. Downer, of Daven-
port ; J. T. ilcCutcheon, George Ade, H. B.
Chamberlain, R. E. Little, W. J. Bryan,
Captain W. T. Thompson, Rabbi W. H.
Fineschriber, Henry Watterson, James Whit-
comb Riley and Sir Robert Ball to that list.

The following have served as presidents:
1898, Walter Johason, Rock Lsland; 1899,
J. E. Calkins, Davenport, 1900; P. S. Mc-
Glynn, Moline; 1901, H. P. Simpson, Rock
Island; 1902, L. P. McClarrien, Davenport;
1903. J. H. McKeevcr, Moline; 1904, Robert

146

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Rexdale. Rock Ishuul: 1905. B. F. Tillinghast,
Davenport; 1906. .John Sundine, Moline;
1907. Val. J. Peter. Rock Island.

The Club meets alternatel}- in Moline, Rock
Island and Davenport, each business meeting
being supplemented by an entertaining and
instructive program and dinner. Each jear
the Club becomes sponsor for a high class,
intellectual public entertainment. The Club
is affilliated with the National Association of
Press Clubs.

THE INDUSTRIAL HOME.

The Rock Island Industrial Home Associa-
tion was formed at a mass-meeting of the
members of the labor unions of the City,
headed by the Knights of Labor, held in
December, 1887.

The branches of organized labor repre-
sented in the association, in the beginning,
included Knights of Labor, printers, glass-
blowers, tailors, iron molders, cigar makers,
carpenters, switchmen and locomotive firemen.

The first efforts of the association were
turned toward the raising of a fund with
which to purchase a lot and erect a home for
labor. To do this an annual fair was insti-
tuted. The first one was held in February,
1SS9. and S2.200 cleared. In the Fall a
jncnic netted another substantial sum. The
Labor Day picnics now take the place of the
original affairs; being held alternately in the
three cities. Rock Island. Moline and Daven-
port, under thejauspices of the three Indus-
trial Home A.ssociations. The first meetings
were held at Norris Hall; Hillier's Hall being
later used as headquarters for a period of five
yearsTJ)efore the home was opened in 1896.
The first property the association purchased
was a lot at the corner of Fourth Avenue and
Twentieth Street. This was sold when the
present site for the home was purchased, at
the corner of Third Avenue and Twenty-
first Street.

The erection of the home was accomplished
in 1894. and was taken |)(issessi(ni of in 1S96

— it being a handsome three-story l>rick build-
ing, with two large stores on the ground
floor, offices and halls for meeting places for
the labor organizations on the second floor,
and a large hall on the third floor. Its cost
was S28.000. The financial affairs of the
association are in the hands of T. H. Thomas,
who has acted as agent, with power of attor-
ne}', since the building was erected. The
present indebtedness is 87,000, with S3.00()
more needed to comjilete the building in
accordance with the original plans. These
include the installing of a library, gymnasium,
bath rooms and everything in fact to make
it a complete home, or club house, for the
use of laboring men.

THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSO-
CIATION.

Nearly thirty years ago the first Associa-
tion was formed in Rock Island, with the
same general objects as the present institut
tion. It was engendered by a great religious
revival, and E. W. Spencer, one of the origi-
nators of the idea, was elected the first presi-
dent. Rooms were opened in the postoffice
block, and Sunday afternoons religious meet-
ings for yovmg men were held. At the end
of two years Mr. Spencer was called to other
fields, necessitating his resignation, and the
work was allowed to lapse.

The present Y. ^I. C. .\. had its origin in
1884, A. M. Bruner. R. W. Salisbury and
John Perritt being the prime movers. April
20. of that year, the Association was born at
a meeting held at the Central Presbyterian
Church, and thirty-eight members were signed
to the rolls. Frank Nadler was chosen presi-
dent, and George P. Lyman secretary. June
3 the formal opening of rooms over 1729
Second Avenue was held. The following
February a general secretary was called in
the person of George Warner, of Minneapolis.
At the end ofjhe first year there were sixty-
five members.

11 1 ST Kl C R OC K 1 S L A N D CO U N T Y

147

The Ladies' Central Connnittee was formed
as an auxiliary, in September, 1885, and in
December of the same year the Association
was incorporated. In ilarch, 1886, new
quarters were taken over the Peoples National
Hank. F. W. Lang of Menominee, Wisconsin,
assumed the duties of general secreatary in
.\ugust, 1886. In the Fall of that year ten
delegates were sent to the State convention
at Rockford.

The building movement was begun in
January, LSS7, at a gospel service held at
Reynolds, Illinois, by a few young men,
where two little girls, Anna Stewart and
Libbie Schoonmaker, who were interested in
pictures shown of Y. M. C. A. buildings, each
gave fifty cents without solicitation "to put
up a building at Rock Island for young men ; "
later a like amount was given by Louie Bow-
man, one of our boys. This dollar and a half
was the nucleus of the fund which gave us
our $50,000 property and interested over
seven hundred contributors. At a meeting
of the members a few months later $1,000
was pledged and a l)uilding committee
appointed.

The present site was Ixiught from the
Henderson estate for $4,000, the heirs throw-
ing off $1,000 as a contribution to the cause.

The contract for the foundation of the
building was let at a meeting of interested
business men at the residence of P. L. Mitchell,
held September 24, 1888, Larkin and Stephens
being the successful bidders.

The cornerstone was laid .June 26, 1890,
Mayor McConochie putting it in place,
assisted by the three young persons who were
the first contributors. One of the notable
features of the exercises was the reading of a
letter from Sir George Williams of London.
England, the founder of the Y. ^I. C. \.

At the opening of the year 1900. about
$15,000 had Ijeen subscribed, and March 28
of that year the contract for the superstruc-
ture was let to Collins Brothers for
$15,189.

.\ library was started with a book recep-
tion. Later the Franklin Hose Company
donated its splendid collection of books and
a Ijook case.

Educational classes were started.

The ladies were first organized as a central
cunimlttee, then as the ladies auxiliar\-.
They are now the association helpers. They
raised hundreds of dollars for the big debt,
and furnished a large part of the building;
through their influence the ladies of the First
AL E. Church furnished the reading room:
the correspondence room (now office of the
l)oys secretary) was furnished by the Ladies
Aid Society of South Heights; the directors
room by the King's Daughters and the chapel
liy the .Women's Christian Temperance
Union.

In November, 1895, through the generosity
of the late J. W. Potter, proprietor of the
Argus, the auxiliary published a sixteen-page
Thanksgiving edition of the Argus, which
was a decided success.

The new building was completed suffici-
ently to admit of its occupation April 2, 1891,
but another canvass for money had to be
undertaken to ])r()vide for the furnishing and
completing of certain parts to place them in
a condition to use. September 1, 1891, G. C.
Blakeslee became general secretary in place
of Jlr, Lang.

At the eighth annual meeting of the Asso-
ciation, April 20. 1892, prominent speakers
from all over the middle west were .secured
and $6,400 was raised, and in a month more
conditional pledges were secured that raised
the general fund to $18,000. The Ladies'
Central Committee offered .$500 on condition
that the amount specified be raised by
September 1. August 29 the sum of $732
was still needed, and by a great effort it was
secured diiring the two days following.

Building operations upon the interior were
resumed, and as the funds became available,
completed, and January 1, 1894, the contrac-
tors turned thoV>iiil<liiig over to the .Association

148

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

practically as it stands today, witli the
fiyiiiiiasiiini. Iiatli anil di-cssiiifi- rotims, and
the aiiditoriiun ready for use. In ;i short
time th(> nienilxn-siii]) was raised from one
iiiuidicd lo thi-ec hundred. The annual dues
for senior niend)ers was [ilaced at five ilolhirs.
W. I,. I,a\'eiider was chosen the first ]>hysieal
dii-ecl(U- |)(>cendiei- 1. 1S9.5. The next year
J. 1'. liailey succeeded Mr. Blakeslee as
general secretary, and after two years' service,
the former gave way to .1. S. Freeman. At
the same time as the latter change was nnide,
H. G. Hanks took the position of physical
director. ,J. C. Pentland first took charge of
the work in 1S99.

The total membership is nmv three hundred.
In the Winter season just closing about 7,000
individuals have taken exercise in the gym-
nasium. About forty men are enrolled in the
bible classes, and every branch of the work
is in the most flourishing condition that has
prevailed since the forming of the Asso-
ciation.

.\ number of members have entered into
life service for the Master, among whom we
i-emember Charles Knox, J. Akers and Ed-
ward Young, in the ministry; George Warner
(iraham Lee and R. C. Ricker, missionaries
in foreign lands; .\. M. limner, Henry Hansen
bonis A. Bowman. Or\-ille ^'erbury. .1. S.
Freeman, Henry \'oss and Chauncey Tuttle
in the Association secretaryship.

The first board of directors were: Frank
Nadler, president: A. M. Bruner, first vice-
])resident ; P. H. Kaupke, second vice-presi-
dent: G. P. byman, recording secretary ; J. D.
Warno(d<. treasurer; J. W. Welch, Charles
Jensen. F. .1. Akers, C. E. Adams, J, W,
Stewart, Iv H. McK(n\n. W. F. Cdlmore-
(ieoi'ge Chambers.

The original building committee comprised:
A. M. Blaksley. chairman: E. B. McKown,
treasurer: J. F. Robinson, .1. W. Stewart, J.
W. Welch, C. K. Adams, A. 1). Sporry. Frank
Xadler. George M. booseley. .A. M. Piruner.
F. II. Kaupke.

HCFORI) BLOCK.

The old Huford lilock at the iK)rtheast
corner of Second Avenue and West Seveu-
teenlh Street, which has just been torn down
to l)e replaced by a new reinforced concrete
six-story modern business block, was erected
in 1S54. Sixty feet of this corner was pur-
chased l)_v Charles Buford from Charles K.
Smith February 23, 1854: a little later he
]iurchase(l the adjoining thirty feet east from
.ludge George AA'. Pleasants and Doctor John
W. Bulkley. The old Imildings (ui this corner
were sold at auction .Marcli 11. 1854, Major
Benjamin F. Barrett being the auctioneer.
The excavation for the foundation immedi-
ately commenced. Wednesday July 19, 1854.
the brick laying commenced by W. H. Sage,
commonly known as "Doc" Sage. The
exterior was finished that Fall, and the
building completed early in 1855.

Bailev and Boyle also commenced work
on their three-story brick l)lock, covering the
ground between East and West Seventeenth
Streets, and Illinois Street and the Alley
north, and Ainswoi'th and Lymle a large
brick warehouse on Front Street op|iosite th.e
jjresent site of Hotel Harms.

Before Winter two more brick buildings
were under cunstruction.

CITY OF MOLINE.

LOWKI-L (IF TUK WKST

Approjiriate, indeed, is the alnne (pioted
appellation to the City of Moline, for nowhere
between Chicago, east, and San Francisco,
west, nor between St. Paul, nm-th. anil St.
Louis, south, is there a city which can so
fittingly disport the nuignitudc of her indus-
tries and liei- products, or demonstrate a
more rajiid growth. Why Moline has been
enabled to win .'■'(^ many manufactiuing
establishments in the industrial field is merely
a matter of supposition — either because of
the utility of the water ]iower, oi- that the

HISTORIC RO C K ISLAND CO U N T Y

U'J

thrift}^ hands and fertile brains whifh estali-
lished them considered her future niore proni-
isinj; (luring their days of early strufijilc

Moline is an industrial fity, |)ur(' and sini])l('.
Her shops are numbered among the iar}iest
(iT their kind extant. The Moline Wafioii
Company being admittedly the largest wagon
siiop in the workl, while Deere and Company
and the Moline Plow Company consume more
raw steel than any other plow shop in exist-
ence.

.\ pdloiit factor in the growth (if Moline
undoubtedly hinges upon the enormity and
utility of tlie water power which her manu-
factiu'ers, witii the assistance (if th(> (lo\ei-n-
ment, have l)rought to sncii a high state of
availability ami within easy reach. .Just
recently the Government lias expended an
immense sum in harnessing that poj'tion of
the Mississip]:)i which flows by Moline so that
the Arsenal, as well as j^rivate enterprises,
might profit by securing motive power at a
more nominal figure than it has heretofore
been possible to do.

Second Avenue, in ^loline, reminds a
stranger more of the manufacturing sections
of Pittsburg or Milwaukee than the industries
of ,-i iciwii h(>r size: but when the impressi\'e
dimensions nf tlie Moline Plow Company,
Deere and Comjiany, The Moline Wagon
Com])any, 1 )eei'e antl Mansiu' Comi.)any, Tlie
Steel .Mills, \'elie ("'arriage Companj', Tlie
Moline I''urnitiu-e Works, Williams and White
Company, The Organ Works, IJarnard and
Leas, Tlie Moline Pump Company, Coo|)er
Sadfllers Harness Compan\', The ;\Ioline
Incandescent Light Comjiatiy, and the scores
of other lesser establishments, are conteiTi-
phit('(L tins fact does not appear so .strange.
()\-er 7.(11)11 men .are employed in Moline in
her numeruus shops, while Kast Moline and
Silvis employ Indf that many more. .\i
Silvis are located the Rock Island shops, the
largest car shojis in the world.

The output of .Moline consists of every
chai'acter of farm implements, gasoUne en-

gines, heavy drop and forging machinery,
wagons, carriages, steam engines, wood-
working nuichinery, flom- mill nnichinery,
pumjis, organs, malleable ii'on castings, steel
billets, furniture, scah's, hiuiu'ss fixtures,
wheels, and a score of olliei' much used nnd
nationally known articles.

The same railroads which enter Rf'k Is-
land — the Rock Island Htuite, the Chicago,
Hurlington and (^uincy, the Chicago, Mil-
waukee and St. Paul, the Davenport, Rock
Island and Northwestern — also penetrate
Moline, and ha\e acconnnodatetl the manu-
facturers with s|jnrs of tracks for switching
and side tracks that represent an enormous
saving in handling c.-ii-s.

Her lodges and buildings, public and
private, her library, hospitals, church edifices
and schools easily comp.ai-e with any city in
the middle west.

In Moline [H'oper nearly .f;?(),(IIH), ()()() are
invested, and the average amnnd output is
given at )S1 2,500,000. The town has fifty-
six miles of well kejjt streets, thirty-two
miles of sidewalks, twenty miles of sewers,
twenty-five miles of water nniins, fifteen miles
of paved streets, ami tier |)oindation is nearly
22,000, and (if that rugged, thrifty class which
characterize sn many n\ iww inanufacturing
districts.

EVIOXTS QV l'',.UiI,V I)\YS.

Tlie original proprieloi's of the water
power, in 1841-42, laid (lut some lots on the
south side of Main Street, now Second
Avenue, ojjposite the grounds now occu]iied
by the Plow Works, ami fminerly occupied in
part by the old grist UiiU. which was built in
IS41 by ])a\id B. Sears, .lohn W. S;")encer
nnd Spencer H. \Miite, as was also the dam.
and named the place "Rock Island Mills.'"
Tlie plat, however, was never recorde 1. In
1843 Charles Atkinson, I). B. Sears and others
purchased of Huntington Wells a portion of
his farm lying east of the Rock Island Mills
property, and they, togethei' with the owners

150

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

of the latter, laid out the town of Moline. the
same year. There were then Ixit thirteen
dwellings on the ground platted, and the.^e
were owned by Huutinaton Wells, D. B.
Sears, Charles Atkinson. Benedict Patterson.
Haskins Reynolds, Bell, Huntoon, Berham.
Weis. A^'hite and Kinzie. Sub.sequently
Charles Atkinson laid oiit his first addition,
which was followed by his second addition in
IS.56; since which various additions have
been made from time to time, till the place
has reached its present wide corporate dimen-
sions. It extends on the east to the city
limits of Rock Island, and west from that
point about one and three quarter miles, and
is about two miles in width north and south,
with plenty of room to grow in either direction.

Moline was quite early incorporated as a
town, but the records having perished in a
fire, we have no authentic information respect-
ing the first municipal organization and
officers. It was, however, incorporated as a
city under the General Law of the State
approved April 10, 1872. On the third of
that month a petition was presented to the
board of trustees of the town of Moline asking
the question of the adoption of a city govern-
ment, to be submitted to the qualified voters
of the town for their decision. The petition
was granted, and in pursuance thereof an
election was held on Tuesday, August 6,
1872, resulting as follows:

For city organization, 2G1 votes; against
city organization, 22 votes; for minority
representation in the city council. 21 votes;
against minority representation in the city
coiuicil, 247 votes.

On Tuesday, August 29, 1872. the election
for city officers was held, and the following
named persons were elected: Mayor, Daniel
L. Wheelock; city clerk. Orrin K. Ferguson;
city attorne}-, John T. Browning; aldermen,
George W. Vinton, Luke E. Hemenway. Jer-
man S. Keator, Marvil TI. White. Henry
Klahn, Charles W. Lobdell. Swan Hanson,
Daniel W. Dimock. Charles F. Hemenway.

These represent the first set of city officers
elected in Moline. following the conversion
of the town into a city.

Ill 1843 David Sears opened the first store
in the house in which he lived, which was in
close proximity to the grist mill. The first
hotel dates from 1843, and was conducted by
Huntington Wells. In 1842 Joseph Huntoon
opened a shoe shop, and two years later
Grove W. Bell was the town tailor. In 1843
Aynes Kinzie started a blacksmith shop on
the ground since occupied b}- Deere and
Company, and in 1847 the nucleus of the
world famed shops of Deere and Company
was laid. The first school house was
built by private subscription in 1843.
and of brick, where religious meetings
were also held. Joseph Jackman was the
first teacher, followed by S. P. Hodges,
who was afterwards county clerk. The first
bank was the First National Bank, organized
in 1863.

MOLINE POSTOFFICE.

The iloline postoffice was established in
1S44. with David B. Sears as the first post-
master. The office was located in the ' ' Brick
Store" (a building owned by Mr. Sears,
l)etween Fifteenth and Sixteenth Streets on
Second Avenue.)

Following him Dr. Wells had the office in
a little room about twelve by sixteen feet on
the alley corner of Seventeenth Street between
First and Second Avenues. George W. KeW
succeeded Wells and moved the office south .
to the corner where he had a tailor shop.
Joseph J. Jackman was the next postmaster,
and he again moved the office going east
about half a lilock on Second .\venue. In
1856 Absolom B. Williams was appoiuteil
postmaster and he was succeeded in J.dy.
1857. by Judge John M. Gould, who nnved
the oflfice west on Second Avenue t > the lot
adjoining the present postoffice liuiLliug and
in the rear of the jn-esent site of the Peiples
Trust and SaNinss Bank. .Judge (lould had

HISTORIC ROCK 1 S LA N D COUNT Y

151

a liank here and the ])ostoffice was placed in
the rear of the bank room. Judge Gould
was succeeded April 17, 1861, l)v William
Kerns, wlio served until .Tune, 1865, when
George D. Gould, a brother of Judge Gould,
took the office and held it until August 11,
1869, when Mr. Kerns again took it. He was
succeeded by Henr}' E. Wells, who gave place
April 1, 1877, to Luke E. Hemenway. Dan
W. Gould took ]:iossession February 1, 1886,
being tlie third of the Gould brothers to hold
that place. John M. Holt succeeded him
April 1. 1800, to be followed July 4, 1894, by
^I. J. McEnir}', who held the office until
October 1, 1897, when he gave way to George
H. McKinley, who was followed March 1,
1906, by W. F. Eastman, the present post-
master.

The office remained in tlie banking room of
Judge Gould until October, 1873, when it
was removed to the old library building on
the corner of Fifteenth and Library Streets,
where it remained until July, 1885, when it
was temporarily placed in the building on the
south side of Third Avenue (two doors from
Seventeenth Street) until December, 1885,
when it was moved to the present site on
Third Avenue and Sixteenth Street. A site
has been purchased for a new building at the
corner of Third Avenue and Eighteenth
Streets, and there is an appropriation of
$96,000 for the construction of a new build-
ing, which it is expected will be occupied in
1909.

The first available report of the receipts of
the postoffice is one published by Mr. Hemen-
way of the receipts in the calendar year of
1879. This shows the total receipts of the
office to be .115,346.50. There were 3,158
money orders issued for $30,667.1 "2, and
2,355 paid for $36,014.33. There were 640
• registered letters sent and 1,269 received.
The total mimber of pieces of mail dispatched
was 861,389. Business had not come to
that point that the office was opened
Sunday.

The reports of the auditor of the postoffice
department show a rapid growth. In 1891
the number of stamps sold amounted to
$24,433.28, and this was increased the next
year more than $5,000. Then followed five
years of depression, and it was not imtil the
year ending June 30, 1897. that there was an
increase; the figures then lieing $31,465.16.
Since then there has been a steady increase,
averaging something more than eleven per
cent annually. .On account of the financial
depression the receipts for the last year were
but little more than in the jirevious one.
having been $79,306.19. An increase to
$90,000 is confidently expected the current
fiscal year.

At the same time the number of pieces of
mail dispatched has so increased that in one
week of 1907 when they were counted there
were 148,192 pieces, which would be at the
rate of nearly as nuuij- in six weeks as were
dispatched in the entire year of 1879.

The total number of money orders sold in
the last year — 1907 — was 27,341, of a value
of $258,755.43 and there were 10,789 paid,
with a value of $95,667.32. The total number
of registers sent and received was 15,463.

This is the roster of the office August 24,
1908: Postmaster, W. F. Eastman; assistant
postmaster, John A. Godehn; clerks, in order
of appointment, A. C. Dorman, John Mc-
Eniry, C. V. Gould, F. L. Rogerson, H. E.
Olson, N. L. Anderson, W. Ij. Olson, Orlando
Metz, A. L. Hallquist, C. W. Heimbeck, P. E.
Colson, Lilla M. Fulsinger, with D.W\Warnock,
Ethel L. McCanon and Elmer Heck as sub-
stitutes; carriers, in order of appointment, W.
G. Baker, F. C. Viereich. J. M. Hartzell, F. N.
Pierce, G. E. Carlson, J. W. Dewrose. V. F.
Grantz, Neander Johnson, 0. J. Wilson, F.
H. Wilson, V. W. Becker, A. O. Anderson,
John Wind, A. E. Liuideen, A. E. Burlingame,
Mctor Youngberg, with C. O. Hanson, J. H.
Becker, P'rank Spriet and Paul Young as
substitutes, and Thomas Stewart as rural
carrier.

152

// / S TO in C ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

There are six stations with W. H. Christi-
soii, Charles Brunstrom, C. ('. Coyne, M. W.
Hattles. Jr.. John I,. Jeiini,-;cli and .August
iSuiicline iu charge.

Henry Robinson is janitor and s])ecial
delivery messenger.

The first carriers went on duty Jidy I.
1887, Messrs. Baker and Hanson being two
of the original fovu-. Mr. Baker has been on
duty continuously since, but Mr. Hanson
resigned near the end of his twentieth year to
go into Inisiness.

MOLINK IT HE DEPARTMENT.

According to the recollections of the ''oldest
inhabitant " the first fire department of
Moline was organized in 1S52. A hand
engine, the "Metamora," together with a
hose cart, and about two thousand feet of
hose, constituted the entire fire appartaus of
the city. Charles H. Deere was fireman of
the hose company, and Doctor Sweetland
foreman of the "Metamora." L. B. Mapes,
M. A. Gould. William Watt. H. E. Mapes.
J. A. Holt and Frank Kerns were among the
members. The "Metamora" was a mam-
moth concern, and a regular man-killer; but
the boys claim that with twenty men on a
side they could

' ' Throw water higher
And pu!np a well dryer"
than can be done with any modern invention.

There were banquets, balls and tourna-
ments in those days, and it is said that a
finer appearing company than the " ^lolines "
could not be found, and when on dress parade,
won not only the admiration of the men, but
captured the fair sex as well.

L. B. Mapes and William ^^"att were two
likely young bloods, and when in harness
were known as the "team of sorrels." With
meager and cumbersome appartaus. this
cominuiy rendered excellent service under
extreme difficullties: anil their deeds of
daring are seldom eipialled in the fires of
today.

Among the principal fires fouglit by the
first firemen were those of the Howe, Childs '
and Mapes' mills, in 1855: Sears' mills,
Shaw's dry goods store, Dunn's hardware
store; fires that tried the courage and nerve
of the firemen. From 1S65 down to the
organization of the present department there
are many missing links. The old ' ' Meta-
mora " was kept until 1872, and then sold to
Milan, a steam fire engine being purchased
and named the "Mississippi," which is still
on hand, but not in service.

Then was organized one of the m ist
remarkable organizations in the history of
the pioneer service: the A. 0. T. (always on
time) company. This company rendere.l
strenuous and valuable service at the large
and disastrous fire of the J. S. Keator saw
mills, a loss of the entire ])lant with over ten
million feet of lumber, making a total loss of
S30(),()00. Fire help was called for. Rock
Island responding with Rescue Steam Fire
Engine No. 2, and Phoenix and Wide-Awake
hose companies, and the Sash Factory hose
company. Davenport sent over the Fire
King Steamer and Fire King hose company.
Colonel Flagler sent "Uncle Sam" over from
the Arsenal, Geneseo coming down with their
engine and fire company. The Deere hose
throwing first water, closeh- followed by the
A. 0. T. company and the ^linnehahas.
The old "Mississippi" did magnificent work.
All the firemen were deserving of unusual and
unstinted praise, and all equally deserving
of worthy mention for their lieroic work on
that memorable night. The ladders of the
first hook and ladder truck were constructed
of tM'o by fom-s, and very crude.

The old \'olunteer chiefs we:'e: Isaac
Anderson, Phil Williams, C. O. Nas.m, .Morey,
Flickinger. and Levi S. Cralle.

A new organization was effected in June,
1S84: B. B. Peregoy. chief; foil )we:l by
.1. M. Hart/.ell. Albo.'t .\bling. A. Williams.
Xels Pete.s;in. James J. Trev.)r, H. C.
Reese, for 1894, 1895, 1S96. The department

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

153

at tliis time consisted of one liun-
dred men. and was sul)divided into fonr
hose companies and one hook and ladder
truck com])any. and one steam fire engine.
The hose companies were the Union No. 1 ,
Onward No. 2, Minnehaha No. 3. and Deane
No. 4. In 1893 the Union hose company No.
1 di.sbanded and a new company formed
called the Columbia No. 1. There were also
four independent hose companies, represent-
ing the following manufactories: Deere and
Company, Moline Plow Company, J^arnard
and Leas ^lanufaeturing Company, and Deere
and Mansur Company; each company being
thoroughly eciui])]5ed with all modern appli-
ances.

The present i)aid department was organized
October 1, 1,S96, the chief being H. C. Reese,
the old volunteer chief, and J. Q. Hawk,
as.sistant chief. .Shortly after«-ard ,John Q.
Hawk was appointed chief, and through his
efficiency has held the ]30sition to the present
time; the assistant chief now beinc F. Oscar
Youngren.

The department stations are:

Central Fire Station No. 1. SIO-.^H Four-
teenth Street.

Hose Company No. 2, 1317 Fourteenth
Avenue; captain. Thomas Welch.

Hose Comjiany No. 3. captain, .fames .1.
Trevor.

Hook anil Ladder Company No. 1 , lietng
housed at Central Fire Hall.

The full force of the department is twenty
men. The apparatus consists of: Three
two-horse wagons in service, one two-h(}rse
wagon in reserve, one hook and ladder truck.
one chief's buggy.

The department has one of the finest fire
alarm systems, being the Gamewell Fire
.Vlarm .System. To ^^'. F. Channing of
Boston, and M. O, Farmer of Salem, Ma.ssa-
chusetts, is due the credit for the first suc-
cessful employment of electricity for giving
instantaneous, universal and indefinite alarms
in case of fires. In 1 S.5."i Oamewoll .■md

Company became the owners of all patents
of Channing and Farmer. The fire-alarm
telegraph system of Moline consists of a
central or battery station, located at the
water works; the wire circuit, which connects
the central station with the street signal
boxes and the alarm a])paratus, consisting of
combined electro-mechanical gong'-strikers
and indicators, located in the hose houses,
and residence of the chief of the fire depart-
ment ; the indicators showing in plain figures
the numlier of the signal-l)Ox from which the
ahirm origiiuites. A rei)eater is ])laced in
the central tele])hone otlice. and each tele-
phone has a "fire number" corresponding
with that of tiie street signal-box.

MOLINE WATER WORKS DFFARTMKNT

The City of Moline has an unusually g ) ):1
water works system (the supi)ly coming from
the Mississippi Ri\'ei'), consisting of a iiuni])-
ing station and filtering ]ilant, and thirty-fi\-e
miles of street water mains, with three hund-
red and twenty-five city fire hydrants, fiftv
])rivate hydrants, and two hundred and.
forty-five ^■alve.s. The number of gallons of
water filtered during the year ending Ajjril
1. 1908, amounted to 988,419,230 gallons, or
2.700.598 gallons per day. The total number
of gallons of water ]Mimped to the City of
Moline for the said year was 949.711,378
gallons, lieing a dail}' consumption of 2,594,-
839 gallons, being a daily increase over the
previous year of 151,792 galhuis. They have
3,250 service taps, making an a\'erage of 831
gallons of water per day to each tap, or a
per capita consumption of one hundred gall.:)ns
for the entire City of Moline. The consump-
tion of fuel for the jiast year was 7.11 4.000
pounils of coal, being 19.437 jiounds for each
day. By computation, filtering 1,904 galbns
of water for each pound of coal consume.!.
Cost of coal for past year $5,838.59. or $15.95
tor each twenty-four hours. Coagulates use 1
the past year in the filtering ]ilant. 412,870
pounds of lime, being 3.13 i;rains for eacli

154

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

gallon; 106.780 i)oiuids of iron, or .SI grains
per gallon; 19.875 pounds of alum, or 2.146
grains per gallon. 023.326.790 gallons of
water were filtered with lime and iron at a
cost of SI. 17 per million gallons of water:
the cost of iron lieing .seventy-five cents per
million gallons. Water filtered by alum at
a cost of S3. 05 per million gallons. Cost of
filtering water for the past year has been
$5,881.20, or S5.95 per million gallons. The
total cost of pumping and filtering the water
used during the past year, including all
expenses at the water works and filtering
plant, and water main expenses, has been
$22,787.16. or equal to $22.04 per million
gallons.

MOLINE SCHOOLS.

The first school house in Moline was built
in 1843 on the north west corner of Sixteenth
Street and Fourth Avenue, where the Burling-
ton freight house now stands. ' " The people
of the new town," says an old settler, "felt
the need of a school, and of some place in
which to hold religious meetings." Accord-
ingl}- the owners of the town site donated
two lots; a subscription was circulated and
a brick school house built, which was for
several years used also as a place of worship
by different denominations. The first teach-
er, who also served as city clerk and justice
of the peace, was Joseph Jackman, a native
of Massachusetts, whei'e he had been a school
mate of Honorable Charles Atkinson. The
school was subsequently taught by S. P.
Hodges, who afterwards became county clerk.
The present school system dates from April.
1873, when, under the city charter, and in
accordance with the revised school laws, the
following board of education was elected:
C. A. Wheelock. president; H. H. Grover.
secretary; William H. Edwards, Ezra Smith,
C. C. Nathan and Jonathan Huntoon.

During the following year the board pur-
chased sites for two new school houses: for
the West Ward school, six lots of John

Deere, for the East Ward school a part of
H. R. Edwards block, paj-ing respectively
S3,000 and $1,500 in bonds. The Central
school which also contained the High school,
was erected on the old site, the contract
calling for an outlay of $25,000. From these
beginnings has grown the present excellent
system, which according to the last school
report is housed in ten large buildings, with
all modern improvements, employing one
hundred and twelve teachers, including special
teachers and superintendent: and expended
for instruction and supervision alone, e.xchi-
sive of care and maintenance of buildings and
grounds for the season of 1907, $68,186.74.
The course of study begins with the kinder-
garden: carries the child through eight grades
into the High school, from which, after four
years, he may pass on to any of the leading
universities or colleges, or find himself
equipped with a good education for the
business of life. Throughout the course
there is instruction by special teachers in
music, drawing, physical culture and the
"higher grades," and in the High school is
offered industrial work, in the shape of cook-
ing and sewing for the girls, and manual
training for the boys, looking possibly to the
establishment before many years of a model
trade school; an advantage much to be
desired in such a manufacturing center as
Moline.

The enrollment of all the schools for 1907
was 3,836 pupils.

MOLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Xext to the public schools of ^loline as a
popular educative agency, is the Carnegie
Public Librar\- and reading rooms. Indeed
this latter institution, in the design of its
founders, is intended to carry up education
to a higher plane than that reached bj' the
public schools, and to lead to a broader and
more comprehensive intellectual culture. To
this end. its j^lan comprehends not merely a
collection of books, newspapers and magazines.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U N T Y

155

but also an art .aallery, a ]ilace of aimi.se-
nient and social conversation, a collection of
rare curiosities and cabinets of natural history
and tlie \arious sciences.

Measures for the e.stabli.shment of such an
institution in the City of Moline were taken
in the Summer of 1872, soon after the passage
of the law allowing cities and towns to raise
money by taxation for library purposes. The
mayor. Honorable I). L. Wheelock, on the
21st of September, 1S72, appointed the fol-
lowing named persons a board of directors
of the .Moline Public Library: J. T. J:{rown-
ing, Eugene Lewis, S. H. ^'elie, J. C. Starr,
William H. Russell, H. A. Ainsworth, H. H.
Grover and E. Okerberg. Mr. Okerberg
declined to serve, and his ]ilace was filled hv
Honorable Charles Atkinson.

On the 21st of September, 1872, the board
organized by electing the following officers-
President, J. T. Browning; vice-president,
J. T. Starr; secretary and collector, H. H.
Grover; executive committee, Merrss. Starr,
^'elie and Grover; finance committee, Messrs.
Browning, ^"elie and Atkinson. On books in
foreign languages, Messrs. Parker, Russell
and Ainsworth. On English books, Messrs.
Ainsworth, Russell and Lewis.

In the Summer of 1872 the City Council
appropriated .1800. A meeting was called on
the 17th of December, and .$3,000 were
pledged, the ladies organizing into a societ_v
and becoming responsilile for SoOO of the
amount. This sum was soon increased to
§5,576.24. Rooms were obtained in the post-
office building of the Honorable S. W.
Wheelock; the first installment of books was
jnirchased, and the library opened to the
public January 6, 1873. Mrs. Kate S. Holt
was appointed librarian March 29. 1873.

The library found a generous patron in the
per.son of Honorable S. W. Wheelock, whose
munificent donation primarily secured a
liernianent building for the library. ^Fr. and
.Mrs. AVheelock contributed .$500 toward the
original fund of the librai-\-. As soon as the

plans were completed, they also tendered the
board the use of the second floor of the post-
office building, which was accepted. Mr.
Wheelock always manifested great interest
in the library, and planned with broad and
com])rehensive views of its usefulness.

On the loth of March, 1877, he passed o\er
to the board a deed of the postoffice building,
the erection of which cost upwards of $20,000.
and which was occii|)ied until the opening of
the new building.

The new Carnegie lil)rarv opened to the
jHiblic January 26, 1904, was erected at a cost
of $7O,OO0, of this sum Andrew Carnegie con-
tributed $37,000. The business Men's Asso-
ciation of Moline cofistitiited the most potent
factor in securing this sum from the iron
master. At first Mr. Carnegie denied the
requests for his aid in erecting a library, hui
after a time, the matter was again urged
upon him by W. A. Jones, who succeeded in
his quest, and August 31, 1901, Moline was
given notice that Mr. Carnegie had acquiesced,
and would donate $37,000. In response to a
second request that the contribution be made
$50,000 instead of .$37,000, Mr. Carnegie
raised the sum to $40,000. September 4.
1901, the library board accepted Mr. Carne-
negie's gift, and it was endorsed by the City
Council. November S, 1901, the following
were elected a building committee: C. A.
Barnard, L. D. Dunn, Honorable W. A.
^leese, O. F. Anderson, R. C. J. Meyers.

December 3, 1901, the Velie property,
corner of Seventeenth Street and Fifth
Avenue, was purchased for $10,000. As the
$40,000 was contributed solely for Iniilding
purposes the library board decided to solicit
public subscriptions to purchase the site,
and on the 16th of December twelve .$500
subscriptions had been secured, with other
moneys, amounting in all to about $13,000.

The corner stone was laid May 2, 1903. and
the public exhibiting an exceptional inte:est
and enth\isiasm in the progress of the building
the librarv board again appeali'il for public

156

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

subscription, to the amount of $5,500.
appending to their request an itemized state-
ment of the finances of the Uhrary. As the
time elapsed more money was received by
subsiTi])tions and (h)nations. until the sum
amounted to $70,000.

December '2'.i, lOOH, two l)ronze memorial
tablets were i)laced in the hallway of the
bviildinj!;. They were about two by three
feet. The one on the right on entering the
library reads: "This Iniilding is the gift of
Andrew Carnegie. Its furnishings were pre-
sented by the citizens of Moline. F. F. Kor-
golte, Architect." The one on the left reads:
■'Board of Directors. 1903— C. A. Barnard.
President; O. F. Anderson, vice-president:
H. S. Hanson, secretary; W. A. Meese, R. C
J. Meyers, L. D. Dunn," M. J. McEniry. C W.
Vinton, W. J. Davis, J. B. Oakleaf.

The building is built of vitrified brick,
trimmed with Bedford Blue Stone. It con-
tains 17,000 bound volumes, is equipped
with every up-to-date appliance, and is
tastily and conviently arranged.

The i)reseiit board of directors comprise:
Harry Ainsworth, president; ^^'. R. ^loore,
vice-president; Dr. E. A. Edlen, secretary;
directors, H, F. Vierich, Louis H. R. Kar-
wath, Robert W. Rank, Frank Herbst, Dr.
E. A. Edlen, W, R. iloore. H. A. Ainsworth
and Edward Coryn.

The librarian is Miss Minnie Kohler;
assistants, Mi.ss Hattie Skogh and Miss Lilian
Owen. The library is open from 9 A. M. to
9 P. M. on week days, and from 2 P. M. to
6 P. M. on iSundays. The board of directors
meets the first Tuesday of each month.

MOLINE crrV HOSIMT.M..

In ISiU .ludge .lohn M. (!ould framed a
bill and went to Springfield asking the Legis-
lature for a two-mill ta.\ to be levied for
hospital |)ur])oses f(}i- cities under 100,000
inhabitants. After the bill was ])assed, a
home association was formed in 1 S92 and
directors appointed, consisting of Doctor A.

11. Arp. Doctor W. K. Sloan and \V. B.
rinian. The directors looked up a site, and
during the time until 1898 the tax accumu-
lation and donations enabled them to build,
and open the lios|)ital that year with three
patient.-;. Prior to this the ladies had formed
a society, giving entertainments, the proceeds
of which were used in furnishing the hospital
Pri\-ate individ\ials furnished private rooms,
among which are the Swedish Ladies room of
the Swedish Lutheran Church, the Allen room,
Charles R. Stephens room, (ieorge .\rthur
Stephens i-oom, the Deere room, the Child-
ren's room (furnished ;uid kejit by the late
Mrs. Sarah L. .\tkin,son). the S. H. Velie
room, and the Athletic Clul) room. The
Ladies Hospital Association ha\e keiit up
the furnishings. The location selected was
the old Hiram Pitts home, where the school
was started for the instruction of nurses, and
is now called the Nurses' Home. The train-
ing school for nurses is su])ported by the
Ladies' Hospital Association, which furnishes
their uniforms, and when they graduate gives
each of them one hundred dollars. The
superintendent of nurses is Miss Margaret
Rooney; the matron. Miss Margaret Howe of
Muscatine, Iowa; and there are ten nurses in
attendance. The first board of directors
(appointed by the mayor) was William Rut-
terworth and Doctor August H. Arp.

The number of patients treated since 189S
to August, 1908, amounts to 2,695. The
hos]iital is supjwrted by taxation and fees of
patients, and is in very flourishing circum-
stances, with property in good conditi(ui, and
self sustaining. The heating jilant uf the
hosjiital is of the \'acuum Vapor System. .\
new bill has been presented to the State
Legislature praying for the two mill tax to
i)e increased to three mills.

.At present William Jiutterworth i.s ])resi-
ilent of the association, and Mrs, Florence D.
Sleight, secretary. The staff consists of
twenty of the leading physicians of the city.
According to the law under which the hospital

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

157

was ostahlishpcl, any licensed plnsician
in tlie state can take his |iatients to this
h()s])ital and treat them.

.MOI.INK HEALTH DKl'AHTMKNT.
or(;amz.\ti()\.

On Septeuiher 11, lOO."), an oiMlinance was
passed by the City Council of .Moline, creating-
and establishinsi a l)oard of health. On
.lanuary '2. HKiG. Dr. H. ('. J. Meyer was
ajipointed as the first comniissionei', and the
first l)oard consisted (as required by ordi-
nance) of the commissioner. Dr. R. ('. .1.
Meyer, ciiairman; the mayor, Andrew Olsen;
the chief of police, Edward Kittleson, secre-
tary. The first meeting of the l)oard was
held on January S, 1906, at which time it was
decided that to accomplish the purpose of
this department it would be necessary to start
with an efficient and competent force of men.

The first order issued was for sobriety, as
follows : To the employees of the health depart-
ment: You are hereby notified not to frequent
saloons during working hours; all employees
found in saloons during workinghovn-s will be
immediately discharged. Byorder of the health
dejiartment. R. C. J. Meyer, M. D.. chairman.

The ordinance requires the health com-
missioner to set aside one horn- each day dur-
ing which time he may hear complaints, and
transact other business in connection with
the oflice. The hour from 2 P. M. to 3 P. M.
was selected as the hour best suited for such
pur])o.ses.

Reports are being made weekly to the
Surgeon General Pulilic Health and Marine
Hospital Service, Treasury I)e|)artment,
\\'ashington, D. C.

Monthly reports are made to the Citv
Council, and one to the State Board of Health.
The first report to the City Council was made
on february 5, 1906. for the monrh of
.buniary, 1906.

SVSTKM.\TIZIXfi.

.\s this ileiiartment was a new one a system
liad to be formulated, so that the woi-k miuhl

be most efficient in the various bi-anches, and
the greatest good accomplished at a minimum
e.xjiense.

VIT-VL ST.XTISTIC'S.

In order that vital statistics might be
obtained, records are kept of births, con-
tagion, deaths and burial permits issued. No
burial is permitted without such ])ermit :
these are made out in duplicate form, giving
ever\' important data connected with such
Imrial: one is retained in the office of the
healtli commissioner, the other by the ceme-
tery board: thus a duplicate record is kept.

PURE FOOD DIVISIOV.

.\ laboratory was estabished in a room at
the water works, and the milk test begun
under the guidance and instruction of Pro-
fessor W. J. Truenian of the State University
at Crbana. Illinois. In the inspection of
dairies and food stufT valuable assistance was
rendered by Frank Hoey, Charles H. Kyell-
quist and other state inspectors. It was soon
found that the faucet used by the milk men
was not jiroperly ccmstructed, and a larger
and straighter one, one that could be easier
cleaned, was recommended and its installa-
tion insisted upon; this with otlier recom-
mendations brought the milk product up to
a high standard, .^t the suggestion of the
health commissioner an ordinance was passed
by the City Council making it an offense to
sell or offer for sale any aninuil, fish or fowl
that w-as not drawn at the time of slaughter,
thus shutting out tiie cold storage product,
and insuring sweet and wholesome meats,
with little or no waste to the consumer. A
constant supervision is kept for unwholesome
food stuffs, and upon the request of the health
commissioner, an Ordinance was passed grant-
ing power to the health de])artment to sieze
such tmwholesome food stuffs and destroy
the same; this has had a beneficial effect.

roXTAGIOUS DIVISION.

This department encountered an epidemic
of scarlet fever, and a great deal of di]ihtheria,
as \\ell as small po\, chicken po\, measles.

158

Jl 1 STUNI C HOCK ISLAND COUNTY

etc.. early in its liistory. Hales ^ioverniiig
such eases had to he forimilated. and en-
forced: but as the people had been accus-
tomed to laxity in this regard, and did not
uaderstantl the importance of strict refiula-
tions, considerable dithculty was encountered,
and some arrests had to be made to enforce
the ndes. It was soon discovered that the
department was handicapped tn^ being sur-
rounded by territor}^ in which the quarantine
regulations were not enforced. Arrange-
ments were made by the health commissioners
of Moline and of Rock Island to appoint a
committee of physicians of Rock Island and
Moline to co-o])erate with the conunissioners
to formulate rules, and make them operative
throughout this territory, as one: and the
rules which had been adojited here in Moline
were practically adopted, and the contagion
stamped out. B.ut not without showing the
urgent necessity of a contagious hosjjital.
and through the efforts of Dr. Meyer the
physicians were organized and a committee
appointed, plans drawn and the City Council
requested to provide funds for the construc-
tion of such building. This petition was
signed by all the ph3-sicians in the city, but
without effect. Such building was to take
care of all contagious, infectious, consump-
tive, and filthy diseases in the city.

S.\NIT.\IiV DIVISION".

The ordiannce requires the police de])art-
ment to assist the health department, and all
patrolmen are required to report all nuisances
and matter detrimental to health to the health
commissioner. Resides this a health insjjector
is provided, to be subordinate to, and under
the ])ers()nal direction of the commissioner of
health. Many unsanitary conditions were
found and al)ated. For cleaning the alleys of
the city it was found best to divide the city
up into districts, and place a man with his
cart in charge, and hold him responsible for
his district. In the Summer time the rub-
bish and garbage is collected separately: the
garbage is required to be free from water and

placed in covered cans for removal. Weeds
are cut before the i)ollen have a chance to
form, and all matters detrimental to health
looked after.

PUBLIC B.\THS.

It has long been known that boys and
young men were in the habit of frequenting
the slough and river for bathing purposes,
seeking out of the way and often dangerous
places. To rectify svich evils and to minimize
the dangers incident to such practices, the
health commissioner sought to establish a
suitable place, and under proper supervision,
where the pleasures of the bath might be
enjoyed, and the City Council was appealed
to for permission to establish a bathing beach
at Twenty-fifth Street, which was finally
granted and construction commenced, but
owing to various difficulties, has not been
completed.

PUBLIC CONVEXIEXCES.

Realizing the necessity of better accom-
modations for the public, and esiiecially the
stranger, the health commissioner \irged the
City Council to take the initiative and
establish accommodations in the City Park,
and the ministers were urged to make pro-
visions in their respective churches, with a
general supervision entrusted to the police
force, but so far nothing has been done.

DEFECTS IX HE.\LTH OHDI.V.WCK.

In estalilishing the Health Department of
Moline, Health Commissioner Dr. R. C. J.
Meyer discovered many defects in the health
ordinance, and at various times recommended
changes, and in his annual report for 1906
recommended an entire recast to be made.
Because of its many defects, and because the
health commissioner is supposed to have
supervision of all sanitary matters, but is
shorn of the power to enforce his orders.
For the reason that the men who are hhed
by the board that are not aj^pointed by the
City Council, it is impossible for him to get
rid of incoin])etent. disobedient help if the
board sees fit to keep them on the pay roll.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

159

nor is the health commissioner able to ad-
minister the affairs of his department with
strict economy under siu-h conditions. Dr.
Meyer held that money is spent extravagantly,
for instance the inspector and the barn boss
should be one, and the one salary saved to
the peo]ile. Such anil other recommenda-
tions were made l)v I)r. IMeyer, Init without
avail. Dr. Meyer also held that this depart-
ment above all dejaartments should be kept
out of politics, in order that the greatest good
may be accomplished for the people.

The civic department of the Womans' Club
have been a great help to tiie health dejiart-
ment and a great deal of credit is due them
for their labors.

RIVERSIDE CEMETERY.

The old Moline Cemetery consisted of about
five acres, from the north center of the Bill
Mills farm, each lot holder being a member of
the Association. The association turning this
over to the City of Moline. who imrchased
seventy-five acres more and afterwards ten
acres additional, making altogether ninety
acres.

The first Ijurial ground in the A'illage of
iloline was where Charles H. Deere's residence
now is, bodies being removed to the present
old cemetery, from which a consitlerable
iii'mber have lieen removed to the new part:
some interments are still made in the older
portiim.

The Moline Cemetery As.sociation was
incorporated by special charter in IS.iI. The
petitioners for a charter were A. ,1. Perkins,
Hiram Hull, A. F. Swander, R. N. Tate,
Joseph Jackman. L. E. Oker and George P.
^"esey. It was granted ]5ower to own real
estate not to e.xceed ten acres, and funeral
property not to exceed at one time five
hundred dollars. At the first meeting of the
stockholders (owners of lots) held May 5,
1S.51, for the ]5urpose of electing trustees,
eighty-one \otes were cast: M. Grenell, N. ('.
T\rvoll and Joseph Jackman were elected.

This board of trustees appointed S. P. Hodges
secretary, Joseph Jackman treasurer, and
Josei)h Pershing sexton. An ordinance to
establish and regulate the Riverside Cemetery
of the City of Moline, was passed June 7,
1873. This ordinance dedicated to the pur-
pose of burial, the i)resent Riverside Ceme-
tery, and vested its management in a board
of directors, one of whom should be the
nuiyor of the city, who, ex-offirio, was to be
the chairman of the board, the six other
members to be appointed by the mayor and
consent of the City Council. John Deere was
mayor at this time, and the following were
appointed members of the board, viz: H. 0.
.Sleight, A. S. Wright, C. W. Lobdell. D. I..
Wheelock, H. H. Grover and A. Williams.
C. W. Lobdell was elected secretary and
treasurer July 25, 1873. At this meeting a
i-esolution was passed requesting the City
Council to act upon securing other grounds
further removed from the city, it being "the
opinion of the cemetery board that the
present location of the cemetery will ]:)erma-
nently injure the growth of the city and
retard its jirosperity." The City Council
took no favorable action in the matter, and
the plan of Daniel Ciordon, surveyor, for
laying out the gromuls in its several outlines
was adopted l)y the lioard. The same year
(1873) it was voted to close the public
entrance to the old cemetery and to move
the gates to Ann Street (Sixth Avenue) forth-
with. The jjresent lodge, for the use oi the
superintendent of Riverside Cemetery, was
built in 1884.

MOLINE MANUFACTURIES.

MOLINE PLOW COMPANY.
The business that eventually grew into the
Moline Plow Company was originally started
by Henry Candee and R. K. Swan. Asso-
ciated with them were Mr. L. E. Hemenway,
J. H. \A'yckoff and others. They manu-
factm-ed successfully fanning mills and hay-
I'acks, in a wooden bnildiii"- located on the

160

HISTORIC- ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

present .site of the iiiafiiiiliceiii jilaiit of the
Moline Plow Company.

This business wa.s started in ISO'), and
shortly after Andrew Frihurg associated him-
self with the company, and the inainifactin'e
of ])lows was taken up.

In 1S6G Mr. George Stephens added enough
ca])ital to the business to make him an equal
partner with the others, and for a number of
years the business was carried on under the
firm name of Candee. Swan and Company.
Mr. George Stephens being in charge of the
woodworking department: ilr. Friberg of the
blacksmith shop and iron work; ilr. Swan
did the business and attended to the sale of
the product, and Mr. Candee kept the accounts.
The business proved a profitable one. and in
1870 was incorporated under the name of
' ' Moline Plow Company " with an authorized
capital of S400.000. about .S300.000 of which
was paid up. Several other parties became
interested as stockholders in the concern.
]irominent among them being Captain Good.
A. L. Carson. S. W. Wheelock and A. R. Bryant.

The first president of the corporation was
Mr. P. K. Swan; the second j^resident Mr.
S. \V. Wheelock. who died in 1S91. After
the death of Mr. Wheelock. Mr. George
Ste])hens was elected jiresident. His son.
Mr. George Arthur Stephens, and son-in-law.
Mr. F. G. Allen were made co-managers and
given entire charge of the business.

The company at that time had a paid u])
capital of §800,000. which has been increased
from time to time until it now reaches the
enormous sum of §6,000.000, the manufac-
tured product having in the meantime in-
creased pro]jortionately until Moline plows
are known the world over.

In 1884 they brought out the Flying Dutcii-
man sulky ])low. which revolutionized the
sulky plow business the world over. . Previous
to that time all sulk)- plows had been of the
two wheels variety, and in this respect are
followers of the world-famous Flying Dutch-
man.

The sale of this plow did a great deal
towards the l)uilding up of the business and
making the line manufactured by the Moline
Plow Com])any popular with the farming
community.

In 1S86 the Moline Chami)ion corn jjlanter
was bought out and produced a revolution in
the manufacture of the corn planter almost
equal to that produced by the Flying Dutch-
man in sulky plows.

Up to the time they began the manufacture
of the iloline ■ Champion corn planter, the
company had never built a corn planter, and
in a very short time they were the leading
manufacturers of this class tools.

Beginning as plow manufacturers, they
have from time to time taken on the manu-
facture of cultivators, harrows, disc harrows,
pulverizers, potato diggers, stalk cutters,
cotton planters, cane tools, sugar beet tools,
and in fact, practicall}' everything used in the
way of agricultural implements excepting
grain drills and harvesting machinery.

The present branch house system was
inatigurated after Mr. George Stephens was
elected president. Prior to that time the
product had been sold partially through
traveling salesmen, partially through the
jobbing trade and partially through some
jobbing arrangements, of which the Plow
Company was part owner.

The first branch house of the present
system was started at Kansas City, ilissouri.
in 1892; was followed very shortly by one at
Omaha, Nebraska, and since that time branch
houses have been organized at Minneapolis,
Minnesota; Dallas, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri;
Indianapolis, Indiana; Stockton. California;
Salt Lake City. L'tah; Winnipeg. Canada;
Denver. Colorado ;f New Orleans, Louisiana;
Oklahoma City. Oklahoma; Portland. Oregon,
and the Dakota-iloline Plow Companj',
Sioux Fails, South Dakota, making in all
fourteen magnificent branch houses, all of
which, with one exception, the Moline-Bain
Company, at Portland, Oregon, are owned

HISTORIC ROCK I S LA X D CO U N T Y

161

aiul controlled by the Moline Plow Com-
|)any.

In addition to the enormous trade devel-
oped in the United States, their foreign trade
has grown until it is a vnvy consideral^le
business in itself.

The Moline Plow Company and its branch
houses employ about two hundred traveling
men in the United States. The office force
of the Plow Company and the branch houses
consists of in the neighborhood of three
iiundred. and about 1,200 men are constantly
employed in the shop.

In addition to the goods manufactured by
the Moline Plow Company, the branch houses
are jobbers of vehicles, wagons, grain drills,
seeders, hay tools, feed mills and other classes
of agricultural implements. A very large
jiortion of the vehicles and wagons are manu-
factured by the Mandt ^^'agon Company at
Stoughton, Wisconsin, and the Henney Buggy
Company, of Freeport, Illinois, both insti-
tutions are branch factories of the Moline
Plow Company, they having been merged
with that institution September 24. 1906.
Previous to the merger thej- were owned
principally and controlled by Moline Plow
Company stockholders. Moline Plow Com-
pany stock was issued holders in the Henney
and Mandt factories in lieu of stock in those
concerns, and for this purpose the capital
stock of the Plow Com])any was increased
from $4,000,000 to .$6,000,000. This increase
represented the combined capitalization of
the branch factories.

The wagon factory employs about four
hundred men; the buggy factory about three
hundred, and both are kept busy producing
high grade goods which find a ready market
through the branch house of the Moline Plow
Company.

Mr. George Stephens who was elected
president in 1892, departed this life on the
12th day of July, 1902, full of years and
honor, a man respected and loved by all who
knew him. He died in his eighty-third year

and was succeeded as the president of the
company by his son, Mr. George Arthur
Stephens, who has proven a worthy successor
to his father. Mr. F. G. Allen was at the
same time advanced to the office of vice-
president; Mr, .C. R. Stephens, another son
of Mr. George Stephens, is secretary and
superintendent; C. A. Banister is treasurer.

The company's business at the present time
is the largest in its history, and is steadily
growing, with every indication of continuing
to do so for years to come.

The business policy, including the branch
house system adopted by the co-managers,
Mr. Stephens and Mr. F. G. Allen in 1892,
has proven successful in every respect and
indicates that the judgment of Mr, George
Stephens in placing the business in the hands
of these men was good. Perhaps he builded
better even than he knew.

MObIXE WAGON COMPANY,

The ^loline Wagon Company is indisputably
the largest firm in the world devoted exclus-
ively to the making of wagons. From a
nucleus which embodied but a repair and
wagon shop which was capable of jiroducing
but one hundred wagons annually, this
company, under the masterly hand and pro-
lific judgment of its legitimate founder,
Mr. Morris Rosenfield, succeeded with a
rapidity unheard of, and forged to the front
rank of industrial enterprises not only in
Moline, but in the United States, '

In the mere shack in the eastern end of
Moline. where James First trudged over the
forge and anvil for fifteen years for a mere
living, the Moline ^^"agon Company was
inspired and given life by Morris Rosenfield.
Mr. First had opened the shop in 18.54. Jlr.
Rosenfield, in the year of 1869, perceived the
vast territory in which wagons were a crying
need, and the golden opportunities offered
by the energetic, hustling and rajMdly settling
west.

162

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

In that year, lie t'onned a partnership under
tlie name of Heiiser. Hosenfield and Company,
Cliarles A. Hen?;er ha\in.!!: been received into
tlie conipan_\-. The newly formed company
at once erected a two-story brick building on
the present site of the now world-famed man-
ufactory, and employed fifty men from the
start. In 1871 prudence suggested an en-
largement of the buildings, and an increase
in the working capital, and a stock company
was formed and incorporated under the laws
of the State of Illinois, and was named the
Molina Wagon Company. ^Ir. Rosenfield
was selected president and manager of the
new corporation, an office he held up to the
date of his death.

Immediately after the Company's new
formation, new buildings were erected, more
wagons were built, and its trade extended to
every portion of the United States. The
high standard of merit of its product which
had been previously painstakingly observed,
was faithfully and zealously maintained until
the name of the Moline Wagon Company
became accepted as the synonj-m of good
material, scientific perfection and superior
workmanship.

Branch houses were established in every
])art of the Union, the fame of the Moline
light running wagons spread with the rapidity
tluit characterizes all worth}- and reliable
\entures or products, and the company, not-
withstanding the additional spacious buildings
it had erected, the vast amount of modern
machinery it had installed, or the prodigious
increase in its working force and increased
capital, soon found it difficult to keep pace
with the orders which poiu-ed into their
office, and which still continue to strain ever}-
facility and resource of the great plant.

Aside from the mammoth buildings, a
lumber yard, everywhere dotted with great
dry sheds, and covering fully ten acres, is
maintained in conjunction with the factory.
The company has branch headquarters from
the farthest point east to the farthers point

west; they meet the keenest competition o'
wagonmakers everywhere, and their farm,
truck and spring wagons, known respectively
as "The Moline." and "The New^ Moline"
light nnuiing wag(ms. are celebrated in every
civilized clime.

The ])re.sent officers of the company are:
Walter A. Ro.senfield, president: Morris Geis-
mer, secretary and treasurer. That these
gentlemen are dully qualified to manage the
gigantic business is best illustrated by the
continued prosperity the company is enjoy-
ing, the increased business which is theirs-
and by the rapidity with which the enlarge-
ment of the company's facilities becomes
imperative. The ^loline Wagon Company is
now capitalized at 8600,000, and its average
output is 30,000 complete wuigons per annum.
Its working force has been augmented until
now it numbers approximately four hundred
workmen, among them the most skilled
mechanics in their particular line to be found
anywhere. The ground occupied by the
buildings covers over five acres, the buildings
are of brick, six stories high, four hundred
and fifty feet in length, and two squares in
width. They are prodigious to impressive-
ness; they have been constructed with an
eye to sanitation and convenience for the
men employed, are well heated and lighted-
the up-to-date machinery is amply protected,
to insure safety to life and limb of operatives,
and no friction between employer and
employee has ever arose to mar the pacific
relations of master and man.

THE VELIE CARRIAGE COMPANY.

The Velie Carriage Company plant situated
in Moline, Illinois, was established in 1902 by
gentlemen of widelv known reputations in the
middle west and who had been affiliated with
manufacturing industries in that city for
many years. Foreseeing a future scarcity of
land for desirable factory sites, a tract of six
ami a half acres in extent was purchased,
from which a strip f'uu- hvmdred and fifty feet

// I sr K 1 C R C K I S L A N D CO U N T Y

163

long and one lumdrecl and twenty feet wide
was set aside for building piisposes.

A factory building was erected and com-
pleted in the Fall of 1902, consisting of three
floors and basement, four hundred feet long
and eighty feet wide, equipped with the most
imjiroved and highest grade machinery, all of
which is operated liy electrical jjower.

Special consideration was given by the
management in the arrangement of depart-
ments, so as to facilitate the manufacture of
vehicles, each department complete in itself
and with operations systematized to be con-
tinuous and progressive and material econom-
ically handled. Employment of the most
skilled workmen, directed b\' men of estab-
lished reputations, insured the manufacture
of vehicles that are practical, durable and
reliable. The building is heated by steam
throughout, thoroughly well lighted, thus
enabling the men to work to the best advantage.

In manufacturing, no expense is spared to
increase facilities and adopt the best methods
for the improvement of the product.

The most liberal patronage of 1903-1904
taxed the capacity of the plant to its utmost,
so that an increase ^^ as found necessary and
a second building was constructed in the
Fall of 1904, one half the capacity of the
first, two hundred and eight feet long and
eight}' feet wide, three stories and basement,
which with minor extensions to the original
plant, increased the cajiacity from forty to
.seventy-five finished vehicles a day.

The very largely increased business of the
following years, has necessitated the occupa-
tion of more factory space and the third
building, abutting the second and propor-
tioned to counterpart the original building
bas been built, thereby making two factory
buildings fotu' hundred feet long and eighty
feet wide, with unusually favorable ship])ing
facilities, being located on the trunk lines of
three different railroads.

Their limited floor space in 1903 of 128.000
square feet was increased to 199,000 square

feet in 1904, and lately- increased, in 1906, to
261,000 square feet and the output of 7,200
jobs shipped the first j^ear lias increased to an
annual output of 20,000 vehicles, with a
factory capacity of one hundred finished
\ehicles a day.

Proportionate with this increase of business
the employment of men has grown from one
hundred the first year to three hundred and
fifty, the greater projiorticui l)eing heads of
families, located ])ermanently in Moline and
Kock Island, and the owners of homesteads
and as they are employed 'steadily ten hour.s
a day throughout the entire year, the services
of the most skilled workmen are assured.

MUTl AL WHEEL COMPANY.

The Mutual Wheel Company, Moline, Illi-
nois, was organized in 1891 and commenced
operations on the present site about the first
of Januarj-. 1S92. The original capital in-
vested by the stockholders was about $40,000,
and about fifty men were at first employed.
Mr. 1). :\I. Sechler, founder of the D. M.
Sechler Carriage Comjjany, was the first
]iresident of this company, and Morris Rosen-
field was the first vice-president. The busi-
ness of the company has increased very
rapidly until at the present time the factory
i.s one of the largest in the United States in
this line.

The present caj^ital stock of the company
is .11300,000 and two hundred and fifty skilled
mechanics are emploj-ed throughout the j-ear.
The annual output is more than 100,000 sets
of wheels for carriages, wagons, buggies, etc.
The factory has always found a readj^ sale
for all of its products and the Mutual wheels
are well known throughout the west. A
large i)roportion of the wheels manufactured
go to the large carriage manufacturers at
home and in this vicinity.

Besides the factory here the compan\' has
a number of branch stock plants in the timber
districts of the south and a large force of
timber buyers are constantl}' employed looking

164

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

after jioiul liickdrv tiiiil)er out of which to
make spokes and felloes for the wheels. The
present officers of the company are as follows:
J. L. Robinson, ]n-esident, Freeport, Illinois;
J. C. Moon, vice-president. St. Louis. Missouri;
George McMaster. secretary and treasurer-
Moline. Illinois.

THi; WHICHT CWRKIAGE BODY CO.

Tlu' Wright Carriage Body Company was
organized in 1902 with a capital of -SoO.OOO;
.securing its charter in November, 1902. as a
stock company, its first officers being T. 'SI.
Sechler, president ; C. W. Wright, vice-
])resident and manager; E. H. Wilson, secre-
tary and treasurer. Its first board of direc-
tors were T. M. Sechler. W. L. Velie. H. C.
First. C. \^^ \^ right, Fred Peters, F. H.
Wilson of midline, and C. H. Dooley of Rock
Island.

A two-story factory building, one hundred
and fifty by sixty feet with sixty by sixty-five
feet wing for engine, boiler and dry house,
was erected and actual manufacturing of
carriage and buggy bodies and seats began
in March. 1903.

In October, 1904. .Mr. Wright withdrew
from active connection with the company and
K. H. Wilson, who up to this time had been
in charge of the office and the financial affairs
cf the company, assumed the management.

Mr. Wilson at once reorganized the working
forces and doubled the capacity of the plant,
creating an output of 30,000 complete jobs
per year.

At the annual meeting of stockholders held
September 5. 1906. it was voted to double the
capital stock, making it SIOO.OOO; which was
at once taken up almost wholh* by former
stockholders and additional buildings were
constructed which allowed the company to
again doul)le its capacity.

This company has already made a reputa-
tion for good work and is making fast strides
toward lieing one of Moline's leading manu-
facturing plants.

MOLINE FFRNITURE WORKS.

The iloline Furniture Works was incor-
porated in 1898 with a capital stock of
S25.000. Their principal manufacture is wood
mantels, office and store fixtures, and special
furniture to order. Officers of the company
are; George ^A . Johnson, president and
treasurer; F. A. Landee. vice-president; F.
A. Johnson, secretary. In 1907 the capital
stock was increased to SIOO.OOO. Since
starting in 1898 they have yearly experienced
a verj' flattering increase in their business.

DEERE & COMPANY.

Our activities as a nation are industrial,
not military.

American history can furnish no subject
more inspiring than the achievements of men
whose life stories are told in the growth of
the industries which they alone created,
especially when those industries have devel-
oped into national or international import-
ance, as a result of constructive policies.

Military achievement is a fruitful source of
patriotic inspiration, but should be drawn
upon with caution. It is fitting that on-
coming generations should draw a portion of
their inspirations from the soldiers of industry
among whom they must cast their lot.

Men who build up great industries, give
employment to working men, and wrest trade
from foreign countries, should be as much
objects of national admiration as military
heroes.

After all. the real civilization of a country
is measured by its industries and not by the
size or efficiency of its armies.

Progress results from the birth of new
desires and the growth of new necessities.
Satisfying these new desires and supplying
these new necessities call forth men of genius
who devise the ways and means and lay the
foundations for new industries.

The necessity for a plow that wotikl scour
in the black, sticky prairie soil of the west.

HISTORIC ROCK I SLA X D COUNT Y

165

enlisted the genius and energy of John Deere,
who invented the steel plow, which is now
the corner stone of the great manufacturing
industry of Deere and Company. Like other
men who have achieved success, he had an
U])hill fight. The story of the pluck and
energy displayed and of the obstacles over-
come until success was finally realized, con-
stitutes an important chapter in our history.

While John Deere did not liegin work on
the steel plow until after he was thirty j'ears
of age, his previous experience had much to
do with his success in this, the greatest effort
of his life. He was a natural mechanic and a
thoroughly trained blacksmith. He also
gained considerable experience that proved
heljjful in later years, while making hoes and
other farm tools.

In 1837 Mr. Deer.e joined the great stream
of hardy settlers then pouring into the west,
where opportunities for gaining fortiuie
seemed unlimited. He landed in (irand
Detour, Illinois, with his experiences and
about seventy-five dollars in cash.

He immediately began to work at liis
trade, and coming in daily contact with
farmers soon learned that their greatest need
was a plow that would scour in their soil.
His active mind began to work on the problem
of producing such a plow, and is was not long
before he had a solution. The first .steel
])low was constructed. It pro\ed a success.
A new epoch in agriculture was ushered in
and a new and great industry dates from that
time.

The expression, "new epoch." is used
advisedly. In 1S37, when .John Deere built
his first steel ]ilow. American farms did not
produce enough to supply home consumption.
The groiuid was possessed of ^-irgin fertility,
but iniplements were so crude that the vast
areas availiabe could not be prepared profit-
ably for seeding. The steel plow did more
than any other agency to turn the tide of
affairs. Now, thanks to its use, this country
is the greatest exporter of food stuffs, our

farms producing a large surplus over and
above our daily wants. The handling of this
sm-plus provides employment for an army of
working men and is the basic support of most
of the great industries for which we are
justly famous.

The industry created out of an idea in a
private blacksmith shop, has grown hand in
hand with agriculture until it has attained
the present imposing magnitutle of Deere and
Company. Its products are known the world
over and the name of John Deere ranks with
those of Fulton, Watt, Whitney and others
of equal importance.

Strange as it may seem, the first difficulty
in marketing the new steel plows was to get
farmers to try them. Several manufacturers
had taken advantage of the demand for a
self-polishing plow, to m:u'ket plows which
were said to scour, l)ut in reality would not.

John Deere stencilled his |)lows "self
polisher," and displa\'ed them in front of his
shop. Passing farmers \\-ould look at them

and remark: "self-polisher be d d, there

never will be a plow that will scour in this
prairie soil." ^Ir. Deere on hearing such a
remark would ask, "stranger, where do you
live?" On being told, he would reply, "take
this plow home with you and try it. If it
does not scour, I will send and get it without
any expense to you. If it does scour, I
want you to pay me for it." Even such
liberal terms interested only a few at first,
the rest preferring not to l)e Isothered with
trying an implement which they were sure
would not work. Only two plows were put
out in 1838. and but ten in 1839. After
this, however, the demand increased very
rapidly and the great difficulty was to supply
it. In fact, at no time has the demand for
John Deere plows been completely supplied,
which accounts for the steady, healthy growth
in their manufacture.

It soon became apparent that (!rand De-
tour, because of its lack of power and trans-
portation facilities, was not a suitable place

166

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

for a large plow mamifafturinii imlustry. In
those days there were no railroads. Water
was the only economical source of power and
avenue of transportation.

Mr. Deere, together wilh Mv. Tate, liis
foreman, traveled about the country looking
for a desirable location. They finally decided
on Moline, Illinois, and moved there in 1847,
being attracted by the excellent water power
and transportation facilities afforded by the
Mississippi River at that point.

The manufacture of plows was begtm imme-
diately, and by the Autumn of 1848, the
business had grown to such an extent that
it became necessary to form a more efhcient
organization. Mr. J. ^I. Gould, who was then
a member of the firm of Deere, Tate and
Gould, proceeded to organize the office force,
and establish a system of accounts. He also
took hold of the selling end of the business,
and carried otit the plans for financing the
company on a larger scale than before.

Merchants in those days would not buj^
plows outright, as they did other articles of
merchandise. It was, therefore, necessary
to leave the plows at the various agencies to
be sold on commission. Thej^ were to be paid
for at the time of sale, but many farmers ga^'e
their notes instead of cash. Dealers would
not advance anything on these notes and it
was necessary to wait until their maturity in
order to get money.

In the face of such conditions, and the lack
of local banks, it was often difficult to finance
the firm, iloney had to he borrowed mostly
from individuals. Largely for these reasons,
there was no pay-day for the emjjloj-es.
Plows were traded to the merchants of
iloline. Hock Island. Davenport. Muscatine
and other nearby towns ami orders given on
them to the workmen for what thej- wanted.
Money was never paid out for wages, unless
an employe left or was discharged. In such
cases, any wages due were settled for in cash.

It was also difiicidt to transfer money,
because exchange could be ]nu-chased only

occasionally. In the summer time money
was sent to .St. Louis for this purpose by the
steamboat clerks, but in winter, even this
convenience was cut off.

Another difficulty was to get the plows to
the various agencies. It was necessary to
ship them by river to distributing points and
then haul them by team to the merchants
throughout the interior. This was a slow
and imcertain process, but the only one
available.

These illustrations serve to show the
inconveniences that, in those days, handi-
capped the conduct of a business of more than
local consequence. However, each difficulty
and discouragement was surmounted. John
Deere plows were winning their way and the
firm gathered additional strength with every
victory over these adverse conditions.

In 1852, both Mr. Tate and :\Ir. Gould
retired from the' firm, and Mr. Deere con-
tinued the business alone. The demand foi-
his plows steadily increased and the output
was increased as fast as possible, but could
never be made to equal the demand, a con-
dition which still exists. In 185" ten thous-
and plows were manufactured. This was
considered an enormous output in those days.
and it was, conditions considered.

By 1868 John Deere's business had grown
to such proportions that a more complete
organization of the manufacturing and selling
departments became necessary. Accordingly
Deere and Company was incorporated, witli
John Deere as president, C. H. Deere, his son,
as vice-president and general managei-, and
S. II, ^'elie as secretary,

Deere and Company's growth has always
been steady, sure, and in response to a
demand for its products that has remained
in advance of its ability to sup|)ly. The
company has grown from an idea de\-elopecl
in a little country blacksmith shop, througli
the factory stage, int;) a gre.tt indu-;try with
magnificent manufacturing and selling organ-
izations. It is a fitting monument to .lolm

HISTORIC ROCK I S LA N D CO U N T Y

167

Deere, its founder, and C. H. Deere, whose
genius for organization made it the great
industry it now is.

Today the floor space of Deere, and Com-
pany's factory equals the area of a good
sized farm and a complete implement is
turned out ever_v thirty seconds of the work-
ing year. In addition to this, over a million
l)l()w shares are made annually to equip John
Deere plows alreadj- in use. This one item
alone exceeds the entire output of many plow
factories. Facilities are ample for shipping
fift\- complete car loads of implements a day.
The system of overhead tracks, upon which
imjDlements and parts are conveyed from one
de]xirtment to the other, is so perfect that no
handling is necessary from the time they
leave the paint shop until in front of the car
door for shipment.

Great distributing companies have been
organized in the principal centers throughout
the country, some of these companies being
the largest of their kind in the world.

The Deere organizations furnish a livelihood
to about twenty thousand people, and cover
the civilized world in their operations.
Wherever the American citizen goes, he
finds that John Deere plows have preceded
him.

Agricultural success makes the railroads
possible and keeps the wheels of industry and
commerce in constant motion. The steel plow
made agriculture a success. It emancipated
the farmer from bondage to the soil, enabled
him to build public schools in which to edu-
cate his children and comfortable homes in
which to enjoy the comforts of life.

When history finally casts up events and
determines what is vrorth while, the faces of
John and (". H. Deere will he seen in the hall
<if fame.

The industry which the one created and the
other developed will lie an object to
which every true .\merican will point witli
l)ride.

ARGILLO WORKS.

Argillo Works, one of the leading industries
of Rock Island County, and located at Carbon
Cliff, Illinois, was incorporated in 1865 by
William S. Thomas, Adoniram L. Wait and
Jeremiah Chamberlin, with a capital stock of
$100,000. Jeremiah Chamberlain was the
first president, having been elected at the
time the plant was launched, and serving
four years. Mr. Chamberlin was succeeded
in 1869 by JTvlo Lee, who served from that
time until 1896.

To these two men can be attributed the
success of the plant, as it was they who
piloted it through from a mere experiment to
a well paj-ing investment. The succeeding
presidents up until the jiresent day have also
given thoroughly capable service, and under
then supervision the plant gradually increased
its earning powers vmtil now it is one of the
county's most thriving industries.

In 1896 W. T. Ball became president and
continued until J. F. Robinson was elected
president in 1899. Upon the death of ;\Ir.
Robinson, his wiie, Mary E. Robinson,
became its president in 1903, and still holds
that position.

The Argillo Works manufactures clay
products, principally fire brick and farm
drain tile, whicli are widely distributed
throughout the state, and in fact all parts of
the United States.

TRI-CITY MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIA-
TION OF THE CITIES OF DAVEN-
PORT, ROCK ISLAND AND MOLINE.

The Tri-City Manufacturers' Association
was organized in the year 1900. with C. H.
Deere of Moline as president, and E. H.
Sleight of Moline as secretaiy.

The general object at that time \\as the
]5romotion of the interests of the three cities
along manufacturing lines. Although started
with some enthusiasm, it soon languished
and practically ceased to exist until two

168

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

j'-ears later. When the machinists through-
out the country struck for a shorter work-
day, the Tri-City ]\Ianufacturers' Association
awoke to life again, and practically reorgan-
ized as a defense association to check the
rising tide of trade unionism. The move-
ment here was simultaneous with others
throughout the country, the ever increasing
and arbitrary demands of labor unions nuik-
ing it necessary for employers to luiite in
order to offer effective resistance.

The work of this association as indicated
above, has been principally of a defensive
nature, but it has also been influential in
various other ways. Its influence was e.xerted
in behalf of the Interstate Commerce Bill, and
in opposition to the so-called Uniform Bill of
Lading, and an active campaign was carried
on under its auspices for the cause of reci-
procity.

The princij.ial nienibershij) of this associa-
tion is in ^loline. and while the association as
a whole cannot act, yet the Moline members
have frec[uentl3' met for the consideration of
matters pertaining to the welfare of their
city. The iloline members of this associa-
tion paid for a new private water main along
the river front from the water works west,
which forms a very important secondary
water supply in case of fire; indeed superior
to the Third Avenue main. A recent fire at
the Mutual Wheel Works was checked Jiy
this new water main only, when the Third
Aveiuie main had collapsed. It seems quite
probable that a very disastrous conflagration
would have been started had it not been for
the new main.

The Moline members of this association
]5urchased a lot and also advanced the money
for a new fire station north of the railroad
tracks. At their suggestion the city is put-
ting down a new- water main on Third Avenue,
for which the property owners are being
assessed. These improvements, although paid
for by the manufacturers or the property
owners on Third Avenue, are for the benefit

of the whole city, which is practically de-
pendent upon manufacturing for its pros-
perity.

The members of the Manufacturers' Asso-
ciation have also contributed liberally to
many public objects. I might mention the
new bathing house on Eighteenth Street, also
the various conventions which come to this
city, the Manufacturers' Hotel, the Moline
Theatre, etc.

Tri-City manufacturers are liberal givers
toward public ftuictions and enterprises. The
great victory in obtaining a handsome con-
gressional appropriation for a Government
lock was brought about largely through the
efforts of the manufacturers, and the estab-
lishment of such lock will ]irove of untold
value to the community. .A. standing com-
mittee co-operates with other civic organiza-
tions in public benefactions, the reception
and entertainment of conventions, and secur-
ing desirable and representative a.ssemblages
for local entertainment.

Information of general importance is com-
municated to the membership by a .syste-
matic series of btdletins from the secretary's
office. From the same source items of
general interest are bnlletineil from the
association's affiliated organizations, includ-
ing such far reaching associations as the
National Association of Manufacturers, Na-
tional Founders Association. National Asso-
ciation of Agricultural Implement and ^'ehicle
Manufacturers, Metal Trades Association,
Citizens Industrial Association. National Asso-
ciation of Credit ilen, and others.

Along defensive lines mentioned above,
our association defended against the machin-
ists' strike in 1900 and the moulders' strike
in 1903, successftdly in both instances, and
this we believe was not only on accoiuit of
our firm front, but because we were essen-
tially right in our i:)osition. The manufac-
turers conferred with the men and offered a
reasonable compromise settlement, but in
neither instance woidd the unions accept less

// / .S T R I C ROC K I S L A N 1) C O U N T Y

169

than their full demands in every ]iarticular.
This arliitrary stand gave the manufacturers
the moral support of the comnuuiity. anil of
a large part of the workmen as well.

In conclusion would say that the Tri-City
Manufacturers' Association is only one of
many institutions which of late years have
s|)rung up all over the country in response to
the pressing necessity of maintaining a check
against the warlike attitude of trade unionism.
The public in general will readily perceive the
necessity of these organizations. Employers
must look to themselves largely to maintain
their own rights, which no one else will do if
they neglect it. Whatever the benefit of
trades unionism, and without entering into
further discussion, it is evident that they have
been the cause of prices advancing fully as
fast as they have affected wages, that they
have sowed discontent and warfare in peace-
ful communities, and that strikes have caused
an immense amount of misery. ' They have
aimed to destroy kincUy relations between
employer and the individual employee.

The Tri-City Manufacturers' Association
stands for the open shop, but it also stands
for a high standard of wages. If we should
ever lose our influence, or fail to accomplish
the results we aim at, it will be because we
have neglected to pay high enough wages to
an intelligent and manly class of workmen.
Harry Aixsworth,

Ex-8ecretary.
Moline, Illinois, September S, 1906.

THE MOl.lNE BUSINESS MEN'S ASSO-
CIATION.

In response to a petition circulated by
Messrs. C. F. Dewend and C. Iver Josephson,
a meeting was held in the City Hall on Sep-
tember 13, 1898, which wa.s attended by about
one hundred of Moline's most prominent
business, professional and manufacturing men
for the purpose of organizing the above asso-
ciation. Temporary officers and committees
were appointed on menibershi]), finance, by-

laws and incorporation, a preamble was drawn
up, the import of which was that the associa-
tion was organized to subserve and advance
all material and legitimate interests of
Moline, East Moline and vicinity, and oin-
welfare generally.

The membership at present is about one
hundred. The association meets the second
Tuesday of each month, the board of directors
the Tuesday previous, the annual meetings
are held the second Tuesday in October.
The monthly meetings were held in various
]ilaces, first in the Citv Hall, then in Mc-
Kinnie Hall, Moline Club Hall, Elks Club, and
Assembly Room of the Peoples Savings Bank
and Trust Company. Tiie board of directors
hold their meetings in tlie secretary's office.
The association is a memlx-i- of the Upper
Mississippi River Improvement Associatiin,
as well as a member of the National Board
of Trade. It has always been represented by
a large delegation at the annual meetings of
both these organizations wherever held. It
has shown what can be accomplished liy a
united effort, t)y holding the Street Fair of
1899. which attractetl more people to the
city than any other event held heretofore,
also celebrating the same year, the Fourth of
July, with a public demonstration the like of
which was never known in this part of the
country. It installed artisan water mains to
the jniblic fountain on Market Square, it,
placed other fountains in the city, it installed
electric street decorations as well as flag
decorations for all festive or conventional
occasions. The association fiiuuicially assists
for the expense of all State conventions held
in the city, and is instrumental in getting
these various conventions to come here. It
is continually looking after the introduction
of new industrial institutions to settle here,
and has been instrumental in obtainina:
various new factories. Through its persistent
efforts Moline received an appropriation fr.)m
the General Oovernmcnt of $386. ()()() for a
steamboat lock and li;irb }i-. The l.)ck iuis

170

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

been completed and was accepted by the
National Government engineers on the 7th
instant of this month (January, 1907), the
deepening of the channel harbor and con-
structing a landing, and the beautifj'ing of
River Side Park with trees, shrubberj^, drives
and walks, will all be completed this year,
giving Moline a beautiful park, in the center
of the city, on our river front.

During the last ^-ear it has undertaken and
accomplished the building of a modern
theatre at a cost of S75,000, of which sum the
association paid S10,000, raised through a
seat sale and donations. The theatre was
built entire!}' upon plans and under the sm-
veillance of the association. There is no
more modern building of its kind, and of its
size, outside of Chicago.

The unity of thought and action on the
part of the members and the dLi'ectors. with
the financial assistance generously bestowed
by our manufacturers and business men, has
made it possible, and will in the future make
it possible, to carry on the great work for
which we are striving, namely, a Greater
Moline.

MOLINE RETAIL MERCHANTS' ASSO-
CIATION.

This association, like the Retail Merchants'
Association of Rock Island, affiliates with
both the National and State organizations.
Like other bodies of its kind its objects are
to advance and protect the business interests
of its members, to abate trade abuses and
illegitimate practices, to secure beneficial
legislation, and in various ways produce a
feeling of friendliness and co-operation be-
tween the varied business interests and the
public as a whole.

This association was instituted April 1.
1903. It is now incorporated.

The first workers in the movement looking
to the perfection of this organization were:
B. H. Quick, S. S, Hoffman. C. F. Dewend,
Martin Carlson, Charles G. Hogberg, C. 0,

Lovejoy and \\'illiam Carstens, who, with
the help of the above gentlemen, did the first
soliciting for membership. Such was their
success that inside of ten days one hundred
and fifteen business men had signed the
charter list.

The first regidar meeting place was at 422
Sixteenth Street, where permanent head-
quarters are now located.

The success of the Retail Merchants Asso-
ciation has been phenomenal. They have
saved thousands of dollars, not alone to the
members, but to the public, by protecting the
honest people from the dishonest. Further
than this twenty per cent the reduction of
freight rates in the State of Illinois, which
amoiuits to about $20,000,000 to the people
of the State, was brought about mainly by
the united efforts of the local and state
associations.

MOLINE CLUB.

Organized December 9, 1S95, its object
being for the advancement of social inter-
com'se among its members and to promote
the civic, business and industrial interests of
the City of Moline. The membership con-
sists of three classes: Resident, non-resident
and honorary. The resident membership
being limited to three hundred members.
Any male eighteen years of age or over, living
within the City of Moline, shall be eligible to
resident membership. An}- male adult whose
residence is without the limits of Moline shall
be eligible to non-resident membership. Any
person of public distinction shall be eligible
to honorary membership. The non-resident
and honorary members shall enjoy all the
privileges of the Club, except of those voting
or holding office. The annual meetings of
the Club are held on the second Tuesday in
May of each year, at 9 P. M. The officers of
the Club are president, first and second vice-
]iresidents, a secretary and treasurer. The
various committees are the finance, member-
sliii), house and grounds, entertainment,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

171

press, a\iditing, and civic imi)rovement com-
mittee to further the civic, business- and
industrial interests of the City of Moline.
The ladies and minors of every member's
family are entitled to the privileges of the
(lull. Xo liquor of any kind shall be allowed
in the club house, or on its premises, nor shall
gambling be permitted. The first officers
were: C. H. Deere, president; C. A. Barnard,
\ice-president; E. H. Sleight, secretary; C. F.
Hemenwa}'. treasurer.

WOMAN'S CLUB OF MOLINE.

The ^^'oman's Club of Moline was founded
May 23, 1903, by Mrs. Frank Gates Allen, of
Moline, who called the first meeting, secured
the place and speakers and presented a plan
of organization which was adopted. The
Club's membership grew rapidly, outgrowing
the capacity of successive meeting places,
tintil it has five hundred and twenty-five
members and holds its regular meetings in
one of the largest church buildings in Moline
— the First CongTegational.
■ The object of the Club, as stated by its
constitution, ''shall be to foster the interest
of its members in literarj-, scientific, musical,
historical, and other topics of vital import-
ance; to promote culture and cordial personal
relations among women, and to contribute to
the welfare of the community." Any woman
living in ]\Ioline or vicinity is eligible to
membershiji in the Club. It has, conse-
quently, many members who live in Rock
Island, Davenport or the smaller towns
nearby. Monthly meetings are held from
October to May inclusive. At these, reports
of the departmental work are given, a pro-
gram, consisting of music and the discussion
of some live subject by an authority upon it,
is presented and a short social hour follows.
The Club has several deiiartmeuts: The
music department, formed by the absorption
of the Moline Beethoven t'lulj, jirovides
music for each regular meeting and one or
two recitals each seasf>n. The philanthropic

department, formed by the absorption of the
Moline Associated Charities, supports the
Moline police matron, and City missionary,
and provides for most of the relief work done
for the poor of the city.

The civics department encourages the
cleaning and beautifying of lots, streets and
alleys, the opening of parks, the abatement
of nuisances, and imsanitary conditions and
the establishment of ]>ublic plaj' grounds.
The department of pure food and domestic
economy aims to secure the intelligent en-
forcement of the ]nu'e food laws.

The art anil literatm-e dejjartment conducts
a stud}- class which meets fortnightly.

The legislative department keeps the Club
in touch with legislation of interest to its
members, especially that which effects women
and children.

THE MOLINE YOUNtJ MEN'S

CH RIST I AN ASSOC I ATI O N .

The Moline Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation was organized February 10, 1885.
At that time the old rink was secured as
temporary quarters and an efficient work
carried on for several years. During the
years of 1888 and 1889 a building fund was
raised and a new structin-e erected which
continued to be the home of the Association
until destroyed some years later by fire.

On January 1, 1903, the Association moved
into the present ciuarters, where a steadily
growing work has been maintained in the
various departments, and whose spacious,
well lighted rooms have become the home of
the young men of Moline in a very special
way. The Association is not alone his home,
but as well his school room, his play ground,
and his place of entertainment and Christian
culture.

In the night school conilucted by t';e
Association are taught all the comn n
branches, such as arithmetic, algebra, pen-
manship, spelling and granimer, alsT Englis'i
for Swedes and Creeks, in b; th elementni-\-

172

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

and achaiiced courses. Other courses in
mechanical and architectural drawing, elec-
tricity, telegraphy, bookkeeping, commercial
law, and vocal music have been taught
in the night school. In connection with
the educational department a debating so-
ciety ,is conducted, in which young
men are trained in tlie art of public
speaking.

A physical department with well equii^ped
gymnasium and expert physical director is a
second phase of the work, affording a place
for physical development under whole.some
Christian influences. This department is
participated in by both men and boys with
great pleasure and jirofit. The bath rooms
which are used daily by large nvimbers of men
are the finest in the city. Fully 6,000 baths
are furnished annually to members. No less
than 35.000 visits are made to the rooms each
vear.

Tile religious pluise of the work is wide in
scope, covering a vast field of religious educa-
tion. Bible classes are conducted, men'.s
meetings with helpful addresses are held on
Sunday afternoons anil on week days meet-
ings are held in the various shop.s of the city
at the noon hour, where a large number of
men listen to addresses and music by the best
talent obtainable. There is also a corps of
workers, comprising a male quartette and
speakers, who visit the variovis churches and
missions in subiu'ban towns to conduct
religious services.

During the years of its existence the .Moline
Young .Men's Christian Association has made
a i)lace for itself in the city of inestimable
value. Its aim has been to produce well
rounded men i)i this and it has succeeded.
The ])roiluct of the Association has gmie
forth to raise the standards of moral living
and to enrich the world.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

173

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY.

FIRST ENTRIES OF LAND.

Colonel George Davenport and Russell
P'arnham, on October 19, 1829. entered land
— .section two, seventeen North, two We.st —
which was the first land registered in Rock
Island County. The south half of this
ground including that land east one mile
fnmi the old Fair (Irounds was sold to Jonah
H. Case. The nnrtli half of the Davenport-
Farnham land formed a part of the posses-
sions of the late Bailey Davenport.

On October 19, 1S29, was also entered the
north half of section eleven, bv William T.
Hrasher, upon a portion of which laud Ciiip-
piannock Cemetery is situated.

Colonel Davenport entered the southern
pari of section eleven in 1829-30. On this
plat of ground was afterwards laid out the
famous "paper town'' of Rock Island City.
Daniel Webster is said to Inave held an
interest in this (then a paper town), which
he sold to Caleb Cushing for $10,000. The
town plat extended from Dingledine's south
line, antl the south line of Chip]iiaunock
Cemetery, south to Rock River, and from
the ]\Iilan road three-fpun'ters of a mile
cast.

I )a\('niHirt and 1 ariiliam also enteroil at
the same time the fractional section thirty-
four, eighteen north, two west, south of the
Indian Boundary line. This plat is now laid
out in city lots, .-\dding William Carr, who
entered land here in October, 1829, the list
is complete as those registered in the year,
(>]■ prior to that date.

In 1830 Colonel Davenport entered other
sections and in 1833 John W. Spencer entered
the land on which the old Schindler farm was
situated. The year 1835 exceeded all previous
years as a land entering year. In 1836
companies were formed and large amounts
of land entered for them in the names of
individual citizens.

ILLINOIS AND MISSISSIPPI CANAL.

Sl'MM.VRY.

Illinois and Mississippi Canal, Illinois. —
The object of the improvement is to furnish
a link in a navigalile waterway from Lake
Michigan to the Mississippi River at the
mouth of Rock River, Illinois.

The canal has been located on the R(i(d<
Island route, approved by the Secretary of
War October 27. 1S8S, as directed in the act
of Congress of .\ugust 11, 1888. It proceeds
from the Illinois River at its great bend, one
and three-cpuirters miles above the town of
Hennepin, Illinois; thence via Bureau Creek
A'alley and over the summit to Rock River
at the moutli of Cireen River: thence l)y slack
water in Rock Rivei- and a canal around the,
lower rapids of the river at Milan to the
Mississippi River at the mouth of Rock River.

The canal is to be at least eighty feet wide
at the water surface, seven feet deep, and
with locks one hundred and seventy feet long
and thirty-five feet width of lock chamber,
capable of passing barges carrying six hundi'ed
tons (maximum) freight.

\ re|5ort upon tlie location, with dolailed
estimate of cost, of this <'anal was suiimittecl

174

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

June 21. ]S'M), and is pi-inted in tlie Ainuial
l{c|)(irt of the Chief of ICnjjineers for ISOO.
])afie "jriSfi.

The ri\er and harl)or act of Se])teniV)er 19.
INIK). made tlie first apiiropriation for tlie
eonstriK'tioii of the canal, and directed work
to be begun by the construction of one of the
locks and dams in Rock River.

lu accordance with this act work was begun
in Jvdy, 1S92, near the mouth of Rock River,
on the construction of a canal around the
lower rapids of the river, and since that date
has been prosecuted as rapidly as the appro-
priation of funds ]5ermitted. The survey
work in locating the canal on the ground and
proceedings f<jr acquiring title to the right of
way have been completed, and the canal has
been definitely located on the ground through-
out its entire extent.

The river and harbor act of March 3, 190o,
authorizes the Secretary of War, in his dis-
cretion, to construct a fixed dam with mov-
able crest in Rock River, in lieu of the lock
and dam at or near Sterling, Illinois, pro-
vided for l)y the approved project, the said
dam with movable crest to be built from
funds alreaily appropriated or authorized for
the construction of the canal and to constitute
a part of the ]iroject for its construction.

The river and harbor act of June 3, 1896,
l)laced the work \nider the continuing con-
tract system and limited the average amount
of contract liability to be incurred in any one
fiscal year to $400,000. There has been
expended on this work to the close of the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1908, $7,319,563,39.

The result of this expenditure has been:

First. The acquisition of the right of way
for four and one-half miles around the lower
rapids of Rock River and the completion of
four and one-half miles of canal there, in-
volving the construction of four and one-half
miles of earthwork, three locks, one railroad
and two highwa}' swing bridges, seven sluiee-
waj^s and gates, one arch culvert, two dams
1 ,392 feet long across the arms of Rock River,

three lock-kee])ers' houses, one small office
l)uilding, a thorough riprap))ing of the canal
Ijanks (not included in the original estimates),
and construction by contract of Moline
wagon bridge, at a cost of $2,t.0()0. which
was not included in the original estimate.

Second. The acquisition of right of way
for the main line and navigable feeder, com-
l)letion of all railway and highway bridges,
locks, culverts, aqueducts: execution of all
earthwork and completion of dam and con-
trolling works at head of feeder; erection of
fourteen houses and partial completion of
twenty-five houses for overseers and lock
tenders.

The canal was filled with water and
formally opened to navigation October 24,
1907. Operating force has been organized
and since January 1. 1908, the work has been
maintained under the indefinite appropria-
tion for operating and care of canals and other
works of navigation, the completion of con-
struction work progressing at the same time.

The entire work embraced in the original
project for the canal, as modified by subse-
quent projects and plans as the work has
progressed, may be summarized as follows:

Surveys and location upon the ground;
acquisition of right of way and fencing; con-
struction of — ninety-five and eight-tenths
miles of earthwork; sixty-seven highway
bridges; one farm bridge; three pontoon
bridges; eight railroad bridges; nine aque-
ducts; fiftj--two culverts (increased to sixty-
two); thirty-three locks; nine sluiceways and
gates; three dams; nineteen houses (increased
to thirtj'-nine) ; outlet to Rock River; new
highway on mile sixteen; improvement of
eight and five-tenths miles of Rock River;
Moline wagon bridge (not in original esti-
mate).

The work thus far c(nni)leted may be sum-
nuu'ized as follows:

Survej^s and location upon the ground;
acquisition of right of way and fencing; con-
struction of — ninetj'-five and eight-tenths

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

175

miles of earthwork; sixty-seven hi<;li\vay
bridges; one farm bridge; eight raih'oad
bridges; nine aqiieduets; sixty-two culverts;
thirt3'-three locks; thirty-foin- sluice gates;
three dams; fourteen houses and part of
twenty-five additional; new highway on mile
sixteen; iloline wagon bridge; one pontoon
bridge; part of dredging in Rock River;
emergency gates, mile twenty-three.

The work remaining to be done consists of
completing twenty-five houses, dredging in
Rock River, and miscellaneous work of revet-
ment, bank protection and finishing.

PIONEER DAYS ON THE MISSISSIPri.

BY S. W. MC M.\STF.R.

The first steamboat that landed at P'ort
Snelling, Minnesota, was the Virginia, Captain
Crawford, in 1S23. She was one hundred and
eighteen feet long and twenty-two feet wide.
At that early day the conveying of supplies
to the forts on the upper Mississippi was
about all the traffic there was. During the
few years immediatel}' following the arrival
of the Virginia there was but one boat a year.
The Neville came in 1824; the Putnam in
1825; the bawrence in 1826; the Fulton in
1827; the Eclipse in 1828, and the Black
Rover in 1829. The Red Rover, Captain
Thochniorton, made her first appearance in
the Galena trade in 1830. The master of this
boat built and commanded the Warrior in
1832 and participated in the Black Hawk
wai- at the battle of Bad A\. He always
carried on his boat two four-jKiunders. His
passenger cabin was a keelboat towed along-
side. He was a genial man and a great fav-
orite with all the officers at the forts. Captain
I'liochinortdM also built and commanded a
number of other boats during his long career
as a steamboat officer. The last craft he
commanded was a government boat, tiie
Barnard, some time during the se\-enties.

The steamers .Josephine, Captain .1. Clark;
and the Missoiu-i Fulton, Captain Cuh'er, were
in the St. Tj)uis and Galena trade in 182S and

1829. In 1836 the Missouri Fulton, Captain
Orrin Smith; and the Frontier, Captain Smith
Harris, came up. The latter craft was built
for the Rock River trade. Tlie Palmyra,
Captain Cole, also arrived bearing a pleasure
])arty of some thirty ladies and gentlemen,
and there was the St. Peter, Captain Thoch-
niorton, with a party of St. Loui.s ladies, and
the Rolla, bringing a delegation of the Sioux
Indians on their way back from Washington,
where they had made a treaty by which the
valley of the St. Croix was opened to the
whites.

From 1836 there were steamers passing up
and down the river almost daily, taking sup-
lilies for the various small towns below Galena
and Dubuque. The boats that were in the
trade between Galena and Fort Snelling in
1837 were the Palmyra, Dubuque, Gipsy,
Pavillion, Emerald, Wyoming, Olive Branch,
Ariel, Hei-oine, Rolla, Burlington, Galena and
Irene. The boats during that season were
the Dubuque, Rolla, Emerald and Heroine.
The steamer Brazil in 1841 was sunk on the
Rock Island rapids.

Between the latter date and 1S47, a large
number of Ijoats were engaged in the trade
between St. Louis and Galena, .\mong them
were the lone, Captain LeRoy Dodge; St.
Croix, Captain Hiram Bersie; War Eagle
Captain Smith Harris; Falcon, Captain T..
Morehouse; Rock River, Count \. Harasky;
Monona, Captain E. H. Glevin; and Iowa,
Captain D. B. Morehouse. In 1847 the Argo,
Captain William I^odewick, started as a
regular packet between Galena and Fort
Snelling. Captain Ludewick was an uncle of
Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Boyle, of Rock Island.
In 1848 he was in command of the Dr. Frank-
lin with Captain Russell Blakely. my oldtime
friend, as clerk. The Franklin was the first
boat belonging to the Galena and Minnesota
Packet Company. ^lost of the stockholders
in this company were Cialenans. This steam-
er, the Franklin, was the nucleus from which
Krew the fleet of the Galena and St. Paul

176

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

I'ackcl ('(ili)|)aii\', the fii'.st ur,ii,aiii/c(l stcain-
Ixial ciiiiiiinny on llic u|i])pr Mississi))|.ii. wliic-li
ill after years heeuiiie one of the most power-
ful coiiipanies on tlie fireat river, l)riiiging' out
from year to year as tlie trade increased,
many new and finely built floats.

Ill 18.54, when the Chicago and Rock Island
Railroad reached the river here a big excur-
sion was run, bringine; some 1,200 eastern
men, including many jirominent statesmen
anil newspajjer men, and the Minnesota
Packet Company met them at the Rock Ishmd
wharf with the steamers (iolden Era, Ca])tain
Hiram Bercie; G. W. Sparliawk, Cajjtain I,.
Morehouse; War Eagle, Cajitain Harris, and
the Galena, Captain D. R. Morehouse. On
.these magnificent packets about 1,000 of the
excursionists took a free ride to St. Paul.
During the trip the stage of water was good
and at times the boats «ould be lashed
together in pairs so that the passengers could
pass from one to the other. Taken all
together this affair was most far-reaching in
its effect in bringing to the notice of promi-
nent eastern men the vast possibilities of the
north. This magnificent excursion has never
been equalled in size and results in the history
of the river. A vast tide of emigration soon
afterw-ard began setting westward.

The Galena and Minnesota Packet Conipany
was at the summit of its career from 1S.5() to
1860. It had a fine and large fleet of boats
running at that time. Two daily lines of
])ackets were rim from Galena, a daily from
St. Louis to St. Paul, a daily to Rock Island
and a flaily between the u]iper and lower
rapids.

In 1857 Captain Davidson organized anoth-
er line of steamers to run on the upper river.
This line ultimately was to swallow up and
destroy in the end all others except the
Diamond Jo Company, which still exists.
This was known as the White Collar line.
During this year the St. Louis and St. Paul
steamboat men decided to inaugurate a daily
service by running in rotation «itli the

Canada, ('ai)tain .laiiies Ward; W, L. Ewing,
('a|)tain .M. Green; Denmark, Captain Dick
Gray; Metropolitan, Captain T. H. Rhodes;
Pembona, Captain Thomas H. Griffith;
Northerner. Captain P. Alford, and Lucy
May, Captain ,1. B. Rhodes. .-Xlong in the
early sixties these different boats were united
under tlie ownership of a stock company, and
the Henry Clay, Cajitain Charles Stephenson,
was taken in. There were then more boats
on the Mississi])pi Ri\-er plying to and from
St. Paul than ever before or since, some
ninety-five in all. I might give the names
but that would require too much space.

From 1856 to 1860 there was a very large
amount of excursion travel coming from New
Orleans and St. Louis to the cool shady
retreats found around the lakes near St. Paul,
many of the excursionists staying two or
three months. Often the boats would have
their upper guards piled full of trunks. At
night after eleven o'clock the cabin floors
would lie filled with cots. From eight to
ten the colored cabin boys would get out
their violins and dancing would be indulged
in. With good boats, attentive ami obliging
officers and good table fare the time passed
pleasantly. No hurry, no care, beautiful
s('enery all the way, particularly along the
banks of the ujjper river. How many hapjiy
hours I have passed in this way on the many
trips I have taken since I first came west.

The Keokuk and McClure line which plied
between St. Louis and Keokuk, united with
the Northern line. After Davidson had
wrecked the lines on the upper river and after
the death of John McClure this line w-as left
to be sold. Davidson bought it, thus acquir-
ing control of the old reliable Northern line
and of all the steamboat intere.sts on the
i-i\-er. The holders of a majority of the stock
in the Northern line applied for a receiver to
manage the business. Davidson was com-
pelled to fight for his property. This took so
long that the cost of the litigation left him
with little of value. The business was ruined

// / N •/• () R I (■ h' () (■ K I S L A X I) C C N T Y

177

- liis health was broken, the (.■onuneri'e of the
Xorth line was destroyed and the remnants
of what had been a grand industry in liuihling
uj) the commerce of the nortinvest was no
more.

l'"roni 1846 to i860 I was actively engaged
in business in Galena. I^ater 1 bought wheat,
Hovu' and corn along the river in large amounts
and ship]iecl to St. I-oiiis. In connection with
my Ijusiness I necessarily tra\'eled often on
the river between St. Louis and St. Paid, and
became well acquainted with many of the
prcnninent captains and clerks and other
officers of the boats. I was a stockholder in
the Northern line, also a director and stock-
holder in the (lalena and Minnesota Packet
Company.

Among the river men I knew 1 desire to
especially mention Captain Russell Jilakeley,
of Galena and St. Paul, and say that I am
indeiited tii him for much (if the inforinatiim
presented, which has been gleaned from a
pamj)idet he read before the Minnesota His-
torical society in 1898. He was a pi'ominent
citizen of St. Paul for many years. Two
years ago he died. The title of the pamphlet
lie wrote is "The History of the Discovery of
the Mississippi River and the Advent of
('ommerce in ilinnesota."

Before closing this sketch of steambiating
on the upper river in the olden times 1 would
mention a few of the men I knew best.
Among them were Captain Orrin Smitli of the
Hrazil and Nomonee, Ca])tain S. D. Harris of
the ^Var Eagle and (Jray Eagle, Captain
Hiram Bersie of the St. Croix, Gcdden Era and
Northern Eight, Captain W. H. Gabbart of
the Sucker State, Captain James Ward of the
Metropolitan, and Captains Thomas Buford,
T. B. Rhodes and John W. Rhodes. Among
the clerks was Daniel \'. Dawley, who filled
this position for over fifty years (I knew him
first in 1S3S as clerk on an Ohio River l)oat,
the W. \V. Wells, and afterward in that
position on the Sucker State); George R.
.Melville, Robert Melville and George C. Prish.

But few of these old-time friends are left. I
know of only Cajitains Bennett of Moline,
Captain Thomas Ibiioi'd of Rock Island,
Captain W. H. Gabbart of l)aven|iort, ami
Captain John {{Jiodes of Savanna.

Wlien I liiok hack over the sixty-nine years
1 have passed on the iip])cr Mississijjpi and
think of the marvelous changes that have
taken place in the great northwestern country,
I feel that, if years were reckoned by the
changes that ha\e occurred during this time,
I might well l)e two centuries of age.

nv J. w. i..\ wiii'.Ai).

The names of a few of the many magnificent
steamers that were frecjuent callers at our
levee in the days before the civil war, when
steamboat business was at its zenith, are still
fresh in my mind. Many of our citizens will
remember such boats as the Time and Tide,
Brazil, Lady Eranklin, Montauk, Bonacord,
Antliony Wayne, Danube, (ireek Slave, Julia
Dean, Lamertine, Golden Era, Itaska, Grey
Eagle, Effie Afton, Excelsior, James McKee,
and Lusern. All these boats were large, finely
e(pii|)ped side-wheelers, for a stern-wheeler in
those times was sel loni seen. Boats were
constructed in a manner to l)est take care of
the business demands. Ivich boat was pre-
])ared to carry a large amount of freight, and
so arranged also as to accommodate com-
fortably two hundred and three hundred
imssengers. No hotel in any city sur])assed
their bill of fare. Their tables were fiu'nished
with the best that the markets could afford,
and served in a manner unexcelled.

Steamboating fifty years ago was attended
with many difficulties, chief among which
was the lower rapids. There it was that
through the major ]jart of the boating season
all freight and passengers had to be trans-
ferred over and ai'nund I lie portage. Each
boat's cargo had to lie removed and placed
on great litters or flat boats, each one cover-
iug al)out one-half an acre of river, so to
speak. These were tnwed ii\'er the rapids.

178

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

and then the jiOdils were replaced aboard tlie
boat on which they belonged. Then the
steamer would proceed on her journey. These
were vexatious delays and attended by great
expense and much hibor.

The pilots on the river in those days were
men who had the chart of the river and the
course of the channel and the numerous
difliciUt crossings, the shoals, hidden rocks
and other obstructions which lay in their
bath, in their heads. It required years of
con.stant practice and diligent stud}- and
close observation. To attain the vast and
important knowledge they must know the
path on the darkest and stormiest night as
well as in the light of daj-.

How different the condition of toda}-. The
lower rapids have been shot out — with a great
stone wall that forms the outer bank of a sliip
canal, through which steamers pass with their
cargo undisturbed. The reefs, sandbars,
snags and other obstructions have been
removed, the channel deepened and widened
where required, stone piers and buoys in the
river, provided to mark the coiu-se of the
channel bj' day, with lights in vast numbers
to show the way by niglit. The government
has ex]3ended vast sums of money in the past
years to improve navigation and encourage
commerce on our western rivers.

am;xt to rivkr xavigatiox.

Tlic (idice of the Government engineer in
control (if the Government improvement along
the Mis.sissippi, from the mouth of the Mis-
souri Hiver to St. Paul, together wdth a
luinibcr of adjacent natural artificial water-
ways, is located in Rock Island. Througli
its annual appropriations, about .$80U,000 are
spent in the interests of improved navigation
in the district indicated.

The first Government engineer's office
established for the improvement of the upper
river was located in Davenport, in 1S66, and
was in charge of General James H. \Mlson.
The olllce was orisin.'dh' intended to control

only the improvement of the Hock Island
ra])ids. General Wilson was transferred to
Keokuk, and the work of building the canal
around the rajiids there was placed in his
charge. The Davenport ofl^ce was left under
Major {". J. Allen, who, about two years after
it was originally established, removed it to
Rock Island, quarters being taken in the
Skinner Block over the People's National
bank.

In 1870 Colonel John Macomb was placed
at the head of the offices, and under him they
were removed to the building at the north-
east corner of Second Avenue and Xineteenth
Street. Colonel F. V. Farquhar took charge
in 1877, and under his direction, the j'ear
following, the general survey of the river
made from the mouth of the Missouri to St.
Paul was begun, from which a general line of
improvement for the whole distance was later
mapped out.

Colonel A. ^lackenzie came on in 1879 and
the office was imder his management for a
period of fifteen years. In 1S91 quarters
were taken on the fourth floor of the new
^Mitchell and Tynde Building, ilajor Mac-
kenzie continued in charge until his promo-
tion to assistant chief engineer at Washington.
Colonel W. R. King, his successor, died after
a year's residence in the city, and Major C.
McD. Townsend took charge in May. 1898.
The present quarters, on the second and third
floors of the federal building, at the corner of
Second Avenue and Sixteenth Street, were
taken possession of January 9, 1 S96.

Colonel James I.. Lusk assummed charge
in April, 1903, and was succeeded by Colonel
Charles S. Riche in April. 19()o. and who is
still in general charge. Colonel Charles W.
Durham, first assistant engineer since 1871 :
James D. Du.Shane, assistant engineer; W. .\.
Thompson, assistant engineer; Samuel Ed-
wards, assistant engineer; James McElherne.
assistant engineer; Montgomery Meigs, assist-
ant engineer; A. L. Richards, assistant engi-
neer; C. P. Comegvs, auditoi-.

IIISTOHlr HOCK I S L A \ J) COUNTY

179

The working plants; consist of two boats,
dredges, snag Ijoats, barges, duni|5 boats,
qnarter boats, office boats, eiii])loying over
one tliousand men during the working season.

ILI.IXOIS WESTERN HOSPITAL
THE INSANE.

I OH

WATERTOWX, ILLINOIS.

The Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane
was established by an act of the Legislature
approved May 22, 1895, by which act the
usual board of three trustees was created and
$100,000 appropriated for the construction,
furnishing and maintenance.

After considering various propositions, the
trustees finalh' selected a site near the village
of Watertown, in Rock Island County, on an
elevation about a quarter of a mile from the
Mississippi River and five miles above
Moline.

The corner stone was laid September ».

1896, Governor Altgeld delivering the dedi-
catory address. Owing to the luifavorable
weather, the insolvency of the contractors,
and an inadequate appropriation, the work
proceeded slowly and when, on March 18,

1897, the new trustees were appointed, they
found the buildings incomplete. With addi-
tional appropriations granted by the Legis-
lature, they were enabled to resume opera-
tions and on May 16, 1898, the front wards
were ready for occupancy and three hundred
and thirty-six patients were received from the
.lacksonville Hospital. In the Spring of 1899
other wards were completed and additional
patients received from Jacksonville, Elgin
and Diuming. Since that time there has
been constructed the Anne.\;, male and female
infirmaries, parole ward, tubercular cottages,
a chapel, a large amusement haU, carpenter
shop, male and female dormitories for em-
ployes and dormitory on the farm for patients.
A fair ground of twelve acres has been
enclosed and the necessary buildings erected
lo carry on an annual fair. A pathological
and hydratic building and industrial hall are

now in ]ir()cess of construction. The [xjjju-
lation of the hospital is now l..jOO.

The hospital grounds consist of five hundred
and sixty acres, one hundred acres of which
are on the hills immediately surrounding the
institution, ])roviding a healthy location free
from all malaria and affording a magnificent
outlook u))on the Mississippi A'alley. The
farm and garden are in the bottoms to the
south and cast of the institution, the farm
buildings Ijoing about a half mile from the
institution proper. Access to the hospital is
furnished by a switch from the Chicago.
Btu'lington and Quincy, which follows the
south line of the farm, the switch running to
the top of the hill.

Fireproof construction has been adopted in
all of the large buildings which are con-
structed of brick or stone.

In their [)rimitive condition, the grounds
surrounding the buildings were very irregular
and the soil was of such a character that each
rain caused considerable damage. These
natural difficulties have in a large measure
been overcome and the institution is now well
l)rovided with concrete walks, macadam roads
and considerable has been done towards
beautifying the grounds. This has only been
accomplished, however, iiy moving at least
50,000 cubic yards of earth, filling up many
deep ravines, and by the exercise of constant
vigilence to prevent washing by rain.

Although within easy distance of the
Mississippi River, the institution has its own
wells from which it draws an abundant supply
of pure water. A sew'age plant has been
cf)nstructed into which enters the sewage
from the entire institution. In this sewage
box all solid matter is destroyed by a natural
process and nothing passes out e.xcept a
stream of clear odorless water which finds its
way to the river.

The institution is well equipped and could
carry on its existance in a large measure
independent of the outside world, having its
own electric light and steam plant, in adilition

180

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

111 I he water sii|i|ily ami sew af^e .system, its
own cari'ieiiter slidp, machine shop, store
hiiikliiifi-, lamulry ami rcfri,ti'eratiiii; phuit,
printing office, tin sliop and garnient factory.
I'^iectricity is used entirely for light and
power and the buildings are heated with the
exhaust ste;ini.

The site, valued at .«40,000, was paiil for
by the citizens of Rock Island County, one-
half in sid)S('rii)tions and one-half by the sale
of County Ixmds. Though somewhat in-
accessible, the fact that the institution has
never had a case of malarial or typhoid fever,
more than compensates.

The board of trustees are F. W. Gotdd,
president, Moline, Illinois; Allan M. Clement,
Chicago, Illinois; and William Trembor, Free-
port, Illinois, Doctor W. Fl Taylor, of
Monmouth, was elected superintendent in
January, 1897, and has continued in charge
of the institution since that time.

liOCK ISLAND COUNTY INFIRMARY
AND POOR HOUSE.

in the early (hiys the county poor were
boarded out in various places, but the county
ill about 18.50 or 1852 pvu'chased the old
IJiiiiiah Wells farm, which was located at the
I urn of the old ('amden Mills road, about half
a mile north of the wagon bridge, across the
Rock River. On this farm was a long two-
story frame house, whicli was made our first
County Pool- Hf)use. November 20. I860,
Rock Island County ]iurchased the farm of
James M. Smith, near Coal Valley, for a con-
sideration of $3,000. Mr. Frederick Weyer-
haeuser, who then lived in Coal Valley, built
the first ])oor house on this property.

The first time it was erected it was forl\
by sixty feet, though since its destruction bv
lire, December 20, 1002, a new building of
brick, fifty-eight by one hundred feet, and
four stories high has taken its place. The
new structure was completed in 1003 at ,a cost
of .1i;2(),()()().

William S. Pailev was appointed steward
of the poor farm September, 1860. At that
time tlie iiifiriiiary contained but eighteen
ininates. .\h-. I'ailcy's salary at that time
was four liiindred dollars ]icr year. P>y 1 S(iO
his salary had Ijeen increased to .11 ,000 per
year, the number of inmates having vastly
increased by that time. Kxcepting the year
1869 Mr. Bailey was superintendent of the
infirmary until 1881. when he was succeeded
l)y Mr. A. Puttinan. who served three years.
Following Mr. Buttman came Mr. James
Robertson, who served two years, then Mr.
W. H. H. Dow, who served eleven years.
December 1.5, 1897, Mr. .John C, Swank was
appointed superintendent, and he has since
officiated in that capacity.

CHURCHES.

. FIRST MF;TH0DIST lOPlSCOPAL
CHURCFI.

The first class of which there is any record,
and which became the nucleu.s of the church,
was organized December 6, 1836. .\t an
earlier date Rock Island, or as then kn:iwii,
Stephensiui. was recognizetl as within the
bounds of tlu> Illinois Conference, wliich at
that time covered the entire state. Ser\-ices
were occasionally held at an earlier date than
above mentioned, Peter Cartwright being
|iresiding elder of ;i large territory. This
noted pioneer j^ireacher was a ]iower in early
Methodism. His autiljiography is of thrilling
interest. The names of those forming the
first class are as follows; Michael Ilartzell.
class leader; Jane Brashar. Pera \'andruf'f,
Nancy Trickcll, ,!oliii Tiiidall, John Spencer,
I'Jizabeth Sanford, Lucy Bardwell, Ann Tin-
dall, Nancy Hartzell, Eliza Spencer, .John
Sanford, Hanna I'ciidletoii, ,John Tuttle, Mar\-
Mutler, i']sther .Morris, .Abigail Curtis, Mary
McLaughlin, ,Iohn Metzgar, Elizabeth Yau-
ilnirf, .\inos .M()or(>. l.(>ali l>r;ishar, William
T. Brashar. Catherine \'andrnff. Nanc\' Wells.

.Morgan I'erguson a

Thomas Brit lingliam

// / S T () li I (■ R C K I S L A N D C U .V T Y

181

The only surviving member at the ])resent
time is Nancy Hartzell, widow of the late
Mii-hael Hartzell. and mother of Joseph
Hartzell, bishop of Africa, who for a number
of yeai's has been accomplishing a wonderful
work on that continent.

During the formative period of the church
it had no place of worship of its own. In its
beginning the society met at the home of J. W-
Spencer. This was a log house that stood
near Seventh Avenue and Nineteenth Street.
There Methodist preachers always found a
cordial welcome. Without disparagement to
others it may safely be said that Mr. and Mrs.
Spencer stood sponsors for the church; a
relation that they worthily maintained dur-
ing the remaining period of their lives. About
the year 1836 a brick school house was erec^ted
in I'nion Square, now known as Sjiencer
'Scuiare, and Methodist services were held in
it. In 1843 preparations were begun for the
building of a church to occupy the northwest
corner of the same Scjuare; a site set apart by
the then i)ro])rietors for that purpose. The
church was finished in the year 1S44, vmder
the ])astorate of Reverend Isaac Searles.
This was a briedc building, without ornamen-
tation, built at a cost of about .'$4,0()(). It
was dedicateil in December of the year of its
completion. It remained the home of the
church for eleven years, until the erection of
a much more commodius and ini])osing
structure, on the site of the ])resent church.
The conference of 1843 made Rock Lshind a
station, and Reverend Andrew Coleman was
aiJiJointed pastor. During the pastorate of
Reverend (!. L. S. Stuff, 1850-18,51, the first
pars(UKige wasljuilt; a Ijrick building still
occupied as a residence, on Nineteenth Street
just north of Fifth Avenue. This house when
built was in a field belonging to Mr. S))encer.
The second church, as above referred to, was
undertaken din-ing the pastorate of Re\'erend
William Taskci-, and finished in ISoo,
Reverend S. (1. .1. Wort hingion being
pastor.

The first conference at Rock Island was held
in this church the same year, Hishop ,Ianes
presiding. The dedication did not take place
until April 20, 1856, when its entiic iii(h'lited-
ness was provided for.

On the evening of December 5, 1S55, fom-
months before the dedicati.in, a supper was
served in the basement of the church, by the
ladies, at one rioUar ])er plate, and six hundred
and fifty dollars was realized. It was spoken
of as the largest festival ever held in the city.
The ferry boat raji free and pciiple came
from Davenport, Moline and other adjacent
towns, while the good Methodists kept open
hou.se foi' all.

A new parsonage was built adjoining the
new church in 1856. The Holbrook bell,
which still failhfull\- calls to flie s(>\-era'
services of the chur(di, was purchased in 1869,
at a cost of .fl ,'_'()(). Re\-erend Richard
Haiiev was pastor. In 1S70-71 . under Re\-erend
J. H. Rhea, the church was thoroughly re-
paired, an alcove built in the rear of the
)5ulpit for the occu])aHcy of a new pipe organ,
the whole expense being about $8,500. wdiich
amcnint was fully met at the time of reopen-
ing, on which occassion Doctor K. (). Haven,
afterwartls bishop, preached.

The Central Illinois Conference c(Hn-ened,
for the second time at Rock Island, in 1864,
Bishop Scott presided. At this time the war
of the rebellion was being fought to a finish;
the second election of Abraluun I>inc(dn was
pending. It can truthfully be stated that of
the 2,29!) soldiers which went out from this
county this church sent her fidl (|uota.

Hisho])s Simpson, Peck and Howman, at
different times, occupied the puljjit of this
church, as did Doct(U- William Hutler, who
told of his wonderful experiences in .Mexico
and India.

The third conference held in Rock Island
was in 1883, at the close of the pastorate of
Reverend ,1. S. McCord. Bishop Andrews
]iresided. His sermon, preached on Stmday
morning .it the opera house, was one of

1S2

// ; S T O h' 1 C R C K ISLAND CO U N T 1'

exceedinji power ami beaut}' of diction. At
this conference Clia]5lain McCabe was ])re.sent,
delighting all by his beautiful rendering of
Christian song. Reverend H. G. Pearce
followed Doctor McCord as ])asl(ir.

The personnel of the laity of tlie chuicli is
worthy of mention, but .sj^ace forbids the
naming of more than one, who was notably
zealous and full of good works, viz: Edward
W. Spencer. His birth antedated the organ-
ization of the chiu'ch by two j-ears. He was
nurtured in a Christian home and at the altars
of the chm-ch. He ilid not disregard the
obligations thus imposed upon him. For
nearly a third of a century he was Sundaj'
school superintendent and choir leader. He
organized and largely maintained by untiring
services the yoimg people's and children's
meetings, while other ser\'ices of the church
were a special care.

Others who went out from this church and
entered the ministry of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church were William B. Frizzell, J. W.
Frizzell and \A'illiam A. 8]iencer. The last
named after an honored career has ]iassed on
to the other shore.

The semi-centennial jubilee of the church
was held A]iril 2-5 inclusive, 1S87, during the
l)astorate of Reverend G. J. I.ucky. It was
an occasion of great interest, and spiritual
profit to the church. The ]irincipal addresses
made at that time fortunately are preserved
in l)ook form, entitled, Fifty Years of Metho-
dism in Rock Island. There is no relation in
life outside of the family, so close and tender
as that e.xperienced in the church, that which
constitutes Christian fellowship.

Reverend G. W. Gue followed Reverend
Luckey in the pastorate. Not later than the
secontl year as pastor, he iiegan to whisper
in the ear of one here and there that the
proper thing to do was to build a new church.
It was not a little thing to undertake, and.
furthermore, very numy seenied cpiite satis-
fied to continue to worshiii in the old sanc-
tuary, so long their spii'ituid home; as at its

altars many have been born into the kingdom
of their Lord and Savior; while from its doors
loved ones had been borne to their last resting
]ilace. Hallowed associations made it ]irec-
ious. Having put his hand to the work.
Reverend Gue was not one to turn back. He
was persistent and continually at it, two very
important elements in the accomplishment of
a purpose. To write the history of this
enterprise is more than now can be under-
taken. Consumate thought sanctified by
])rayer and the earnest effort of all the people
made possible the accomplishment of the
work undertaken. 1'he corner stone of the
edifice was laid September 24, 1889; Bishop
Ninde, by invitation, was present and made
the ]irincipal adilress. Many of the pastors
of other chiu'ches in the city were present and
participated in the service. A year and a
month from the laying of the corner stone the
chm-ch was dedicated, October 26, 1890. The
long cherished hope had eventuated in ulti-
mate fruition. The cost of the building was
about $4.5,000. which amoimt was pro\'ided
for |irevious to tlie dedication. .\t the end
of four years as pastor Re^•erend (!ue was
transferred to Portland, Oregon. He has
since, together with his estinmblc wife, jiassed
to his final reward.

Reverend F. W. Merrell succeeded Reverend
Gue as pastor. He served the chm-ch faith-
fully and well for five years, the memliership
of the church being largely increased during
that period. Near the close of his pastorate,
at the instance of Captain T. J. Robinson,
who made the donation, a new pipe organ
was placed in the church. This necessitated
quite a change in the auditorium which,
together with other imjirovements. made an
expense of about $7,000.

Reverend C. O. McCulloch succeeded Re\-
erend ^Merrell as pastor. His service fur a
))erio(i of fi\'e years was fraught with great
blessins to the church. During the fourth
year of Ids miuisti'v .-i new parst)nage was
built, at a cost of S4,0(H). To secure thai

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U N T Y

183

ainoniit, besides nearly as much more of
iiiileijtedness before the work was undertaken,
ri'(|uired strenuous effort. Reverend Mc-
Culloch, however, jji'oved equal to the task.
At the end of his fifth year he ^\■as appointed
to Macomb.

Reverend R. B. Williams wa-s the successoi-
of Doctor ik'Culloch. An event of no little
interest occurred during his fifth year, l.ieinj;
the occasion of the meeting of the board of
l)ishops, lasting for the most part of a week.
Also the same year tlie church was be;iutifully
frescoed.

The conference that met for the fourtli time
ill Hock Island, September 11-18, 1907,
througli its ]jresiding bishop. Earl Cranston,
gave him the appointment to the Rock Island
charge for the seventh consecutive time.
This action which was in accord with the
i-ecjuest of the local quarterly conference for
his return, makes further connnent on his
pastorate unnecessarj-.

In 1906 the society purchased the adjoining
lot on the west, adding greatly to the sight-
liness and value of the chiu-ch property.

As an au.xiliary .society, the first to l^e
organized was the sewing society, in 1S43.
In many respects it has proven the better
half of the church. It would l)e monumental
if the total of its giving and ]iroviding could
be shown. Other societies have added greatly
to the usefulness of the church. The
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, organ-
ized in 1870; the Home Missionary Society,
organized in 1883; and the Epworth League,
with other minor organizations, are all work-
ing to the one end, the upbuilding of Christ's
kingdom. The Sunday school, the most
important arm of service, must not be ovei--
looked; indeed it is from this source, more
largely than any other, that the church
)-ecruits its membership. As a distinctively
.Methodist Simday school it was organized in
184.5. J. W. VanSant being elected superin-
tendent. In the years that have intervened
much earnest effort has been put forth.

Sometimes the superintendent and teachers
ha\e felt despondent, but the work has gone
bra\-ely on and it certainly is beytuid human
ken to measure the good that has been
wrought. Surely God has been gracious to
his people.

FIRST BAPTIST CllrRCH.

This church was organized .June 4, 1837, at
the house of Lemuel Ludden, whicli stood
just east of the ]iresent city limits, near
Sechler's carriage works. There were oidy
seven mend)ers at that time, viz: lie\'erend
Titus Gillel, Zachariah Cook. Barl)ara Cook,
Lemuel Ludden, Silah Liiddcu, Phoebe Skin-
ner and Nancy Taylor. They selected Rev-
erend Titus Clillet as pastor. Meetings were
held in pri\'ate houses, and later in the Court
House. On June 8, 1844, the "brick school
house." then standing on Union Square —
now Sjiencer Sc|uare — was piu'chased f(n'
.f4.o.34,'4, and fitted as a place of worship.
The first real church building was erected in
1848, on the northeast corner of Third
Avenue and Fifteenth Street, where the
Memorial Christian Church now stands, at a
co.st of .1!3,5()0. That building was sold, and
the present edifice at the southwest corner of
the same streets was erected in 1870, at a
cost of .118,000. The parsonage on Fifteenth
Street, adjoining the church, was built in
1879, at a cost of ,S2,'2.50, and was presented
to the church July 31, 1879, by Mrs. Zeruiah
R. Boyer.

The church luis ha,d a long and varied
history, luu'ing numbered in its membership
many of whom the city has been proud, and
who have given character and helpfulness to
the entire community. The largest member-
ship at any time was September 23. 190G.
when the total reached four hundred.

The church is entirely free of debt, and all
departments of the work are in active and
successful operation. The pro]:)erty is care-
fully ke]:)t by a board of fi\-e trustees, and is
all in first class condition. The organization

184

HISTORIC liUC K ISLAND CO U N T Y

is in a thorouglily jirosperoiis condition, and
is (loiiij; an aggressive work in the evangeliza-
tion and Christian teaching of the com-

niunity.

Harry ^^■. Reed. Doctor of Philosophy, has
been pastor of the chm'ch since May 1, 1902-

ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Reverend J. G. Allemann came to Rock
Lsland, Illinois, in 1850, started to organize
a church and began building in the Summer
of 1851 a stone church, the size being forty by
sixtj'-six feet, and dedicated it St. James
Church, it being the first Catholic Church in
Rock Island, and Reverend J. G. Allemann
being the first pastor.

Reverend J. G. Allemann getting advanced
in years, in May. 1856. was succeeded by
Reverend John P. Donelan. he remaining as
assistant to Reverend John P. Donelan until
1859. when Reverend John P. Donelan was
transferred to Rockford, Illinois. Reverend
P. J. R. Murphy taking Reverend John P.
Donelan's parish here and remained pastor
until the Summer of 1861. when he was
appointed chaplain of the Fifty-eighth Illinois
Regiment. Next came Reverend P. J. Mc-
Elherne. who succeeded Reverend P. J. R.
^lurjihy.

St. James' congregation grew so large that
Reverend P. J. McElherne began the building
of the present St. Mary's Church, now
occupied bj- the German Catholics. The
building was begun in 1863 and completed in
1865. Reverend P. T. McElherne remained
as jjastor until 1870, when Reverend J. P.
Roles was appointed pastor.

In 1S74 Reverend J. P. Roles transferred
St. Mary's Church to the German Catholic
and bought tiie Presbyterian Church, corner
Fourteenth Street and Second Avenue, and
dedicated it St. Joseph's Church. In 1877
Reverend J. P. Roles was transferred to
Chicago. Illinois, and Reverend Thomas
Mackin was appointed to fill the \;icancy of
Reverend J. P. Roles.

He remained here until his death, which
occurred February 22, 1904, when Reverend
J. Roach came here as temporary pastor
until October. 1905. when Dean J. J. Quinn,
from Chatsworth, Illinois, was aiipointed the
present pastor.

TRTXITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Some time prior to 1853, Reverend Louder-
back held Episcopal services in Rock Island;
the first recorded vestrv meeting being held
at Trinity parish November 12. 1853. The
organization of Holy Trinity Church was
effected about this period. Among the orig-
inal members were Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Harris,
Mrs. Langley. Mrs. Joseph Brackett. Mrs.
Goldsniith and Mr. Bailey Davenport.

The first church was fini-shed June 11, 1857.
at a cost of S2.000. The present church was
completed January 30. 1870. at an original
cost of 816,000. Reverend L. Goodall was
elected first rector October 18. 1854. Trinity
Episcopal Church belongs to the Quincy
diocese, and is one of the most representative
of the Episcopal denomination in this state.
Reverend Granville H. vSherwood succeeded
Doctor Richard F. Sweet, deceased (see
biography elsewhere), who was rector for
twenty-se^en years.

Trinity Chapel, at the northwest corner of
Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue, is a
branch of this organization.

THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The United Presbyterian Church of Rock
Island, Illinois, was organized as an .Associate
Reform.ed Presbyterian Church, July I. 1854.
bv direction of the second .\. R. P. Presbytery
of Illinois.

The Reverend Matthew Bigger, together
with Ruling Elders John Colins and William
Haverfield. met in the seminary building, in
the rear of the Memorial Christian Church.
The organization was effected by admitting
into niemliorsliip fourteen members from the
.\. H. 1'. Church, five members from tiie

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAXD COUNTY

185

A. P. Church and one on profession of faith,
makins; a total of twenty members. The first
elders were Erskin McClellan. James Todd
and Hugh Warnock. The congregation re-
ceived new members every year except 1857
and 1861. The total number received from
Jnlv 1, 1S.54. to July 1. 1904. is five hundred
and fifty-four. The decrease kept pace with
the increase for a number of years.

The services were held in the seminary
building and in the Court House for the first
six months. In the meantime, bj- the hard
work and self-denial of the acting pastor,
Reverend J. R. McCali.ster and the member-
ship, a plain frame building was built on the
site of the present church. This building was
removed in 1873 to the corner of Fifth
Avenue and Eleventh Street, where it yet
stands, doing service for the German Pres-
byterians first, and now for the Swedish Free
Evangelical Church.

The building was entered the first Sabhath
of January, 1855. The pulpit furniture was
not upholstered, for the Reverend J. R. J\Ic-
Callister's pulpit sofa was a nail keg with a
board across it, while the pulpit itself was a
ilr\- goods box. The pews were planks laid
across nail kegs or boxes. The lights were
plain tallow candles. Most of the work on
the building was done by the members, under
the direction of Mr. James Todd, who is with
us today, though his membership has not
been with us all these years. By degrees the
pews were made, and grained by other mem-
bers. They are still in use. Their backs
were not very high, and were anything but
comfortable.

Reverend J. R. McCalister continued as
stated supply until July 1, 1860. In the
mean time the congregation of Daven])ort
wa.s organized and he supplied both congre-
gations. Fifty-four ))ersons were received
into the membrsehip during this pastorate.
.\mong them was .A. Conner, who afterwai-d
became a minister, but w as uiialde to continue
ill the ministrv long on account of ill liealth.

Following Mr. McCallister was Reverend
W. H. Jefferes. who continued for fifteen
months. Then the congregation was without
a regular pastor until April, 1863, when
Reverend Henry Wallace was called and
continvied until .April. 1871.

During the pastorate of Doctor Wallace
there were seventy-five persons received into
membership, yet the decrease seemed to be
as great as the increase, on account of re-
movals.

After another season without a ])astor.
Reverend J. A. Reynolds was called for full
time in Julv of 1871:. There were init thirty-
five members to again take up the work.
There had been one hundred and fiftv-eight
persons received in the eighteen years.

As the church building was not \ery invit-
ing, there was an effort made to Ijuild a new
church, so in the Spring of 1873 t!:e present
building was planned and begun, but was ik t
entirely finished until 1876. by which time the
membership had increased to seventy mem-
bers. The cost of the new church was .flO.-
000. of which amount the people paid nearly
$7,000. The balance was from the board of
chtirch extension and outside help.

At the close of Doctor Reynold's ]5astorate
the membership was ninetj'. Immediately
following Doctor Reynolds, Reverend J. H.
Bown. Doctor of Divinity, took up the work,
continuing for three years, after which there
was a season without a pastor. In the Sum-
mer of 1889 Reverend T. H. McMicliael.
Doctor of Divinity, then a student, filled the
])ulpit, and in the Fall of 1889 Reverend H.
C. Marshall became stated suji])])- and cnn-
tinued eight years.

Many of the members living in .Moline
desiretl either their letter to connect with
some church there or that we give tl.em
[ireachim^.'so a mission was started in 1S95,
which was afterward formed into a churc.:,
^lay 14. 1898, with twenty-seven mend)e s
from the Rock Island congregation, and l)e-
c:iirie iiide|ieMdeiit in 19l!l. ,\t the close of

1S6

HISTORIC ROCK I S LA X D CO U N T Y

the Reverend H. C. Marshall's ])astorate the
membership was about one hundred and
thu'ty, counting the two fields. Moline and
Rock Island.

Again we were without a pastor for a year,
wlien in September of 1S9S the Reverend D.
L. McXary became stated supplj^ devoting
his time to the two congregations for a time,
until Moline became independent.

Of the original members, as far as is know n,
there are but two living. ^Ir. James Todd
and Jlrs. Margaret Caughey, of Coal A'alley.
Illinois, while .J. ^I. Logan and wife of Mon-
mouth, anil Mr. .1. R. Johnston, of Los
Angeles, California, were received in LS55.
There may be others we have lost track of.

The following are those who have served
as elders, the elders elect, and clerks of the
session.

Erskine McClellan, in.stalled July 1, 1854.
withdrew December 7, 1S6.5; died January.
1904: James Todd, installed Julv 1. 1S54
withdrew early in sixties: Hugh Warnock,
installed July 1, 1854, died May 12, 1898;
Thomas McCall, in.stalled August 17, 18'64,
died early in seventies; Samuel F. Cooke,
installed March 20, 1867, withdrew January,
1898, died December 13, 1898; Joseph Mc-
Kee, Doctor of Medicine, Jlarch 18, 1877,
withdrew July 9, 1888; James ilcConnell.
installed March 18, 1877, died February 9,
1881; Alex White, installed March. 1877,
withdrew April, 1878; Edwin B. McKown.
installed November 19, 1890, Samuel H.
^lontgomery. installed November 19, 1890,
withdrew ]May 14, 1898; James D. Warnock,
installed November 19, 1890.

Elders Elect — Charles E. Bryan, James A.
Weed, F. P. L3'singer, M. Bollman.

Clerks of Session — Hugh Warnock, no date
given, to July 1, ls70: Samuel F. Cooke. July
1. 1870 to November 22, 1890: Samuel H.
Montgomery, November 22, 1890 to ilay 14,
1898; James I). Warnock, May 14, 1898 to
the present time.

I'pon Diu' roll was tlie name of one who has
been apjiointed to a position that will bring
to liim national, yea, world wide fame, if he
shall be permitted to carry out the work our
government has placed in his hands. The
work he has done for various railroads the
past twenty- five years bespeaks for him
success. I refer to Honorable John F.
Wallace. Doctor. of Laws, who was with us
when the present church was being built.
He has been appointed engineer in charge of
the Panama canal.

An interesting item we wish to speak of is
that the three succeeding generations of the
first superintendent, Mr. Hugh Warnock, are
represented in our school today in J. D.
Warnock, our treasurer: Miss Mildred War-
nock, one of our teachers; and Dorothy and
Margaret Soule, who are enrolled in our
primary department.

Our superintendents since organization
have lieen Hugh Warnock. Reverend J. R.
^IcCallister, Alexander White and E. B.
McKown. Excepting about four or five years
ilr. Hugh Warnock served as superintendent
for nearly thirty-fi\'e years.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
IMMANl'ELS CONGREGATION.

RELIGIOUS TENETS.

This body of Lutherans — as indeed the
whole Missouri Synod, of which it is a part —
takes a firm stand on the basis of the Church
of tlie Reformation; accepting the Scrijitures
of the Old and New Testament, as being
throughout the inspired Word of God, and
the only rule and standard of doctrine and
life. It accepts, as a true and correct exhibi-
tion of the doctrines of Scri])ture, the entire
confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church, as contained in the Book of Concord
of loSO. Its central doctrine is: full atone-
ment bj- Christ, and justification l)y grace,
through faith in Christ Jesus. Holding that
two can not walk together excejit they be

// 1 ST RI C It C K I S LAND CO U N T Y

1S7

agreed, it rejects altar fellowship, and prac-
tices close communion.

Holding that no one can serve two masters,
it will not recei^•e into voting membership
any ]iers()n belonging to an oathbound secret
society. Holding that the command to bring
up children in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord, is still binding it has always aimed
to establish and maintain parochial schools.

The affairs of the congregation are man-
aged by the members, every male member of
the age of twenty-one years, having signed
the constitution, is entitled to a vote. Reg-
ular sessions are held the first Sunday of each
month at 2:30 P. M. One-third of the
members constitute a quorum. Majority
rules. Absentees waive the privilege of
voting.

HISTORICAL SKETCH.

In the beginning of 1856 a small number
of Lutlierans, foremost among them Mr. M.
Kurz, applied to the Missouri Synod for a
faithful Lutheran pastor to attend to their
spiritual w-ants. By request of Synod, Rev-
erend C. A. T. Selle, of Crete, Illinois, investi-
gated nuitters, and ])reached the first Lutheran
sermon in this section of the country. This
was April, I,S,56. On June 19, the congrega-
tion organized with a membershi]) of seven.
Reverend V. Ahner being duly called was
ordained and installed August 31, by Rever-
end W. Mueller, of Chicago. Ha\-ing, as yet,
no house of wor.ship, services were held in the
old Second Presbyterian Church until the
Summer of 18.57, when a building site was
purchased on the corner of Sixth Avenue and
Thirteenth Street. A frame building on the
gromid was remodeled for ])arsonage and
school.

THE FIRST CHURCH.

During the following Winter and Spring a
neat brick chiu-ch was erected by Mi-. George
Riess, contractor. It was dedicated on the
third Simday after Ivister. Though the
menilicrship had by this time increased to
sevoiilci'ii, yel it was quite a venture, as

neither of the members was possessed of
earthly goods.

THE SECOND CHURCH.

The rapid growth of the congregation soon
necessitated a larger building. A more con-
venient location being desirable, a new site
on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Twentietii
Street was procured at the cost of !g2,.5()().
This was in March, 1865. Plans were sub-
mitted by the Messrs. Rie.ss and Schlueter;
the contract was awarded to Mr. Hartman.
The new church, forty by sixty, with an
annex twenty-three liy thirty, to serve as
dwelling and school, was detlicated in the
Fall of 1866, the Reverend C. A. .Meunickc
officiating.

THE THIRD CHURCH.

iiy the grace of God the congregation
experienced a steady growth, and again it
liecame necessarj^ to provide more room. A
building committee, consisting of the l>oard
of trustees and the Messrs. C. Haensgen, W.
Schroether, J. Kirsch, ,J. Bruchmann. W.
Kurth, C. Schillinger, H. Lange, H. Bnniswig,
C. Schoede, with Teacher El. Selle as secretary,
was a])pointed in November, 1895. Plans
«ere furnishetl by Messrs. Brack and Kerns.
The contract was let to Mr. Nic. Juhl. The
following year, the old church was torn down
and the new one erected. This magnificent
building is a Gothic struct lu'e, sixty-two by
one himdred and two, surmotmted by two
spires one hundred and eight and one hundred
and sixt\'-two feet respectively; seating capac-
ity, 1,000; cost, $25,000. The interior is
tastefully decorated with freizes and |)aiiit-
ings liy Artist H. Voege. It was dedicate;!
December 20, 1896, by Reverend C. A-
Mennicke, assisted by the Reverend \\. J).
Mennicke, Reverend A. J3rauer, Re\erend
Professor F. Streckfuss, Reverend Professor
L. Wessel.

P.ASTOBS.

The first jiastor. Reverend I'. Ahner. s(-:-\c I
from August, LS56, until Auijusl, IS,")7, when
he accepted a call to Gial'ton, Wisciinsin.

188

HISTORIC ROCK I S LA N I) CO U N T Y

His successor. Reverend C. A. T. ScUe. was
installed in July, 1S5S. Durinji' his ])astoral('
the congregation formally connected with the
Missouri Synod. In 1861 he accepted a call
as professor nf the Teachers Seminary at
Fort Wayne. Indiana, later on at Addison.
Illinois. He was succeeded by the present
pastor. Reverend C. A. Mennicke. This
eminent divine, a graduate of Concordia
Seminar}-. St. Louis, Missouri, arrived at
Rock Island, May 14. 1861. He preached
his first sermon on Whit Sunday and was
ordained the ninth Sunday after Trinity.
He is still serving faithfully, sharing the joys
and sorrows of his flock.

In 1880, his health being greatly imiiaired.
he was granted a vacation for a tri]) to
Germany. During his absence Reverend
August Haensgen gratuituously served as
pastor pro ton. Upon his return he entered
upon his duties with renewed vigor. In 1886
his son, Reverend A. C. Mennicke, was in-
stalled as assistant pastor, serving in this
capacity until April, 1892, when he acce])ted
a call to Edford, Henry County, Illinois. In
1893 Professor Reverend Selle, having re-
signed his professorship, located at Rock
Island and served as assistant pastor until
^larch, 1898. when he resigned. Shortty
afterward, while on a visit to Chicago, he
departed this life; his remains were brought
to Rock Island and interred in the Lutheran
Cemetery.

Since July 31. 1898, Reverend E. D. Men-
nicke, second son of Reverend C. A.
Mennicke is ably filling the office of assistant
pastor.

SCHOOLS.

The parish school is as old as the congre-
gation. It was taught by the pastors until
the Summer of 1862. when Mr. F. Moeller was
installed as teacher. He held this position
for forty years, resigning in 1902. He was
succeeded by Mr. I. Kaspar.

In 1856 a second teacher was ailded in tiie
person of Mr. H. Brakesuehler; he was fol-

lowed successively by the Messrs. Trenhold.
K'Iciiistoubcr and Docscher. The latter re-
signed in ]S73.

In 1S66 a tliii'd teachei'. Mr. A. Schoe\erling,
was called. In 1S69 he was succeeded liv
^Ir. E. Selle, a gifted educator, who is still in
active service.

The scliools were carried on separately,
one on Twentieth Street and one on Thirteenth
Street, until 1876. when the Twentieth Street
school was moA'ed to Thirteenth Street. In
1885 the Thirteenth Street |jro|)erty was sold,
and the schools were transferred back to
Twentieth Street, where a commodious school
bad been built.

In 1900 it was found necessary to branch
out. Teacher I". Moeller l>egan teaching on
the l)iuff. Teacher E. Selle retained in charge
of the Twentieth Street school and Reverend
E. I). Mennicke gathered and taught a class
in the low er ]iart of the city. Being successful
a school house was iuiilt on Eighth Street
(1901) and placed in charge of Mr. F. Lust-
feld; he was succeeded by Mr. E. Rolf in the
Summer of 1906. In 1903 a new school was
erected on Thirty-sixth Street, and placed in
charge of Mr. I. Kaspar.

AN.MVERSARV t'ELKIili.VTIOXS.

The following anniversaries were celebrated :

Twenty-fifth anniversai-y of the congrega-
tion, July 19 and 20, 1881.

Twenty-fifth anni\-ersary of the |)astor.
Reverend C. A. Mennicke, July IS. 1SS6.

Twenty-fifth anni\-ersary of Teacher l'\
Moeller, August 26. 1887.

Twenty-fifth anniversary of Teacher E.
,Selle, July 19, 1891.

Fortieth anniversary of the pastor. Rever-
end C, A. Mennicke, July 23, 1891.

Fortieth anniversary of Teacher V. .Moeller,
September 26, 1902.

Fortieth anniversary of Teacher K. I..
■ Selle, June 25, 1 906.

Fiftieth anni\-ersary of the congregation,
June 24, 1906.

// / ,s' r O R I C RO C K I S L A X D CO U X T Y

189

CEMETKin'.

December o, 1869. a nmnlier of menihers
organized as tlie tlerman Liitlieran Cemetery
Association, and purchased a twelve-acre
tract on Twenty-fonrth Street. South Rock
Island. Two acres were resold. I'oiir of tlie
rcniainin.i; ten acres were inmiediately ]ilotted
out for sale. Subsequently the wliole tract
was donated to the congregation. Mr. \\ . I'".
Schroeder, treasurer; JMr. H. Schoeve, sexton.

.\S.SOCI.\TIOXS ^MTHI^" THK ''ONCRr(i.\TIO.\.

(1) Mutual Aid Society in case of death.

(2) Mutual Aid Society in case of sickness.

(3) liudies Society.

(4) Mission Society.

(.'>) Young Men's Association.

(6) Young Ladies' Association.

(7) Mixed Choir.

The Churcli Council, comprising all the
officials, is a board of supervisory character:
it consists of:

Pastors — C. A. and E. D. Mennicke.

Teachers — E. I.. Selle. Imanuel Kaspar, K.

V. I^)lf.

Elders — Charles Haensgen, W. E. Sciu-oeder,
IT. Lange, J. Roehr. W. A. Schroether.

Trustee.s — N. Juhl. H. Clemann. C. Schooch'.
]']. Hoffmann. W. Scharmann.

Sclioolijoard — H. W. Horst, chaii'iuan: C.
Horst, A. Seidlitz, Reverends C. .\. and Iv 1).
Mennicke, E. L. Selle, Imanuel Kaspai', sec-
retary: E. F. Rolf.

.la nit or — J. Roliwe(hler.

\\ . 1\ Sclivoeder, chairman of congregation.

E. L. Selle, secretary of congregation.

C. Haensgen, treasurer of congregation.

11. l.aiige, assistant treasurer congregation.

THi; (lERMAX METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.

'Ilic Rock River Conference of the .Metho-
dist I'lpiscojial Church began a missicm among
the (lerman people of Rock Island in !^ep-
t ember of the year 18o5, sending Reverend
rilrich von fJunter .as first missionary, and
after two \-ears work among tlic f'lcnuaiis

he had succeeded in gathering a membership
large enough to build the Cernian Methodist
Church on Twentieth Street between Sixth
and Seventh Avenue, where also the first
parsonage was built. This church was dedi-
cated by Reverend Haas in ]Sr>7. Ry this
time the St. f^ouis (ierman Conference had
been organized and t]ii.s mission was turned
o\er to said German Conference.

After having labored for fifteen years more
among the German ])eo]ile the membership
had increased to such an extent that the
cliurch on Twentieth Street became too
small to accommodate the people. That
chiuch and jjarsonage were then sold and a
lot with a small house on the corner of
Fourteenth Street and Sixth .\ venue wa.s
bought. The small house with only two
rooms had two more rooms added to it
and became the parsonage. .\l)out five years
ago another story was put on this building
and it was otherwise remodeled into" the pres-
ent parsonage. On the corner of the lot the
present church was built an<l dedicated in the
year 1874.

The membership ha.s ne\er been very large,
but much good has lieen accomjilished
through this church among the (ierman people
of this city. VV. C. Sclutltze is the present
pastcn'.

THE HROADWAY PRESBYTERIAN.

On October 28, 1874, a lit tic company of
Presl>yterians met at the home of Mr. D. T.
Robinson to consider the ad\isal)ihty of
organizing a Presb}'terian Church in the
eastern part of the city. The conclusion was,
"we deem it expedient to organize." A
petition to the Presbytery of Rock River.
])resented at Princeton, Illinois, on .\pril 13.
1875. by a committee consisting of .Mr. C. C.
More and Doctor .1. W. Stewart, was favor-
ably heard, and, the Presbytery sent Rev-
erend Josiah Milligan. Re\-erend .1. H. Moore
and Elder Snyder tf) Rock Isl.-md to canvass
the field and (U'ganize the church. The new

190

// / N T () R I r R n (■ K ISLAND CO U N T Y

cliin'cli was (ii-iiaiuzcil April '_".), In7"), ami llio
fiilluw iiij; ollicers oloclccl: I'llders. 1). 1'.
.More, {'. ('. More, II. Lee Miic-liell and J. W .
Stewart; Dcai-diis. Doctor S. ( '. PliiiiiiiU'i-, H.
A. Sinythe, \\ . ('. U'elcli ami H. Iv Woods:
Tnistees, D. T. Robinson, Alexander Steel,
S. J. Keator, C. V. More, W. C. Welch, A. F.
Fleming, T. J. Rodman, U . H. True.sdale and
Spencer Gregg.

Fifty members were received by letter from
the mother Presbyterian church, now known
as the (^entral, and seven united upon pro-
fes.sion of faith. These organization services
were held in the basement of the Central
Church, the auditorium of which was in the
hands of workmen repairing the damages
wrought by the tornado of Septendier 18,
] 875.

Lots wei'e [jurchased for the new church at
the corner of Broadway and .Spencer Streets,
now Seventh Avenue and Twenty-third
Street, and the name Broadway chosen. On
May 9, 1875, a Sunday school was organized,
with sixty-one scholars, in what was known
as Greenbush Chapel, at the corner of Twenty-
eighth Street and Ninth Avenue. Doctor C.
D. Nott, of the First Presl.)yterian Church,
Davenport, preached on Sunday afternoons
until the coming in November, 1S75, of Rev-
erend T. H. Hench, who had been called as
the first pastor. May 2, 1876. the cornei'-
stone of the new church building was laid.
The Sunday school room of the new building
was ready for occupancy Fclirnaiy 11. 1S77.
Here the congregation worshiped until the
auditorium was completed, in 187S.

Reverend W. S. Marquis, who was called in
March, 18S4, and installed as pastor on June
15, 1884, and who, up to the [iresent time
(1908) is still serving the church.

.\mong the more interesting and important
facts in the history of this chtu'ch, the follow-
ing may be mentioned: The dedication of
the auditorium, November 3, 1878; Soutli
Park .Mission, orgiinized July 15, 1888; South
I'aik Chaiiel, dedicated October 7, 1888;

plans for enlargement of church and new-
Sunday school room a(io])ted September 3,
1S!)4; corner store of same Laid and Twentieth
anniversary celebrated April L".). 1895; Sunday
school I'ooiii dcdiralcil December 8, 1895;
Rexerend (iraJi.ani Lee, a member of the
church, ordaineil to the Gospel ministry and
sent foi-tli to Koi'ca in 1894, now suiJ]3orted
as the foi'.'ign mission pastor of Broadway
church: Sunday school room used by the
High school for one year after the burning of
the High school building, February 15, 1901 ;
Synod of Illinois entertained October, 1904.

SPENCER MEMORIAL METHODIST
CHURCH.

At a ccniference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church for this district, held during the
month of September, 1900, J. B. Rutter, the
]3astor of the Methodist E])iscopal Church, at
Milan, asked the Elder and the Conference
for the privilege of organizing a church in the
Edgewood Park district, between the cities
of Rock Island and ^loline. and this permis-
sion was granted to him, and on the 25th day
of April, 1901, he and his wife, l';ila Alter
Ruttei, organized a Sunday school, with Mr.
Rutter as pastor and Miss Maud Ma.xwell
secretary. On June 5, he organized a society
known as the Edgewood Park I^adies' .Aid.
Mrs. M. E. Le\-erich w-as elected president,
Mrs. J. A. Pauley vice-president and Mrs.
Ella Alter Rutter secretary. On the 7th
day of October, 1901, at a meeting called for
that i)urpose, the following persons — David
J. Sears, S. J. Ferguson, W. PL Scott, J. A.
l'aule\% Andrew Olson, James Gauley and T.
C, Nvitter — organized themselves into a board
of trustees, and elected J. A. Pauley secretary.
J. B. Rutter, the pastor, gave the name of
Spencer Memorial Methodist Episcopal church

This organization then adopted the Svmday
school as above organized, and the Ladies'
.Aid Society above organized, and together
thov became the congregation of the Spencer
Memorial .Methodist Episcojial Cliurcli.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

I'Jl

Dining the time of the completion of this
organization. J. H. Rutter received a clona^
tion of two lots from Mr. Frank Rolnnson,
now deceased, and on October 23, 1901, the
Ladies' Aid Society undertook to ))ut a
foundation of the new church ujion the lots
at the corner of Forty-third Street and
Seventh .Avenue, and the corner stone of this
foundation was laid on Thank-sgivinfi ilay,
1 902. The church, Sunday school and Ladies'
Aid Society were holding their meetings at a
little chapel, known as the Old Swede Church,
at the Corner of Third Street and Fourth
Avenue, in Moline. On October 25, 1903,
through the energy and ingentuty of J. B.
Rutter, the chnrch proper had been erected
and finished upon the foundation laid by the
Ladies' Aid Society, and dedication services
were held amid a great demonstration. The
people of Edgewood Park district together
with other generous minded people of Rock
Island and Moline, placed the chiu'ch organ-
ization in a position to do legitimate church
business. The building and foundation, to-
gether with the expenses of obtaining the
same, had cost over $20,000, and this enor-
mous debt hanged over the new organization
unprovided for until September 8, 1907, foi-
while through the efforts of the pastor, .1. B.
Rutter, the church building had been jjlaced
in position and the congregation well organ-
ized, yet it remained for the conference of the
Methodist Episcojial Church, held during
September, 1906, to prox-ide a man in the
l)erson of W. P. ^lacVey, to .systematize and
provide for the raising of the encn-mous cliurch
debt. The new pastor, who re])lace(l .1. H.
Rutter, succeeded in ])lacing this debt in a
nnuuigeable form, and now at the last con-
ference held din-ing the month of Septend)er,
1907, the Reverend W. P. MacVey was
replaced by F. E. Shult, the new jiastor.
The pastorate of .1. H. lint^er e.xtended froin
Scpl(Mnl)er, 191)1, to Septcndjcr, 1906- li\c
vcars. lutii Marcii .31, lOO."), he had liv iiis

side, Ella Altar Rutter, his wife, and to her
in great measure is clue the tireless energy
and effort required in tlie organization,
management and building of this church.
On March 31, 1905. she died, leaving as her
monument Spencer Memorial Methodist Epis-
copal Church. The name, Spencer, is in
honor of a well known citizen by the name of
William Spencer.

Since its -organization the church has gained
in each of its departments, the Simday
school has increased from a membership of
ten to a membership of over two hundred.
The Ladies' Aid Society has increased from
a membership of thirteen to a membership of
seventy-five. The church has now a member-
ship of one hundred and eighty-one regular
affiliated members, and in the leadership of
our new pastor, F. E. Shult, the people of the
Spencer Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
expect to accomplish great things for Metho-
dism in the Edgewood Park district.

HEBREW CONGREGATIONS.

Rock Island has two well established and
flourishing synagogues, the largest of which
is Beth Lsrael, located at the corner of
Twenty-second Street and Third Avenue, M.
Goldman, Rabbi. This congregation, in the
year 1902, erected a nuignificent edifice in
which to worsiii|). Tiie Beth Israel Congre-
gation, nnuiy years prior to the coiistrnction
of their present synagogue, had occupied
various quarters and hail a l.-u'gc nicinliership.
Immediately following the building of their
jiresent house of worship, another congrega-
tion was formed, so tiiat the Hebrews in the
lowei' end of the city winild not be called
upon to tra^'erse the long distance interven-
ing between the Beth Israel synagogue and
their homes. This second synagogue, B'Nai
.lacob Congregation, is temporarily located
on Nintli Street and Eighth .Avenue, and is
undei' the <lirection of Freilerick Iviiiluiau.
|iresident of tin; congregatiou.

19'j

// / S T (I 'R ! (' ROCK ISLAND C O U N T Y

i':i)(;i:\\()()i) hai'tist ciiiiicH.

The I'liMicli was orj;:iiii/i'il Defeiiihor .'i,
MX).). Iiy ilic (•(iiiuii<r togolhcr of twenty-sex-cii
lia|)tists tVciiii I lie I'irst Clnirch of Moliiic ami
l;(.ck Island. They callcil H. B. Hayden as
pastoi- on Decemlier 10. 1!K)5. The cluiich
iii'cw III sixty-two members. The title to
the old Bajitist Chapel on Forty-fourth
Street was cleared by action of. the First
Haptist ('IihitIi and the i-eslduary heirs of
Mr. Sinnetl.

The buiklin<r was nio\'ed to a lot on tlie
corner of Fifth Avenue and I''orty-foui'th
Street, donated b^- ilns. Pnidine Sinnett; the
parsonage, also donated liy her, is on this lot.

GERMAN KVANGKLICAL FRIEDENS
CONGREGATION.

This congregation, a niendier of the German
Evangelical Synod of North America, was
founded September 8, 1895, by Re-\-erend C.
F. Off. witli thirty members. The first
officers elected were: Martin Oswald, Henry
Fues, Herman Meese. John Wendt. In Ajiril.
1896, Reverend Theo V. Krueger. of Cum-
berland, Indiana, was elected as jiermanent
pastor of the congregation. In the Summer
of this year the congregation bought the
church ]H'operty of the English Methodist
Episcopal congregation, at ol6 Ninth Street.
In October. 1899. Reverend Krueger left tlic
congregation, and Re\'erend J. F. C. Tref/er
was elected as his successor. Under his
management the ]xirsonage was built sc.uth
of the church. No. 520 Ninth Street.

When Reverend Trefzer left the congrega-
tion in October, 1903, Reverend Ed E.
Klimpke of .\urf)ra. Illinois, the present
pastor, was called to succeed him. He took
up the wdi'k in the congre,gatioii the 1st of
.May, 190^. In 1905 and 1906 the church
was rebuilt with a cost of $2,000. The
officers of the congregation at present arc:
Reverend Ed E. Klimpke. ))astor: .John
Wendl. iiresident ; Carl Krueger, secretary:

Herman Meese, treasiu'er: Otto Woest, secre-
tary. The congregation has at |)resent a
membership of about one hundred ami fifty'
Tlie Ladies' .Md Society has seventy-five
members. The officers are: Mrs. Emma
Kami, president: Mrs. Fennesy, ^•ice-presi-
dent : .Mrs. ])ora Krueger, secretary; Mrs.
I'^lise Seidel, treasurer; Mrs. I'omranke, finan-
cial secretary. The Young Peo]ile's Society
has about thirt\' members. The officers are:
He\'erend Ed E. Klimjike. ]iresident : Miss
( )lga Krueger, vice-president ; Miss Martha
Kilmjjke, secretary; jMr. Arthu.i Len.';, treas-.
urer; Miss Bertha I'omranke, financial secre-
tary; iliss Martha Schmidt, librarian.

The Sunday school has a membership of
about ime huudreil.

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST (SCIENTIST)

First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Rock
Island, Illinois, is a branch of the First Church
of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts,
It was organized on November 2, 1896, to
take possession of and conduct ser^•ices in
the church edifice which had been erected
for its use liy a few adherents of the Cliristian
Science faith.

This was the first church edifice erected in
the State of Illinois to be used exclusively for
the Christian Science w-orship. Its location
is on Twenty-third Street, near Ninth Avenue.
and near the geograjihical center of the city.

The dedicatory service, held on November
S. 1906, was the first Christian Science Sun-
day service held in Rock Island, the local
Christian Scientists having jireviously attend-
ed church in Davenport, Iowa.

The Sunday services are held at 10:45 A,
M., and are conducted by two readers, who
are elected every three years from the mem-
bership of the church. One of the readers
reads from the Bible. The other from Science
and Health with key to the Scriptures, the
text book of Christian Science by Mary
l'>aker G. I'lddy. Sunday school is held
immediateh- aft(-r the morning serA'ice.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

193

For a numher of years a reading room has
been maintained in connection with the
church.

ST. PAUL'S (BELGIAN) CATHOLIC
CHURCH.

St. Paul's Chiu'ch, located on Twenty-
fourth street and Eighth and a half Avenue,
was opened for services for the fir.st time on
February 5, 1905. On that occasion the
choir rendered beautiful music and the pastor,
Reverend J. B. Ceulemans, delivered the
sermon, in which he spoke of the many
jirevious attempts which were made to
organize a parish in whicli the Belgian
Catholics of Rock Island could worship
together in a congregation all of their own
people.

Although their place of worship is very
modest, it is quite attractive inside. The
Revei'cnd J. B. Ceulemans was born in Bel-
gium, where he was educated and ordained
a priest. In 1907 Father Ceulemans took
charge of Sacred Heart Chur<-h in .Mi)iine, and
left Rock Island.

He was succeeded by another priest from
Belgium, Father Leon E. VanStoppen. This
is the ]ire.sent pastor, and who builded the
parsonage house, which is a fine improve-
ment to tlie cliurch jiroperty.

SACRED HEART CATH.OLIC CHURCH.

The Sacred Heart parish was founded .July
28, 1898, by the Reverend John F. Lockney.
It includes all the English s])eaking catholics
between Twenty-third Street, both sides, to
Forty-sixth Street. Father Lockney built a
temporary church on Twenty-eighth Street
and used it two years. He moved the
parochial residence twenty feet east in order
to have room to built the new church.

Tiie corner-stone of the new church w^as
laid in May, 1901, and the first mass in the
new church was Christmas, 1902. The new
church cost $36,000. Father Lockney bought
the property for $5,500. The magnificent

church, rectory and grounds are worth today
$60,000. The pastor and peojile have worked
very zealously together and tlie parish in is
a very flourishing c(uulition. Father Jvockney
still presides over the destifties of the parish
and is the longest resident Catholic pastor in
Rock Island.

CHURCHES OF MOLINE.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Organized 1844. First pastor. Reverend
A. B. Hitchcock, a Yale graduate, and a man
of great influence in the community. The
first chorister was Anson M. Hidiliard, and
who organized the first l>rass band in the
three cities. He developed a strong chorus
choir, the parent of all Moline's later musical
organizations. The first church building was
a small wooden structure, now occupied as
the freight depot of the Burlington railroad.
A brick structure was erected at Seventeenth
Street and Fifth Avenue in 1869, and this
was remodeled at an expen.se of $40,000 in
1900. The church is unusually complete in
its app(jintments, having ]iarlors, a dining
room ani_l kitchen ca]iable of serving three
liundred ]5eo|)le at once, gymnasium and
shower baths for the boys' club, etc. The
church has a nuignificent organ of 1,500 pipes,
built on the Bennett .system, the gift of Sarah
M. Atkinson, in memory of her husband and
son.

Among the pioneers in the church were
John Deere, D. C. Dimock, Charles Atkinson,
Jonathan Huntoon, Joseph Huntoon, R. K.
Swan, Thomas Merryman, N. C. Tyrrell and
W. H. Edwards. The church has given birth
to three other churches, the Second Congre-
gational, now some eighteen years old, and
the Ridgeview and East Moline churches,
organized three years ago. It has given
several thousand dollars to the work of these
organizations. The present pastor is Paul
W. Brown, who has been with the church
since 1904.

194

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAN.D COUNTY

THE SWEDISH METHODIST lOPlSCOPAL
CHURCH.

Tho cliiirch was organized in September,
1849, b_v lievererid Jonas Hcdstroin of, it is
said, seven members. Among them was
Glaus Bengston, the first Swedish settler in
Moline. The meetings of the clinrch were
held in Mr. Bengston's home for more tlian
ten j'ears. In 1 860 the first churcli was bviilt
on Park Street and Board man Avenue, now
Seventh Avenue and Fifteentli Street or
"Five Points." That building was sold in
1871 and the old American Methodist church
was bought and moved to the corner of Henry
and Lynde Streets, now Fifth Avenue and
Sixteenth Street, where the new church was
built in 1889, during the pastorate of Martin
Hess. During all these years tlie church lias
had a steady growth and progress, so from
the seven first members the total number
counts to date two Inmdred and twenty-five.
If all the members who have |oined and later
moved to other places had held their memlier-
shi]j here the church would now number
more than twice its ])resent membership.

About twenty-five pastors have served the
church dni-iiig the |)ast sixty years. Among
them many of the pioneers in Swedish
Methodism. The present ])astor is John P.
Miller, who is serxing his fourth year. The
])arsonage was built about thirty-fi\'e years
ago. The church projierty is worth today
about $30,000.

SWEDISH EVANGELICAL L LUTHERAN
CHURCH.

This church was organized with fifty
meml)ers about 1850. Its membershi]) is
considerably over a thousand, with over
three hundred Sunday school scholars. Rev-
erend L. P. Esbjorn, in charge at Andover,
Henry Comity, was [nistor also of this church
lip to 18.56, and under his ministry the first
church was built. He was succeeded by
Reverend 0. C. T. Andreen. till 1860; Rev-

erend G. Peters, till 1863; Reverend J. S.
Benson, from 1866 to 1873; followed by the
Reverend A. G. Setterdahl. ■ The present
pastor is Reverend Lawrence A. Johnston.
The present church building is of brick, in
the Gothic style of architecture, of very
handsome design, costing nearly $30,000.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

Reverend Joseph Elliot, a clergyman from
Ohio came here in November, 1850, on a visit
to his son, residing here. He was invited to
preach, and did so; curiosity drawing a large
congregation to hear the stranger. On the
evening of January IS, 1851, the church was
organized, ^\•ith twenty members, the Re^•-
erend Mr. Elliot being its first pastor, suc-
ceeded by Reverends Ebernhart, L. C. Carr,
F. D. Rickerson, William Patterson, Isaac
Newell, T. F. Borchers and G. F. Linfield,
respectively. The ]iresent pastor is the
Reverend Benjamin F. Martin.

ST. ANTHONY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC)
CHURCH.

The first Catholic priest to officiate at
Moline was Father Allemann, of Rock Island,
in 1857. He held services at different ])laces
outside of his regular jjarish, at Moline,
Hampton, and other points. In 1858 the
church was built in Moline.

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Is located at the southeast corner of Tenth
Street and Fourth Avenue. Reverend Joseph
S. Kelly is rector, and Reverend Michael
Gildea, assistant rector.

THE FIRST SWEDISH BAPTIST CHURCH

The First Swedish Baptist Church of Moline,
Illinois, was organized May 7, 1876. Those
organizing themselves to a church were before
members of the Swedish Church in Rock
Island, which was organized in 1853.

The counsel present at the organization
was: Doctor Nasbitt, D. Hawes and D. Coll)v

// I ST RI C R C K ISLAND COUNTY

195

fi-din the American Clmrch in Rock
Island; Reverend Powell, Rockbausch and
Williams, from Davenport; Reverend L. L.
Frisk, P. Hailing, A. Y. Yonson, P. Flodin
and C. 0. Yensen from the Swedish IJajitist
Church, of Rock Island; Reverend T. F.
Porches, Frank Sinnet and 0. (inmiell, from
the American Baptist Church, Moline.

Reverend T. F. Borches was elected chair-
man and Reverend O. Lind clerk. The mem-
bership of the new church at its organization
was seventy-four. The following officers were
elected: Deacons, Yohannes Anderson and
Christoffer Lofquist; trustees, Charles Carl-
son, Nels Rundquist and P. Erickson. Prop-
erties owned by the church are a churcli
building, a parsonage and a house for the
janitor.

The seating capaicty of the church is five
liun<h'ed. It is built of brick. The parsonage
is located in the finest part of the city. The
cliurch has had a steady growth since its
(irganizati(ni. Over three hundred have Ijeen
baptized; about two hmidred and twenty-five
received by letter and about fifty by exper-
ience. The total numl)er of meml)ers re-
ceived since its organization is over six
hundred. The membership at present is two
hundred and thirty-five.

The pastor now having charge of tlie
cliurch is Reverend Detlof T.ofstrom, who
began work in connection with the church
April 6, 1905. He came here from McKees-
port, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate from
the Swedish Dejiartment of the University of
Chicago since April 14, 1892. Reverend
Lofstrom was born in Sweden and came to
this country twenty years ago.

THE SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.

The Second Methodist Episcopal Church
was organized in the year 1890 by the Rev-
erend Addis Albro, who was then pastor of
the First Methodist Episcopal Church, aiul
Presiding^Elder M. A. Head of tlic Rock

Island District. The United ]3rethern church
owned a building in Stewartville, and their
membership was fast becoming extinct, when
they decided to dispose of their cliurch
property. The building was purchased from
the United Brethern people, and steps were
taken at once to organize a Second Metho-
dist Church in Stewartville, now known as
South Moline. Into this new organization
were received forty-eight members from the
Fii'st Methodist Episcopal Church. The first
pastor appointed was Reverend S. L. Guthrie.
During the first year, revival services were
held and sixty-six members were added to
the roll. His pastorate was blessed with
great results. The second year plans were
made to improve the building. A league
room was added at a cost of nearly -11,000.
Reverend Guthrie was pastor two years. In
September, 1892, Reverend J. W. Edwards
was appointed pastor, and remained one year.
Reverend Fletcher DeClark was appointed
pastor in 1893. He was followed in 1894 by
Reverend W. H. Crane, who was pastor two
years. In 1896 Reverend R. G. Pearce was
appointed pastor and remained one year and
six months; owing to failing health he re-
signed. January 10, 1898, Reverend A. H.
Smith was appointed pastor and served the
church two years an<l si.x months. Rev-
erend G. H. Thorpe was the next pastor
taking up the work June 2, 1900. Reverend
C. C. McKown was ai)|iointe<l pastor Sep-
tember, 1900, followed by Reverend A. E.
loder, September 23, 1901. September 26,
1904, the present pastor. Reverend D. S.
Andrewartha, was assigned the charge.

During all these pastorates the church has
steadily made gains. The members are
earnest in their efforts, for the success of
their church. At present improvements are
being made, and when completed, will put
the property in splendid condition, making
it one of the most attractive churches for its
size in the City of Moline.

196

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The Second Congregational Church of
lloline was started as a Mission Sunday
School sometime between ISSO and 1890. It
was organized as a church June 7, 1891, Rev-
erend J. M. McKnight being its first pastor.
There were thirt.v-two members, twenty-six
coming in by letter and si.\ on confession of
faith. The first clerk and treasurer was
William Gamble. The trustees were C. T.
Guy. W. V. Richards, John Williams, J.
Stofft and W. T. Ball.

The parsonage was built in 1903. The
present membership is one hundred and
sevent3^ The present pastor is Reverend
Richard S. Haney.

CHRIST CHURCH.

The Episcopal church was late in coming
to Moline. It was organized May 22, 1891,
as a mission under grant from Bishop Burgess.
Sixty persons signed the a]iplication to the
Bishop and called the Reverend Robert
Hewitt as first priest in charge. For se^'eral
years the organization met in the association
rooms in the auditorium. The congregation
was incorporated under the laws of the State
on September 11, 1891. and adopted a con-
stitution. The first wardens were George B.
Hull and John .\. ^lann. Reverend L. Sin-
clair came from Sudbiu'v. Ontario, to the
charge of the parish in September, 1892, and
remained until the spring of 1894, when a call
was extended to Reverend F. K. Howard of
Mt. Pleasant. Iowa, to become rector.

During the rectorship of Father Howard
the present church building was erected and
occupied Januar}' 1, 1895.

Reverend Robert Hewitt was again called
to the parish in 1897 and remained in charge
until June 1, 1899. The parish was then
without the regular ministrations of a priest
until June 1, 1900, when the Reverend Doctor
F. H. Burrell was called from Darlington,
Wisconsin.

No missions have been organized as off-
shoots of this parish, but it is in a healthy,
growing condition, and futxire prospects
bright.

THE PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH, EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS.

In the Summer of 1903, the Reverend W.
A. Elliott (under the auspices of the Congre-
gational Sunday School Society, directed by
Reverend W. F. McMillan, secretary), entered
East Moline and succeeded in organizing a
school. Although difficult, it has proven
beneficial to the community, and has been
well attended, especiall}' bv the young. In
December, 1903, under dkection of the First
Congregational Church of Moline, the Rev-
erend Frank Hoover, state evangelist of the
Congregational Home Missionary Society of
Illinois, held a series of evangelical services,
assisted by Reverend W. W. ^^■illard of the
First Congregational Church of iloline. and
Reverend J. W. Davies of Creston, Illinois;
meetings being held in the John Deere School
buildings. As a result the names of
twenty-five people were received for mem-
bership.

Organization was perfected January 15,
1904, and incor])oration February 28, 1905.
The council unanimously voted to recognize
the Plymouth Congregational Church of East
Moline, Illinois. An unusually pleasant even-
ing of song service, scriptural reading and
hand of fellowship was indulged in, followed
by an exceedingly fine sermon by Doctor A.
M. Brodie, of Chicago, closing with prayer
and benediction. Reverend J. W. Davies
was the first ordained pastor, followed by the
Reverend Henry Harris of Chicago, whose
strong efforts and skill as an organizer and
builder, with the assistance of the Reverend
Paul Brown, the regular pastor, and his con-
gregation succeeded in erecting a fine church
of concrete blocks. Reverend Walter H.
North is the present pastor.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

197

SACRED HEART BELGIAN CATHOLIC
CHURCH.

The Belgian Catholic population of this
city had worshiped at St. Mary's church
ever since the organization of that parish,
some thirty years ago. But with the growth
of the city, the need of a separate congrega-
tion became more and more apparent. In
answer to an often expressed desire, Bishop
John Lancaster Spalding of Peoria organized
this congregation in September, 1906.

Building operations wer6 started in Novem-
ber of the same year, and completed iu March,
1907. The work has met with the hearty
and enthusiastic support of the membership,
which is upward of three hundred families.

In September, 1907, there was opened in
connection with the church, a parochial
school, numliering at present two hundred
and sixty pupils. This school follows the
jHiblic school program in all its grades and is
free to children of all denominations.

The congregation possesses at present a
church and school edifice, a parsonage, and a
residence for the Sisters conducting the
school. The present pastor is Reverend J.
B. Ceulemans, residence 1304 Sixteenth
Avenue, Moline, Illinois.

CHURCHES OF TOWNSHIPS.

CORDOVA CHURCHES.

In the Fall of 1843, Elder Jesse N. Seeley,
a missionary under the American Baptist
Home Mission Society, held a series of meet-
ings, resulting in the conversion of a number
of persons, ten of whom were baptized by
Elder Jesse N. Seeley. These, with others in
this vicinity who were members of Baptist
churches in other places, united in measures
for church organization, and called a council
of delegates from other churches for a meet-
ing on December 28, 1843.

The following brethern were present:
James Turner, Enos French, John Campbell,
William Hubbard, William Parkhurst, Bath

Church; Luther Edwards, Reverend E. Mar-
cellas. 0. Blanchard, William W. Pierce, D.
Wilson, Port Byron Church; Reverend J. N.
Seeley, Davenport, Iowa; J. H. Swartwout, Ga-
lena, Illinois; E. Calkins, Rock Island, Illinois.
The council was organized by appointing
Reverend J. N. Seeley moderator and Daniel
Wilson clerk.

The church letters were then called for and
presented by the following: Levi Hunger-
fcn-d and Betsey Hungerford, Madison, Ohio;
Frances Swartwout, Francis D. Swartwout,
Thomas Swartwout, Clarissa Swartwout,
Clarissa E. Swartwout, Elizabeth Swartwout,
Port Byron, Illinois; William Armstrong,
Rebecca Passmore, Joseph R. Sexton, Mahala
Sexton, J and L. Cool, Margaret Cool, Andrew
S. Ege, Mary Ann Ege, Charity Golden,
Amanda Adams, these were baptized by
Reverend J. N. Seeley, and led to the oi-gan-
ization of the church.

The afore named eighteen were the con-
stituent members of the Cordova Baptist
church, organized the 2Sth dav of December,
1843.

On August 24, 1844, it was decided to build
a meeting house, which on February 13, 1845,
was dedicated. Sometime in 18.56 a parson-
age was built and the church decided to
build ft new meeting house, and on November
17, 1858, the new meeting house was dedi-
cated, which is the one used by the church
today.

THE PORT BYRON CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH.

The Port Byron Congregational Church was
organized in 1849, on the first and second
days of September, through the instrumen-
tality of Reverend Julius A. Reed, home
missionary agent for Iowa. Previous tn this
time there had been Congregational preach-
ing in the town once or twice.

The church edifice was started in 1854 and
completed in 1856. The parsonage was built
in 1894. The original numljer of members

198

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

was twelve and now it is aliout one hundred
and forty-nine. At present we have no
pastor, as Reverend W. R. Shaw resigned
October, 1907.

PORT BYRON METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.

This church was organized in 1S36, with a
membershi]) of six or eight, among whom
were Archibald Allen, Candaee Allen, J. H.
Lyford and wife, and John Mitchell and wife.
The earliest meetings were held in a log cabin,
but a good church was built some years later,
at an expense of $3,000. The church is in a
flourishing condition, with a good member-
ship.

COE TOWNSHIP CHURCHES.

The Church of the United Brethern in
Christ was organized at the house of Father
John Walker, on Canoe Creek, in 1847, where
the earliest meetings were held. The first
church was built in 1S49, at a cost of three
hundred dollars, but replaced by a new one
in 1868, at an expense of $3,000. The pastors
have been Herman Scott, Moses Clifton, E.
Church, John Dollarhide, W. E. Henry, F.
Dietz, Merrit Lathrop, J. K. M. Looker, A.
B. Frasier, J. H. Young, G. Brisby, George
Snyder, C. Wendle, J. H. Griniiu, W. R.
Coursey, S. F. Medlar and C. Bender.

BETHESDA, CANOE CREEK TOWNSHIP.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Be-
thesda, was built in lS59,-l)y Reverend Steph-
en Odell, Perry Henderson and others. It
is located abouta mile southwest of Hillstlale.
It has a fair membership, with a gdod Sunday
school attendance.

METHODIST lll'ISCOl'AL CHURCH,
ZIMA.

The first Methodist Episcopal class organ-
ized in Zunui was in March. 1S70, in the
Wake school house, and the following named
persons composed the class: John A. \)tn\-

ohoo and wife, L. W. Beal and wife, Mrs.
Mary Moody, Mrs. Knowls, Mr. and Mrs.
J. Dillon, Mr. and Mrs. William McKeever,
Mr. and Mrs. George Wake, Mr. and Mrs.
Nathaniel Mumma, and quite a number
joined on probation and came into the church
later, and others wandered away forever.
The first Methodist Episcopal church that
was built was dedicated in September, 1870,
by Reverend Worthington; the first pastor
was Reverend Jemerson, and the first elder
was the sedate, efl^cient and Godly Reverend
Doctor Hunter. The first church built was
taken down in 1903, and during the thirty-
three years it was occupied we had twenty-
one pastors and ten elders, and among them
was some grand, good men, consecrated men,
and all were faithful to their trust.

In January, 1904, the new church was
dedicated by the Reverend Smith of Aledo,
and the pastor was Reverend Mecham, and
after him came Reverend T. Wood, theii A.
A. Waters. The present pastor is Reverend
W. Hull, and the present elder is Reverend
Doctor Wiley. When we built the first
clnuxh the circuit was called Zuma, Cordova,
Carbon Cliff and Pleasant Valley, belonging
to the circuit. In the seventies, Fairfield
built a church; Cordova and the other two
places were added to Port Byron, and Hamp-
ton, then in 1S95 or 1896 Hillsdale built a
church and it was dedicated by Reverend
Elder Head, and since then the circuit has
been called Hillsdale.

RAPIDS CITY.

The first chiu-ch organized in Rapids City
was the Church of Christ, on September 8,
18.56, by Elder G. W. Smith, with a member-
shi|) of twelve. Commencing May. 18,57, A.
G. Lucas, an evangelist, was i)astor for two
years, and added eighty members, he being
succeeded by Elder H. C. Thrown, who added
forty-two members in a year and (uie-half.
The church owns a commodious brick house,
built upiiu tlie land dnnated iiy Jciiias Harlier.

H PSr RIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

199

HAMPTON CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was
foiiuded by the Reverend G. G. Worthington
in 1S42 or 1S43. Among its members were
Harmon G. Reynolds, E. F. Arcidarius and
wife, and Nancy Thompson; the membership
being eleven. The church has belonged to
respectively the Rock Island circuit, Moline
circuit, Port Byron circuit, when in 1865 the
Hampton circuit was organized. In 1870
Hampton was joined to Zuma antl called
Rock River circuit. In 1874 Zuma was cut
off and Hampton circuit resumed.

The Congregational Church was organized
February 15, 1853, by the Reverend A. B.
Hitchcock, with a member.ship of fourteen.
A church was built in 1856 and 1857, at a
cost of $2,500.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF WATER-
TOWN.

This church was organized July 27, 1865,
by Elder H. S. P. Warren, Laura J. Warren,
Mary A. Bayte, Mary E. Newton, and E.
Warren. The first pastor was Elder H. S. P.
Warren. They built a liouse of worship in
1877, which was greatly improved in 1906.
The present pastor is Reverend H. W. Parker.

COAL VALLEY CHURCHES.

Coal Valley is well supplied with churches.

The Welsh Baptist Church was organized
in 1866, under the supervision of Reverend
T. M. Matthews, remaining its pastor until
1870.

In 1867 the Presbyterian Church was organ-
ized, with John Barton, Albert Owens, Fred-
eric Freeburg, Hugh Caughey and Robert
Lee as trustees; the membership numbering
twenty-five members. A church was built
the same year, costing $2,500.

The Primitive Methodists were organized
in 1868, a church being erected the following
year, costing $2,000. Their first preacher
was Reverend Charles Dawson, who came

from Kewanee once a month. It was some
time before they had a regular resident
minister.

The Welsh Congregational Chiu'ch was or-
ganized in 1857 by the Reverend John L.
Richards, with a membership of fifteen.
Meetings being first held at the liome of Mrs.
Sarah Williams. In the year 1862 a house
of worship, costing $1,000. was built.

The Roman Catholic residents, prior to
1875, were connected with the Rock Island
mission. In 1870 they build a church, cost-
ing .12,000, which was formerly opened for
worship by Reverend John P. Roles, who
supervised the building of the cliurch, which
is in a flourishing condition.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OF MILAN.

Tlie First Presljyterian Church of Milan,
Illinois, originally known as the First Pres-
byterian Church of Camden, Old School
Branch, was organized in April, 1845. The
town was laid out in 1843, and as the settlers
were mainly God-fearing men and women,
they soon felt the need of a religious organi-
zation. As the majority of those who desired
the church were of Presbyterian belief, they
resolved, with Mr. William Dickson at the
head, to organize a church of this denomina-
tion. To this end, notice was duly given to
the people of the town of Camden and
vicmity to meet in the meeting house on
April 5, 1845. The Reverend Samuel Cleland
was the moderator, and the Reverend Thomas
Vaill clerk of the meeting. The meeting
being constituted with prayer by the moder-
ator, the object of the meeting was stated.
Mr. William Dickson presented a number of
articles and resolutions for consideration and
action, these forming the constitution by
which they were hereafter to be regulated.
After the second reading they were imani-
mously adopted. The first services in the
town of Camden were held in the mill owned
by F. R. Brunot and James Dickson, Reverend

200

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Ithamar Pillsbury preaching the sermon
from the text found in Luke, 17:35. During
the Winter of 1844-45, the services were held
at the home of James Uickson, as the mill
proved too cold for comfort. It was during
the Winter of 1845-46 that Father Dick.son
built the first church; not so much as the
price of a nail was contributed by anj'one
else. Laborers were scarce and mone}- scarce;
so the greater part of the work devolved upon
him. The timbers must be taken from the
forest and floated across Rock River, as there
were no bridges. The task was a difficult
one, but the btiilding was com]ileted on May
21, 1846, and dedicated free of debt on the
22d, to the services of Almighty God. Rev-
erend Wilson ]ireache<l the iledicatory sermon,
and Reverend Pillsbury offered the dedicatory
prayer. The following Sunday, May 24th,
the first sacrament was celebrated. ^Mlether
with minister or without, as it often was, the
church depended in a great measure on this
good man. Father Dickson, to afford the
means of grace. Everj' Sabbath the voice of
prayer and praise might be heard. Often he
read a sermon to the little Viand of worshipers,
and was ever their leader. The founders or
charter members were: William Dickson.
Mariam C. Dickson, James Dickson, Ruth
Ann Dickson, Sarah Dickson, David M. Dick-
son, Francis E. Dickson, William Clark,
Almina Clark, Eliza Ann Dickson, Elizalieth
M. Dickson, William Pinkerton, Rachel Pink-
erton, Edmund Hollister and Emma A.
Hollister.

During the pastorate of Doctor W. W.
Morehead the little cliurch became too small
to accommodate the growing congregation.
The necessit\- of a new chtu'ch brovight about
the building of the present house of worshiji.
This building, begun in 1S66, was dedicated,
also free of debt, by Doctor Morehead, on
October 4, 1S6S. The committee who at-
tended to this work were: James Dickson
and N. D. liradley. The interior of the Ijuild-
ing was remodeled in 1902, and is now one of

the prettiest and neatest chtirches in this part
of the State. In 1878 the parsonage was
built, later a barn was added. In 1894 a
pipe organ was placed in the church. The
present membership is one hundred and
forty. The following have served as pastors
since the organization of the church: Rev-
erend Ithaman Pillsliurg, 1845-48; Reverend
W. \Y. Bockus, 1850-51; Reverend S. T.
Wilson, 1852-54; Reverend Thomas M. Ches-
nut, 1855-56; Reverend Jacob Coon, 1858-63;
Reverend W. W. ^forehead. Doctor of Divin-
ity, 1863-71; Reverend Moses Noerr, Doctor
of Divinity, 1871-77; Reverend S, T. Davis,
Doctor of Medicine, 1878-79; Reverend G. B.
Black, 1879-81; Reverend S. T. McClure,
1881-83; Reverend C. F. Carson, 1883-88;
Reverend Watson Russell, 1889-90; Reverend
W. B. McKee, 1890-93; Reverend I). T.
Rol:>ertson, 1894-97; Reverend H. W. Reherd,
1897-1901 ; Reverend Marion Humphreys,
1901-05; Reverend H. Cullen, Doctor of
Divinity, present pastor, l)cgan liis work
October 1, 1905.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF
MILAN.

Reverend F. Haney first held service here,
as one of the stations on the Camden circuit,
and was followed by Reverend John Grundy,
who remained two j'ears. The church was
organized in 1848, and i)reaching was done
in the school house, until 1854, when the
church was built,

ANDALUSIA CHURCHES.

The earliest meetings of tlie ^lethodist
Episco]ial Chiu'ch Society were held during
1849, at the residence of Mrs, Sarah Buffum,
At this time there were only about seven
church members of all denominations in the
township, and ministers were doing mission-
ary work. Subsequently their meetings were
held in various places, until the organization
of the class at the resilience of Joseph Garnett,
at Sulphur Sjirings, in the Fall of 1858. The

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

201

original members were: Mrs. Sarah Ruffum,
Elizabeth Ebj', F. A. Cobb, Joseph Garnett,
Mrs. Clara W. Ferguson and Mrs. Susan
Garnett, at which time W. J. Giddings was
pastor, succeeded by Reverend Mr. TJnthe-
cum, and Reverend Mr. Welsh in l.S.^9.
During their pastorate, the district school
house was improved for the Baptist Church,
and there they held their meetings. The
Reverends Ashl)augh and Richmond in 1861 ;
J. W. Barteles in 1S64, and Mr. Martin in
1865. In 1866 the society built a house of
worship, which was dedicated in March, 1867.

The first church of the United Brethern in
Christ, of Andalusia, held their first meetings
in the Summer of 1863 in tlie district school
house, the Reverend John \\'enger preaching
the first sermon; meetings only being lield
occasionally. It was mainly through the
influence of H. S. Tliompson and wife the
services were had, and led to the organization
of the church by Reverend Samuel Knox in
September, 1864, at the school house. H. S.
Thompson and wife, M. M. Thompson and
Cynthia Smith were the original four members.
H. S. Thompson was the first class leader and
steward. The pastorate of the church was
first filled I)y Reverend Samuel Knox. Rev-
erend St. Clair Ross, during his pastorate in
1868, devised means for building a suitable
house of worship. The Sabbath school main-
tained by tliis cliurcli, liad its origin in a
Union Sabbath school organized Maj^ 1, 1859.
As the various churches grew strong enough,
denominational Sabliath schools were estab-
lished.

The First Bajitist Chiu-ch of Andahisia held
their first metings in 1867. Pursuant to a
business meeting of the Bajitist Church held
at Edgington the second Saturday in Novem-
ber, 1866, authorizing the members of the
church residing in Andalusia and vicinity, to
form a separate organization. A meeting
was called at Andahisia May 1, 1867, for the
purpose of forming a church organization,
which was done the evening of May 15. 1867,

witli a membership of twenty-five. They
succeedetl in providing a suitable meeting
house at a cost of about $2,000, on a lot
donated by S. M. Boney and others. Rev-
erend O. T. Conger was the first pastor, fol-
lowed by Reverends J. C. Post, Mr. Lamb, of
Davenport, Iowa; James Young, S. D. Ross,
Gilman Parker, Thomas A. Williams.

DRURY T()\\'XSIIII' CHURCHES.

At Wrayville the (Icrnian Methodists have
a church, built in 1875, at a cost of .SI, 000.
They also have a parsonage, in which the
Reverend CarweU resides.

Near Foster the Baptists have a house of
worsliip, built aliout 1871, through the efforts
of their first jiastor. Reverend E. Odell. A
]iarsonage was built for the occupancy of the
pastor, who is now Reverend S])illcr.

EDGINGTON CHURCHES.

The Presbyterian Churcli, organized in the
Dunlap cabin in the Fall of 1837, was the
first chiu-ch organized in Edgington. Joseph
Dunlap and Daniel Montgomery were the
first elders. The organization was effected
Ijy Re\'erentl John Montgomery, an itinerant
home missionary, by appointment of the
Presbyter}' of Schuyler. Church services
were held for several years once a month, or
at long intervals, in the Dunlap cabin during
Winter months and in the barn in Summer.
Reverend John Montgomerj^, the first minis-
ter, was a brother of Daniel Montgomery.
The Jlontgomeries came from Pennsylvania
in 1836; Daniel locating "far out on tlie
prairie," on section twenty-six. and his
brother, John, the missionary over in Mercer
county. In those (hiys tliere was a conimiui
l.)rotherhood and sisterhood among the ].)eo]3le
of all professions. Tiiey came long distances,
in liig wagons, to church, some with ox teams,
some on horsebacl<. ami some on foot. Chiu-ch
courtesies were not gilt edgetl, nor sillv fringed.
Worshipers did not stand aloof until intro-
duced before speaking to one another. The

202

HISTO RIIIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

social gulf was narrow and easily bridged by
a hearty handshake and "howily-do." Dur-
ing the years 1843-44 a church was built
twenty-two by forty feet in dimensions.
Most of the material of whicli it was built
was taken out of the timber surrounding it.
The church thus built had added to it in
1859 a vestibule, gallery and tower. The
church had no settled minister for years.
Those who served the longest terms, either
as pastor or supply were Reverends Samuel
Cleland, A. W. Loomis, Jesse M. Jamison,
Thomas M. Wilson and Thomas R. Johns(m.
The pastorate of the latter began May 28,
1863, and continued until June, 1904, making
a pastorate of thirty-nine years. During the
ministry of Mr. Johnson the community
developed and enjoved a great measure of
prosperity. In this the church shared. This
materialized in the present church building,
which was erected in 1896. This is one of
the finest and most commodious churches in
the country. It has a seating capacity of
about four hundred. It is provided with
Sunday school rooms, cloak room, vestibule
and gallery. There is also a very comfortable
house near by. Since December 1, 1904,
Reverend J. L. Herming has been the pastor
in charge; Reverend T. R. Johnson being
pastor emeritus.

The first Methodist preaching was by
itenirant missionaries — James Smith, Jordan
and McMurtrie, 1836-40 — at the residence of
Charles Eberhart. A class was regularly
organized in June, 1843, with H. H. Parks
as leader. In 1854 they erected a commo-
dious house of worship by the roadside, one
and three-fourth miles east of the village of
Edgington, and named it Zion. It is still
occupied and kept in good repair.

The Baptist Church was organized in 1846,
and a house of worship built about one-
eighth of a mile east of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. It was sold to a farmer some
years ago and a new house built at Taylor
Ridge. The meeting at which the organiza-

tion was effected was held in a barn of George
D. Parmenter, in the village of Edgington,
August 10, 1846, and the Rerevend Mr.
Braljrooks preached the sermon. Reverend
Clark, of Mercer County, was the first regular
minister, and in the capacity of pastor served
the congregation until 1848.

The Catholic Church. Through the fifties
and sixties a priest from a distant parish,
Rock Island or elsewhere, visited the families
occasionally and held services in the homes.
Then a frame house was built for worship by
the roadside, opposite and a little north of
the Presbyterian church, and services are
still held there once a month, and the ordi-
nances administered, and pastoral work done
by a non-resident priest.

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS.

THE FRATERNAL TRIBUNES.

The home offices of The Fraternal Trilnmes,
a fraternal insurance society having a national
reputation, are located in Rock Island, and
the society occupies the entire second story
of the Carse Building. This is a Rock Island
institution of growing imjiortance, having
been organized in 1897, in which year a
charter was received from the State of Illinois'
and its lodges now number up into the hund-
reds and are located in the thriving cities and
towns of this and other states. The growth
of The Fraternal Tribunes on January 1,
1908, was in excess of 11,000 members, and
the society has paid in death and disability
benefits over $425,000. In its scope the
society is purely a fraternal beneficiary order,
having a representative form of government
anil conducting its business uptni the lodge
l>lan, and it admits men and women for
insurance benefits in the sum of .$250, .1500,
$1,000 or $2,000, each individual age at entry
determining the cost to the insured. The
present supreme officers are as follows:
Honorable T. J. Medill. joast su])reme tribune
Rock Island, 111.; K. M. Whithani, supreme

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

203

tribune, Aledo, Illinois; Honorable W. C.
Galloway, vice-supreme tribune, Aledo, Illi-
nois; Robert Rexdale, supreme secretary.
Rock Island, Illinois; Harold A. Weld, su-
preme treasurer, Rock Island, Illinois; Hon-
orable James McCartney, supreme counsellor,
Chicago, Illinois; Doctor A. L. Craig, supreme
medical examiner, Chicago, Illinois; Gilbert
Miller, supreme orator, Canton, Illinois; L.
M. Cam]:)bell, supreme sergeant-at-arms,
Peoria, Illinois; Sadie B. Miller, supreme
guard, Chicago, Illinois; E. L. Wolff, supreme
sentinel, Aledo, Illinois.

BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE
ORDER OF ELKS.

The Rock Island Lodge, No. 980, of the
brotherhood of Elks was organized June 26,
1905, with a membensjiip of fifty-five; at the
present time (September, 1908) it numbers
three hundred and tw^enty-five. Their first
quarters were over the Illinois Theatre.
January 31, 1908, they moved to new quarters
in the new Elks Building on Eighteenth Street
near the river front, where they occupy two
stories, and have a lodge room, club room,
and accompaniments, as fine as any in the
State. Dejmrting from their old home, four
hundred Elks formed in line and marched to
their new home with the band playing " Auld
Lang Syne." The fundamental principles of
the order are charity and benevolence. Their
salutation cry is "Hello Bill."

ARSENAL COUNCIL, NO. 171.

Arsenal Council of this city was organized
in August, 1885, and its first officers were:
President, H. D. Mack; vice-president, C. E.
Hawley, speaker, Robert Bennett; ex-presi-
dent, S. W. Raines,, secretary, W. J. Kahikc;
financial secretary, M. A. Patterson; sergeant,
financial secretary, M. A. Patterson; treasurer,
J. H. Cleland; medical examiner, Doctor G.
L. Eyster; chaplain, A. W. Tanner; usher,
M. Kuehlnian; sergeant W. P. ("ochran;
trustees, E. 11. T'mwman, Harry Clcxehnid

and (ieorge Phillips. Many of the first
charter members and officers are still members
at present, some have died and a few have
drojjjjed out. The National Union teaches
patriotism and tries to lift its members up to
a higher sphere of life, and is one of the best
fraternal organizations in existance today.
It is an assessment fraternal organization,
having a death benefit, and also gives insur-
ance on the step rate plan, and sti-aight life.
Headquarters are in Toledo, Ohio.

THE TURN VEREIN.

The Rock Island Turn Verein, or- the
Turner Society, as it is commonly styled, is
one of the best known and most substantial
organizations in the city. Its origin dates
back to April Hi, 1S.")7, wlien it was known
as the Turn Gemeinde. It was incorporated
in 1869. During the time that has inter-
vened there has been but one real crisis in its
affairs. That was happily tided over and
since that time its growth has been steady
and suliicient.

John Imber, a shoemaker, u]ion coming to
this city during the fifties, began agitating the
question of such an organization among the
German residents. He aroused about twenty-
five of his fellow countrymen and the society
was formed. Julius Mosenfelder, the grocer,
was the first jjresident, John Wright, who was
once employed in the mechanical department
of The Argvs, was the first secretary, and
Mr. Imber the first turnwort, or leader of the
classes in physical culture.

At first the society had no building in which
to meet, but the lot at the northeast corner
of Twenty-first Street and Sixth Avenue was
bought and fenced in and the exercises were
held in the open air during the first season.
Rooms on the second floor of a building on
Market Scpiare, back of the Bengston Block,
were then leased for a c;iuple of years. Here
the first dramatic undertakings were i)ut on
in the Winter of 18.')S-.59. The next meeting
phice was in :i biiildini^ which occupied thg

204

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

site of the new Hotel Harms. After a few
years another change was made to the
Empire Hall, as it was then known, located
over 1506 Second Avenne.

The lot now owned by the society, and
occnpied by its present qnarters on the south
side of Third Avenue west of Sixteenth Street,
was acquired in ISGG. The wooden building,
known as Turner Hall, had been in use as the
church of the Episcopal congregation of the
city, being abandoned upon the erection of
the church now occupied. The brick gym-
nasium in the rear .of the hall was put up
about fifteen years ago at a cost of $2,000,
and the brick structure which now constitutes
the main building was put up nine years ago
at a cost of $14,000. The property of the
societ}' is now valued at $35,000.

It was in 1S59 that the membership was
reduced, through a schism, to nine, but it has
grown since till at the present time it numbers
1,000. There is also a Ladies' Turner
Society, with thirty-five members, that is
maintained as an auxiliary to the main society.

The quarters are provided, in addition to
the hall and a well equipped gymnasium, with
nicely furnished club rooms, including a
library of seven hundred volumes of works
in German and English.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES.

One of our most interesting societies is that
of the Eagles. The Far West has the dis-
tinction of the origin of The Fraternal Order
of Eagles. Its principles of liberty, truth,
justice and equality, appeal to the most
conservative people of the country. The
benefits to the member are: a physician to
himself and family free of charge, one dollar
a day sick benefit for sixteen weeks, and one
hundred dollars in case of death.

Rock- Island Aeria, No. 956, Fraternal
Order of Eagles, was instituted January 15,
1905, at the Rock Island Turner Hall. Its
charter list was composed of one hundred
and thirtv-one members. Oloflf Banker was

its first president; A. D. Huesing, vice-pres-
ident; J. F. Dindinger, secretary and, E. V.
Ramser, treasurer. It is financially strong,
although having expended a large sum for
benefits and other purposes.

Its present membership (September, 190S)
is four hundred and forty-six.

This association last Spring purchased the
Murrin homestead on the south-west corner
of Fourth Avenue and Twenty-first Street; a
splendid location for the home, where they
contemplate building; including lodge room,
club room, reading rooms, and the necessary
accessories.

THE MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.

One of the most important Rock Island
institutions is the head office building of the
Modern Woodmen of America. In the Rock
Island building, erected and furnished at an
expense of more than $425,000 are constantly
employed an average force of two hundred
people, with a monthly pay roll of over
$15,000. It will thus be seen that aside from
the value as an advertisement to the city
and county the society is a most valued
financial in.stitution, bringing to the locality
a most desirable class of citizens who are
connected with it.

The Modern Woodmen of America is a
fraternal beneficiary society, incorporated
under the laws of the State of Illinois, May
5, 1884. It began business, however, and
started as a fraternal beneficiary society w'ith
the organization of its first camp Januai-y 5,
1SS3, at the town of Lyons, Clinton County,
Iowa. Its first camp was composed of
twenty-one charter members and was insti-
tuted by Mr. Joseph Cullen Root. It is bj'
far the largest fraternal beneficiary society
in America, having on July 1, 1907. a mem-
bership in good standing of 851,441 bene-
ficial members and 39,796 social members, or
a grand total membership of 891,237. On
this date it had 11,797 local camps of lodges
distributed in the following states:

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

205

Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illi-
nois, Indiana, Indian Territory, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Min-
nesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada,
New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,
Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West
Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

The society's principal purpose is to pro-
vide substantial death benefits for the widows,
orphans and other dependents of deceased
members, and for this purpose it issues to
accepted members policies or certificates of
insurance, and incidentally affords valuable
fraternal privileges and advantages to all its
members while living. It has unusually
strong and attractive fraternal features. Its
ritualism is beautiful, entertaining, instruc-
tive and helpful. Its local camps or lodges
care for their sick and do all in their power to
relieve members in distress. Many local
camps pay sick benefits and most local camps
have committees to care for the sick and dis-
tressed, and in countless ways co-operate in
the promotion of the interests of their mem-
bers, and in carrying out in fullest measure
the sublime doctrines and teachings of co-
operation and felkn\'ship. Its plan of co-
operation is of the simplest form, and yet in
its vast business it has a system of methods
in its various departments which is unsur-
passed in the great commercial organiza-
tions of the country.

The management of this society is pro-
gressive, economic and business like. It lias
a rejjresentativo form of government in which
the voice of the individual member reaches
the administration of the society's affairs
through a delegate .system, including tri-
ennial meetings of delegates from local camps
to county conventions, and delegates from
these county conventions in turn to state
conventions, and delegates from these state

conventions to the National convention, or
Head Camp, which is the legislative and
controlling bodv of the organization. At its
triennial head camps laws and rules are
adopted and prescribed for the management,
control and regulation of the society, as well
as defining the privileges and powers, rights
£ind duties of its members and officers. At
its triennial head camps the various officers
of the society are elected.

The plan of collecting and disbursing mor-
tality benefits prescribed in its contracts is
of the simplest form, furnishing protection or
insurance at actual cost; the membership
being called upon to pay such assessments
from month to month to the Mortality or
benefit fund, as its board of directors shall
from time to time find necessary and desirable
to meet the claims against such fund, occa-
sioned by the current or monthly deaths
among its membership, thus requiring from
its members the payment of only that amo\mt
which is necessary to meet its death
aims.

The expenses of conducting the business of
the society aside from the payment of death
claims are met from the general hind, which
is separate and distinct at all times from the
benefit or mortality fund, and which funrl is
made up of contributions for expense pur-
poses from its membership in the nature of a
per capita tax, which is fixed and levied by
the head camp of the society. Since 1890
this contribution has been one dollar per
member per year, out of which has been paid
all the expense of conducting the vast business
of this society.

The result of this simple [ihui of "co-oper-
ation and protection " has been the most
phenomenal in development of any like con-
cern in American history. The following
statement taken from the records of the
society shows the number of benefit certifi-
cates issued yearly since organization uj) to
and including the year 1906:

206

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

1883 562

18S4 7SS

1885 3,694

1886 4,706

1887 S.13!)

1888 11,943

1889 19,9,50

1890 12,3.54

1891 14.384

1892 2.5,139

1893 24.38.5

1894 38,.563

189.5 5.5,423

1896 6.5,000

1897 68,829

1S98 92,911

1.S99 135,644

UIOO 142,864

1901 133,415

1902 94,06S

1903 63,1.5.S

1904 S1.71S

1905 103,2.54

1906 132,729

From January 1, to July 1, 1907, there
liave been written 81,268 certificates, making
a grand total of certificates written in tliis
society from its organization down to July
1, 1907, 1,414,852.

The society has had a most successful
career financially, as well as in its growth and
influence as a fraternal society. Its plan of
payment of death losses has always provided
ample means for the prompt settlement of all
death claims, and since its organization it has
paid out in death losses the magnificent sum
of more than .1.59.000,000.

The first member to die in this society was
Mr. Ab. Mayer, of Davenport, Iowa, on Julv
14, 1884.

The average age of the meniliership of the
society is ,38.2,3 years.

The death rate for the last ten years per
one thousand members is as follows: 1897,
4.35; 1898, 4.32; 1899, 4.91; 1900, 4.G4; 1901,
4.84; 1902, 4.S4; 1903, 5.03; 1904, 5.65; 1905,
5.43; 1906, 5.48.

It accepts to member.ship in this society
male white persons Ijetween the ages of
eighteen and forty-five, except that if the
applicant be over forty-one years of age he
cannot carry benefits to exceed $2,000. All
applicants for membership are required to
pay a membership fee of five dollars, and the
cost of medical examination, varying from
$1.25 to $2.25.

Its field work is under the management of
the head consul of the society, who appoints
a state deputy head consul for each state,
who in turn appoints district deputy head
consuls for certain territory or districts in a
state, who give personal attention to the

details of securing nicmliers for the local
lodges in the various localities.

The financial nuinagement of the society
is under the control of a board of directors,
consisting of five members, wliile the head
clerk is the recording and accounting officer.
The liead banker has the custody of the
funds and no money can be paid out by him,
except upon orders signed by the head consul^
the head clerk and at least three members of
the board of directors.

In the adoption of social members only no
medical examination fee is recjuired. Pay-
ment by members to the mortuary fund is
according to rates established by the head
camp and are graded according to the age
at the time of joining the society. The rates
do not increase with advancing age, and
during recent years it has not been necessary
for the board of directors to levy an asses.s-
ment each month in order to meet the current
death losses.

Certificates are issued in this society in the
amounts of ,$500; $1,000; $1,500; .$2,000; and
$3,000, as the applicant may desire.

The officers of local camps are consul (pre-
siding officer), jjast consul, clerk (recording
officer), banker, adviser, escort, watchman,
sentry, board of three managers, and exam-
ining physicians.

Great care is taken in determining tha
physical soundness of applicants for mem-
bership in this society. Each applicant is
examined as to his physical condition by the
local camp physician, after which the appli-
cation is forwarded to a state physician who
reviews the examination of the local exam-
iner, and such state phj^sician, after passing
upon the applicant by either approving or
rejecting him, forwards the application, to-
gether with the record of such approval or
rejection to the board of supreme medical
directors, which board is composed of three
eminent physicians, selected and appointed
bjf the executive council of the society. This
supreme Medical board again reviews the

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

207

application so far as it relates to the medical
examination and opinion of both the local
examiner and the State examiner, and action
of the supreme medical board, either in
approving or rejecting the application, is
final, except in emergency cases only, when
the executive council, for special cause, may
ask a reconsideration and examination of the
applicant by the supreme medical board.

The head camp of the society is held at
whatever place in the jurisdiction the pre-
ceding head camp selects.

At the time of the organization of Pioneer
Camp, No. 1, on Januar}^ 5, 1S83, the first
provisional head camp was organized, and
the following officers elected:

Head consul, J. C. Root, Lyons, Iowa; head
banker, Louis G. Blaine, Lj^ons, Iowa; head
clerk, Albert Hilton, Lyons, Iowa.

The first regular head camp, however, was
held in June, 1883, at Fulton, Illinois. At
this head camp five local camps were repre-
sented by fifteen delegates, and the first fun-
damental laws were adopted. The head
camp officers elected at this meeting were as
follows:

Head consul, ,T. C. Root, Lyons, Iowa; head
adviser, E. D. Lelaiid, Lenark, Illinois; head
clerk, Albert Hilton, Lyons, Iowa; head
banker, A. M. Green, Mt. Carroll, Illinois;
head escort, G. R. Jackson, Tampico, Illinois;
head watchman, Harrison Frazier, Lyons,
Iowa; head sentry, G. Guernsey, Erie, Illinois;
liead managers, C. C. Farmer, Mt. Carroll,
Illinois; S. H. Zimmerman, Polo, Illinois; J.
J. Ward, Sterling, Illinois.

The seventh head camp met in Springfield,
Illinois, on the morning of November 11,
1890. There were nine hundred and sixty-
one delegates present, including the hearl
officers, and standing committees, represent-
ing 42,300 members and 1,491 camps.

Prior to this head cam]3 meeting, serious
differences of opinion existed among the then
head officers as to methods of conducting the
business of the societv. At this meeting the

entire fundamental laws of the societv were
re-written and the society itself practically
reorganized on new and different lines and
plans of operation; none of the former head
officers were re-elected, but new officers were
selected from the head camp delegates to
conduct the business of the society, upon the
new plan and under the laws promulgated
and adopted at this meeting. In this head
camp laws were adopted providing for the
holding of state head camps, and more com-
plete and satisfactory form of representative
government. The officers elected at this head
camp were as follows:

Head consul, William A. Northcott, Green-
ville, Illinois; head adviser, H. C. Hedges,
Lansing, Michigan; head clerk, Charles Wesley
Hawes, Rock Island, Illinois; head banker,
David C. Zink, Grand Island, Nebraska; head
physician, Doctor Frank Swallow, Valley
Falls, Kansas; head Chaplain, Reverend F.
F. Farmiloe, Genoa, Illinois; head escort, W.
H. Dawson, Slay ton, Minnesota; head sentry,
L. E. Mentch, Carey, Illinois; head watch-
man, L. H. Hasse, Elgin, Illinois; board of
directors, M. W. Matthews, L^bana, Illinois;
A. R. Talbot, Lincoln, Nebraska; J. W. White,
Tampico, Illinois; C. T. Heydecker, Wauke-
gan, Illinois; J. G. Johnson, Peabody, Kansas.

The eighth head camp was held in Omaha,
Nebraska, in February, 1892. There were
present one hundred and twenty-seven head
officers, members of standing committees,
and delegates, representing 1,782 camps, with
a membership of 68,667. At this head camp
the Royal Neighbors of America was, by
resolution, accepted as the ladies' auxiliary
of the Modern Woodmen of America.

In the interim between the meeting of the
head camp at Springfield, Illinois, and the
head camp at Omaha, Nebraska, Honorable
M. W. Mathews, chairman of the board of
directors, died, and General Jasper N. Reece,
of Springfield, Illinois, was appointed to fill
the vacancy caused b\^ the death of Senator
Mathews.

208

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

The ninth head camp met in convention in
Madison, Wisconsin, in June, 1895, with two
hundred and seventy-three delegates, head
officers and committeemen, representing 2,840
camps and 125,667 members. At this head
camp meeting the liasis of rei)resentation on
account of the rajiid growtli of tlie society
was changed to one delegate for each 1 .000
members, and one delegate at large from each
state. Among the great questions considered
at this meeting was that of the change of
rates of the society; and the establishment or
recognition of the forester teams in camp work.

The tenth head camp met in Dubuque.
Iowa, in June, 1897, with two hundred and
forty-two delegates, head officers and com-
mitteemen present, representing 208,292 mem-
bers and 4,436 camps. At this head camj)
meeting the laws were changed so as to pro-
vide for twelve head physicians, instead of
five as formerly.

At this head camp there was created the
executive council of the society, composed of
the head consul, the head clerk, and board
of directors, to which body the head consul
and other officers of the society might at
any time appeal for counsel and advice in
any matter pertaining to the administration
of the affairs of his department.

The eleventh head camp met in Kansas
City, Missouri, in June, 1899, with three
hundred and eighty-three delegates, head
officers and members of standing committees
present, representing 5,863 camps and 339,364
members. At this meeting the board of head
physicians was increased from twelve to
nineteen, and the board of auditors was
increased from three to five.

At the July, 1899, meeting of the executive
council, following the Kansas City head
camp, J. W. White resigned as director and
was appointed general attorney. At the
same meeting the executive council appointed
E. E. Murphy, of Leavenworth, Kansas, as
director to fill the vacancj' caused by the
resignation of Mr. White.

The twelfth head camp met in St. Paul,
Minnesota, on June 11, 1901, with six hundred
and twenty-nine delegates, head officers and
members of standing committees in attend-
ance, representing 8,980 camps and 568,181
members. At this head camp meeting the
number of head phj'sicians was increased to
provide one head physician for each state.
The basis of representation in this growing
society was again modified and fixed at one
delegate for each 1,500 members or major
fraction thereof, in good standing, in camps
of each state, on January 1, preceding head
camp. At this head camp the question of
rates was again considered, and a committee
was ajjpointed to employ actuaries and
assistance to consider carefully the question
in all of its phases and the condition of the
societ}^, and make its report to the executive
council which in turn should publish it to
the jurisdiction. At this meeting Honorable
William A. Northcott, who had served so
long and faithfully as head consul of the
society, announced to the head camp and the
jurisdiction, that because of the condition of
his health it would be impossible for him to
accept another term of office from the society,
and he would not, therefore, be a candidate
to succeed himself at the end of the term
which he was elected to serve.

In the interim between the twelfth head
camp and the thirteenth head camp occurred
the great discussion throughout the jurisdic-
tion among the officers and members of local
and subordinate camps the question of re-
adjustment of rates, based upon the report
of the committee appointed at the St. Paul
head camp, so that the thirteenth head camp,
which convened at Indianapolis, Indiana,
on Juue 16, 1903, might be considered the
most critical and important head camp thus
far in the history of the societ}-. At this
head camp five hundred and thirt3'-seven
delegates, head officers and members of
standing committees were present, represent-
ing 10,589 camps with a membership of

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U \ T Y

209

682,639. Tlie most important matter liefore
this head camp was the diiscussion and action
ii])on tlie report of the St. Paid head cam]-)
committee on revision of rates. After several
daj^s deliberate consideration and earnest and
oft-times bitter debate the head camp
adopted a new table of rates for the society,
which ha.s been the basis of mortuary contri-
bntion to the society's benefit fund by its
mend)ers since, and is as follows:

Age at Nearest B'dy

S500

SI 000

81.500

S2000

S3000

IS to 25 vears inc

S .25

•S .50

$ .75

Sl.OO

SI. 50

26 to 27 vears inc

.30

..55

.85

1.10

1.65

2S to 29 vears inc...

.30

.60

.90

1.20

1.80

.SO to .31 vears inc

.35

.65

1.00

1.30

1.95

32 to.33 vears inc..

.35

.70

1.05

1.40

2.10

34 to 3.5 voars inc

.40

.75

1.15

1.50

2.25

36 to 37 vears inc

.40

.80

1.20

1.60

2.40

3S to39 vears inc...

.45

.85

1.30

1.70

2.55

40 to 41 vears inc

.45

.90

1.35

1.80

2.70

42 to 43 vears inc

.50

.95

1.45

1.90

44 to 45 years inc

.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

-\t tids head camp Honorable William A.
Northcott, head consul, in carrying out his
announced purpose and plan at the previous
head camji, declined to be a candidate for
re-election, and Adolplius H. Talbot, of
Lincoln, Nebraska, was elected head consvd
to succeed lum.

-At this head camp the office of past head
consul was created, and former head consul
AMlliam A. Northcott \\as made past consul,
and member of the head camp of this society
for life, out of recognition for the distinguislied
services he had rendered the society.

The fourteenth head camp met at Mil-
waukee, A^ isconsin, June 20, 1905, -nith four
hundred and seventy-si.K delegates, repre-
senting 10,736 camps and 693.425 members.
At this meeting of the head camp the law
was changed .so that the head camp met
triennially instead of biennially, and special
rates were provided for hazardous occupa-
tions. The following officers were elected at
this head camp n-.eeting, who are its present
head officers:

Head consul, Adolphus R. Talbot, Lincoln,
Nebraska; past head consid, William A.
Northcott, Springfield, Illinois; head clerk,
Charles W. Hawes, Rock Island, Illinois;
head adviser, Dan B. Home, Davenport,
Iowa; head banker, C. H. McNider, Mason
City, Iowa; head escort, C. D. Elliott, Seattle,
Washington; head sentry, W. E. Beachley,
Hagerstown, Maryland; head watchman,
George I-. Bowman, Kingfisher, Oklahoma;
head chaplain. Reverend Henry N. Dunning,
Albany, New York. Board of directors —
R. R. Smith. Brookfield, Mi.ssouri; R. E.
Alurphy, Leaven wortli, Kansas; George W.
Reilly, Danville, Illinois; A. N. Bort, Beloit,
Wisconsin; C. ,1. Byrns, Ishpeming, Michigan.
Supreme medical board — Doctor E. L. Kerns,
chairman. Rock Island, Illinois; Doctor F. A.
Smith, Rock Island, Illinois; Doctor B. E.
Jones, Rock Island, Illinois. A]ipointed —
F. O. Van Galder, editor. Rock Island, Illi-
nois; B. D. Smith, general attorne}^ Mankato,
Minnesota; Truman Plantz, general attorney,
Warsaw, Illinois.

The next triennial head camp of this
society will meet in June, 1908 at Peoria
Illinois.

The head camp meeting in Omaha, in 1892,
directed the bead officers to move the head
office from F;dton to Rock Island. For
nearly fi-ve years every effort on the part of
the head officers to comply with the direc-
tions of the head camp in such removal was
thwarted b}- the activity of the citizens of
Fulton by injunction proceedings and re-
straining orders of the various courts against
such removal. In the fullness of time, how-
ever, hearings were had upon all such pro-
ceedings and the Coiu't's final decision
authorized the head officers to carry out the
expressed wish and will of the head camp in
removing such head office to Rock Island.
The removal occurred in September, 1897,
and the new and commodious head office
building was completed and occupied by the
society some two years later, since which

210

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

time this great society has been a jiart of the
life and business activity' of Rock Island
County.

The bead office of this societj^ at Rock
Island, lUinois, has one of the most com-
modious and appropriate fire-proof buUdings
of modern times. It has been constructed
at an expense of more tlian .S350,000, is
thoroughlj' equipped with steel furniture and
file boxes, and is one of the safest and strong-
est buildings that can possibly be constructed
of stone, brick and steel beams. It is beauti-
fully frescoed, supplied with all modern con-
veniences and equipment, and the apart-
ments are so adjusted with reference to each
other as to best facilitate the great work of
this society. In this building are the offices
of the head officers, as well as the offices of
the general attorneys, with their complete
law librarj-, and the offices of the editor and
supreme medical board. The arrangement
of the rooms and offices in this commodious
four-story building is so complete as to light,
ventilation and other essentials, as to make
it everything that can be desired in tlie way
of a complete modern office building. Here
are employed approximateh- two hundred
and fifty clerks, stenographers and heads of
departments, in connection with the business
of this society.

No one can measure the great power and
influence of the Modern Woodmen among the
people of this countrj'. Its influence and
effect upon the growth and development of
Rock Island Coimty, and its helpfulness to
the business enterprises thereof is of such
lasting benefit that the establishment of its
permanent home in Rock I.slnnd is a continu-
ing pleasure and satisfactifm to tlie
people.

ROYAL XEIGHRORS OF AMERICA.

The Royal Neighbors of America, as a
fraternal beneficiary society, was twelve vears
old in March, 1907, charter having been
granted March 21, 1895.

The first camp in the society — or rather
the bod}'^ from which the first camp of the
society sprung — was organized in December,
1888, at Council BlufTs, Iowa, as a "ladies
auxiliary" to Hazel Camp, No. 171, Modern
Woodmen of America. The stated purpose
of this auxiliary was "to entertain and help
increase tlie membership and encourage the
building up of the society of the ilodern
Woodmen of America." The originators
were the wives of the neighbors of Hazel
camp. The}- met once a month, giving
socials and entertainments, and these meet-
ings continued until October, 1899, when the
ladies determined to form a secret fraternal
societ}^ to be officered exclusively by
ladies.

Thereupon, committees were appointed and
a ritual and constitution were prepared.
These were submitted and appro'ved at a
meeting held January 2, 1890. Articles of
incorporation were next drawn, and on April
25, 1890, the Ro3-al Neighbors of America
(this being the name selected for the new
society) was incorporated under the laws of
the State of Iowa. The society's underlying
principles were named as faith, modesty,
courage, unselfishness and endurance, and
their motto ex fde fortis, which means "firm
by faith."

The incorporators of the Royal Neighbors
of America, who were also designated in the
articles of incoriioration as the first sunrcnie
officers," were:

Miss Lillian Hiiff, Mrs. M. L. Kirkland,
Mrs. M. B. Hayden, Mrs. S. Hennessey, Mrs.
E. F. Belknap, Mrs. J. A. Swanson and Mrs.
M. M. Filbert.

Tlie first supreme camp meeting of the
Royal Neighbors of America was held at
Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 26, 1S90, more
for the purpose of completing the organization
of the supreme camp, for there were as yet no
local camps.

On July 3, 1890, this superme camp met
again and reorganized into the first local

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

21]

Ciiiup, which was fiiven the name of IJlly
Camp, No. 1, of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

At a special meeting of the supreme camp,
held April 7, 1891, a resolution was unani-
mously adopted j^roviding for the admission
of men as members of the Royal Neighbors
of America. After this was done the society
began to show signs of life, and when tlie
first regular supreme camp meeting was
called to order in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the
first Wednesday of January, 1896, six camps
were represented, with an aggregate member-
ship of three hundred. The first regular
supreme officers were elected at this session.

The second annual meeting of the supreme
camp was lield at Omaha, Nel)raska, January
4 and 5, 1893, when there were eighteen
camps, with eight hundred and fifty members
represented. At this meeting it was decidetl
to make the society more than a social and
fraternal auxiliary of Modern Woodmen of
America by establishing a benefit or insurance
department, and committees were appointed
to report at the next supreme session.

At the fourth sujireme camp meeting, held
in Peoria, Illinois, January- 3, 4 and 5, 1894,
there were forty-five local camjis, with 1,567
members, reported in good standing. After
hearing the report of the committee on benefit
plan, appointed at the Omaha meeting, the
supreme camp decided that in order to com-
plete this department it woidd be necessary
for the society to reincorporate in Illinois.
To do this the society was compelled to
change the head office of the societ\- from
Council Bluffs, Iowa, to some city in Illinois,
and upon ballot, the city of Peoria was chosen.

The matter of putting into operation the
insurance feature was left with the lioard of
supreme managers. The board appointed a
beneficiary committee consisting of Major C.
W. Hawes, head clerk, and directors J. G.
Johnson and J. W. White of the Modern
Woodmen Society, and under the super-
vision of these gentlemen, the Royal Neigh-
bors of America reincorporated and estab-

lished its benefit department substantially as
it is today, the new charter being issued by
the Illinois insurance department on March
21, 1895.

The Royal Neighbors rank high in com-
jiarison with the largest fraternal beneficiary
societies in tlie United States, and has
greatest prominence over all insurance socie-
ties officered by women.

The society has more than 5,000 local
camps in the thirty-four states comprising
its jurisdiction.

The Royal Neighbors of America has paid
out in benefits, since the date of its organiza-
tion, §4,283,527.94 to the beneficiaries of its
deceased members.

Death rate per 1,000 members in 1907 was
5.7, and the cost per $1,000, at age thirty-
five, was $4.95.

The average age of the lieneficiarj' member-
shij) in 1907 was thirty-seven years. During
the }-ear 1907 there were seven hundred and
t went3^-eight deaths, and the amount of
$730,800.44 was ])aid out in l.)enefits.

It was necessary to collect only nine assess-
ments during 1907.

This society admits to membership bene-
ficiary and social members of the Modern
Woodmen of America and anv white woman
of good character, whether related to a
Modern Woodman or not.

Only women can hold elective offices, either
in the supreme or local camps, with the
exception in local camps that men may hold
the position of manager or physician.

The supreme officers of the society are
elected biennially bj^ a majority vote of the
delegates in session, one delegate representing
a membenship of 1,000. The last session was
held in Chicago in May, 1908.

The number of certificates issued thus far
this year exceeds all former records, and as
our suspensions are so few the additions are
almost a clear gain.

The supreme camp held at Chicago in May,
1908, made man\- changes in its laws, one of

212

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

the most important being the consolidation
of tlie social and beneficiary departments and
rlianuiiiK the location of the supreme office
from Peoria to Rock Island, Illinois. The
beneficiary department was formerly in the
same building with the Modern Woodmen
head office, but more room necessitated a
change, and now the effects of the two offices
heretofore located at Peoria and Rock Island
are now installed in offices occupying the
entire sixth floor of the Safet}- Building.

At the supreme camp an appropriation was
made to the amount of $75,000, for the
purpose of erecting a supreme office building,
which is likely to be started within the next
two or three years.

This society is now the largest of all
women's fraternal beneficiary societies; it is
officered entirely by women, except that two
men are members of the beneficiary com-
mittee. Its presid&nt is Mrs. Lina M. Collins,
of St. Paul, Minnesota, and its secretary
Miss Myrtle E. Dade, of Rock Island, Illinois.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

MASONIC HISTORY OF ROCK ISLAND
COUNTY, ANCIENT FREE AND
ACCEPTED MASONS.

Tlie first organization of Masonic lodges in
this vicinity was a dispensation granted by
the grand master of the grand lodge of the
State of Illinois, in 1847, to Cambridge lodge
at Cambridge, Illinois. The nearest lodges
being St. Johns, No. 13, at Peru, LaSalle
Comity; Henderson, No. 26, Knox Coimty;
and Monmoutii, No. 37, Warren County.
A charter was granted October 4, 1847, to
Cambridge Lodge as No. 49, meetings to be
held at (Cambridge and Rock Island alter-
nately. January 26, 1S4S, in compliance with
the unanimous request of Cambridge Lodge,
a dispensation was granted to meet regularly
at Rock Island. The distance between Cam-
bridge and Rock Island — thirty miles, and
by team — was quite arduous and tiresome.

Steps were taken May 18, 1848, to form a
new lodge at Rock Island, for Rock Island
County. When the name was considered,
there was a diversity of opinion. Among
the names proposed were Mississippi, Rock
Island, Barrett, Buford, Illinois and Larely;
none commanding a majority, Doctor James
W. Brackett proposed the name of Trio, in
honor of Rock Island, Moline and Camden
Mills — now Milan — and the name of Trio
was adopted. June 1, 1848, a dispensation
was granted to Trio lodge, Rock Island,
Illinois, and October 3, 1848, was chartered
as Trio Lodge, No. 57.

May 3, 1855, Fort Armstrong Lodge, No.
186, was organized by members from Trio
Lodge, but March 12, 1863, surrendered its
charter and consolidated with Trio Lodge.
In June and July, 1870, twenty brethern
withdrew from Trio Lodge to organize Rock
Island Lodge, No. 658. Trio Lodge at its
organization had seventeen members; now it
has a membership of two hundred and fifty-
four.

ROCK I.SL.\ND LODGE, NO. 658, A. F. & A. M.

This lodge was organized and a dispen-
sation was issued June 29, 1870, and was
chartered October 6, 1870, the first officers
were :

Morris Rosenfield, worshipful master;
Charles A. Benser, senior warden; Milton G.
Mills, junior warden; H. H.'Mayo, treasurer;
George P. Fr3-singer, secretary; J. W. Whit-
marsh, senior deacon; Ben C. Frysinger, junior
deacon; J. S. Drake, senior steward; James F.
Copp, junior steward; Thomas Thornton,
tyler.

The lodge had twenty-six charter members,
eleven of which are still alive. The lodge
now has two hundred and sixteen active
members and two honorary membei'S.

n.VRRETT CHAPTER, NO. 18, R. A. M.

Barrett Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, was
chartered September 30, 1853. October 28

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

213

1904, the name of tlie cliapter was changed
to Rock Island Cha]")ter. The chapter meets
in Masonic Temple the first Tuesday of each
month. The membership now (1908) is two
hundred and fifty.

EVERTS COMMANDERY, NO. 18, KNIGHTS
TEMPLAR, ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS.

First met under dispensation January 10,
ISGG, a petition having previously been pre-
sented to the grand commander of the grand
commander}^ of the State of Illinois by Virgil
M. Blanding, Palestine Commandery, No. 14,
Pennsylvania; John Lin Ramsey, Ottawa
Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; William B.
Crenelle, Blaney Commandery, No. 5, Illi-
nois; O. S. McNeil, I>aFayette Commandery,
No. 16, Indiana; C. Stewart Ells, DeMolay
Commandeiy, No. 16, Indiana; W .E. Bow-
man, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, Illinois;
I. B. N. Bross, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10,
Illinois; D. S. Rawson, Ottawa Commandery,
No. 10, Illinois; D. W. Lininger, Ottawa
Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; and recom-
mended by Peoria Commandeiy, No. 3,
Peoria, Illinois.

The following officers were appointed by
the grand commander of the grand com-
mandery of the State of Illinois: Yirgil
Marion Blanding, eminent commander; John
Linn Ramsey, generalissimo; William B.
Crenelle, captain general; the other officers
being appointed by the eminent commander.
October 23, 1866, the commandery was con-
stituted and granted its charter. Its name
was changed October 23, 1901, its thirty-
fifth anniversary, to Rock Island Command-
ery, No. 18, and at present has a membership
of two hiuidred and eighty-five.

HOCK ISLA.XD CIIAI'TER, NO. 269, ORDER OF
EASTERN ST.AR.

Rock Island Chapter, Order of Eastern
Star, was instituted at Masonic Temple,
A|)ril 13, 1894. Mrs. Eva M. Conover, the
organizer, was chosen wrothy matron; G. F.

Kramer, worthy patron; and Mrs. Maria B.
Kinyon, associate matron.

The first corps of officers were: Secretary,
Lillie K. Williams; treasurer, Meta DeSoland;
conductress, Zetta Oilman; associate con-
ductress, Anna Harrington; Adah, Vashti
Bollman; Ruth, Myra Arnold; Esther, Clara
Woltmann; Martha, Ada Huntoon; Electa
Kate A. Tuller; chaplain, Sarah Campbell;
warder, Mary Rhodenbaugh; organist, Eliza-
beth Volk; sentinel, L. W. Mitchell.

In August of the same year the secretary
remo\-ed from the city, her ]ilace being filled
by Vashti Bollman. In October the charter
was granted; the chapter nunUjered two
hundred and si.\tj--nine.

The first cor]_)s of officers elected after the
chapter was chartered was:

Worthy matron, Eva M. Conover; w(n'thy
patron, G. F. Kramer; associate matron,
Maria B. Kinyon; secretary, Vashti Bollman;
treasurer, Martha Hyde; conductress, Myra
Arnold; associate conductress, Henrietta
Kramer; Adah, Mary Pratt; Ruth, Zetta Gil-
man; Esther, Jennie Johnston; Martha, Ada
Huntoon; Electa, Kate Tuller; marshal, Sarah
Green; chaplain, Addie Elliott; warder, Mary
Rhodenbaugh; organist, Elizabeth Volk; sen-
tinel, N. J. Sandstrom.

EUREKA LODGE, NO. 69, A. F. & A. M., MILAN,
ILLINOIS.

Charter was issued to Eureka Lodge, No.
69, on petition of brethren, on the fourth
day of October, 1849, as follows:

John Gilmore, William Feris, J. M. Plumb,
F. B. Gilmore, Louis Kinyon, James Dickson,
William Kelly, James M. Gilmore and N. D.
Bradley.

After the lodge had done business for eight
or ten years a state of lethergy appeared and
the charter was suspended and returned to
the grand lodge. Finally the members of
Eureka Lodge reorganized for work, con-
sisting of brethern William Feris, Riley
Hayford, D. C. Round}', John l'>. Davidson,

214

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

William Wallace. N. 1). Bradley, Frank H.
Harris, George JM. Dickson. .James Dickson.
Alexander Owens, William Dickson and Jolm
Dickson; and the first comnuinication was
held on the fourth day of October, 1S66,
when Eureka Lodge started anew.

The next tronhlo confronting Eureka was
fire. The next year, 1867. fire consumed the
most of the business part of the village of
Milan — then Camden Mills — , and Eureka
Lodge paraphernalia was all consumed; the
charter, however, was saved.

CORDOVA LODGIO, NO. .54.3, A. F. & A. M., COR-
DOVA, ILLINOIS.

A dispensation was granted .January 29.
1S67, and a charter October 1, 1S67. The
charter members were D. H. Mattice, John
K. Glasscock, Orville N. Whitford, Thomas
Karr, J. L. Perkins, George Bryan, George
Ege, J.eonard Pyle, Jesse S. Dailey, R. F.
Simpson, D. Zimmerman. A. R. Sill, R. K.
McCormack, T. F. Abbott, J. E. Abbott, D.
Nicewanger and Abraham Bolinger.

The jiresent membcrshi]> is twenty-nine. .

SILVIS LODGE, NO. S9S, A. F. & A. AL . SILVIS,
ILLINOIS.

Silvis Lodge was granted a (lisjicnsatiou
May 18, 1907, and their charter November
1, 1908, at which time they had a large class
in the Master Mason's degree, working from
nine o'clock in the morning until ten o'clock
at night.

The ladies of the J5aptist Church served
the three meals, in a good home made way;
substantial, bountifvd and varied, with fried
chicken each time. In the lodge work Rock
Island and Moline brethern assisted. They
had twenty-seven charter members. Their
present membership is thirty-one.

DORIC LODCK, NO. .319. A. F. .<■• A. M., MIlLINi:.
ILLINOIS.

Doric Lodge, No. .319, A. V. .<: A. M.. was
organized at Moline, Illinois. May 11, 1N59,

Dillon. Horatio G. Nourse, Luke E. Hemen-
way. DeWitt C. Marshall, Robert H. Graham,
J5eiijamiii H. Towndrovv, William G. Roswell,
l.iy the following charter members: John I'.
Amos (iould and Charles A. Brenan.

A charier was granted October 5, 1S.59.

The membership at present is two hundred
and fifty-four.

ANDALUSIA LODGE, NO. 516, A. F. & A. M., ANPA-
LUSIA, ILLINOIS.

Date of dispensation. August 24, 1866; date
of charter, October 1. 1S67. Charter mem-
bers: B. F. Eby, F. M. IJcmey, S. B. Buffum,
I. T. Walker, John Buffum, A. B. Roberts,
F. A. Cobb, J. W. Ballard, Rinnah Wells,
(i. T. Connor, M. V. Spencer, James Cozad.

The present membership is thirty-seven.

The first worshipful master under dispen-
sation was B. F. Eby; senior warden. J. W.
Ballard; and junior warden, F. A. Colib.
Stated communications are held Tuesday on
or before full moon.

VALLEY LODGE, NO. 547, A. F. & A. M.. COAL
VALLEY, ILLINOIS.

Can not gi%e the date of their dispensa-
tion, as some of their records were destroyed
by fire. The date of the charter is October
1, 1867. The charter members were: James
R. Rosenberry. William Wayne, William
Meanor, B. R. Blackfan, Robert Lee, Fred-
erick Wcyei-hacuser, L. H. Trego, S. Black-
fan. The number of members at present is
sixty-six. Stated communications Friday on
or Ijcforo full moon.

PIIlLll LODGE, NO. 436. A. F. ,i;- A. M.. I'ORT
BYRON. ILLINOIS.

Charter was issued October 4, 1865. The
charter niPinbcrs were: E. M. Hickox, Sam-
iH'l i;. Allen. I). G. Com.stock, W. J. Shep-
pard, Heiu-y Saddoris, T. D. Temple, James
B. Temple. H. B. Young, George P. Gates,
[I. \Y. Guest. K. II. Johnston. Wilson Flem-
ing.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

215

Henry Saddoris is still a member— -eighty-
nine years old. He was made a Master
Mason, in 1S39, in Ohio. Have seventy-nine
members at present.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD
FELLOWS.

The national order was first instituted in
J>altimore, Maryland, in 1819, by five people;
a blacksmith by the name of Wilej' being the
head organizer. The first local lodge insti-
tuted and chartered was Rock Island Lodge,
No. 18, in 1850; some of the older members
being Washington L. Sweeney, Charles B,
Kno.x, William Bell, W. T. Norris, Henry
Bnrgower, Ernest Krell, Charles Engel, Cyrus
Churchill, Jacob Hnber, John B. Ilawley and
W. T. Magill.

Ileal Lodge, No. 608, was chartered in
1876; the older members being Jonas Bear,
Reul)en Bollman, Frank Bahnsen, Benjaniin
Hartz, Herbert Scott, John South and Charles
Hodgson. The Odd Fellowship Association
have a strong bond of help or assistance,
which they contribute to the dead or sick.
Rock Island Lodge, No. 18, giving a burial
fmid of eighty-five dollars, and a weekly sick
benefit fund of four dollars. Ucal Lodge,
No. 60S, giving a burial fund of two hundred
and ten dollars, and a weekly sick benefit
fund of three dollars.

The membership of the two lodges at the
present time is four hundred and six.

REHKKAir LODGE, NO. 73, LADIEs' AUXILIARY.

The founder of this auxiliary to Odd Fel-
lowship, was Schuyler Colfax, who later was
vice-president of the L^nited States. It was
organized in 1850, fifty-eight years ago.

ROYAL ARCANUM.

Rock Island Council, No. 1952, Royal
Arcanum, was organized September 3, 1902,
in Math's Hall, with twenty-eight cliarter
members. First officers elected were: Re-
gent, Will A. Robb; vice-regent, William

Ranson; orator, Frank H. First; past regent,
H. H. Robb; secretary, S. E. Mattison, junior;
collector, Joseph F. Schneider; treasurer, A.
S. Rasmussen; chaplain. Reverend Thomas
J. Shuey; guide, Albert Myers; warden, Ben-
jamin E. Robb; sentry, William M. Johnson;
trustees, Phil S. Wilcher, William Emig,
Charles Oswald; representative grand council,
H. H. Robb; alternate, Will A. Robb.

Meetings are held in Math's Hall, the second
and fourth Friday nights of each month.

The ])resent membersliip is eiglity-two.

PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES.

THE HODMAN RIFLES.

Was mustered into the State service, by
Colonel David O. Reid, adjutant-general
commanding, September 5, 1877. numbering
about seventy-five men. The first officers
elected were' William P. Hutler, caiJtain;
Charles W. Hawes, first lieutenant; John M.
Reticker, second lieutenant.

Shortly after the organization of the
company it was assigned to the Fourteenth
Battalion of Infantry, Illinois National Guard,
and designated as Company D. First Lieu-
tenant Charles W. Hawes was elected captain,
vice-captain William P. Butler promoted to
lieutenant-colonel commanding the Four-
teenth Battalion, with headquarters at Rock
Island.

The company was one of the finest in the
State, having distinguished itself for precision
in military tactics and for soldierly conduct
generally. The Rifle team made the best
record of any team in the Second Brigade and
won the prize for markmanship offered by
the Second Brigade, in 1880, and also prizes
in contests in other States.

In 1879, a corporation was forme. I by
members of the company, and purchased a
lot and erected thereon a three-story brick
Armory building, sixty by one hunilred and
fifty feet, at an expense of $15,000. It is
said to be the finest Armory ever built and

216

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

owned by a sing;le military company up to
that date; it is located at the corner of Third
Avenue and Sixteenth Street, and is still
occujiied by the company and the Rock
Island Division of Xaval Reserves.

The Armory Building is now o\\ ned by the
City of Rock Island, the buildins; has been
eidarged and part is used for council c'lambcrs,
city offices and police station.

Company D was assigned to the Sixtli
Regiment of Infantry in 1SS2, and designated
as Company A in 190S. The company served
in the Si)anish American \\'ar, in General
Miles expedition to Cuba and Porto Rico,
giving excellent service.

THIRD niilCADE, ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUAIJD,
MOLINE, ILLINOIS.

Tlie Brigade officers are as follows. Briga-
dier-General, Edward Kittilsen, commanding;
Major Elmer E. Morgan, adjutant-general.

SIXTH INFANTRY, ILLINOIS NATIONAL GIARD,
ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS.

Colonel "Will T. Channon. commanding;
Captain John J. Cairns, regimental adjutant.

Company A, Rock Island — Captain, Ed-
ward Dunavin; first lieutenant, AA'alter E.
Hart.; second lieutenant, Bernard A. Koch.

Company F, Moline — Captain, Marvin H.
Lj'^on, commanding; first lieutenant, Charles
Laurin; second lieutenant, Roland E. Willis.

Rock Island Division, Naval Reserves —
Lieutenant, Samuel R. Davis, commanding;
lieutenant junior grade, Maurice DeKay;

Moline Division, Naval Reserves — Lieuten-
ant, George T. Kemmerling, commanding;
lieutenant, jimior grade, George Gibbs.

Helen Gould Auxiliary, No. 7, United
Spanish War Veterans.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

In compiling the history of Rock Island
County, it would not be complete without
making mention of the Grand Army Posts,
and their auxiliaries. Shortly after the colse

of the Civil ^^'ar, the thought came in the
minds of the soldiers that were separating to
do something that would keep them near
togetlier, and the Grand Arm}' of the Republic
was instituted.

Doctor B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield,
Illinois, was the founder. The first Post was
organized at Decatur, Illinois, April 6, 1866.
Honorable M. F. Kanan was its first com-
mander.

Wednesday evening, June 6, 1866, a meet-
ing was held in the County Clerk's office of
the late officers and soldiers of the United
States volunteers. Major S. C. Plummer
read the constitution of the Grand Army of
the Republic; and it was decided to organize
a post.

Captain J. A. Jordan, Major S. C. Plummer.
Lieutenant-Colonel E. M. lieardsley, Major
James M. Beardsley, and Captain James F.
Copp were elected delegates to the first
Soldiers and Sailors convention held in Illi-
nois, and which convened in Springfield June
12. 1866. That evening they elected the
following officers: ilajor, Samuel C. Plum-
mer, district commander; Captain Joh:: Peetz,
adjutant-general; W. C. Blackburn, quarter-
master; Captain David Hillior. post-com-
mander; Captain Lester D. Phelps, adjutant;
James L. Hodges, quartermaster-sergeant.

June 24, 1866, the conu-ades received their
charter, being designated as Post No. 24. At
the first organization of the various Posts, no
names were given; only numbers. After-
wards names were given in connection with
number of the different Posts: the names
being in honor-ible recognition of some
prominent and favorite soldier.

Following this meeting a great many of the
old soldiers joined the Post, and arranged
by-laws and constitution. All went well for
a 3'ear when the general interest lagged and
they finally threw up t-ieir c]iarter and was
not reorganized until May 30, 1883, when the
following officers were elected: Major H. C.
Connellv, commander; Louis M. Buford

// rS'T O'RI C ROCK I SL A N D CO U N T Y

217

senior vice-commander; E. H. Bowman,
jnnior vice-commander; John il. Reitcker,
quartermaster; J. JI. Montgomery, officer of
the day ; Major Samuel C. Plummer, surgeon ;
L. V. Eckhart, officer of the guards; A. H.
Hampton, chaphiin; Comrade Harr}- Abel was
appointed adjutant; J. M. Beardsley, second
quartermaster-sergeant; Levi Harson, ser-
geant-major; and the following name adop-
ted: "Major General John Buford Post,
No. 243."

The olijects of the Grand .^rm}- has lieen
changed from time to time at their annual
meetings for the greatest number interested.
man_v of the legislative acts have been brought
about by tlie Grand Army, and much good
accomplished liy them, for the great princi]iles
involved.

The following is a list of the Posts of the
County, and year of organization:

Major General John Buford Post, No. 243,
Hock Island, 1S74; Graham Post, No. 312,
Moline, 1S6S; William McDaniel Post, No.
.595, Hampton, 1S6S; Alford Bing Post, No.
492, Andalusia, 1SS6; William L. Walker
Post, No. 385, Coal Valley, 1SS6; J. W. Muse
Post, No. 369, Milan, 18S6; Reynolds, No..
559, Reynolds, 1886.

Eligibility to membersliip, includes soldiers
and sailors of the United States ai-my, navy
or marine corps, who served between April
12, 1861, and April 9, 1865, in the war for the
svippression of the rebellion ; those having
been honorably discharged therefrom after
such service; and of such State regiments as
were called into active service, and subject to
the orders of the United States general officers
between the dates mentioned; shall be eligible
to membership in the Grand Army of the
Republic. No person shall be eligible to
membership who has at anj- time borne arms
against the United States. No officer or
comrade of the Grand Army of the Repidjlic
shall in any manner use the organization for
partisan purposes, and no discussion of parti-
san questions shall be permitted at any of its

meetings, nor shall any nominations for
]x)litical office be made.

The objects to be accomplished by this
organization are: To preserve and strengthen
tliose kind and fraternal feelings which bind
together soldiers, sailors and marines, who
united to su])press the late rebellion, and to
perpetuate the memory and history of the
Dead; to assist such former comrades in arms
as need help and protection, and to extend
needftd aid to the widows and orphans of
those who have fallen; to maintain true
idleciance to the United States of America,
l)ased upon a paramount respect for and
fidelity to its constitution and laws, ti di.s-
c(Huitenance whatever tends to weaken loy-
alty, incite insurrection, treason or rebellion;
or in any manner im))airs the efficiency or
permancy of our free institiitions; and to
encourage the spread of universal liherty,
equal rights and justice to all men.

The Major General Jojm Buford Post, No.
243, was highly complimented by one of its
members — Ed\^in H. Buck, in 1906 — being
elected Department commander of the State
of Illinois, and with the boys was dubbed
"Private Buck."

THE PRESS OF ROCK ISLAND
COUNTY.

To Henry C. McGrew, a native of Ireland,
who came to this country in 1818 with his
father, belongs the credit of issuing the first
newspaper published in Rock Island County.
He came to Rock Island in 1839, and about
the middle of August of that year started
the Rock Islantl Banner and Stephenson
Gazette, which suspended publication in the.
Fall of 1841, when the press and type were
moved to Geneseo. The paper was neutral
in politics until 1840, when, during the
jjresidential campaign of that year, it advo-
cated the principles of the Democratic
party.

218

HISTORIC ROCK 1 S L AND COU N T Y

THE UrPER MISSISSIPPIAN.

After the Banner began its support of the
Democratic party, the Whigs felt the need of
a paper during the political excitement of
184(i, and accordingly in the early part of
October of that year the Upper Mississipia7i
was started; its editors and proprietors at
first not being announced, but all communi-
cations were to be addressed to Daniel Crist.

The paper had an eventful career and its
editorial columns were principally filled with
personal quarrels. At times the paper failed
to be published on account of lack of funds
with which to purchase paper, and at one
time it was suggested to buy muslin and print
on that; the subscribers to wash and return
it in time for the next issue; but the project
was never carried out. On September 24,
1842, the press and type were replevined in
the name of John G. Powers, and the paper
was printed for that week in the Gazette
office at Davenport. In November, 1S42, a
new press and type were purchased.

Among the people prominently connected
with the Upper Alississipian during its career
were: Daniel Crist; Doctor Silas Reed, who
furnished the editorial; and Thomas Gregg.
Harmon G. Reynolds purchased the paper
from Crist in November, 1844, and changed
the name to the Upper Mississipia^i and
Rock Island Republican. It expired early in
1847.

THE NORTHWESTERN ADVERTISER.

In 1845, the Whigs were again without a
paper, and in November of that year, a
prospectus was issued for a new paper to be
known as the Northwestern Advertiser, edited
and published by Doctor Horatio P. Gatchell,
who came from Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Chris-
tian (Campbellite) preacher, and Miles W.
Conway. The press was purchased at Du-
buque, Iowa.

On the 12th of November Mr. Conway died,
and this so discouraged Doctor Gratchell that

he sold the paper to General William Vanderer
in May, 1846. Mr. Vanderer jjublished the
paper for about a year when he sold it to
Messrs. Sanders and Davis, of the Davenport
Gazette, who published it a few months and
then sold it to F. P. Bennett, he changing the
name to the Rock Island Advertiser.

Mr. Bennett continued the publication of
the paper alone until 1856, when A. J.
Brackett became an associate, the partnership
lasting about a year, Mr. Brackett retiring.

In September, 1853, Mr. Bennett, the sole
proprietor since Colonel Brackett's retire-
ment, sold to Thomas R. Raymond and
Oliver T. Wharton, who remained together
until September 13, 1854, when Mr. Wharton
assumed control and Mr. Raymond estab-
lished a job office.

The Tri-Wcekly Advertiser was started in
December, 1853, and in 1855 Mr. Wharton
started the Daily Advertiser, which was rim
until the Spring of 1858.

In 1856 Mr. Wharton formed a partnership
with G. S. Hyatt, which did not last long.
In August, 1 856, Mr. AVharton . sold the
Advertiser to T. R. Raymond, and in Decem-
ber Doctor A. S. Paddock became interested
with Mr. Raymond in its puljlication, which
lasted about a 3^ear. The jjajier died in the
Spring of 1858.

THE LIBERTY BANNER.

A small, uiiiiretentious sheet, advocating
the abolition of slaverj^ — The Liberty Banner
— made its first appearance in the Spring of
1S46; a most unfavorable time, and advocat-
ing a principle which both the great parties,
the Democrats and the Whigs, were violently
opposing. Its editor was C. B. Waite. The
paper was printed in the office of the Upper
Mississipian. It was published oidy a few
months.

THE ARGUS.

The first issue of tlie pajier which after-
ward became The Aryas was jirinted in a rear

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

219

room on the second floor of what was then
the Whittaker and Everts buikling, located
just east of the present Argus building,
October IS, 1851. Although it was issued
as the liock Island Republican, it was Demo-
cratic in politics then, as now. The adoption
of the present nauie was brought about in
1855 by the formation of an opposing political
party, which took the one the paper bore.
At the time it was established, as in the case
with the publication for the most part since,
the Republican was the only Democratic
paper within a radius of one hundred miles.
Its jniblication was begun by Fred S. Nichols
and John W. Dunham. The outfit they used
was a second hand one, purchased in St.
Louis. Both partners had consideraljle ex-
perience in newspaper work previous to their
coming here, and their acquaintance was
formed while working together on the St.
Louis IntcUigcnccr. Nichols was a Northern
man and Dunham a Southerner. Tlie latter
.soon became tired of the undertaking and
after six weeks he sold out to his partner.
Nichols continued alone until No\-eml)er,
1852, when he sold a half interest to J. B.
Danforth, junior, whose connection with the
paper continued to a more or less extent till
1 869.

Having acquired the interest of Nichols,
in the Spring of 1853, Mr. Danforth continued
as sole proprietor three years, when a share
was purchased by Robert V. Shurley. The
Buford Block, at the northeast corner of
Second Avenue and Seventeenth Street, the
first four-story liuilding in the City, was
completed in 1854, ami the Republican took
up quarters there which it retained seventeen
years. July 13th of that year the first daily
was issued. At that time there was no other
daily nearer than Duljuque.

September 16, 1857, Pershing and Connelly
(the latter Major H. C. Connelly), tlicn pub-
lishers of the Rock Islander, bought the
interest not owned hy Mr. Shurley, and the
title of the ])a])er was changed to the Rock

Islander and Argus. A week after this
transaction, Mr. Shurley sold out to Milton
Jones, who remained on the paper until 1881.
September 16, 1859, J. B. Danforth again
secured an interest, buying out Purshing and
Connelly, and the paper once more became
The Argus. In the meantime, July 18, 1859,
the daily was suspended and a tri- weekly
liegun. This was continued until September
1, 1861, when the daily was resumed.

In 1869 Roliert F. McNeal bought out Mr.
Danforth; but January 1, 1S7U, he, in turn,
]iarted with his interests to J. S. Drake.
Tliree years later The Argus Company was
formed and incorporated with a capital
stock of .1!;32,000. In 1871 the Buford heirs
erected the Argus Block next the alley on the
east side of East Seventeenth Street, and the
pa])er went into its first exclusive quarters.
Ten years later Richardson and Powers ac-
quired the controlling interest in the company.
For a brief year they waged a struggle against
adversit_y. At the end of that time, in 1881,
financial reverses necessitated a suspension
of the paper. J. W. Potter, pulilisher of the
Freeport Bulletin, came upon the scene and
l)()ught tlie news])aper, semling his son, the
late J. W. Potter, junior, here to manage it.
(See biograjihy of J. W. Potter, as per index).
The first issue under the new management
appeared August 2, 1882. In May, 1885, the
elder Mr. Potter died, and the son became
sole owner. When Mr. Potter took charge
of The Argus there was little but the name
left. For a time the paper was issued in
abbreviated form. As it made a ]ilace for
itself in the community it was enlarged till
it l)ecame an eight and even a nine-coliinm
folio. The size was reduced to the standard
seven column quarto upon the installati(jn of
a Cox perfecting press in 1894. Since that
time the regular issue has been of six and
eight pages, but special editions of twelve,
sixteen and even more pages have been issued
from time to time.

220

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

In 188S the old quarters on East Seven-
teenth Street were outgrown. During that
season the building now occupied was pur-
chased by Mr. Potter and became the paper's
home.

The first Daily Argus, which was issued
July 13, 1854, was an evening paper. De-
cember 17, 1855, it was clianged to a morning
paper and published as such till November
IS, 1861, when evening publication was again
resumed, and has been continued up to the
present. A weekly has been jjublished con-
tinuousl}' since the founding of the paper in
1851.

During the j'ears since The Argux was
revived by ilr. Potter, it has earned rank
among the first ])apers of its class in the
state, and has maintained that position.
Besides being tlie oldest paper in the County,
it has been published under its present name
longer tlian any other paper in the three
cities. It was tlie first paper in the three
cities to use a steam power press, the first to
substitute therefor an electric motor, and the
first to abandon the old cylinder jaress for one
of the perfecting varietv.

Upon the death of J. W. Potter, January
11, 1898, the management of Thr Argus
became known as the J. W. Potter Publishing
Company, by which the paper is now issued.
The officers are. President, Mrs. J. W.
Potter; vice-president, H. P. Simpson; secre-
tary, and treasurer James J. LaVelle. Mi'.
Simpson is editor and Mr. LaVelle manager
of the paper.

THE NEWS.

On the 10th of March, 1855, James Bowie
issued a daily paper in Rock Island called
The News. It was printed in Raymond's
office in Gothic Block, and was of transient
duration. It expired after an existence of
one hundred and twenty-eight daj-s. Bowie
came here from Baltimore, and after leaving
here edited a paper at Geneseo, Henry
County. In September, 1858, he returned to

Moline, and in connection with Frank Linne-
han started the Citizen, which soon failed,
and in 1860 he was again at Geneseo, in con-
nectiim with another .short lived paper in
that ]>lace, where he died in 1860.

THE COMMERCIAL.

On the 7th of July, 1858, C. W. Kirkland
commenced tlie publication of a morning
daily paper, and also a weekly, called the
Commercial. In its first issue he said : ' ' The
Commercial will be the firm, zealous and con-
sistent supporter of the principles of the
Republican partj'." The printing was done
at Rajrmond's office in the Gothic Block.
It was discontinued on the 3rd of February,
1850, for the want of patronage.

THE ROCK ISLAND REGISTER.

T. J. Pickett launched a Republican paper
— the Rock Island Register — February 9,
1859, and published from the start a weekly
and tri-weekly, with Campbell W. Waite as
associate editor, who continued his connec-
tion with the paper for about five months.
June 6, 1860, C. W. Kirkland became a
partner, the firm name being Pickett and
Waite. editors and proprietors. January 9,
1861, Mr. Pickett having been elected to the
Legislature, j\Ir. M. S. Barnes took charge of
the editorial department, which he retained
until the return of Mr. Pickett in August of
that 3'ear.

The tri-weekly ceased publication some
time in the Summer of 1861, and the weekly
some time in 1862.

ROCK ISLAND UNION.

A\liile the Union was first issued in Rock
Island, November 5, 1862, the origin of the
paper is to be sought in Moline, the daily and
weekl}' Union representing a union of two
Moline papers, and the transfer of the office
of publication to Rock Island, the coimty
seat, and the political and commercial centre
of the count)'. In August, 1857, Ames

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

221

Smith, who came west from Lambertville,
New Jersey, started the Moline Workman, a
weekly which strongly espoused the anti-
slavery cause. In February, 1857, he sold
the plant to Robert H. Graham and Alfred
AA'ebster, who chan{j:ed the name to the
Independent, under wliich name it was con-
tinued by various owners. The ownership of
the plant, after several changes, in 1862,
finall}' reverted to Mr. Graham and his
brother-in-law, Mr. I. A. Kiick. The latter
remained in charge when Jlr. Graham entered
the military service at the outbreak of the
Civil War, in which he rose to the rank of
Colonel. His death followed soon after his
resignation, in the Fall of 1862.

In November, 1862, Mr. Kuck discontinued
the publication of the Moline Indejicndcnt,
and moved the plant into tlie old l\Iitchell
and Lynde Block, in Rock Island, wlience, on
the fifth of the month, the first number of
the Weekly Union was published, as an organ
of the Republicans of the county. Mr.
Graham died November 11, and the publica-
tion of the daily, which had already been
launched in the expectation that he would be
able to return to take part in tlie enterjirise,
was at once stopped. Mr. Kuck continued
the publication of the Weekly Union imtil
May, 1863, when he sold the property to
Cokmel M. S. Barnes, who at once resun:ed
the puljlication of tlie Daily Union as an
evening jiaper in addition to the weekly.
The ]jublication of the daily as an evening
paper was continued until December, 1866,
when Colonel Barnes, who had resumed
]X)ssession after three months control bj'
Major William CafTerj^ sold the ijrojjerty to
Captain L. M. Haverstick, who came here
from Maryland. When Captain Haverstick
took possession the daily was changed to a
morning pajjer. He subsequently bouglit
the Moline Republican, and. added its job
plant as a department of the T'nion iirintiug
l)u.siue.ss. Captain Haverstick was the editor
of the Union until 1874, but in the meantime

lie had several partners in the business. On
July 1, 1867, M. D. Merrill bought a two-
fifths interest. At the end of two years he
sold it back to Mr. Haverstick. The latter
then sold a half interest to Mr. Richard
Crampton, and the result was the removal
of the office of publication to the block in
which Mr. Crampton carried on his book
store and blank book manufactory. This
combination continued until the Summer of
1872, when Captain Haverstick repurchased
Mr. Crampton's interest and built tlie block
on Eighteenth Street from which the Union,
daily and weeklj', has since been issued. In
the Spring of 187."?, Mr. O. A. Barnhart pur-
chased a half interest in the paper, which he
held for one year.

In March, 1874, the Union Printing Com-
pany was organized, to take over the prop-
erty. The first stock holders and officers
were: L. M. Haverstick, president; A. E.
Wells, vice-president; Walter Johnson, secre-
tary and treasurer. In September of that
\-ear Captain Haverstick sold his stock to
Captain H. C. Cleaveland and J. J. Parks,
when Mr. Johnson became president and
editor, and Mr. Cleaveland business manager.

During the succeeding two years, the
ownership of the stock held by ;\Iessrs.
Cleaveland and Parks clianged hands several
times, Captain Ha^■erstick returning to his
ol<l [ilace for a time. In 1876, however, he
sold his quarter interest to William Henry
Burdett, and Mr. Parks sold his quarter
interest to George McKay Luken, who
became superintendent of the job room.
After this period tlie ownership of the paper
l^ecame staple and confined to fewer hands.
Mr. Lidven after a few years, s(jld his interest
to Messrs. Johnson and Burdett, and a small
block of the stock went to Cieorge Morgan,
but the latter remained with the paper but a
short time. In 1SS8, Mr. Burdett, on account
of sickness which caused his death December
1, 1889, sold his interest to Mr. H. C. Ash-
baugh. The latter, in 1891, sold it to

•222

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

Mr. Jdhiisdn. w lid t liiis hecamo the sole owner
well as the editor. After his death the as
property descended to his widow and daught-
ers, who ha\-e retained the ownership of the
paper. .1. K. Brandenburg, whom Mr. John-
son, during the period of invalidism preceding
his death, placed in charge of the editorial
deixirtment, continuing in that capacity, with
Tj. Ben DriffiU as business manager, and F.
W. Rinck as advertising manager.

The Daily Union has returned to the field
which it originally occupied as an evening
paper, and the change has materially in-
creased the prosperity which the paper has
enjoyed for a quarter of a century.

THE AMERICAN LAW REPORTER.

A neat, little quarto-weekly paper which
made its appearance in the Fall of 1872, was
The American Law Reporter, with I^. G.
Johnson as editor. As the name implie.s it
was devoted to the interests of the legal pro-
fession of Illinois and Iowa. The first edition
was printed in Davenport, then it was moved
into the Union Block, Rock Island. The
paper was published for eighteen weeks, when
it ceased for want of patronage.

THE LIBERTY LEAGUE.

Another pa|)er, which had a short life, and
whose publishers were unannounced, made
its appearance April 3, LS73, its name being
The Liberty Lecif/iiv. The paper was started
as an organ for the liquor dealers of Rock
Island and the adjoining cities. It lived
three weeks, when, as generally supposed,
the material was stole during the night time,
shi];)])ed to Burlington, Iowa, and sold.

MOLINE DAILY DISPATCH.

Established July 31, 1878, by Oliver and
Louise White, who came to Moline from
Toulon, Stark County, where they had con-
ducted the Mollie Stark. They started the
Dispateh as a four-colunui folio. A little
later is was consolidate with the Review, and

thus originated the name of the Review-
hispiitch, now the weekly edition of the Daily
Dispateh. Samson Kennedy was one of the
successors of the Whites, and with him was
Captain I^. M. Haverstick. These proj^rietors
conducted the Dispatch till in the early
eighties they were succeeded by the Dean
Brothers — Fred O. Dean and Jay H. Dean.
When these latter had failed to make the
publication pay, they w-ere, in July of 1885,
succeeded by P. S. McGlynn and John K.
Groom. Mr. Groom sold out his interest in
1891 to W. F. Eastman. Since that time
Messrs. IMcGlynn and Eastman have been
editors, publishers and owners of the paper,
under the style of the Moline Dispatch Pub-
lishing Company.

MOLINE WEEKLY REVIEW-DISPATCH.

From June of 1S67, when Captain L. M.
Haverstick bought the Moline Republican and
discontinued it, to November 26, 1870, Moline
had no newspaper. On the date last named,
Messrs. Lowe and Gilson (Frank R. Gilson,
later of the Clinton, Iowa, Herald and the
Benton Harbor, Michigan, Palladium, dtu'ing
his proijrietorship of which latter paper he
died) started the Moline Review. They used
the printing material of the discontinued
Republican. February 17, 1871, Mr. Lowe
retired from the firm. Mr. Gilson continued
publishing the paper till September 23, 1871,
when he gave way to Kennedy and Crichton.
May 1, 1872, Mr. Crichton retired and was
succeeded by B. F. Tillinghast, now of the
Davenjiort Democrat. The firm was Kennedy
and Tillinghast till March 23, 1874, when Mr.
Kennedy retired. Tillinghast conducted the
paper alone till Jvdy 1, 1875, when he was
joined by John H. Porter. February 5, 1877,
Tillinghast and Porter sold the paper to R. H.
Moore, later of the Ottumwa Courier. In
1878 came consolidation w'ith the Daily
Dispatch, under the management of Oliver
White and his wife.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

223

PORT BYRON GLOBE.

The first issue of the Port Byron Globe
appeared October 16, 1880, J. W. Simpson
being etUtor antl proprietor. It was then an
cifiht-cohimn folio and was liberally patron-
ized from the start. Mr. Simpson, Feliruary
22, 1885, sold out to Hess and Owen. This
firm continued for a year, when Mr. Hess sold
his interest to G. A. Metzgar, and the latter
disposed of Iiis interest to Mr. Owen after
only a short connection with the jjaper. In
1891 W. D. Hall purchased an interest and
the firm was then known as Owen and Hall.
Marcli 1, 1898, Frank McMeekin |)urchased
Mr. Owen's interest and the firm of Hall and
McMeekin continued five years, when the
junior member of the partnership retired from
the publication and W. D. Hall became sole
owner, and continues as such at the i)resent
time.

The Globe lias always borne the reputation
of being one of the best country weeklies of
the State. Its advertising space is sought
becau.se it is backed by the entire farming
commmiity and the villages of the north end
of the county, and it is also carefully edited
and neatly printed. Under the management
of Mr. Hall the business of the paper has
doubled, and it is at present equijijied with
power presses and other machinery to meet
the increase in its patronage.

The paper has always been independent
politically, giving first attention to the home
news, and treating all fairly and honestly,
regardless of color, sex or previous condition
of servitude. In short, the paper is a family
paper and its ]:)resent proprietor feels that his
efforts to make it such are appreciated, as
his readers point to the Globe as a model
country jiaper.

MOLINE :\IA1L.

.Mthough the youngest of the newspapers
of Moline, the Moline Eveyiinij Mail has, from
the first, enjoyed the confidence and favor (jf

the great mass of the people comprising
Moline's population; and with the growth of
the city and suburbs the paper has increased
in these attributes.

Started a.s a Sunday moi'uing paper in
1893, the daily edition was begun soon after-
ward, induced by the growth in jiopularity of
the Sunday edition. The first owner of the
paper was the firm of Stanley and May —
Messrs. T. I. Stanley and Charles E. May —
and it so continued until Mr. Stanley sold his
interests to W. A. Jones, and the paper con-
tinued under the firm of Jones and May. In
1902 Mr. Jones sold his half interest to J. H.
McKeever, then city editor, and the firm
became May and McKeever. This partner-
shi]3 was incorporated in 1903 as The Moline
Mail Company, and the following directors
were elected and serve at i)resent: E. B.
McKeever, J. H. McKeever, C. E. May and
J. H. Holmes; the officers being as follows:
president, E. B. McKeever; vice-president,
J. H. Holmes; secretary-treasurer, J. H.
McKeever.

From the first The Mail has been inde-
pendent in ])olitics, voicing the will and the
vigor of pvdjlic sentiment as ex])ressed by
the people.

Starting with a foot-power job press and a
small type ecpiipment, located in a cellar
basement, The Mail has grown until today
it occupies its own building, a fine two-story
brick structure at 1420 Fifth Avenue, has a
perfecting press and linotype machines, a
large equipment in composing room, and a
splendid, loyal and enthusiastic staff of
workers in all departments. E. P. Rund-
quist is city editor and J. A. Logsdon is in
charge of the circulation. E. B. McKeever
is editor, and J. H. McKeever, business
manager. The paper is now issued every
week day evening, the Sunday issue having
been discontinued.

A job printing department is also o])crated
in connection with the newspaper.

224

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

THE RFANOLDS PRESS.

Jesse A. Winger was the founder of the
Press. He bought the entire plant, new
from shooting-stick to newspaper press, in
Chicago, and issued Number one of Volume
one in Aledo, the seat of Mercer County, on
October 19, 1894, In that city it was pub-
lished for more than a year as a red hot
Democratic weekh\

But the income wasn't quite large enough
to paj^ the expenses, and so ilr. Winger
sought a new field. He found it at Reynolds,
the metropolis of the lower end of Rock
Island County, and one of the finest little
villages in the State, located, b}- the way,
about half way between Aledo and Rock
Island, and surrounded in everj' direction by
a particularly rich agricultural region. The
Aledo Press thus became the Reynolds Press,
without missing an issue, in Januarj', 1S96,
at the same time changing its politics to
independent.

In Februar}', 1897, the plant and subscrip-
tion list were sold to Guy Y. Pettit, who at
that time was principal of the Brimfield,
Peoria County, schools. Mr. Pettit had been
in public school work for twelve years, five
of them having been spent at the head of the
Hampton and Reynolds schools, respectively.
Without a single daj''s experience in a print
shop, the new owner assumed personal charge
of his venture July 1, 1897, and has been with
the paper ever since.

In common with most country weeklies,
the Press was a ' ' patent inside '' paper up to
May 1, 1904. Since that time it has been an
"all home print," published in six-column
quarto style, with occasionalh- two to four
additional pages to accommodate special
spurts of advertising. The old hand press,
on which tlse paper was printed for six j-ears,
disappeared in 1900 to make room for a big
drum cylinder, that runs at the rate of 1,200
an hour. The Press, which, bj- the way, has
never missed an issue since its birth twelve

years ago, attempts to make a specialtj'- of
local news, neighboring correspondence and
live advertisements. Its principal claim for
distinction lies in the fact that, considering
the size of the village, it probably has a larger
circulation than anj- other paper in the State.

THE BEOBACHTER AM MISSISSIPIAN.

The first paper printed in the German
language in Rock Island was The Beobachter
am Mississipian, making its appearance in
1857, the proprietor being Maguns Mueller,
and edited bj^ Doctor Ciolina, a physician
who resided and practiced his profession here
for some years. The paper was not well
supported and survived only about one year.
Its politics were neutral.

THE CHRONIK DES WESTENS.

In December, 1859, the material of the
Beobachter office was purchased by Adam
and George I.eiberknecht, who on the first
of January, 1860, started a weekly German
newspaper, called the Chronik des Westens.
This paper, like its predecessor, was neutral
in politics. It ceased to exist in 1863.

THE NEUE VOLKS ZEITUXG.

On the .30th of August, 1875, tlie first
number of a liandsome semi-weekly, entitled
Neue Volks Zeitung, was issued from Zeis'
Building on the northeast corner of Eighteenth
Street and Second Avenue. It was started
by Charles C. Winter, one of the editors of
the Westliche Post, of St. Louis, who had
come here during the April previous to
inspect the prospects for such an enterprise.
The paper was a success from the start. In
politics it was thoroughly independent, and
it maintained that position admirably through
out, until its name was changed.

Mr. Winter's paper flourished until ilarch
1, 1882, when he sold the same to George S.
Lecliner, who came here from Johnstown,
Penn-sylvania, Mr. Winter moving from here
to Danville, Illinois, where he published

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

225

successfully the Deutsche Zeilung until five
j'Cars ago wlien he died in London, England,
on a journe_v to the fatherland. Mr. Lechner
after a few months sold the Neiie Volks
Zcitung to F. Protar, through whose efforts
the paper was brought to a flourishing con-
dition. He changed the name to Volks
Zcitung. After a prosperous ten years' career
Mr. Protar, on April 1, 1893, sold his journal
to the Rock Island-Moline Volks Zeitung
Publishing Company, consisting of prominent
German citizens of Rock Island and Moline.
Tlie paper was managed by Messrs. Paul
Kersch and August Hansgen. These men
were less successful than their ]iredecessor,
and July 1, 1897, John P. Kieffer. of Remsen,
Iowa, undertook the publication of the
paper, which he continued for exactly two
years. Gustav Donald, of Davenport, bought
the Volks Zeitung July 1, 1899, and pub-
lished the same until July 1, 19t)l, when it
came into the hands of Val. J. Peter, of Peoria,
Illinois. Mr. Peter began his newspaper
career seventeen 3'ears ago as a compositor
for the Volks Zeitung. He has always con-
sidered this City his home. He went from
here to Peoria, where he was engaged until
his return to this City as cit}' editor of the
Dail}- Peoria Sonne, one of the largest and
most influential German newspajiers in the
west. During the period of Mr. Peter's
management of the Volks Zeitung, which is
issued every Tuesday and Friday, was brought
to a degree of excellence beyond that of any
previous time in its history. On October 3,
1903, Mr. Peter bought the two-story brick
building, at 1906 Third Avenue, of Henry
Frick. where his thriving business is now
comfortably enconsed. He also purchased a
Hoe newspaper press, and on October 23,
1903, the Volks Zeitung was for the first time
in its existence, printed on its own press.
Mr. Peter has added a job printing depart-
ment to his newspaper interests and has now
a model plant. To commemorate the thir-
tieth anniversary of the Volks Zcitung in a

fitting manner, Mr. Peter issued on August
30, 1905, an elaborate forty-four page anni-
versary edition, artisticallj' illustrated and
teaming with interesting matter, containing
a complete history of this locality in general'
and of the Cierman element and its achieve-
ments in particular, which is recognized as a
puljlication of historic merits and one that
has won honors for the enterprising young
pubhsher.

ADDITIONAL PUBLICATIONS.

In addition to tlie Union, Argus and News,
there are published in Rock Island the fol-
lowing:

By the Augustana Book Concern: Augus-
tana (weekly), The Augustana Journal (semi-
monthly). The Augustana Theological Quart-
erly, Barnens Tidning (semi-montlily), Kors-
baneret (annually). The Olive Leaf (monthly),
Praricblomman (annually), U ngdomsvannen
(monthly.)

Other periodicals: Broadway Church Vis-
itor; Reverend William S. Marquis, editor.

The Canners and Packers Directory oj North
America; Elliot D. Fislier, publisher.

The Fraternal Tribunes (monthly); Robert
Rexdale, editor.

The Modern Woodman (monthly); official
paper of the ^Modern Wooilnien of America;
Frank 0. VanGalder, editor.

Mystic Light (monthly) ; Henry E. Burris
(colored), publisher.

Rock Island Credit Rating Book and Daily
Bulletin; published by Rock Island Business
Men.

Polk's Rock I stand-. Moline Directory, R. L.
Polk and Company, publishers.

Tri-City Unionist; published by the L^nioa-
ist Publishing Company.

The Villa Shield; publislied by the Sisters
of the Visitation.

The Davenport Daily Times, of Davenport,
conducts a news bureau in both Rock Island
and Moline.

226

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

FIRST FERRIES.

In looking o\er the records, we find that
licenses for ferries were granted as follows:
To George Davenjiort and Joshua Vandruff,
for a ferry across Rock River, March, 1834;
at the same date to George Davenport for a
ferry across the Slough, and to Rinnah Wells
for a ferry across Rock River.

Jonah H. Case, Antoine LcClaire and W.
F. Brashar were granted a license to run a
ferry across the Mississippi to the Iowa shore
in March, 1835.

Nathaniel Belcher was granted a license to
establish a ferry across the Mississippi at
Port Byron in March, 1837.

In October, 1837, a ferry feud had arisen.
John Wilson, owner of the main ferry between
Stephenson and the Iowa shore, made an
application to the County Commissioners for
an "order vacating Henry Powars' ferry."
The order was granted in 1838 "for the in-
sufficiency of his boats, the want of hands,
and for ferrying beyond the linuts."

FIRST HOTELS.

The records also furnish the following,
respecting the first licenses for hotels: To
Jonah H. Case, July 1833. His tavern was
the first licensed within the corporate limits
of Rock Island, though travelers had been
kept at Barren's house in Farnhamsburg.

In June, 1836, Jonathan Buffum was
licensed to keep a ta\ orn in Stephenson. At
the same session of the Court a tavern license
was also granted to Henry Powars and
Company, who built the old Rock Island
House, which was opened July 4, 1837 with
a big ball, and torn down in 1875, to make
room for the present commodious brick
structure. The old frame Rock Island House,
having been in existence as a hotel for over
forty years, and with the new one u]) to the
present time, the Rock Island Flouse has
stood on the old corner seventy-two years.
The old hotel u\) |o 1854 for a period of

years was the old stage .station — the stage
office being in the hotel office, S. S. Stevens
being stage agent. Stage barn accommoda-
tions were afforded in the hotel barn where
the feed store is on Market Square. When
the railroad got as far as Tiskilwa — then
Indian Town — Joe Barnett ran a hack from
there to Rock Island.

The old-time landlords of the Rock Island
House were Henry Powars, B. F. Barrett; in
1856 AVoodin ami Hughitt; 1858-59, Albert
Tuxbury.

In issuing the old tavern licenses, the
County Commissioners fixed the prices for all
kinds of liquors sold, and the rates of fare
both for "man and beast."

At the present location of the Harper House
there have been several differently named
hotels. Prior to and in the early fifties, there
was the Hadsell House, kept bj^ James R.
Hadsell, who, over the front door, had on the
cap stone the three links of Odd Fellowship;
afterwards, with imjH'ovements that came,
was the Island City Hotel, which was built
in 1854 by C. H. Smith. Its dimensions
being ninety-six feet bj' one hundred and four
feet, four sto;ies high, with one hundred
sleeping rooms. Mr. Smith being its first
landlord, with his wife, Mrs. Nancy Smith,
as housekeeper. In 1855 Tuxbury and Ar-
nold were proprietors. In 1856 B. O. Stanley
was proprietor. Mr. C' H. Smith again took
charge in 1858. It was afterwards called the
Rodman House, which biu'iied down in 1870,
and the jiresent Harper House erected that
year. The old Island City Hall, in connec-
tion Avith the hotel, was where all tlie dances,
lectures and shows were held Ijefore Dart's
Hall was built.

The American House, built opposite the
Court House on Orleans Street, in the forties,
Mathias Stem being proprietor. On this site,
in 1856, was built the Farnam House, a four-
story brick building, with one hundred
.sleeping rooms; Stem and Delano, proprie-
tors.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

227

The Graham House in the forties was b'lilt
on the corner of IlUnois and Washington
Streets— the Rock Island National Bank
corner — where was afterwards built the City
Hotel, a three-story brick building. At one
time there was a butcher shop there.

Ohio House, corner of Madison and Rock
River Streets; \. H. Garver, proprietor. It
is still standing; used for business and private
uses; a one-story 'brick business block sur-
rounding it west and south.

Mansion House, Buffalo Street, south of
Water Street. David Noonan, the first
proprietor, followed by his brotlier, Patrick
Noonan.

Union House, Madison Street, opposite
Spencer Square. Proprietors, 185.5-1858-
186'. I, William B. 0. Skelton, John Sargent,
T. S. Teal. And then we had the old Sham-
rock on Adams Street, between Illinois and
Orleans, kept by James Broderick. Later tlie
Black Hawk on the levee, west of Madison
Street, kept by Hugh Conwell; but these were
two large boarding houses, and in their day
well known. In early rafting days, when the
rafts tied up for the night, the levee was a
rough spot; with cheap low shows, and
drunken rafters, is was tough.

FIRST MARRIAGES.

The first marriage solemnized in the County,
so far as the records show, was by John W.
Spencer, one of the County Commissioners,
the parties being James L. Biu-tis and Ange-
line Reardsley. The license was issued July
13, 1833, and the marriage ceremony imme-
diately followed. The second license was
issued to Benjamin Goble and Barbary Van-
druff, August 22, 1833. The third was issued
-April 1, 1834, to Adrian H. Davenport and
Harriet Sibley, who were married the same
day by Colonel Davenport, County Com-
missioner.

The first seven years of the County's legal
existence, the issue of marriage licenses stood
as follows: In 1833, two; in 183-1, three;

in 1835, six; in 1836, twenty-one; in 1837,
eleven; in 1838, twenty-three; in 1839,
twenty-eight; in 1840, thirty-three.

George L. Davenport was the first white
child born in this section of the country. He
was 'born on the island in 1817, and was the
eldest son of Colonel George Da^-enport.

OLD SETTLERS ASSOCIATION OF ROCK
ISLAND COUNTY.

Preliminary proceedings for the organiza-
tion of an Okl Settlers Association were com-
menced on the 11th day of December, 1865,
liy notices published in the Rock Island
Argus and the Rock Island Union, calling a
meeting at Jacob Norris and Company's book
store on the evening of Wednesday, December
13, 1865. On that evening ten or twelve old
settlers assemliled. Cliarles H. Case, esquire,
was appointed chairman, and Major Frazer
Wilson, secretary. A committee on organi-
zation was appointed, consisting of Jacob
Norris, Doctor P. Gregg, William Bell, Jolm
H. Eby and Daniel Beals.

January 10, 1866, the association was
formed and named the Old Settlers Associa-
tion of Rock Island ("ounty. The meeting
was held at the Coiu-t House, and a constitu-
tion and Ijy-laws adopted. An annual festi-
val and gathering was also ordered to be held,
and all persons who were residents of Rock
Island County prior to December 31, 1845, or
who married wives who were in the County
at tliat time, were eligible to membership,
together with their cliiklren or descendants.
At this meeting thirty-four members were
enrolled. The first annual festival was held
in Babcock's Hall in the '. 'ity of Rock Island,
on Thursday, February 22, 1866. August 29,
1890, the elegibility to membership was
advanced from 1845 to 1850. August 27,
1895, the association adopted a resolution
advancing the eligilnlity to membershij) from
1850 to 1855.

August 30, 1906, the constitution of the
association was aiupudcil so tliat all old

228

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

settlers prior to December 31. 1845, should
be eligible to membership as ' ' [jioneers," and
to so remain. As to the eligibility of an
"old settler," the time was extended to a
date prior to December 31, 1860, and be
brought down one year each year thereafter.
All actual members of the f)ld Settlers Asso-
ciation prior to 1846 are considered as
"pioneers," and only those are eligible to the
presidency of the association.

The annual meetings for the election of
officers were formerly held on the first Mon-
daj^ in February of each year, and a social
reunion and picnic on each Fourth of Jul\-.
and an annual supper on the 22nd of Febru-
ary — Washington's Birthday. But later
years the business meetings and reunions are
held in the Fall of the year, and at Black
Hawk's Watch Tower. These occasions are
usually fraught with good cheer on the part
of the old settlers who assemble to renew
their fellowships of "Auld Lang Syne," and
recall recollections of forty, fifty and sixty
j'ears ago, when Indians' wigwams were
more plentiful in this region than the cabins
of white settler.". There are few living, who
remember those earliest dajs, as most of the
"pioneers" have passed away.

FAMOUS CRIMES OF ROCK ISLAND
COUNTY.

Since the mills of justice have been estab-
lished in this County there have been numer-
ous murders committed. For most of tlie
cases the guilty parties were punished, six
men in all having been hung for four separate
crimes. Some served terms in the peniten-
tiary, and one clieated the gallows by com"
mitting suicide. Of course there have been
a number of mysterious nr.rders for which
the guilt was i.ever placed.

From an historical standpoint, the most
conspicuous crime committed in the County
was the murder of Colonel George Davenport,
which occurred July 4, 1S4.5, on the Island of

Rock Island; a record of which will be found
in his biography in this book.

The most revolting series of crimes com-
mitted by one man in the county's history is
also the most recent, the jjublic being doubt-
less still familiar with the revelations concern-
ing his career and his self inflicted expiation
when confronted with exposure of his bloody
deeds. Henry Bastian, a farmer living two
miles south of Milan, in March, 1896, was sus-
pected of having caused the death of Fred
Kuschmann, a young man who had been
working for him and v.-ho was found dead
beside the road on the night of February 29.
Seeing that he would soon be arrested he
com-' itted suicide by hanging. Since that
time the remains of two men. supposed to be
those of John Lauderbach and Fred Kreinsen,
who were at one time employed by Bastian,
have been found on the place. Five others
of his hired men disappeared mysteriously
and it is believed that they were all murdered.
Bastian's plan was to emploj' a man til! the
impaid wages due had reached a cc.nsiderable
sum, and then murder them.

The first murder committed in the county
was that of Lawyer Philleo. of Port B3Ton,
who was shot and killed by John McKinley
in 1843. The latter served a term in prison
for the deed.

December 17. 18.56, Samuel Ingram shot
and killed his \\ife, the crime being com-
mitted a short distance east of Joslin, in
Zuma Township. The murderer was tried,
convicted and hung upon a scaffold east of
the Henry Case residence in South Rock
Island.

David Stoddard, in the Spring of 1854,
killed liis wife with an axe. the deed being
committed at the home of the couple at the
]iresent sTutheast corner of Fourth .\venue
and Twenty-third Street. He escape:! from
the city and remained at large for some time.
Upon being arrested he was tried and con-
victed of t'.ie crime, paying the full penalty.

William Heilwagon murdered the wife of

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

229

his son at her home in Hampton Township,
the crime being committed in the Fall of
1881. The weapon used was a corn knife,
and the body was hidden in a shock of corn.
He was hanged for the crime in the jail yard
March 24, 1882.

Frank Anderson, of Moline, on Novemlier
21, 1897, made an attempt upon the life of
Charles Condo, a fellow workman, and was
sent to the penitentiary for five years.

W. J. Evans, Paul Lohrman, H. H. Blohm
and W. R. Carlson, all of IMoline, were held
for the murder of Charles iliniie, of that city,
September 26, 1901, but were acquitted the
following December.

On April 7, 1876, John B. >Stayl)ack was
killed by being stabbed in the head with a
knife. David J. VanMeter was held for the
murder, but was acquitted May 13 of the
same year.

A case which attracted a great deal of
attention was the grave robbery committed
at Rapids City, January 19, 1900. Arthur
D. Farber, Charles Donahoo and Charles
Jasperson were indicted for robbing the grave
of Mrs. Christine Maurer, Farber pleaded
guilty and turned state's evidence, going to
the penitentiary, but was afterwards paroled.
Donahoo was acquitted and Jasperson was
sent to the penitentiary.

Carl Wendt, a fisherman, was found dead
in his boat near Cordova during the Summer
of 1901. The Stiles brothers, also fishermen,
of Princeton, were held for the murder but
were acquitted.

Alfelia Boetjer was thrown into the Mis-
sissippi River from the Rock Island bridge in
the Summer of 1886, after being choked. Hep
husband, James Boetjer, was arrested and
indicted for the crime, but was acquitted at
the January term of Court following.

In September, 1867, David Edgington shot
and killed Hiram Reynolds. He was tried
and convicted the following October and
received a life sentence.

September, 1859, Jesse W. Ballard was
struck on the head with a club and killed.
Jesse Farrell was convicted of tlie crime but
was never apprehended.

Patrick Ganey, James McCormack and
Patrick Grogan killed Conrad Whittick No-
vember 14, 1879, on the Ninth Street Road,
outside the city limits, by striking him with
a stone. Grogan went to prison for life,
Ganey got fourteen years and McCormack
was acquitted.

William Dolan, Nicolas Schlitz, William

Blair, John lyooney, Lynch, Timothy

Butler, Halsey Hammond, John Galagher,
John Campbell, Oliver Chandanais and James
Cronan killed William Armstead, alias Arm-
strong, on board the steamer Dubuque, with
sticks of wood and pieces of coal, July 29,
1869. The accused took a change oT venue to
Henry County, where they were convicted.

John Kavanaugh, Bernard Heeney, Charles
Ross and Pat Heenev killed Joseph Rosen-
field, a policeman, March 12, 1879, on the
streets of Rock Island. John Kavanaugh
was sentenced for life, Pat Heeney for four-
teen 3'ears.

Other cases of less sensational character
were: Alexander .\bbott; charged with the
murder of Patrick McGurtry, June 24, 1860.
The defendant was found not guilty January
14, 1865. Jasper Hampton, Turner Hamp-
ton and Joseph Langley were indicted for the
murder of Charles S. Bean July 9, 1859. but
were found not guilty. Harry Brookman
was indicted for the murder of Grant Buffum
at Andalusia in May, 1886, but was acquitted.
Mable Lagrange and Elsa M. Boyer were
indicted in May, 1893, for throwing a child in
the river, but insane, and the case was nolle
prossed as to Elsa Boyer. James Berrj' and
Leslie Barker were indicted in March, 1880,
for killing Anthony Evans, but were acquitted.
Andrew G. Johnson was indicted in September
1863, for the murder of Lorona Roe; a change
a venue was taken and the caise tried in
Henry County. At the September term of

230

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Court, 1S75, John Martens was tried for the
murder of John Brace; he was found guiltj-
and sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary.
George Erbst, was indicted January 7 for
killing James Jackson on Market Square with
a knife; he was found guilt}' and was sentenced
to the peniteutiar}' for seventeen and a half
years. Joseph Mclntyre was indicted Janu-
arj' 7, 1S71, for the murder of Andrew J.
Harris, but was acquitted. George W. Janes
was found guilt.y of the murder of Robert
McClusky in May, 1867, and was sentenced
to -the penitentiary for three A"ears. Britta
Nelson, of Rapids Citj', was indicted May 5,
1876, for the nuu-der of Peter Nelson, the
weapon used being an axe. She was found
guilty, but insane. Samuel Robertson was
indicted Januarj' 22, 1886, for the murder of
Hans Timmerman, but was acquitted Feb-
ruar}' 6, 1886. Benjamin Thompson, Adam
Reiling, William Patterson and Marj' Patter-
son were indicted at the September term of
Court, 1859, for the murder of a male child
by crushing its head; they were acquitted at
the January term, 1860.

Jime, 1905, a very sensational murder
occiu-red at a cabin boat on Island B, when
either Josephine Collet or William Nagel shot
Carl August Brady, to gain possession of his
little boat house, for which they were arrested.
From the story of the accused the two sat on
the porch of the house boat, and Brady enter-
ing the cabin to get some provisions, one of
the two shot him, while he was leaning over
a stove in the opposite end of the boat. In
a valise was found a hammer, which Jose-
phine Collet said Nagel struck Brady. The
bod}' was found in a cave near by. He had
.some money and other effects, which the}'
disposed of, mostly in Muscatine. Josephine
Collet was released on technicalities, while
Nagel was consigned to the penitentiary for life.

PORT BYRON ACADEMY.

The Port Byron Academy was established
in Port Byron mainly tlu-ough the efforts of

Reverend A. .\. Harper. His son, E. T.
Harper was the first principal. The school
was started in 1881 in the second story of the
buililing now occupied by Adrian and Witter's
implement store, in the Dorrance Block. It
has a strong Alumni, numbering among its
members many prominent men and women.
Professor M. J. Yolton, a graduate of the
institution, is its present principal.

The Port Byron Academy is located at
Port B}Ton, one of the oldest towns in Rock
Island County, lies on the sloping hillside of
the east bank of the Mississippi. The situa-
tion is healthful and the scenery of the river
and bluffs is noted for its beauty. The
village has some eight hundred inhabitants
and has a high moral and social tone. In
many respects it is a New England town. It
has a quiet, intellectual atmosphere well
suited to an earnest pursuit of studies. It
stands about thirteen miles north of Moline,
and is on the new main line of the Chicago,
Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad to Kansas
City. It is also reached by the Chicago,
Burlington and Quincy railroad, and. by ferry
to LeClaire, with the Interurban line to
Davenport and Clinton.

The purpose of the academy is to supj'ly a
high grade of scholastic education under the
best of Christian influences. It attempts to
give the broadest and best culture combined
with a practical education for every day life.
It plans to use the latest methods and to
keep abreast with all the advances in modern
learning.

The academy is a chartered institution
under the direct control of the board of trus-
tees. It has the hearty support of the Rock
River and Davenport, Iowa, Association of
Congregational Churches and is under their
general supervision.

Beloit College takes an active part in pro-
moting the interests of the academy, in
securing and directing its teachers, in plan-
ning its coiu-ses of study.

PART TWO

Biographical History of Rock Island County's
Early Settlers and Leading •
Business Men

Biographical

COLONEL GEORGE DAVENPORT.

COLONEL GL:0RGE DAVENPORT was
the first white man to make a perma-
nent settlement in what is now Rock
Island County, arriving here in the spring of
1816. He was a native of England, born in
Lincolnshire, in 1783. At the age of seven-
teen he enlisted as a sailor on a merchant
vessel, and for the next three years he visited
France, Spain and Portugal. In the fall of
1803 his vessel sailed from Liverpool to St.
Petersburg, Russia, and shortly after its ar-
rival there an embargo was laid upon all Eng-
lish vessels in that port, the vessels taken
possession of and their crews thrown into
prison by the Russian Government. In the
following spring they were released and re-
turned home. The next voyage was to New
York, in the summer of 1804, where they
arrived in safety. After discharging their
cargo and taking another on board for Liver-
pool, as the vessel was on the point of sailing,
one of the sailors was knocked overboard.
Mr. Davenport quickly jumped into a small
boat and rescued him. In jumping into the
boat he fractured his leg very badly and,
there being no surgeon on board, the captain
had him taken to the city and placed in a hos-
pital, returning without him. After remain-
ing in the hospital about two months, he was
advised to go into the country to recruit his
health. Acting upon this advice, he went to
Rahway, New Jersey, and subsequently to
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he afterward
enlisted in the regular army.

In the spring of 1806 he went with his
regiment to New Orleans, and in the fall re-

ceived orders to march to Sabine River.
While there, he was sent with dispatches to
Fort Adams, and while on the way his canoe
struck a snag and he was upset in the river.
Clinging to some drift-wood, he managed to
reach the shore, and was then obliged to
strike across the country to the Jlissi-ssippi,
traveling over swamps, bayous and sloughs.
He was several days in reaching the fort,
living upon what berries and wild fruit he
could find. For ten years he served his
adopted country as a soldier, principally
against the Indians. In the second war with
Cireat Britian the most important battle he
was engaged in was that of Lundy Lane. He
secured a British musket at this battle, which
is still kept in the family as a relic of the war.
On receiving his discharge in 181.5, he was
employed by Colonel William Morrison, of
Kentucky, government contractor, to supply
the troops with provisions. Going to St.
Louis, he took charge of several keelboats,
loaded with provisions. A large drove of
cattle were also purchased and driven through
the country. They started up the river and
arrived at the mouth of the Des Moines
River late in the fall and concluded to stop
there for the winter. In the spring of 1816,
in company with Colonel Lawrence, in com-
mand of the Eighth Regiment United States
Infantry, they again embarked on boats and
proceeded up the river. Arriving at the
mouth of Rock River, they examined the
country for a site for a fort, resulting in the
selection of the lower end of Rock Island as
the most suitable point. They landed on
Rock Island May 10, 1816, and here Mr.
Davenport made his home until his death.

II I S T () h' I (• ROCK I S L A XJ) cor STY

Hi.s rpsidencc, a double log cjihiii, was near
the foot of the island, whore he subsc-qtiently
erected a lai'ge two-story frani(> house.

The Indians at that time were not veiy
friendly to the Americans, but soon took a
fancy to Mr. Davenport, giving him the name
of Sag-a-nosh, meaning "an Englishman."
During the second year, with what little
money he had saved, he jnirchased a stock of
goods and began trading with the Indians.
As an Indian trader he was remarkably suc-
cessful, securing and retaining their good will
and confidence, although for a time he had
more or less trouble with the Winnebagoes, at
one time narrowly escaping being murdered.

In 1823 the first steamboat, the ' ' Virginia,"
arrived at the island loaded with provisions
for Prairie du Chien, and Mr. Davenport was
called upon to pilot her over the rapids.

In 1825 a postotfice was established upon
the island, with Mr. Davenport as postmas-
ter. He held the office until its removal to the
main land, on the organization of the county.

In 1827 he visited his native land, after an
absence of twenty-three years, returning in
1828.

During this year the first settlements were
made in this vicinity. As they were poor Mr.
Davenport furnished many of them with
provisions and groceries until they could
raise a crop. When the Indians returned in
the spring of 1829, Mr. Davenport used all
his influence to induce them to remove to
the west side of the Mississippi, and partiaHy
succeeded. Wapello removed his village
to Muscatine Slough, and Keokuk, with part
of the Sacs, to the Iowa River, but Black
Hawk and the remainder of the Sacs refused
to go, claiming that they never had sold their
lands. During the Black Hawk War that
followed, Mr. Davenport was appointed quar-
ter-master general, with the rank of colonel.

On the organization of the county. Colonel
Davenport was elected one of the first county
commissioners, and served some two or three
vears.

In the fall of 18.35, in company with sev-
eral others, he purchased a claim of Antoine
l.e Cl.'iiri'. across llic river in Iowa, and pro-
ceeded to lay out a town. This town was
given the name of" Davenport." in his honor.

In the fall of IS.'iT he visited Washington
City, in company with a number of chiefs of
the Sac and Fox Nations, and aided the
Government in the purchase of a large por-
tion of Iowa. In 1842 Governor Chambers
made another treaty with the Sacs and Foxes.
He told the chiefs to select any of their white
friends they might choose to assist them in
making a treaty. They selected Colonel
Davenport as one of four. By this treaty
the Indians sold all of their lands within the
State of Iowa. Shorth^ after this, Colonel
Davenport withdrew from the Indian trade
and devoted the remainder of his life to the
improvement of his property in Davenport
and Rock Island.

' ' Colonel Davenport," said a well known
writer, ' ' was of a very free and generous dis-
position, very jovial and very fond of com-
pany. After retiring from the Indian trade,
he spent the winters generally in St. Louis or
Washington. Whether traveling on a steam-
boat or stopping at a hotel, he would always
lune a crowd around him listening to his
stories and anecdotes. He never sued any
one in his life, and- could not bear to see any
one in distress without trying to relieve him.
Ho enjoyed excellent health and spirits, and
had a prospect of living many years to enjoy
the comfort for which he had toiled so hard,
but he was struck down by one of a band of
robbers, in his own house, on the fourth of
July, 1845. He died aged sixty-two."

The life of Colonel Davenport was a long
and active one. "Although of trans-Atlantic
extraction," says the writer already quoted
from, "he was a true type of the American,
possessing indomitable resolution, a restless
desire to progress, with an invincible deter-
mination to overcome obstacles and achieve
success. Much as his courage, perseverance,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

enterprise and ability demand admiration,
there is still something more than these com-
manding our respect and honor — something
which is more lustrous than wealth, better
than position or title: it is his Humanity.
Had men of his bias dealt with Black Hawk
and his 'British Band,' less gory scalp locks
would have decked the belts of warring sav-
ages, less blood would have been shed, and
the entire fearful drama of devastation,
slaughter and carnage whicli was enacted
upon our frontiers, would have been wholly
omitted. Honor to his ashes! He sleeps in
a grave whose proud epitaph reads: "Here
lies a friend to humanity!'"

JUDGE JOHN W. SPEINCER.

JUDGE JOHN W. SPENCER, deceased,
one of the pioneers of Rock Island
County, was born at Vergennes, Vermont,
July 25, 1801. His parents, Calvin and Ruth
(Hopkins) Spencer, were natives of the New
England Colonies. The father of Judge
Spencer was born in Bennington, Vermont,
and his mother near Great Barrington, Mas-
sachusetts, and were descended from the
Puritan English. They reared four sons and
a daughter, John W., being the eldest. At
this writing the first and second generations
here mentioned are long since gathered unto
their fathers, and only the grandchildren and
great-great-grandchildren remain to perpetu-
ate names made honorable in the eOirliest
history of our county. From the two fami-
lies united by the marriage of Calvin Spencer
and Ruth Hopkins, in the very beginning of
the past century, many noble men have
sprung — men who have adorned alike the
pulpit and the state; and if it were possible
in the space at our command to trace the
genealogy of the Spencers and the Hopkinses
from the days when some of their ancestors
were enforcing in a judicial capacity, the

quaint old laws that forbade travel on the
Sabbath except in a pious going to and from
the Church of Ciod, — laws that allowed no
whistling or other boisterous condvict on that
sacred day; laws, indeed, that forbade "ye
good man ye kissing of his wife on ye Sab-
bath day" — if it were possible, we say, to
follow the history of those families from their
periwigy:ed "squire-archy " down to the
death-bed scene at Rock Island, February
20. 1S7S, from whence tlie spirit of John W.
Spencer took its flight, the roster would con-
tain many names that good people have
revered. But the ]irovince of the present
biographer is limited to a bare recital of the
more important events occurring in the life
of the gentleman whose name forms the cap-
tion of this sketch. The lives of Spencer,
Davenpoi't, Wells, Case and Vandruff are all
indelibly stamped upon the history of a
great state. Unlike a majority of men of
whom we write, they made history; without
such men there would have been no history
to write. What we know of the hills, the
forests and the streams, unpeopled by the
hardy pioneer and those who followed them,
would be a chapter easily written. A famous
writer has said that the history of a coun-
try is but a story of the lives of the men who
make it. The history of Rock Island County
from the Indian occupation down to the
time when a knowledge of events shall cease
to be perpetuated in print will reflect the life
of Spencer, — and that, too, whether his biog-
raphy, as such, were ever written.

John W. Spencer spent his youth in his
native state and at the common schools ac-
quired the rudiments of an education. In
1820, driving a two-horse team for Mr. Brush,
he crossed the Alleghany Mountains, traversed
the broad states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois,
and at the end of fifty-one days from the time
of his leaving home, landed in the City of St.
Louis. The State of Missouri was just then
being admitted into the Union, and as negro
slavery was, by the constitution, made legal,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Mr. Spencer jjreferrod to ea.st his lot east of
the "Father of the Waters". So in Decem-
ber following his departure from New Eng-
land, in company witli an uncle who had been
a resident of .Missouri, he recrossed the Miss-
issippi and took up a residence in Greene
County. Illinois. Here he stopped for seven
years and worked at farming. In the spring
of 1826. in search of a location for a water
mill, he ascended the Illinois River as far as
Ottawa. Failing to discover any site to his
fancy, he retraced his steps and the following
spring ascended the Mississippi to the lead
mines. On this trip his attention was at-
tracted by the natural beauty of Rock Island
and the adjacent country on either side of the
river, and when in the following year he
learned that the Indians had abandoned the
Rock River Territory, he decided to go at
once to Rock Lsland. He was accompanied
here bj^ Mr. Louden Case, Sr.. whose daughter
he afterward married.

At that period Galena, one hundred miles
distant, was the nearest postoffice. The
presidential election had just taken place,
but nothing was known at Rock Island of the
result. For a consideration young Spencer
undertook, on foot, to carry the mailbags to
and bring the election returns from Galena.
The river was frozen, he donned his skates
and set out. His route was through the not
altogether friendly Winnebago country, but
he encountered no difficulty from that source,
and on Christmas Day, 1827, he started on
the return trip, landing three days later at
Rock Island; and the people learned that
' ' Old Hickory " was president elect of the
United States. It must almost have taken
his breath away when the sum of five dollars
was placed in his hands in payment for a
two hundred mile run on foot through a hos-
tile Indian countrj' in the dead of winter.

In the spring of 1829 he brought his family
from Morgan County (whither they had re-
moved the year before from Greene) to Rock
Island and took possession of a vacant Indian

wigwam. From that day to the hour of his
death, J. W. Spencer was a citizen of Rock
Island. He witnessed the return of Black
Hawk from his hunting expedition, to find
his lodges occupied by the "pale-faces"; he
heard the angry and reasonable protests of
that great chief, against the encroachments
upon his natural rights; he heard his sorrow-
ful argument "Saukie-wigeop-saukie-aukie"
repeated many times to no purpose, and saw
the great chief stride awaj- toward the set-
ting sun, where he told his people that the
story of the occupancy of their lands by the
white men was too true. He saw the chief
and his people come again, and in common
with other settlers, knew the purpose of their
coming; he knew the possibilities of their
discontent, and feared that the Indian was
bent upon revenge. He noted the first out-
break of their savage insubordination; saw the
culmination of their ferocity as it rose in lurid
lights from burning cabins, and disturbed the
elements with the screams of butchered women
and children. He saw the swift-footed pioneers
as they pursued the savage destroyers, and saw
the strong arm of the Government as it de-
scended upon the wih' Sac and his warriors at
Bad .\xe, — and he saw peace reign supreme in
the valley of the Mississippi.

In all the struggles of the Rock Island
pioneers Mr. Spencer participated. During
the Black Hawk War he was one of the or-
ganizers of the "Rock River Rangers", in
which company he held the rank of first
lieutenant. He was a member of the first
board of Rock Island County Commissioners,
and held the office twelve years. He was
the first judge of the Rock Island County
Court, and as such performed the first mar-
riage ceremony in the county. He was a
delegate to the Illinois State Constitutional
Convention in 1847, and in this body he was a
conspicuous factor. Though public-spirited,
he had no ambition for office-holding, his only
experience in that line being confined to a
time when his country actually needed and

.^^f^/^^fX-^^^

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

demanded his services. In 1841 he, with
David B. Sears, Spencer H. White, and
Ainsworth and Lynde. merchants at Rock
Island, built the first dam erected at Moline,
and develo]:)ed the great water power at that
place. At the death of Captain J. Wilson,
the father of his second wife, in 1852, he suc-
ceeded to a controlling interest in the Rock
Island and Davenport Ferry, a most valuable
property, a large revenue from which still
goes to the family. Mr. Spencer died as he
lived, a conscientious Christian. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and brought his children up to a strict obser-
vance of that faith. One of his sons, the
Rev. William Anson Spencer, is presiding
elder of Dixon District, Rock River Con-
ference, Illinois.

The first Mrs. Spencer, nee Miss Louisa
Case, died in 1833, leaving one son, John C.
Spencer, who died January 16, 1871. In
1834 Judge Spencer married Miss Eliza Wil-
son, of New Haven, ^'ermont. She was the
accomplished daughter of Captain John Wil-
son, deceased. Of the six children, three only
are living: Edward W., Julia S. (Mrs. D. T.
Robinson) and the Rev. William Anson
Spencer, of the Dixon District. John C. is
deceased. Their son Charles H. was acciden-
tally drowned when eighteen years of age in
Rock River, and their youngest born, Roswell
C!., dieil wlien about three vears of ase.

PHILEMON L. MITCHELL.

IN RECALLING to mind those men who in
an early day laid the foundation of Rock
Island's present commercial and financial
stability, one's memory instinctively turns
to an individual who, during his lifetime, was
instrumental in organizing and conducting
one of the largest banking houses in Rock
Island County, and who was a tower of moral

and financial strength in the community,
Philemon L. Mitchell, deceased.

He was born October 16, 1812, at Liniington,
Maine, and died at his home in Rock Island
January 23, 1895. His parents were Isaac
and Martha (Libby) Mitchell. The father
was a native of Maine and the mother of Ire-
land, she having come to America with her
parents in her early childhood. To this
couple seven children were born, four sons
and three daughters. The parents spent
their lives in the City of Limington, where
their family was born and reared, the father
dying in that city January 26, 1853, at the
age of eightv-two years. The death of the
mother occurred in the same city January 3,
1877, she having attained the extreme age of
ninety-fom- years.

Philemon L. Mitchell spent his early boy-
hood in Limington. his school days being
limited to a short attendance in that city's
public schools. But his education was not
in any sense a limited one on that account,
for he was throughout his life a student of
men and books. At the age of thirteen years
he found it necessary to face the world for
himself and earn his own livlihood. Although
obliged so early in life to participate in its
grim struggle, he was imbued with determin-
ation to succeed and was undaunted in his
efforts to that end. At the age of twenty-
five he located in Georgetown, Kentucky,
where he engaged in mercantile pursuits.
He continued in the mercantile business until
1850, when he was made cashier of the Farm-
ers' Bank of Kentucky, a financial institution
familiar in those days to every business man
south of the Mason and Dixon Line. For
years a note issued bj' this bank was equiva-
lent to gold in any state in the Union.

In 1856 Mr. Mitchell severed his connection
with that bank, and in company with P. L.
Cable came to Rock Island. They bought
out the banking firm of Cook, Sargent & Par-
ker, established 1852. The partnership was
continued until 1860, when Judge Cornelius

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Lynde took over .Mr. Cable's interest in the
concern, which was continued under the
name of .Mitchell iV: Lynde until 1905. At
this date the form of organization was changed
to that of a state bank, and the institution is
now known a.s the State Bank.

In 1S5S Mr. Mitchell and his partner pur-
chased the building and other assets of the
old Rock Island Rank and closed up its af-
fairs, thus succeeding in eliminating almost
entirely any competition in the field of bank-
ing in this vicinity for a number of j-ears. At
the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Mitchell
was the most widely kno\An and successful
ba-nker in this section of Illinois, and in addi-
tion to his acknowledged financial strength
and business ability he bore a deserved repu-
tation for scrupulous integrity and probity in
everj- commercial transaction. These facts
led to his appointment by the famous New-
York banking institution of Jay, Cook Oe
Companj', America's financial Gibraltar at
that time, as their correspondent for Rock
Island County. Acting as the agent of this
firm, he placed over §1,000,000 worth of
United States Government Bonds in this
county. In considering the magnitude of
this transaction it must be borne in mind that
the sum of §1,000,000 bore the same relation
to the financial world of that day that S2o,-
000,000 or even 850,000,000 would to the
financial world of todaj'.

In 1862 the First National Bank of Rock
Island, charter No. 108, was organized bj-
Mr. .Mitchell, and he was elected its presi-
dent. He was also president of the Rock
Island Plow Company and secretary of the
Chippiannock Cemetery Association, as well
as a large stock holder and director in the
Jloline and Rock Island Street Railway
Company, the Rock Island Glass Works, and
the Rock Island Stove Company.

On October 11, 1837, at Exeter, New
Hampshire, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Jlitchell and Miss Catherine Hall, a young
lady of that city. There were born to them

five children, four daughters and a son:
Aun'w -M., widow of Wm. C. Wadsworth;
.Mary H., widow of Henry Wadsworth; Phil,
president of the State Bank of Rock Island,
whose biographical sketch appears elsewhere
in this work; Laura M., deceased, who was
the wife of Charles Shaler, United States Ar-
my, and Kate M., wife of Henry S. Fraser, of
Indianapolis, Indiana. The death of Airs.
Mitchell occurred October 4, 1868.

ilr. Mitchell throughout his life was a con-
sistent and devoted member of the Christian
Church, and to his memory has been erected
the new Memorial Christian Church by his
daughter, Mrs. Mary H. Wadsworth. He
was a man extremely liberal but wholly unos-
tentatious in his giving. His was a true and
simple Christian character. As he walked
through the world he helped his fellow man
in the best and wisest manner, not by mak-
ing him a dependent, but by aiding him to
attain a position of independence, by friendly
counsel or sound business advice, and where
pecuniary assistance was necessary it was
cheerfully and freely given, and from his lips
no one ever learned of the generous act.

Such was the life of P. L. Mitchell. To
attempt to delineate in eulogistic words his
fine life and character would be futile. He
was a man of quiet, natural dignity. Su-
cessful himself, he delighted in the success of
others. In the happy phraseology of a great
writer he was "one of God's own gentlemen."

<S m ^

JOHN EDGINGTON.

THE name of Edgington is a well known
one throughout Rock Island County-
It is the name of one of the countj-'s
earliest pioneer families. It is also the name
of one of the county's most prosperous little
villages, named in honor of one of the founders
of that family, John Edgington, the subject
of our sketch, a man who in his long lifetime

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

spent in this county, lived to see it grow
from a waste of prairie and wilderness into a
wonderfully fertile farming community, dotted
here and there with busy little villages and
cities devoted to manufacture and commercial
enterprise.

John Edgington was born July 4, 1809, at
Steubenville, Ohio, and died in March, 1896,
at the home of his son, James Edgington, at
Reynolds, in this county.

He received his education in the common
schools of Steubenville, Ohio, his birthplace,
and in his young manhood followed the occu-
pation of trading and merchandising in
Steubenville, Ohio. In July, 1S34, he made
a trip on horse-back from Steubenville to
Rock Island seeking farm land, and stopping
at a point in this county decided to perma-
nently settle here. He took up a farm in
what afterwards became Edgington Precinct,
this being named after him. This precinct
was afterwards divided into Edgington and
Buffalo Prairie Townships, Mr. Edgington 's
farm being located in the latter township.

On Februarj' 17, 1834, previous to settling
in Rock Island County, Mr. Edgington was
married to Miss Susan Crabbs, a young lady
of Steubenville, and to the wilds of what was
then an unsettled frontier, he brought his
young wife. Nine children were born of this
union, their eldest child, James, being the
first white child born in Rock Island County
south of Rock River. Their other children
were Sarah; William, a son who died in infan-
cy; Jane, now Mrs. Rufus Walker; Casandra,
Margaret, wife of C. E. Dodge; Drusilla,
wife of S. H. Parvin, and Harriet, wife of
Fred Titterington. All of the children are
now deceased with the exception of .Mrs.
Walker and Mrs. Dodge. To her children
Mrs. Edgington often recounted her experi-
ences when she came to Rock Island County
a bride. For the first six months after com-
ing here, she never saw another white woman,
and .she was in constant fear of the Indians
who then roamed over the country. They

took a great fancy to her first born son, James,
the first white baby they had ever seen, and
the young mother received frequent and ur-
gent offers to trade a papoose for the white
baby. This added to her fears, for she was
in constant terror lest the Indians great
desire to possess her offspring might lead
them to make a forcible e.xchange at some
time when her husband was absent. Mrs.
Edgington died at the home of Mr. Rufus
Walker, in Reynolds, in October, 1886.

But to return to our account of Mr. Edg-
ington. He cleared and cultivated his farm
in Buffalo Prairie, where he made his home
until 1894, when he sold his farm and moved
to Reynolds to make his home with his son,
James, where, as has been stated, he lived
until his death two years later. He lived
the busy life of a farmer, but found time to
take an interest and an active part in all that
pertained to the advancement of the county.
He was justice of the peace and school direct-
or for more than thirty years. He served as
supervisor from his township for several
terms, and served as a juror at the first term
of court ever held in this county. He was a
hospitable and genial man, and there was
always a place at his table and hearth fire for
the stranger and wayfaring man of those
times, who was seeking a home.

In religious faith Mr. Edgington was a
Presbyterian, and he helped to build the first
church of that denomination that was built
below Rock River in this county. He also
helped hew the logs and erect the first school
house built in the lower end of the county.
It was located about an eighth of a mile east
of his residence. The school was supported
for several years by private subscription and
if there was any deficit in the amount neces-
sary to carry on the work of education, Mr.
Edgington was always prompt in making up
the balance himself.

In politics Mr. Edgington was always a
staunch Democrat, and with this party he
was a firm adherent until the silver question

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND CO U N T Y

became their paramount issue. Then, not
agreeing with the majority of his party upon
this question, he cast his vote for William
McKinlej-, but it cost him a hard struggle to
do so.

During his lifetime he accumulated a con-
siderable competence, and the farm that he
owned became enhanced in value as the years
went by until it, in itself, became worth a ver}^
considerable fortune. He was a man of
great public spu-it. a man beloved and es-
teemed by those who knew him, and his long
and busy life was crowned with success.

HON. T J. MEDILL.

RANKING among Rock Island'.s prominent
men, wlio have been honored politically
and who have achieved a high standing in
the realm of business, stands the subject of
this sketch, Thomas J. Medill.

He was born in Milan, Illinois, March 16,
1859. His parents were Thomas J. and Eliza
A. (Dickson) Medill. The father, when a young
man, emigrated from the north of Ireland to
America, and here he married Miss Eliza A.
Dickson, the daughter of William Dickson,
and a native of Erie Countj', Pennsjdvania.
William Dickson, of whom a more extended
biography a])pears elsewhere in this volume.
laid out the town of Camden Mills, the name of
which was afterward changed to Milan, in
1S43. Mr. Medill's parents enjoyed a long
and happ3' life together and were greatly
beloved and esteemed by all who knew them.
The death of the mother occurred February
5, 1898. The father survived his wife scarcely
a year, passing awaj' Januarj' 9, 1899.

Our subject spent his boyhood and early
manhood in the Village of Milan and on a
farm in Bowling Township, and after com-
pleting the curriculum prescribed by the
village school of that period he entered upon
an apprenticeship to the pape!' maker's trade.

At that time there were three paper mills in
active operation in the vicinity of Milan, and
the manufacture of that commodity was one
of the main supports of that village. After
mastering his trade Mr. Medill continued in
that line of occupation for seven years, when
he was offered a position in a promoting
company which made a business of installing
the Holly system of water works machinery,
and which was then operating in the south-
west. Later he returned to this county and
settled in Rock Island, opening a real estate
office. In this business he was a pronounced
success, his acumen and sound judgment
rendering him particularly competent to pass
upon realty values. Consequently, in 1887
he was asked to take a leading part in the
formation and organization of the Black Hawk
Homestead Building, Loan and Savings As-
sociation, of which Mr. Medill became sec-
retary, the active management of the asso-
ciation being entrusted to him. The success
of the venture is due largely to his progressive,
yet judicious management, and today the
association is one of the foremost in that
line operating in Rock Island. Mr. Medill
still continues as its secretary and has the
guidance of its affairs.

In 1893 Mr. Medill was candidate for mayor
of Rock Island upon the Democratic ticket,
the party of his choice and of his father
before him, and to which he has alwaj's given
his allegiance. He was elected, and upon the
expiration of his term he again turned his
whole attention to the duties involved in the
management of the Building and Loan Asso-
ciation. In 1897 he was again a candidate,
and was again elected. During Mr. Altgeld's
administration as governor of Illinois, Mr.
Medill was appointed bj' that executive as
president of the board of trustees of the
Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane,
located at Watertown. At that time the
immense institution had not been built, but
as is customarj- the board of trustees was
appointed before the actual erection of the

THOMAS J. MEDILL,

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

institution, and it became a part of their
duties to select a site and in a measure super-
intend the erection of the buildings. Largely
through Mr. Medill's efforts the present site
within this county was selected, and this
spacious retreat for the reception and cure of
the mentally afflicted was commenced during
his incumbency. In 1896 he was proffered
by his party the nomination for secretary of
state for Illinois, but declined the honor. Mr.
Medill is an active partisan in behalf of the
Democratic party, but is as scrupulously
fair and honorable in political matters as he
is in business transactions. He has frequently
been a delegate to his part}''s city, county,
district and state conventions.

Mr. Medill was one of the organizers of the
Rock Island Club, an institution formed for
the promotion of the industrial, commercial
and general welfare and advancement of
Rock Island, and which also has many
delightful social features. Three times Mr.
Medill has been chosen as president of the
Rock Island Club, and he is now a member
of the board of directors.

Fraternally Mr. Medill is connected with
the Masonic Order, of which he has been
elected to the office of Worshipful Master;
the National Union; the Modern Woodmen
of America; the Knights of the Globe; the
Fraternal Tribunes and the Elks. Mr. Medill
was one of the organizers of the fraternal
society known as the Fraternal Tribunes,
which, it will be remembered, was first formed
in that city. Mr. Medill was one of its chief
promoters.

In 19U3 occurred the marriage of Mr.
Medill and Miss Lucy Kinner, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kinner, of Rock Island.
Of their union one child has been born, a
daughter, Frances V. Medill. At the time of
the writing of this sketch, Mr. Medill had
recently purchased one of the handsomest of
the smaller residences in Rock Island. It is
located on the corner of Sixth Avenue and
Nineteenth Street, and until the time Mr.

Medill purchased it, was owned and occupied
by Hon. Elmore W. Hurst.

As one of the most important works under-
taken by the City of Rock Island during Mr.
Medill's administration as mayor may be
mentioned the construction of the great sys-
tem of reservoirs by which the city is supplied
with water, and which by its triple method
of aeration, filtration and sedimentation is
designed to remove the impurities naturally
existing in the water as it is taken into the
reservoir directly from the river.

In conclusion it may be said of Mr. .Medill
that as a man he is honorable, u]3right and
conscientious; as a citizen untiring in his ef-
forts for the advancement of Rock Island, and
in business he possesses acumen, keen insight
and great general ability. These have been
the characteristics and guiding principles of
his life, and to them is due the fact that he is
one of Rock Island's most respected and
highly esteemed citizens.

COLONEL STANHOPE E. BLUNT.

THE history of the United States Govern-
ment Arsenal located upon Rock Island
is exhaustively narrated from its incep-
tion in another portion of this work. Con-
sequently it is not the intention of the writer
of this sketch to touch upon any phase of
that history except the period covered by the
regime of the present Commandant of Rock
Island Arsenal, Colonel Stanhope E. Blunt, a
man whose executive ability has been demon-
strated of a high order.

Stanhope E. Blunt was born in Boston,
Massachusetts, September 28, 1850. His
father was Colonel Charles E. Blunt, Corps
of Engineers, United States Army, who
graduated from the Military Academy at
West Point in 1846. His mother before her
marriage was Miss Penelope Bethune English.
Both his father and mother were born in

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAXD COUNTY

Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Colonel Blunt's
forebears were among the earliest colonists
in America. His paternal ancestors rank
among the original settlers of Massachusetts,
who, as history records, arrived there from
England about 1634.

As a boy Colonel Blunt attended the public
schools of his native city, Boston, and later
the high school at Oswego, New York, from
which he graduated in 1868, and thus he was
well qualified for entrance to AVest Point.
Upon the completion of the prescribed course
of four years at the militarj^ academy, he
graduated from that institution in 1872 with
the rank of second lieutenant, and with the
honor of being third in his class.

Upon his graduation he was at once as-
signed to duty in the Thirteenth Infantry,
and in the course of a short time was promoted
to a first lieutenanc3^ He served with his
regiment in the states of Utah, Wj^oming
Colorado and New Mexico from June 14,
1872, until November 1, 1874, when he was
transferred to the Ordnance Department.
From the date of his assignment to ordnance
service until 1885, Colonel Blunt was sta-
tioned at various posts in numerous capaci-
ties. He was for a time instructor in mathe-
matics, and also in ordnance and gunnery at
West Point. Hewas afterward stationed for
different periods at Frankfort, Springfield and
Watervliet Arsenals; served as chief ordnance
officer and inspector of rifle practice at head-
quarters' department in Dakota, and as in-
spector of small arms practice for the army.

On November 1, 1885. Colonel Blunt was
a.ssigned as aide-de-camp to General Sheri-
dan, and served in this capacity until the
death of that warrior-hero, which occurred
August 5, 1888. In -March, 1897, he was
detailed commandant of Rock Island Arsen-
al, where he has since remained. At the
time Colonel Blunt began his tenure as com-
mandant, the Arsenal was little more than a
magnificent possibility. It had potential

greatness but that greatness was undeveloped.
To the new commandant was given the power
to transform the possibilitv into a reality.
How well he has accomplished that task can
be best appreciated by those who have seen
it grow in importance from a small manu-
facturing plant employing a few hundred men
to a mammoth plant employing thousands;
who have seen the discontinuance of the an-
tiquated application of direct water power
and the installation of huge dj-namos, driven
by huge turbines ; who witnessed the straining
of every facility and the astounding output
during the Spanish-American War, and lasth'^
the acquisition of the Arsenal's latest industry,
the small arms' plant, whose location at this
point was due largeh- to the efforts and ad-
vice of the commandant. These achieve-
ments clearly show that the man was not
merely content to sit quietly by and allow
events to pursue their course without lifting
a hand to shape those events. He is pre-
eminently a man of action. Let credit be
given where credit is due and praise where
praise is meet. To Colonel Stanhope E.
Blunt is certainly due great credit and un-
stinted praise, for certain it is that he is the
active and important factor in the Arsenal's
development. That he has had able assis-
tants is true, but upon his shoulders rested
the weight of responsibility as commandant,
and his ability was so thoroughly recognized
that his suggestions in regard to improve-
ments for the Arsenal were given a readj"^
hearing by his superior officers.

November IS, 1873, Colonel Blunt was
wedded to Miss Fanny Smyth, of Oswego,
New York, the city of her birth, her parents
being Charles and Catherine (Colt) Smyth.
Both were of English descent; the father
tracing his ancestry from the early settlers
in Alban}', New York, and the mother tracing
her progenitors to the first pioneers in Con-
necticut. To Colonel and Mrs. Blunt three
daughters have been born, the Misses Kath-

GULUXEL STANHurK K. BLUNT

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

erine, Evelyn Bethune (named after her ma-
ternal grandmother's French ancestors,) and
Frances Smyth Blunt. These young ladies
have received a most careful and comprehen-
sive education, and take an active part in the
social life of the Tri-Cities.

But it is not alone for his pronounced exe-
utive ability at the Rock Island Arsenal that
Colonel Blunt has won prominence. As an
authority on military tactics, and as a writer
upon technical subjects pertaining to martial
affairs he has long since been accorded com-
mendation and recognition. His books,
"Rifle and Carbine Firing," and "Firing
Regulations for Small Arms" have reached
the almost incredible number of sixteen edi-
tions.

Colonel Blunt is a member of several patri-
otic and military societies, among which may
be mentioned the Society of Colonial Wars,
Sons of the Revolution, Society of War of
1812, Society of Foreign Wars, Society of
American Wars, Naval Order of the United
States, and the Loyal Legion.

How sincerely Colonel Blunt's efforts to-
ward the upbuilding of the Arsenal, not only
by the people of the Tri-Cities, but by the
authorities at Washington as well, is demon-
strated by the high tribute paid him by Sena-
tor Allison, when he declared that "Rock
Island Arsenal, during the few months of the
late Spanish War, more than returned in
advantage to the country the great cost of
its construction; and unquestionably, in a
war of any magnitude and duration, this
cost would again be repaid many fold."

Such is the career of Colonel Stanhope E.
Blunt. Added comment or fulsome eulogy
would be futile and would only detract from
the impression created by the simple, digni-
fied life of the man himself. A man of few
words and many deeds, courteous in his
bearing toward all, is Colonel Blunt; in fine a
thorough gentleman; a vigorous executive
and a typical soldier.

MORRIS ROSENFIELD.

ONE of Rock Island's most prominent
and respected citizens during his life-
time spent in that city, and whose mem-
ory is cherished and revered by all who knew
him, was Morris Rosenfield, the subject of
this sketch.

He was born in Wurttemberg, Germany,
December 18, 1841, and died January 28,
1899, at Tuebingen, Germany, where he had
gone in hopes that he might regain his shat-
tered health.

The Rosenfield family was one of the most
respected in the little city of om- subject's
birth, his father being one of the most enter-
prising and properous citizens of Wurttem-
berg. As an instance of the indomitable
spirit that animated the elder Rosenfield, it
may be related that after he was well past
three score years he came to America on a
visit to his son, Morris, and other relatives
located here, a very considerable undertaking
for a gentleman of his years in a day when the
lu.xuries of traveling were very far below
what they are today, and when any lengthy
joiu'ney was inevitably accompanied by delay,
fatigue and danger. To the firm and unfal-
tering character of this patriarch the success
of the future generations of Rosenficlds can be
traced.

Morris Rosenfield received his education
at the high school in Megentheim, Germany.
After completing his studies in that institu-
tion he decided to emigrate to America. He
came to this country in 1859 when he was
eighteen j'ears of age. His uncles, J. and M.
Rosenfield, were already engaged in the
wholesale leather lousiness in Rock Island,
and in that business their nephew found em-
ployment, later becoming one of the partners.
He sold out his interest in the leather busine.ss,
however, in 1868, and one year later he be-
came identified with parties who were oper-
ating a factory in Moline, devoted to the

// / N 7' () in (■ ROC K I N L A .V /; C U X T Y

manufacturo of farm wagons. This niaim-
factory with whicli Mr. Rosen field was oon-
nectrd drciilcii to incor])oratc in 1S72, and
at that time ho ijet-amc the first president
of what has been known ever since as The
Moline Wagon Com|)any, a position lie held
tmtil tlie time of his death. He was practical-
l}' the founiler of the company, and W'as
always the life and inspiration of the concern,
molding and guiding it through its constant
and stead}- growth and by liis business ability
and foresight developing it into one of that
city's largest and most important industries,
and b}' its progress and prosperity demon-
strating that its founder and developer pos-
sessed talent as an organizer.

On the 10th of November, 1874, Mr. Rosen-
field was joined in marriage to Miss Julia E.
Ottenheimer, and to this couple three children
were born: Irene, wife of Samuel Strauss, and
now residing in New York City; Walter A.,
the present head of the Moline Wagon Com-
pany, and the sketch of whose life appears
elsewhere in this book, and Charles. ]\Ir-
Rosenfield was a man devoted to his home, his
wife and his children, and his family circle
was indeed a happy one. When in the
clutches of the disease that finally caused his
death his family bent every thought and
every effort toward giving him the most ten-
der and ministering care.

In politics Mr. Rosenfield was a stauncli
and loyal Republican, and occupied a prom-
inent place in the coimcils of his party. He
served as delegate and as alternate to several
National Conventions of the Republican
party, and freely gave his labor, his influence
and his money to promote the success of the
party of his choice.

Mr. Rosenfield was a man of high character
and of broad and comprehensive view. He
was thoroughly cosmopolitan in his tastes
and ideas. Of a kindly and genial disposi-
tion he was always ready to help those less
fortunate than himself, and to help them in
such a wav that thev would be enabled there-

by to help themselves. He had very many
warm, personal friends, and by his death
Rock Island lost one of her best and most
progressive citizens. A man of kindly
thought and generous deed he is remembered
by those who knew him with sentiments of
most sincere regard.

WALTER A. ROSENFIELD.

VWTALTER A. ROSENFIELD. the eldest

\\/ son of ilorris and Julia E. Rosenfield,

was born in Rock Island. June 13.

1877. The sketch of his father and of the

history of the Rosenfield family precedes this.

After completing the Rock Island public
schools. Mr. Rosenfield entered St. John's
Military School at Manlius, New York, and
graduated from that school.

In 1898 the lingering and hopeless illness
of his father. Morris Rosenfield. having made
it impossible for him to longer assume the
duties devolving upon the president of an
industry like the Moline Wagon Company,
his son, our subject, was elected to that
office, which position he still holds. Called
to assume the guiding power of a great and
growing industry when he had barely attained
his majority, and at an age when most yoimg
men of his station are still pursuing their
collegiate course, Mr. Rosenfield has displayed
splendid ability in handling the large affairs
that constantly demanded his attention.
Under his management the plant has been
enlarged and the output increased. Several
new buildings have been added until the
capacity of the factory is almost doubled.

Like his father, Walter A. Rosenfield. is a
Republican, and although never seeking any
political office for himself he takes an active
interest in the trend of political affiairs.
He makes his home at the family residence
at the head of Eighteenth Street in Rock
Island, a handsome brick and sandstone

>^^y^

X^(:rpU^J^yy^

// / N T () R 1 C R () (' K I S L A N D C U .V T Y

edifice, and the handsomest home in the eity.
Mr. Rosenfield is a young man to whom
large opportunities have been given to dem-
onstrate what manner of man he is, and he
has proved himself to be thoroughly capable.
He has managed the affairs of the large indus-
try, of which he is at the head, wisely and
well.

MAX DANIEL ROSENFIELD.

M.VX I). ROSENFIELD is a familiar
name in business circles throughout
Rock Island. Moline and Davenport as
well. He was born in Muhringen, Wurttem-
berg, Germany, April 4, 1867, his parents
being Daniel and Marie Rosenfield. He at-
tended the public schools of his native town,
He came to America at an early age, and
later located in Chicago, where he resided
from 1SS3 to 1901, when he removed to Mo-
line.

A branch of the Chicago Brewing Company
had been established in Rock Island in 1894,
Sam Pells being the first manager. In 1889
this Brewing Company became a part of the
great United Breweries Company of Chicago,
and on February 13, 1901, Mr. Rosenfield
assumed the management of the Rock Island
branch, succeeding Mr. Pells. This position
Mr. Rosenfield still holds, and during his
management he has greatly increased the
patronage of the Rock Island branch until it
has reached a stage where there is now talk
of putting up a fully equipped brewing plant
in Rock Island as another link in the chain
of breweries which this company controls.

October 4, 1893, Mr. Rosenfield was joined
in marriage to Miss Rebecca Hi'rsch, the
daughter of Simon Hirsch, one of Rock Island
Covmty's early settlers. After a number of
years of happy married life Mrs. Rosenfield
died, Mr. Rosenfield later married her sister.
Miss Tillie Hirsch.

Mr. Rosenfield's political affiliation is with
the Republican Party. He is a Thirty-second
Degree Mason, Past Chancellor of the Knights
of Pythias and is a charter member of the
Moline Lodge of Elks.

In religion he is an adherent of the Jewish
faith, and is a trustee of Temple Emanuel,
the house of worship of the Jewish congrega-
tion (Reformed) at Davenport, Iowa.

He is a man of great executive ability as
has been demonstrated by his able manage-
ment of the branch of which he has control.
In his business dealings he is upright and
conscientious, and in his social relations
pleasant and affable, easily making and
keeping friends.

EDWARD HOLMES GUYER.

ONE of the comparatively few whose
genius for large undertaking and achiev-
ment determines the destinies of the
localities in which they live, is the subject of
this sketch — Edward Holmes Guyer. of Rock
Island. He is a native of the city, having
been born there October 30, 1853.

His parents were Judge Samuel S. Guyer
and Annette. Holmes, daughter of the late
George E. Holmes, of Port Byron. Judge
Guyer was a pioneer of Rock Island County,
of which he was county judge for a period of
eight years, serving the county as sheriff" for
like period. He was one of the original pro-
prietors of the Town of Coal Valley, and was
an incorporator of the Coal Valley Mining
Company, also of the Rock Island and Peoria
Railroad Company and of Chippiannock
Cemetery.

Edward Holmes Guyer received his educa-
tion in the Rock Island Grade and High
Schools. He graduated from the Michigan
ITniversity, receiving therefrom the Degrees
of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.'

// / N 7' () in <■ R V l< ISLAND COUNTY

He also studiod for two yonrs at Heidelberg,
Germany.

Mr. Guyer entered upon hi.s active busines.s
career in tlie ('it>- of Rock Island in the year
1S79 when he o|M'iic'd his office and entered
into the ]iractice of law, which he has followed
ever since. He was secretary and attorney
for the Rock Island and Milan Street Railway
Company and of the Moline Central Street
Railway Company, the first road in Illinois
to be equipped with modern electric motors.

Mr. Guyer has been attorney and manager
of the Rock Island Mutual Building Loan
and Savings Association since its organiza-
tion twenty-six years ago; has been director
of the Chippiannock Cemetery Association
since 1882, and its president for more than
twenty years.

His interests in real estate have been very
extensive. He platted in Rock Island, Guy-
er Sub-division, Guyer's First, Second and
Third Additions, Edgewood Park, First and
Second Additions to Edgewood Park, College
Heights and Buford and Guyer Additions.
In Moline he platted Prospect Park and First
and Second Fairmount Additions. In the
year 1895 platted the Town of East Moline
on a tract of twelve hundred acres.

Mr. Guyer's public services to the Cities
of Rock Island and INIoline have been great.
He originated and carried to a successful
conclusion the project of locating the Water-
town Hospital for the Insane at Water-
town, and the location of the small arms'
plant at Rock Island Arsenal in which enter-
prise he spent six weeks at Washington to
secure an appropriation from Congress.
He was one of a delegation of three to the
Head Camp of the Modern Woodmen of
America held at Omaha, securing the remov-
al of the head offices from Fulton to Rock
Island.

Mr. Guyer has been twice elected a director
of the Rock Island Club, and was its presi-
dent in 1905. He represented the Seventh
Ward of his citv in the years 1892 and 1893.

He is a Republican, but of the independent
order. His marriage to Miss Constance Kim-
ball, of Paris, Maine, was celebrated in the
year 1886. Of this union the children are
Alice F. Guyer and Edward F. Guyer.

PETER FRIES.

A MAN whose personality was strongly
impressed on Rock Island County, was
Peter Fries, distiller, banker, and man
of affairs. Mr. Fries was born May 4, 1822,
on the family estate known as "Guss-Hof,"
situated on the River Main, in Bavaria, Ger-
many. He died July 20, 1902, in Rock Is-
land, Illinois. His father's name was Johann,
his mother's, Gertrude (nee Brand), of Reis-
tenhausen.

Johann Fries was the owner of the Guss-
Hof, the estate which had descended from
father to son for many generations, and was
situated near Stadt Prozelten.

Peter Fries, the subject of this sketch, was
the youngest of eight children. After re-
ceiving his education, he assisted his father
in the affairs of the estate, until he reached
the age of manhood, when he sold his inheri-
tance to his oldest sister.

The burden had been heavy, and being
informed of the rare opportunities for thrift
and energy in America, he came in the year
1849 to the United States, and located in
Altoona, Pennsylvania. Here he engaged
in the tannery business, but his investment
proved unfortunate, and he continued but
for one year, when he removed to Henry,
Illinois, where he once more embarked in
the leather business. After two years spent
in Henry, he sold his establishment and re-
moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he engaged
in the manufacture of vinegar, which he
continued until the year 1854. At this time
he came to Rock Island and entered upon
the business of distilling and rectifying

E. II. (JLYER

/ C^-U^ /^yt.

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND COUNTY

liquors, and continued therein until the end
of his life.

Now fortune smiled on Mr. Fries, and as
he prospered he became widely interested
in real estate. He was a charter member of
the Rock Island National Bank, and of the
People's National Bank. He was a director
in both banks, and was vice-president of the
latter up to the time of his death.

In politics Mr. Fries was a Democrat,
always reserving the right to vote for men
or measures according to the dictates of his
own judgment.

In religion Mr. Fries was a Catholic. Mr.
Fries married Theresa Dauber August 5,
1852, in the City of Henry, Illinois. Of this
union, two children were born: .\nna, who
married the late Mr. Henry Schmidt, of St.
Louis, and is now Mrs. James Connor, of Rock
Island, Illinois. The other child, a son, died
in infancy.

Mr. Fries died a successful man, the result
of great energy, thrift and business ability.
He was a man of great force of character,
and in disposition modest and unassuming.
His large and varied business connections
made him an important factor of the business
life of the city, to which his death was a great
loss.

ISAAC NEGUS.

ISAAC NEGUS, deceased, who, during his
lifetime, was one of the leading business

men in Rock Island, was a man whose be-
lief in the future of the city he had chosen for
his home took the substantial form of build-
ing enterprise.

He was born December 31, 1799, at La-
bions, Ondaga County, New York, where he
received a common school education. After
leaving school he found employment in the
construction department of the Erie Canal
in New York State, where he remained for

three years. The experience and practical
knowledge gained during those three years
was a great service to him later, when he,
with his partner, Mr. James Sanger, took a
$150,000 contract for a part of the construc-
tion of the Illinois and .Michigan Canal, the
scene of their operations being Chicago.

Mr. Negus removed from New York State
in 1829, locating in Edwardsville, Madison
County, Illinois, where for three years he was
engaged in the mercantile business. From
thence he moved to Chicago and later went
to Galena, Illinois, where he was again en-
gaged in mercantile lines until he came to
Rock Island on October 8, 1844. Here he
again took up mercantile life and made an
enviable record in his business career.

He was also a member of the banking firm
of Osborn, Negus & Company known as the
Rock Island Bank, the firm at that time op-
erating the principal bank in the city. He
was also one of the owners of the first street
car system between the cities of Rock Island
and Moline. In those early days electricity
had not supplanted the horse as a means of
motive power, and indeed, a hack line which
Mr. Negus started and operated between the
Twin-Cities was a nticleus from which the
first horse car system grew. Mr. Negus was
also one of the stock holders in the Rock
Island Watch Company, and held a large
interest in the Rock Island Stove Company.

In 1876 Mr. Negus built the Rock Island
Hotel which is still one of the city's leading
hotels, and this building stands as a monu-
ment to the man who believed in the future
of his city and who took pride in her welfare.
He stood always ready to co-operate in every
possible way with any movement that
looked toward the best interests of Rock
Island. He invested largely in city property
and at the time of his death he had very ex-
tensive holdings. He was a man of a benev-
olent and charitable nature and was always
ready to extend a helping hand to a needy
fellow being.

// / .s' T O Hie h' (> (■ K I S L A N D C U N T Y

Mr. Negus was a self-made man. A strong
and vigorous character, he determined to
achieve success and through his own unaided
exertions he attained his goal.

On November 28, 1839, he nuu-ried Miss
Jusiva Waldo, a native of Mansfield, Connec-
ticut, the scene of their marriage being Sec-
tion 3, Number 4, Summit Division of the
Illinois and Michigan Canal. Four children
were born of this union, they being Charles
W., who died September 29, 1900; Anna S.,
wife of the late W. S. Knowlton, (Mrs.
Knowlton's death occurred March 2.'), 1901);
Henry, who died in infancy, and William O.,
of Rock Island.

Although Mr. Negus had no church affilia-
tion, yet he was a libera] supporter of the
Presbyterian Church, of which his wife,
whose death occurred September 1, 1873,
in Rock Island, was a devout and consistent
member.

In politics Mr. Negus was a Democrat, and
although personally he never cared to hold
office, he took a great interest in political
affairs. Yielding to the solicitations of his
party in Rock Island he was once prevailed
upon to become a candidate for mayor of his
city, which was at that time overwhelmingly
Republican. He was defeated by a small
majority, his personality and well known
interest in municipal affairs drawing to him
many votes from the opposition. At one
time he was president of the Old Settlers'
Association of Rock Island County.

On November 27, 1883, Mr. Negus passed
away at his home in Rock Island, his death
bringing to a close a long and successful life.
In his old age he retired from active partici-
pation in business affairs, but he never
ceased to take the same keen and zealous in-
terest in his home city, and in the success of
the enterprises which he had helped in so
large a measure to create. He was a man of
whom it can be said that his convictions took
form in acts, and who, in his prosperity,
helped those less fortunate than himself.

HENRY A. AINSWORTH.

HKNRY A. AINSWORTH, president of
the Moline Trust and Savings Bank,
and president of the Williams <t White
Company, manufacturers of steam hammers
and other special tools, is classed among the
truly representative citizens of Moline, and
dates his residence there since 1870. He is
a native of Vermont, born in Williamstown,
September 28, 1833. His father, Calvin
Ainsworth, was also a native of Vermont,
born in Brookfield, but in early life moved to
Williamstown, where for fifty years he was a
general merchant, well and favorably known
in all that section of the country. He mar-
ried Miss Laura Lynde, a native of Vermont,
whose father, Cornelius Lynde, was the first
circuit judge of Orange County, that state.
The Ainsworth family was of English descent,
the first of the name coming to New England
in the Seventeenth Century and locating in
Chelsea, Massachusetts. The Lyndes are
also of English descent, having settled in this
country prior to the Revolutionary War,
several of the name taking part in that strug-
gle.

The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood in his native village, and in the district
schools received his primary education which
was supplemented by attendance in two
academies. In 1853, at the age of twenty
years, he left home and came west, locating
in Geneseo, Henry County, Illinois, where he
engaged in general merchandising on his own
account. In this line he continued eight
years, then sold out, and for a few years was
engaged in the hardware and agricultural
implement trade in the same place. In both
lines he met with good success.

In 1870 Mr. Ainsworth came to Moline and
secured an interest in the manufactory of
Williams & White. Within a year later the
business was incorporated, and Mr. Ains-
worth was elected secretary of the company,
a position he held for about fifteen years,

HENRY A. AINSWORTH

HISTORIC RO C K ISLAND C U N T Y

when purchasing about three-fourths of its
capital stock, he was elected president, a
position he still retains. Under his general
management the business has attained mam-
moth proportions, and is one of the leading
industries of Moline. Soon after coming to
Moline he took stock in the Moline National
Bank, and also in the Moline Savings Bank,
and for some years served as director and
vice president of both institutions. His
ability as a financier and good executive
ability were recognized by his associates,
and in 1894 he was elected president of the
former institution, a position he is well quali-
fied to fill. On his election as president of
the Moline National Bank, he resigned the
vice-presidency of the Moline Savings Bank,
but was retained in its directory. April, 1892,
he resigned as president of the Moline National
Bank, when it was changed to Moline Trust
and Savings Bank. He was elected president
of that bank in 1894 and still holds that
position.

On the 2Sth of July. 1858, Mr. Ainsworth
was married at Ashland, Ohio, to Miss Sarah
Andrews, a native of Ohio, and a sister of
Mr. Andrews, president then of Kenyon Col-
lege. After a happy married life of thirty-
three years, Mrs. Ainsworth was called to her
reward, dying in a hospital at Chicago, leav-
ing two children, Harry and Mary. The
former is a graduate of Oberlin College, and
of the law department of Harvard University.
He is a man of exceptionally good business
ability, and is now secretary of the Williams
& White Company. Mary is also a graduate
of Oberlin College, and is a woman of rare
attainments. At present she is making a
tour in Europe. Mrs. Ainsworth was a sin-
cere and honest Christian woman, one who
delighted in the service of the Master, and
when the summons came she was ready to go,
having that perfect confidence and trust in
the Blessed Redeemer and the life beyond
the grave.

For his second wife, Mr. Ainsworth wedded

Miss Sarah F. Anderson, Jvme 30, 1896. She
was born in Bucyrus, Ohio; moved to Gene-
seo, Illinois, in early life, and was a graduate
of Rockford Female College. A teacher of
recognized ability, a woman of grace and
refinement, and of good executive ability,
she was called to the presidency of her alma
mater, and for six years occupied that posi-
tion. She was still serving as such when her
marriage with Mr. Ainsworth occurred. In
February, 1896, Beloit College conferred on
her the degree of M. A., a degree worthily
bestowed.

Mr. Ainsworth has always taken a com-
mendable interest in public affairs, though
never to the neglect of his business interests.
He believes it the duty of every American
citizen to keep posted and act intelligently
upon all questions affecting the people, and
in pursuance of that idea he carefully reads
the current literature of the day, and attends
the public speaking as his time will admit.

The conventions of his party he also .at-
tends, more frequently as a delegate than
otherwise. Politically he is a strong Repub-
lican. Attaining his majority the year that
party occurred, he gave adhesion to its prin-
ciples, and has never deviated therefrom.

While a resident of Geneseo, Mr. Ainsworth
was elected a member of the board of village
trustees, and was the youngest member of
that body. For six years he was a member
of the state board of equalization, and was
state senator from the Moline District from
1882 to 1886. He was later appointed by
Governor Fifer president of the state board
of labor statistics, which office he resigned
when Altgeld was elected governor. In
every position filled he discharged its duties
faithfully and well, and to the satisfaction
of all interested.

Religiously, Mr. Ainsworth and family are
members of the First Congregational Church,
of Moline, and in the work of the church he
has always manifested an interest, being
among its most liberal contributors. Fra-

JJJSTUNJC ROCK ISLAXD CUL'XTY

tcnially, lie is a Royal Arch Mason, a member 1,SS9. In ihis connection it is interesting to

of both the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Mo- state that Airs. Ainsworth's grandfather, on

line. In the former body he is now past tiie maternal side, James T. Gifford, laid out

master. As a citizen he has ever taken a the City of Elgin.

lively interest in every enterprise calculated The children of this union are Caroline D.,

to build up his adopted city and county, and Sarah A., and Dorothy S.
few men have a wider circle of friends and
acquaintances throughout the state.

HARRY AINSWORTH.

A .MONO the leading nuinufactiu'ers of Mo-
line. Illinois, is Mr. Harry Ainsworth,
vice-president of Williams, White &
Company, manufactm-ers of heavy machine
tools.

Mr. Ainsworth was born at Geneseo, Illi-
nois, Ma}- 9, 1862. He is the son of Henry A.
Ainsworth (whose biography appears in this
book) and Sarah A., his wife. He was edu-
cated in Oberlin College (class of 1884) and
Harvard Law School (class of 1887).

Although admitted to the bar of the State
of Illinois. Mr. Ainsworth never practiced,
but instead entered the office of Williams,
White tt Company with his father, where he
has continued ever since as secretary, treas-
urer and vice president.

Mr. Ainsworth has served as secretary of
the Tri-City Manufacturers' Association for
a number of years; also as member of the
public library board, of which he is now
president.

He is a member of the First Congregational
Church of Moline, in which he has served in
variovis offices, being now and for years past,
superintendent of the Sundaj- School.

In politics Mr. Ainsworth is a Republican,
though independent, when his judgment
prompts him to assert such independence.

Mr. Ainsworth was married to Stella A.
Davidson, the daughter of Mr. Orlando Da-
vidson, banker, of Elgin. Illinois, in the vear

BEN C. HARTZ.

OXE OF the most extensive business en-
terprises conducted in the City of Rock
Island is the wholesale drug house of
Hartz & Bahnsen Company. It is a business
that, although modest in its inception, has
attained immense proportions, until today
it occupies a magnificent four-story building
on Third Avenue and Nineteenth Street,
and for its successful operation requires the
emploj-ment of a small army of clerks. It is
one of the founders of this large concern and
its president, whose life we propose to take
up in this sketch, and as a specific example
of what integrity, perseverance and industry
can accomplish, it will certainly be of inter-
est to every reader.

Ben C. Hartz was born December 5, 1856,
in the town of Altona. Germany, his parents
being .1. H. and Theresa Hartz. The father
was a contractor and manufacturer of furni-
ture. He died in his native land of Ger-
many in 1871. After his death the mother
made her home with her children in Rock
Island, passing away September, 1888.

Their son came in the United States in
1873 and located in Rock Island. Previous
to leaving Germany, he had served an ap-
prenticeship of three years in a wholesale
and retail drug and paint business in Ham-
burg. Having thus fitted himself as a prac-
tical pharmacist he found no difficulty in ob-
taining employment in his chosen line upon
coming to Rock Island, and after having
served for six years in that capacity as an

B^^

MHS>. THOMAS CAMPBELL

THOMAS CAMPBELL,

II I ST Rl C RO C K ISLAND C O U N T Y

employee of others, in 1879 he entered into
partnership with F. W. Bahnsen in the retail
drug business under the firm name of Hartz
& Bahnsen. Their venture was a sviccessful
and prosperous one, and in 1891 they dis-
posed of their retail drug ijusiness and incor-
porated as Hartz & Bahnsen Company, niid
from that date to the present time they have
been actively engaged in the wholesale drug
business exclusively. U])on the formation
of the new corporation, Mr. Hartz was elected
its president, an oHice that he has ever since
lu'ld, devoting his time exclusively to the
tluties and responsibilities which necessarily
devolved upon him.

In I'cligious conviction Mr. Hartz is a
Lutheran, and was confirmed in the Lutheran
Evangelical Church. In politics he is a
Republican. For twenty-seven years he has
been a member of Ucal Lodge, No. 608, of
Odd Fellows. He is also a director of the
Rock Island Club. He is a progressive and
respected citizen of Rock Island, and the
business that he and his early partner, Mr.
Hahnsen, have built up and cai'ry on, stands
as a monument to the business sagacity of
both those gentlemen.

THOMAS CAMPBELL.

THOMAS CAMPBELL, one of the best
known citizens of Rock Island County
was born January 9, 1842, in liallyhas-
kin Parrish,. Comity Down, Ireland. His
l)arents were John and Margaret (McQuaid)
Campbell, and of their union four children
were born: Mary (now Mrs. Rutherford),
Margaret (deceased), Robert and Thomas,
the subject of this sketch.

The Campbells were originally from Scot-
land. About two centuries past the fore-
bears of Thomas Campbell removed from
Scotland and settled in the North of Ireland.

February 11, 1850, when Thomas Camp-
Ijcll was eight years of age, his parents, with
their children, left Ireland for America, em-
barking on the Elizabeth Augusta, a sailing
vessel bound for New Orleans. The journey
consumed seven weeks and three days. Up-
on arriving at New Orleans the family, hav-
ing determined to come to Rock Island, took
boat and proceeded up the Mississippi, but
at St. Louis the illness antl death of the
mother comjielled a temporary cessation of
jommey. Mrs. Campbell was buried at St.
Louis and the rest of the s((rro\ving family
continued upon their way to Rock Island,
which they reached May 3, 1850.

On the first of May the fdllDwing year,
Thomas Campbell was taken into the home
of John A. Boyer and wife. He attended the
common schools of Rock Island, going three
or four months in the winter, and spending
the other months in farm work. He made
his home with the Boyers until the death of
that couple. Having no children of their
own, they had made Thomas Campbell their
heir, and they left to him considerable pro-
perty, consisting chiefly of real estate. He
continued to live in the old Boyer homestead
until 1901, when he built a new house about
two hundred feet south of the old one and
moved into it. This is the only time that
Mr. Campbell has moved since he came to
Rock Island in his boyhood.

On August 9, 1862, Mr. Campbell enlisted
as a ])rivate in Company I, One Hundred
and Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Seven comjianies were mustered in Rock
Island Coimty. All of them went to Dixon,
Illinois, where they remained in camp three
weeks. Then they were ordered to Chicago.
While there one of the companies, (Capt.
Williams') went into the Eighty-ninth Illinois,
and another (Capt. Ashbaugh's) joined the
Ninety-third Illinois. This left five companies
from Rock Island County, and these, together
with five companies from the southern part of
state, formed the One Hundred and Twenty-

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

sixth llliuois N'ohiiitiMT Infantry. While they
were in camp at Chicago, Harper's Ferry iwul
been tal<en. Some of tlie Union .soldiers who
were captured at tliat Confederate victory were
paroled and sent to Chicago to Camj) Doug-
las. One of them upon going to a sutler's
tent to ptu-chase tal)acco was informed by
the sutler's clerk that he "would not sell to-
bacco to a d coward." This insult

spread through the camp like wildfire and
everything in the tent was destroyed by the
enraged soldiers, so keen was their resent-
ment of the insult offered their comrade.
The other sutlers' tents were guarded, or the
same treatment would have been meted out
to them. Diu'ing this melee, through the
accidental discharge of a soldier's musket,
Mr. Campbell was wounded, the ball passing
through his left knee joint and crippling him
for life, from the effect of which in 1900 he
had to have his limb amputated four inches
above the knee-joint.

Mr. Campbell was married September 7,
1864, to Mary J. Carson. Seven children
were born to them, all of them living but one,
who was killed in a railroad accident Febru-
ary 19, 1904.

Mr. Campbell has devoted his life to farm-
ing, his farm being located just outside the
city limits of Rock Island, and being known
to this day as "the old Boyer place." For
twenty-five years he has been crop corres-
pondent for Rock Island County.

In politics Mr. Campbell is a Republican
and has been frequently honored by his par-
ty, having held the offices of school director,
road commissioner, supervisor, county treas-
urer in 1890, and on November 6, 1906,
he was elected as a representative to the
Illinois Legislature from the Thirty-third
Senatorial District, which is composed of
Rock Island, Mercer and Henderson Coun-
ties. His first presidential vote was cast for
Abraham Lincoln on iiis second term, 1864.

Mr. Campbell is a member of John Buford
Post, G. A. R. For abotU twenty years he

was elected quartermaster, then commander,
and at the present time he is chaplain. He
is also a, member of the Old Settlers' Associa-
tion.

He is affiliated with the First Baptist
Church in Rock Island, and has been promi-
nent in church work. For twelve years he
has been a trustee and for ten \-ears a deacon
of his church.

MANSFIELD M. STURGEON.

ONE of the most brilliant and astute
attorneys practising at the Rock Island
("ounty Bar is Mansfield M. Sturgeon,
senior member of the legal firm of Sturgeon.
Stelck & Sturgeon, a man whose great ability
and profound learning as an attorney has been
demonstrated in the trial of many important
suits, as well as in sound counsel and legal
advice.

He was born September 10, 1848, at Letart
Falls, Ohio, his parents, being Oliver Hazard
Perry Sturgeon and Mar\' Ellenor (Summers)
Sturgeon. The father was born March 14,
1818, at Sistersville. Virginia, the date of the
marriage of the senior Mr. and Mrs. Sturgeon
being December 25, 1839. The death of the
father occurred at Windom, Kansas, in 1902,
he being then in his eighty-fifth year. The
mother was born in Morgantown, Virginia,
.June 11, 1819. She is still living, and is in her
eighty-eighth year.

The grandfatlu'i- of our subject. William
Sturgeon, was a soldier in the war of 1812,
and was with the land forces at Lake Erie
when Commodore Perry won the memorable
naval battle there. Hence when his son was
born he bestowed upon him the somewhat
lengthy name of Oliver Hazard Perry Stur-
geon, in honor of his hero. This rather
ctimbrous cognomen was abbreviated by his
boyhood companions to simply "Perry", and

M. M. STURGEON

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

by this name he was known throughout liis
life.

The Sturgeons were of Scotch-Irish ances-
try, one of the members of that family set-
tling in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in an early
day. The great-grandfather of our subject
was born in Uniontown. When a young
man he erected a grist mill on the banks of
Union Creek, and was engaged in the milling
and general merchandise business for many
years.

After the war of 1812 William Sturgeon
was commissioned colonel of militia by the
then Governor of Virginia. Under the old
militia laws of that state, annual drills or
musters were held, which all the able-bodied
men subject to military duty were required
to attend. Colonel Sturgeon held these mus-
ters either at Morgantown or else at Wheeling,
at that time included in old Virginia, but now
one of the principal citie.s in West Virginia.
Colonel Sturgeon died at Cincinnati, Ohio,
in 185.5.

The family of our subject's mother was
noted for longevity. His great-grandmother
lived to be one hundred years old, and his
great-great-grandmother was one hundred
and one years of age at the time of her death.

In 1849, when Mansfield M. Sturgeon was
six years of age, his parents removed from
their Ohio home to St. Joseph, Missouri, and
afterward to Rock Island, arriving in the lat-
ter city in 1851. This city has been Mr.
Sturgeon's home ever since, with the excep-
tion of a few years just prior to, and during
the first years of the Civil War, when his
parents lived upon a farm in Buffalo Prairie
Township in this county. He attended the
public schools of Rock Island, and while his
parents were upon the farm he attended the
country schools tjf the lower end of the county
and also a private academy at Edgington.
After the close of the war he took a one year's
course in the Rock River Seminary at Mount
Morris, Illinois.

In June, 1862, he enlisted in Company F,

Sixt}--ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer
Infantry to serve for three months. The regi-
ment was assigned to duty at Camp Douglas,
Chicago, guarding rebel prisoners, of which
there were about eight thousand detained at
that camp. The time of Mr. Sturgeon's
enlistment expired the following September,
and upon its expiration he, together with
others whose enlistments had expired, vol-
unteered, before being mustered out of service,
to guard rebel prisoners from Camp Douglas
to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where they were to
be exchanged. This expedition from Camp
Douglas to Vicksburg took in all about six
weeks.

In the early winter of 1863-1864 Mr. Stur-
geon again enlisted, this time in Company H,
Forty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, through Sergeant Wallace, who
was then in Edgington upon recruiting ser-
vice. After signing the enlistment roll Mr.
Sturgeon heard nothing further in regard to
the matter until the spring of 1864, when he
received orders to report at Camp Yates,
Springfield, Illinois. Upon reporting at Camp
Yates he was assigned to the extremely un-
pleasant task of drilling raw recruits, which
proved so exceedingly irksome and uncongen-
ial that he longed to get away. Racking his
brain in an endeavor to plan some way to
obtain relief from the distasteful duty with
the awkward squad, he one day chanced to
meet Colonel E. M. Beardsley of the One Hun-
dred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry. Colonel Beardsley had formerly been
first lieutenant of Company F of the Si.xty-
ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the com-
pany and regiment to which Mr. Sturgeon was
attached upon his first enlistment, and the
two men were also old friends. Mr. Sttirgeon
told the colonel how anxious he was to leave
Springfield. Colonel Beardsley proposed that
Mr. Sturgeon accompany him, as he (Beards-
ley) was about to leave Springfield to join
his regiment which was then located at De
Vails Bluff, Arkansas. This invitation was

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

eagerly accepted liy the yiiuiif; man, and they
then set about arranging for the transfer of
Mr. Sturgeon to Colonel Beardsley's regiment.
That same afternoon Mr. Sturgeon received
orders to report to the adjutant general of
the state. Arriving at his office he found
Colonel Beardsley alread.y there. Here Mr.
Sturgeon's enlistment papers were changed
from Company H, Forty-fifth Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry to Company B, One Hundred
and Twenty-sixth Illinois ^'olunteer Infantry.
This concluded the necessary formalities, and
Mr. Sturgeon accompanied Colonel Beardsley
to De Vails Bluff, Arkansas. On the twenty-
third of June, 1864, Mr. Sturgeon was in the
engagement at Clarendon, Arkansas. Short-
ly afterward he was detailed for special duty
in the provost marshal's oflice at De Vails
Bluff, where he served as clerk until Septem-
ber of that same year. Then he was ordered
to report to the provost marshal general of
the Department of Arkansas, at Little Rock.
He was assigned to duty in this office, and
remained there imtil the close of the war.

After the close of the war, Mr. Sturgeon
again resumed his residence in Rock Island
County and has never-changed it since. From
1866 to March, 1869, he taught school in the
town of Milan. In the latter month and year
he was appointed county superintendent of
schools, to fill out the unexpired term of the
Hon. Wm. H. Gest, who had resigned. Mr.
Sturgeon studied law with the legal firm of
Gest & Hawley and was admitted to the bar
of Illinois in Jime, 1872. The fotu'th of July
of that year he celebrated by opening a law
office of his own .■mil hanging out his sign
"Mansfield M. Sturgeon, Lawyer."

On June 23, 1870, occurred the marriage of
Mansfield M. Sturgeon .-ind .Miss Jennie B.
^lattison, a young lady of Mount Morris,
Illinois. To them four children were born:
Grace .M., the wife of J. S. Freeman, who re-
sides in Moline; Mansfield, who died at the
age of three and a half j'ears; Rollin S., a
graduate of Northwestern University anil of

Harvard Law School, and who is now a mem-
ber of the law firm of Sturgeon, Stelck &
Sturgeon; and Miss Jennie B. Sturgeon, who
is also a graduate of Northwestern University
and who is now principal of the English De-
partment of the Monmouth High School.

In politics Mr. Sturgeon has always been a
staunch Republican, and he is recognized as
one of the leaders of his party in Rock Island
County. He has several times been honored
by his party, the first time by the appoint-
ment as county superintendent of schools
and afterwards by election to that office three
successive terms; then by his election to the
office of state's attorney for Rock Island
County in 1888 to fill the unexpired term of
Patrick O'Mara, who died a short time after
being elected to office. Mr. Sturgeon served
as state's attorney until 1892. He was a
vigorous and efficient prosecutor and conduc-
ted the affairs of the office in a competent and
lawyer-like manner. In 1892 he was elected
a member of the state board of equiliza-
tion for the Eleventh Congressional District
of Illinois, and served until December 1,
1896.

As a lawyer Mansfield M. Sturgeon is be-
yond question the peer of any attorney prac-
ticing at the Rock Island County Bar. Al-
though a brilliant man and a talented lawyer
he is modest and unassuming, and without
the slightest trace of ostentation in his man-
ner. He has a large number of friends
throughout Rock Island County, and is
covmted one of the good, substantial citizens
in the community in which he resides.

STEPHEN HENRY VELIE.

THE City of Moline owes its prominence
throughout the United States, and in
fact, throughout the entire civilized
world, chiefly to its manufactories. And to
Stephen Henry N'elie. deceased, who, diu'ing

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY'

his life, was conspicuously identified with
several of that city's leading manufacturing
establishments, Moline is greatly indebted
for the preeminence she now maintains in
industrial enterprise.

Mr. Velie was born April 21, 1830, near
Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York,
his boyhood, until he arrived at the age of
fifteen years, being spent upon his father's
farm in that county. During this period he
attended the public schools of that locality.
In 1845 he went to New York City, where he
made his home with his grandfather, Stephen
Herrick, who was engaged in the commission
business. While with his grandfather. Mr.
Velie obtained valuable business training and
experience which was of great advantage to
him in later life. After remaining for some
time in the home of his grandfather, Mr.
Velie went to Poughkeepsie in the same state,
and in 1847 came west, locating in St. T>ouis,
Missouri. Here he was employed in the
wholesale grocery house of Edward J. Gay it
Company. Mr. Gay, the head of the firm,
made his home in Louisiana, and was after-
wards elected to congress from his district
in that state. At this time Mr. Velie lived
with him at his Louisiana home and man-
aged his large plantation for a period of two
years during his employer's term in congress.
He again returned to St. Louis where he re-
mained until 1854 when he came to Rock
Island. For five years after removing to this
city he had charge of the C. C. Webber &
Company's foundry, at the e.xpiration of
which time he went to Princeton, Illinois^
where he was for two years engaged in the
mercantile business.

In 1863 Mr. Velie returned to this locality
and entered into partnership with John
Deere, the pioneer plow manufacturer of the
west. In 1868, when the concern was incor-
porated, Mr. Velie was elected to the offices of
secretary and treasurer and held that position
until the time of his death, which occurred
February 14, 1895.

In addition to the responsibilities and
duties devolving upon him in consequence of
his connection with Deere & Company, ilr.
Velie was largely interested in numerous other
financial and manufacturing enterprises.
These interests and holdings he accpiired from
time to time during his life in consequence of
his business judgment and acumen in com-
mercial affairs. Every enterprise with which
he identified himself prospered, and as the
substantial fruits of these increased, Mr.
Velie was constantly seeking new fields of
investment for his large returns, so that at
the time of his death, Mr. ^'elie, in addition
to possessing large lumber holdings in the
south, was interested in the stone quarries at
Le Claire, Iowa, as president of the Moline
Central Railway Company, the Moline Water
Power Company and the Peoples Power
Company.

On May 10, 1860, Mr. Velie married Miss
Emma C. Deere, daughter of John Deere, the
founder of Moline 's great plow works, and of
this marriage five children were born, they
being Charles Deere Velie, one of the present
managers of Deere & Company's branch
house at Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stephen
Henry, Jr., manager of that firm's branch
house at Kansas City, Missouri, and also of
the Velie Harness Company of the same city;
Willard Lamb, president of the Velie Carriage
Company, of Moline; John Deere Velie, who
died August 14, 1870, and Grace Deere Velie,
the wife of Stuart Harper of Rock Island.

In politics Mr. Velie was originally a Whig,
l)ut later joined the ranks of the newly formed
Republican part}' which had taken a firm and
decided stand against the iniquity of the
ownership of human beings. To this latter
partj' he gave his allegiance and support
throughotit his remaining years, always re-
joicing in its successes and lamenting its
defeats. He was constantly contributing
both his personal influence and his means to
his party's cause, but never sought political
honor for himself, the only public office he

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

ever held being that of a director of the Moline
Public Library, to which he was chosen when
that institution was first organized.

Mr. Velie was a man of religions convic-
tion and was a consistent menii)er of the
Congregational Church at Moline, and in
maintaining and fnrthering church work, he
was always a liberal contributor.

He was a Mason, belonging to the Order
of Knights Templar and was also an Odd
Fellow, and in his fraternal, as well as in his
domestic business, political and other rela-
tions in life, he set and maintained a high
standard for himself.

Mr. ^'elie was a large employer of labor^
with whom he dealt fairly, equitably and
liberally, and with whom his relations and
dealings were at all times fraternal and never
tj'rannical.

He was a splendid type of citizen. He
possessed a broad and comprehensive under-
standing of the trend of public events. Al-
though actively engaged in business, with
great interests demanding his most careful
attention, he never became so engrossed in
matters pertaining to finance or commerce
that he was difficult of approach. He was
a man of suave and genial temperament,
ready to help those less fortunate than him-
self, and to help them in the way best suited
to their peculiar need. In his hours of re-
laxation, he was a most delightful compan-
ion having the rare power of discovering and
adapting himself to the environment he
might be placed in, and so he was held in
warm regard by all who knew him as a man
of great congeniality. He was devotedly
attached to his home and family, and in
return he reaped the reward of their enduring
devotion. The best biographj- of Stephen
Henry Velie is written in the memory of
those who knew him, and, knowing him,
found him to be possessed of those qualities
that are found only in a high standard of
manhood.

COLONEL ELHANAN JOHN SEARLE.

SOLDIER, jurist and publicist, a man of
many attainments and widely diversified
talent, was Elhanan J. Searle, the sub-
ject of this sketch. He was born January 18,
1835, at Royalton, Ohio, coming to Rock
Island County with his parents when about
two years of age, and died at Rock Island,
August 18, 1906. Colonel 8earle, or Judge
Searle as he was perhaps more familiarly
known throughout Rock Island County, re-
ceived his education at the Rock River Sem-
inary, an institution located at Mount Morris,
Illinois, and after completing his studies in
that school, which was largely preparatory
in its scope, he entered Northwestern Uni-
versity at Evanston; from which institution
he graduated with the highest honors of his
class; and at the time of his death was the
oldest alumnus of that institution. After the
completion of his collegiate course he decided
to fit himself for entrance to the legal pro-
fession, and with that end in view he entered
the law office of John L. Beveridge, afterwards
Governor of Illinois, at Chicago. He re-
mained in Mr. Beveridge 's office until Nov-
ember, 1859, when he entered the law office
of Abraham Lincoln and William H. Hern-
don, the firm being known as Lincoln & Hern-
don, at Springfield, and here he remained
continuing the sttidy of his chosen profession
until March, 1861. Daily association with a
character such as Abraham Lincoln's and the
intimacy naturally arising from their relation
as student and mentor, must have made a
deep impression upon the j'Otmg man, and
doubtless exerted a formative influence upon
the whole course of his after life. As we can
view it now, such an opportunity was a price-
less one, and even in those days it was a
most excellent thing for any young man as-
piring to become a law3'^er, to be taken into
the office of Lincoln & Herndon, for Abra-
ham Lincoln was then recognized as one of

COLONEL ELHANAN JOHN SEARLE

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

the leaders of the Illinois Bar, although Lin-
coln, the lawyer, is now overshadowed by that
more majestic and sublimely beautiful char-
acter as president and martyr. The inti-
macy thus arising between Abraham Lincoln
and his student continued until the tragic
death of the president, considerable corres-
pondence passing between the two.

On September 23, 1861, Elhanan J. Searle,
declining preferment tendered him by Presi-
dent Lincoln, enlisted in Company H, Tenth
Illinois Cavalry, at Springfield as a private.
He served in that capacity until July 7, 1S62,
when he was made captain of his company.
His duties carried him into Arkansas as a
recruiting officer. He was instrumental in
recruiting and sending into the field the First
Arkansas Infantry, and the Second and
Fourth Arkansas Cavalry, these regiments
being organized largely from the mountainous
districts of the Ozarks. Upon its organiza-
tion, he was made lieutenant-colonel of the
First Arkansas Infantry, and was in command
of that regiment for the greater part of three
years, the colonel, himself , being absent from
his command, and his duties naturally de-
devolving upon the officer next in rank.
Colonel Searle was a brave and gallant sol-
dier, and while in command of his regiment,
he made for himself a most excellent record,
participating in more than forty engagements
and skirmishes, and being fairly idolized by
his men. Although always in the thick of the
fight, Colonel Searle escaped injury, although
in different battles three horses were shot
from under him. He often acted as briga-
dier-general in command of the brigade of
which his regiment formed a part, and was
placed in command of a number of impor-
tant posts. For several months he was pro-
vost-marshal of a military department, and
frequently was called upon to act as a mem-
ber of military commissions and court-mar-
tials. At the close of the war. Colonel Searle
was honorably discharged from the service,
the date of his discharge being August 10, 1865.

Upon laying aside the sword. Colonel Searle
settled at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and here he
entered upon the practice of that profession
which he had temporarily put aside to take up
the sterner duties of war. On February 19,
1866, he was commissioned prosecuting at-
torney for the Ninth Judicial District of Ar-
kansas, a district which comprised eight
counties. Some time after this he was ap-
pointed United States Commissioner for the
Western District of Arkansas, which included
not only the western part of Arkansas, but
all of Indian Territory as well. He served as
assistant United States District Attorney in
addition to the duties of the latter office until
January 1, 1867, when he was commissioned
liy the provisional governor of Arkansas as
circuit judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit of
that state, his appointment being approved by
the United States military authorities. He
served as circuit judge until Feliruary 10,
1871, when he was appointed as one of the
justices of the Supreme Court of Arkansas.
This appointment was for a term of two years,
and at its expiration he was elected to succeed
himself for a term of eight years, but this lat-
ter term was cut short by the adoption of a
new state constitution, which prescribed dif-
ferent regulations in regard to the selection of
the supreme court.

For several years Colonel Searle was a mem-
ber of the Arkansas .State Board of Education
and also a member of the board of trustees of
the Arkansas State University, which latter
institution he helped to found, and of which
he drafted the plan of government and instruc-
tion to be followed in all departments. He
was also a member of the executive and
building committees of the board of trustees
of that institution.

In 1875 Colonel Searle returned to Illinois,
locating at Chicago, where he practiced law
for a few years, taking part as counsel in a
number of important cases, and taking an
active part in the Hayes-Tilden campaign,
filling nearly all the speaking engagements of

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

John A. Logau, who was ill. Lattn- he prac-
ticed law for a time in St. Louis, and then in
Pana, Illinois, till 1SS5. He then spent two
3'ears in travel, and in 1S87 returned to his old
home in Rock Island County, purchasing the
well known Rodman home in Rock Island,
and here he resided until his death. He also
purchased the valuable farm in Zuma Town-
ship, Rock Island County, upon which he had
spent his boyhood.

On April 1, 1863, Colonel Searle was mar-
ried to Miss Cassie R. Pierce, who survives
him, the marriage ceremony occiu-ring at
Springfield. Of this union six children were
born, two of whom are still living, Hon.
Charles J. Searle and Miss Blanche Searle,
both of Rock Island.

The recent death of Colonel Searle removes
from life's activities one of the few remaining
links between the past and the present. He
was a gentleman of the old school, modest,
dignified, kind and courtous, and a delightful
social companion among his friends. He
was full of reminiscence and anecdote,
and was a man of profound learning and
broad general information. Upon political
subjects and as a close student of times and
conditions he was particularly well informed.
Upon his return to Rock Island he lived in
practical retirement, but his interest in politi-
cal and economic questions was keen and to
these subjects he devoted much thought. He
was a man of the highest ideals, and deplored
deeply the materialistic trend which he be-
lieved the countrj^ was pursuing, feeling that
it would work prejudice and finally, if un-
checked, ruin to the Republic. Rut although
foreseeing these dangers. Colonel Searle was
by no means a pessimist. He supported men
rather than party, and although a Republi-
can, was moulded after the type of those party
leaders who believe in progress and reform.
He was an ideal citizen, broad, intelligent
and patriotic, a noble example of upright,
conscientious manhood.

SAMUEL SHARPE DAVIS.

IN considering those among Rock Island's
citizens whose activities have been directed

toward developing that city's industries, and
whose foresight has been rewarded in a most
substantial manner, one's mind instinctivelj-
turns to the subject of our i)resent sketch,
Samuel Sharpe Davis.

He was born Februarj- 1, 1S58, at Coving-
ton. Kentucky, his parents being Johrt B.
and Anna E. (Sharpe) Davis. To this couple
three children were born: Thomas B.. Sam-
uel S. and Mary. The parents were of Scotch-
Irish origin. Thomas Bodle}' Davis, the
paternal grandfather was a native of Penn-
sylvania. In early life he moved to Ken-
tucky, and for some years served as captain
of a steam boat pl3'ing between Pittsburg
and New Orleans on the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers. Upon one of the trips up river from
New Orleans he was stricken with j'ellow
fever, and died before the completion of the
journey. At the time of his death he was
thirty-four j-ears of age.

The maternal grandfather, Samuel K.
Sharpe, was a native of Kentucky. He was a
practicing ph3'sician and sui-geon. The great-
er part of his life was spent in Mays^nlle,
Kentucky. He removed to Rock Island
with his wife in 1875. Her death occurred in
1881 at the age of seventy-six j-ears. Her
husband siu'vived her nine years, his death
occvuTing in Rock Island in 1890. at the ex-
treme age of ninety years. Dr. Sharpe was a
remarkably strong man. both physically and
mentally and was of pronounced religious
conviction, giving his adherence to the Pres-
bj'terian faith. In politics he was a Demo-
crat.

John B. Davis, the father of our subject,
followed the calling of his father, that of a
river captain, almost his entire life, princi-
jjally upon the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
For some time he had charge of Canadian

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

Government boats canying the supplies of
the Hudson Bay Fur Company on the Sack-
atchcwan River. At the outbreak of the
Civil War he enlisted in the Second Minne-
sota Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted
to the rank of major and for nearly three
years he served with his regiment. He was
with his regiment in the battles of Chieka-
mauga, Mill Springs, Corinth and Tullahoma.
At the battle of Chickamauga he was
wounded. During the time that Major Davis
served with his regiment it was attached first
to the command of General Buell and later
to that of General Thomas.

After the close of the Civil War Major Davis,
went to Augusta, Arkansas, and later located
at Memphis, Tennessee, in 1868. He settled
permanently in Rock Island in 1874. He
spent the greater portion of his life upon the
river in command of the different river pack-
ets. After coming to Rock Island he was one
of the Diamond Jo Line captains until about
one year before his death, which occurred in
1890. when he was sixty-one years of age.
His wife still makes Rock Island her home.
Politically Major Davis was a staunch Demo-
crat. He was a prominent Mason and a
devoted member of the Presbyterian church,
in which faith he died.

Having thus passed rapidly over the points
of interest in the lives of the forebears of our
subject, we now come to treat of his life.
His education was obtained in the schools of
Memphis, Tennessee, and in Rock Island. In
1873 he was employed as clerk on the steamer
'Montana," a boat commanded by his father.
He continued in this service for several sea-
sons, attending school during the winter
months. In 1876 his father had a Govern-
ment contract to carry supplies from Bis-
marck, Dakota, up the Missouri, Yellowstone
and Big Horn Rivers to the place where the
Custer massacre occurred. Upon this expe-
dition he was accompanied by his son. Upon
their return to Rock Island the son was em-
ployed as clerk for J. H. Langley, who was

agent for a line of boats in the St. Louis and
St. Paul trade. On January 1, 1878, he was
employed by Thomas Yates, in Moline, where
he was engaged in the plumbing and steam
fitting business. He continued in this em-
ployment until the death of Mr. Yates, which
occurred in 1881. Mr. Davis and his bro-
ther, Thomas B. Davis, had obtained a num-
ber of valuable patents upon steam appliances,
and together with Jacob Riley, of Rock Island,
they formed a partnership known as Davis
& Company They bought out the business
interests of the Yates estate, both in Rock
Island and Moline. In 1882 the Davis brothers
bought out Mr. Riley's interest in the busi-
ness and continued it themselves until 1891,
when the Davis Company was incorporated
by them.

Meanwhile our subject was engaged in
many important operations. He planned
and superintended the construction of the
Moline Waterworks, which was begun in the
spring of 1884. He also installed the first
electric light plant in the City of Moline. In
1886 he constructed the Davis Block in that
city, and as secretary and manager of the
Merchants' Electric Light Company lighted
the streets of Moline. Eighty arc lights were
installed, which superseded the old street gas
lamps with which the city had formerly been
lighted.

In 1887 the Peoples' Light and Fuel Manu-
facturing Company was organized. Of this
organization Mr. Davis was elected secre-
tary and general manager. Repurchased the
stock of the Moline Gas and Coke Company
and merged the institution with that of the
Merchants' Electric Light Company.

In 1888 the Merchants' Electric Light
Company of Rock Island was organized. In
the autumn of that same year a power plant
was erected in Moline so arranged as to utilize
that city's splendid water power in its oper-
ation . The machinery of the Peoples' Light
and Fuel Manufacturing Company of Moline,
as well as that of the Merchants' Electric

HISTORIC ROCK I SLA .V D COU N T Y

Light Company of Rock Island, was removed
to this new power phmt. This arrangement
led up to the formation of the Peoples' Power
Company in 1893. This latter organization.
which included the companies in which .Mr.
Davis was already interested, bought out the
Rock Island Brush Electric Light Company
and the Rock Island Gas and Coke Company.
Both of these plants were removed to Moline,
where they were located at the foot of Fourth
Street in that city. Mr. Davis planned the
reorganization and also the construction of
the new plants. He sold his interests in the
Peoples' Power Company in 1906.

On September 21, 1892, occurred the mar-
riage of Samuel Sharpe Davis and Miss Apol-
lonia Weyerhaeuser, the daughter of Fred-
erick and Sarah Weyerhaeuser. One child
has been born of this marriage, a son, Edwin
W. Davis.

Mr. Davis in his church allegiance is a
Presbyterian, and is a trustee of the Broadway
Presbyterian Church, of Rock Island. In
politics he is a Democrat, but he has never
desired or held public office. Fraternally he
is a member of Trio Lodge No. 57. Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, of Barrett
Chapter No. IS. and of Evarts Coramandry
No. IS, Knights Templar. He is also a mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias and of the
Modern Woodmen of America. Such are
the interesting events in the career of a man,
who through business sagacity and acumen,
has risen to a commanding position in this
locality's financial and industrial circles.
Mr. r)a\is is a man universally liked by all
who are acquainted with him. Although at
all times a busy man he is easily approachable.
In manner he is unassuming and without os-
tentation. He is one of Rock Island's most
public spirited and progressive citizens, and
no movement for the real advancement of
the city is launched that does not receive his
active and hearty cooperation, and where the
project is one that requires financial subscrip-
tion his gift is always a liberal one. In fine

it may be said that Mr. Davis is pre-eminently
an organizer and an executive, a man of great
business talent, and a courteous, kindly
gentleman.

* « i8

W. E. TAYLOR, M. D.

PLACED at the head of a great state charit-
able institution, carrying the responsi-
bility for the welfare of hundreds of un-
fortunates whose reason has been shattered^
and imbued with an earnest desire to restore
his unfortunate charges to health and friends,
stands Doctor W. E. Taylor, superintendent
of the Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane
at Watertown.

He was born at Waukesha, Wisconsin, May
24, 1854, where his parents, E. T. and Esibell
(Irving) Taylor resided. Here his boyhood
was spent, and after thoroughly fitting him-
self in preparatory schools, he entered the
L^niversity of Wisconsin, and upon complet-
ing a course in that institution, took up the
study of medicine at the Hahnemann Medical
College at Chicago, from which he graduated.
After his graduation, he began the practice
of his chosen profession at Monmouth, Illi-
nois, and remained in that city until his ap-
pointment as superintendent of the ^^ ater-
town Hospital for the Insane in 1897, which
position he still holds.

August 5, 1879, he was married to Miss
Vagima McCleary, and of this union two sons
have been born. Don and Mac Taylor.

Dr. Taylor is a Republican and is promi-
nent in the councils of his party, not merely
locally, but throughout the State of Illinois.
During the time he resided in Monmouth, he
was at the head of the health department
of that city for ten years, and was mayor of
Monmouth for two years. In 1896 he was a
presidential elector. He has campaigned
throughout the state for his party every year
since 1884.

ALEXA-NUER E. MONTGOMERY.

HISTORIC RO C K I S L A X D C OU N T Y

He is recognized throughout the medical
profession in the United States as an author-
ity on nervous diseases and disorders, and
has a chair on nervous diseases in the Hahne-
mann Medical College, his own alma mater.

Those who have talked with Dr. Taylor
upon his specialty in the field of medicine,
know how devoted he is to the study of the
human, both in its normal and abnormal
conditions. He is a broad investigator and is
constantly striving to discover and put into
practical use new means and methods of
successfully treating the mental ills of those
upon whose reason a cloud has fallen, and
in his chosen field he has been eminently
successful, and the number of cures that have
been effected in the Watertown institution
is truly remarkable. During his adminis-
tration several new and commodious build-
ings have been added and the possibilities
of the asylum for doing effective work have
been greatly increased. Another thing that
is deserving of special mention is the fact
that during the time Dr. Taylor has been in
charge of this institution, not one breath of
scandal has even been whispered concerning
the manner of administration or the treat-
ment of patients. Nothing of gloom or des-
pair pervades this asylum, but throughout
each department there exists that spirit of
helpful co-operation among the superintend-
ent, physicians and other employees, who
unite in a determined effort to seek and find
the best means of aiding in the restoration of
impared reason.

ALEXANDER E. MONTGOMERY.

ALEXANDER E. MONTGOMERY, well
and favoralDly known for a generation
past in Moline and Rock Island, was
born February 2, 1831, in County Down, Ire-
land, and died in the City of Moline, Illinois,
at his daughter's (Mrs. Thornton's) home,
on Twelfth Avenue. July 17, 1906. His

father and mother, James and Margaret (nee
Ewart.) were natives of Scotland, descended
from Scotch-Irish ancestry, of honorable
history.

Mr. Montgomery received a common school
education in his native land. In the year
1849, at fourteen years of age, he immigrated
to New York City, and entered the service
of the United States Hotel as bookkeeper.
In the year 1853 he came west, and for sev-
enteen years succeeding, lived on a farm in
Rural Township, Illinois. At the expiration
of this period, in 1870, Mr. Montgomery sold
his farm, removed to Rock Island, and en-
tered upon contract work for the United
States Government, in connection with which
he built the excellent rock road, which tra-
verses the Arsenal between Moline and Dav-
enport approaches. During the first year
in this employment he resided part of the
time in Rock Island and part of the time in
Davenport: then taking up his abode in a
dwelling on the Arsenal Island, belonging
to the government, he continued in that resi-
dence until the house burned down July
21, 1898. Thenceforth Mr. Montgomery re-
sided in Moline until his death, continuing
an unbroken service with the government
for the prolonged period of thirty-four years,
during the earlier portion at the Arsenal
Shops, and latterly as guard at the Moline
Bridge, where his honest Scotch face and
sturdy figure were a familiar and welcome
object to the multitudes who passed his
watch daily through many years.

Republican in politics, Mr. Montgomery
never sought nor cared for office, being well
content to pursue the even tenor of a quiet,
industrious life, in the bosom of his family,
and enjoying the respect and confidence of
his neighbors.

He was a devoted member of the United
Presbyterian Church, and had the satisfac-
tion of participating in the building of the
beautiful church edifice and fine parsonage
which were finished only recently, and of

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNT Y

worshiping to the end with his sons and
daughters (whose biographical sketches ap-
pear in this book) about him.

Mr. Montgomery was an active member
of the Knights of America, the Ancient Order
of United Workmen, was a charter member
and grand commander of McLean Lodge, No.
26, of Moline, serving two j'ears as com-
mander and nine years as treasurer.

Mr. Montgomery was married to Miss
Margaret King in Xew York City. July 5,
1850. Mrs. Montgomery was also a native
of Ireland, born in County Armogh, and immi-
grating to America in 18-18, one year in ad-
vance of him who was to become her husband,
and with whom she lived in ideal conjugal
happiness until her lamented death, April
14, 1903.

Eight children, four boys and fo.ur girls,
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery:
Martha J., widow of Mr. John H. Thornton;
Miss Lizzie; Maggie, wife of Mr. CJeorge W.
Brooks; Alexander E., secretary and treasurer
of the Moline Elevator Company; James T.,
who was, before his demise, president of the
same, and who died August 4, 1906; Robert
J., superintendent of construction for the
same, and Samuel H., president of the com-
pany. One girl died in infancy in New York.

All these surviving offspring reside in Mo-
line, and all are actively connected with
the flourishing manufacturing business, the
growth and firm establishment of which their
honored father watched with paternal solici-
tude from its beginning. At the time of his
death, his hopes for his family were realized
and he was well content.

HON. ^X/1LLIA^ JACKSON.

AAIONG the old settlers of Rock Island
Count}^ who has assisted during his
residence here in accomplishing many
permanent reforms, is the Hon. William
Jackson, who is entitled to honorable mention.

Mr. Jackson was Ijorn in the City of Liver-
pool, England, August 14, 1834, of English
parentage. His early boyhood was spent in
his native city. After leaving school, the
last being the Liverpool Collegiate Institu-
tion, he was, at an early age, apprenticed to a
grocer. Serving part of his apprenticeship,
and being very desirous of trying his fortune
in the new world, where he had many rela-
tives, he left the 28th of May, 1851, his na-
tive city and landed in New York, July 2, of the
same year. The great west being his ob-
jective point he arrived in the County of
Rock Island in August of the same 3-ear.

In April, 1852, he came to the City of Mo-
line where he first engaged in ser\'ice in the
]il(nv factory of John Deere, then in its infan-
cy, working there one year, during which
time he performed alone particular labor
which requires now in the extensive Deere
Plow Works the labor of many persons.
During the succeeding years he worked in
the Sears Mill, of Moline, until the fall of
1858, when he commenced the study of the
law. He was admitted to practice in 1860,
and then formed a law partnership with
James Chapman of that city.

In 1862 Mr. Jackson moved to the City of
Rock Island. In 1864 he formed a law
partnership with E. D. Sweeney, Esquire,
under the firm name of Sweeney & Jackson.
About 1876 Mr. C. L. Walker entered the
firm, which was afterwards known as Sweeney,
Jackson & Walker. The firm continued un-
til 1883. Mr. Jackson then retiring on account
of ill health.

In 1888 he formed a law partnership with
E. W. Hurst, Esquire, under the name of
Jackson & Hurst, which continued to 1903,
when the firm was enlarged, being now known
as Jackson, Hurst A' Staff'ord.

In the practice of his chosen profession Mr.
Jackson has had his fair measure of success,
having been engaged in many important
suits. At the present time he is in active
practice and one of the local attorneys of

WILLIAM JACKSON

// / S T RI C RO C K ISLAND COUNTY

the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway.

May 21, 1863, he was married to Miss Jen-
nie E. Sammis, one of the teachers in the pub-
lic schools of Rock Island. Mrs. Jackson was
born in the City of New York. Two children
are living, Mrs. Carrie A. Earth and Mrs.
Hattie J. Babcock.

In politics he is and always has been a
Republican; in church association for fifty-
eight years a Methodist, and is now a member
of the official board of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church of Rock Island. During
his life Mr. Jackson has held two important
offices: postmaster of the City of Rock Island
from 1873 to 1876, and member of the board
of managers of the Illinois State Reformatory
from 1897 to 1901. At present he is president
of the board of park commissioners of the
City of Rock Island, a work in which he takes
great interest as shown in the improvement
and beautifying of Spencer Square, which
was done under his direction.

Mr. Jackson has always aimed to advance
the best interests of the city of his residence-
believing that the commvmity in which he has
lived, and which has liberally contributed to
whatever success he has attained, deserved
on his part a reciprocal obligation.

MAJOR HENRY CLAY CONNELLY.

THE record of Major Henry Clay Con-
nelly, both as a soldier and as a civilian,
is a brilliant one and will live long after
ho has passed to another world. His father
was James Connelly, a son of Bernard Con-
nelly, who settled in Philadelphia about 1S(X).
He afterwards located in Somerset County,
Pennsylvania, where, as a dealer in live stock
he became successful. His wife, of English
birth, was a Miss Eggleton. She was the
first member of the Episcopal Church of Eng-
land in that county and for many years the
only one. James Connelly arrived at man-
hood in Somerset County and aided his father

in the management of his interests. Some
years later he moved to Petersburg, a village
in Somerset County lying on the Great Na-
tional Road, where he became influential and
prosperous. He was one of the original pro-
moters and builders of the National Road and
was a leading citizen of that locality. His
wife was Marie Hugus, her progenitors on
both sides being of the sturdy and fearless
Huguenot stock, patriots whose zeal and sac-
rifices have carved for them an imperishable
name throughout Christendom. Several of her
ancestors, the Hugus and Ankcny families,
were Revolutionary soldiers. Peter Ankeny,
our subject's great-gr.and-father. was a cap-
tain in the Revolutionary War under Wash-
ington. His wife was a Miss Rosa Bonnet,
a member of the historical French family.

Major Henry Clay Connelly was born in
Petersburg, Somerset County, Pennsylvania,
December 22, 1831, and was the foiu'th in
order of a family of eight children. It was
there he spent his boyhood days until the
death of his father, after which his mother
moved to the town of Somerset. There the
children of Mrs. Connelly were given the best
educational advantages obtainable, and there
Major Connelly graduated from the Somerset
Academy. After leaving school he mastered
the art of printing in the office of the Somer-
set Visitor, then published and edited by
General A. H. Coffroth, who afterwards be-
came distinguished and was pallbearer at
President Lincoln's funeral when a member
of Congress. At the age of twenty, Mr. Con-
nelly was a half-owner and editor of the
Beaver Star. Two years and a half later he
disposed of his interest in that newspaper,
formed a partnership with Emanuel J. Per-
shing, and came to Rock Island where he has
since resided. Arriving here February 18,
1855, he and Mr. Pershing published the
Wcckh/ Rock Islander. They established a
daily in May, 1855. Bound volumes of this
paper can now be seen in the Public Library,
in which will be found the various incidents

IIISrORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

of life at that early day. In the year 1857,
Mr. Connelly and his partner purchased the
Argus and consolidated the two papers under
the title of the Is1a)idcr and Argus.

In the year 1858 Mr. Connelly commenced
reading law with Judge J. W. Drury. He did
not, however, sever his connection with the
newspaper until September, lSo9. He was
admitted to the bar in January, 1860, and re-
mained in legal harness until September 12,
1862, when he entered the I'nion Army. .\t
that date he did not dream of the future that
awaited him, and of which the following
gives an insight of the numerous battles in
which he participated: Celina, Tennessee,
April 18, 19, 1862; Turkey Neck Bend, Ten-
nessee, pursuit of Colonel Hamilton's troops,
June 12, 1863; Morgan's raid throiigh Ken-
tucky, Indiana and Ohio, July 1-26, 18G3;
Marrowbone or Burksville, Kentucky, (Mor-
gan's raid), July 2, 1863; Buffington Island,
or St. George Creek, Ohio (Morgan's raid),
July 19, 1863; Washington, Ohio (Morgan's
raid), July 24, 1863; near Salineville, Ohio,
(Morgan captured), July 26, 1863; Kno.wille,
Tennessee, (city captured), September 1, 1863;
Powell's River, Tennessee, September 6, 1863;
Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, (assaulted and
captured under General Biu'nside), Septem-
ber 9, 1863; Kingsport, Tennessee, September
17, 1863; Bristol, Tennessee, September 19,
1863; Zollicoffer, Tennessee, September 20,
1863; Blountville, Tennessee, September 22,
1863; Blue Spring, Tennessee, (under General
Burnside), October 10, 1863; Bristol Station,
Tennessee, October 14, 1863; New Madrid,
Tennessee, October 22, 1863; Holsten River,
near Knox ville .Tennessee, November 15, 1863;
Campbell's Station, Tennessee, November 17,
18, 1863; siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, (under
General Burnside), November, 1863; Walker's
Ford, or Clinch River, Tennessee, December 1,
2, 1863; Clinch Mountain, Tennessee, Decem-
ber 6, 1863; Bean Station, Tennessee, Decem-
ber 14, 1863; Blaine's Cross Roads, Tennessee,
December 16, 1863; Mossy Creek, Tennessee,

December 26, 1863; Dandridge, Tennessee,
December 29, 1863; Strawlierry Plains, Ten-
nessee, January 10, 1864; Dandridge, Tennes-
see (second fight), January 16, 17, 1864; Fair-
garden, French Broad, or Kelly's Ford, Ten-
nessee, January 27, 1864; Sevierville, Tennes-
see, January 28, 1864: Cherokee Indian Bat-
tle, North Carolina, February 2, 1864; Bat-
tle of Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 1864; on the
retreat when General Hood advanced from
the Tennessee River to Columbia on Waynes-
borough Road, Tennessee, fighting General
Forrest, November 22, 23, 24, 1864; Duck
River, Tennessee, fighting General Forrest,
November 28, 29, 1864; Battle of Franklin,
Tennessee, November 30, 1864; Battle of
Nashville, Tennessee, December 15, 16, 1864;
Franklin. Tennessee, December 17, 1864.

We take the following from the Chicago
Inter-Ocean, dated September 27, 1887:
"Henry Clay Connelly is a member of General
John Buford Post, No, 243, Rock Island, of
which he was a charter member and its first
commander. He is a delegate to the National
Encampment which meets at St. Louis this
month. He was commissioned second lieu-
tenant of Company L, Fourteenth Illinois
Cavalry, January 7th, 1863. In the spring
the regiment w^ent to the front, its first head-
quarter.s being Glasgow, Kentucky. While
here the regiment was active in scouting, and
the Confederate forces at Celina and near
Turkey Neck Bend, on the Cumberland
River, were attacked and routed. The next
work was the pursuit of General Morgan and
his cavalrj-^ command for twenty-eight days
and nights, the battle of Buffington Island,
in Ohio, and the capture of Morgan and most
of his command. Lieutenant Connelly was
present at the capture. In August, under
General Burnside, the Union forces went to
East Tennessee. With the advance guard,
Lieutenant Connell}' entered Knoxville Sep-
tember 1st, General Burnside arriving on the
3d. He heard the last toot of the last Con-
federate locomotive of General Buckner,

MAJOR HEXRV C. C'OXXELLY

// I ST R I C R C K I S L A X D CO V N T Y

commanding the Confederates, sounded in
Knoxville. He was at the taking of Cumber-
land Gap, at Bristol, and at the numerous
encounters in that locality; at the defense of
Knoxville and its incidents; at Bean Station,
at Dandridge, Fair Garden, Walker's Ford,
Strawberry Plains, and at the battle with
Thomas' Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.
During the East Tennessee campaign he was
placed in charge of a battery of artillery. On
the Indian raid, after following a mountain-
ous Indian trail, on the 2d of February the
Cherokees were surprised in their camp, at-
tacked and the legion cut to pieces, many of
them being killed or captured. Lieutenant
Connelly had with him only a part of his bat-
tery. Herculean efforts were required to
take the guns and caissons over the great
mountains and through the deep ravines, but
the work was successfully accomplished.
General Grant, in a special dispatch, highly
complimented the Fourteenth for this work.
Major Connelly received his commission as
captain after this expedition, being promoted
over his first lieutenant. He did duty at
brigade and division headquarters as assis-
tant adjutant general and also as inspector.
He participated in the Atlanta campaign;
and on the Macon raid his regiment, being in
General Stoneman's command, shared in the
misfortunes of this officer, but only after it
had cut its way out in a splendid charge.
Being dismounted by reason of loss of horses
on the Macon raid, the regiment did duty as
infantry at the siege of Atlanta, and was one
of the first which entered the city after its fall.
Being remounted and re-equipped, about the
1st of November, 1864, it took a position on
the right of the Union Army on the Tennessee
River to watch the advance of General Hood's
great army. From this river to Columbia,
Major Connelly day and night was with the
rear guard, being repeatedly surrounded.
With splendid courage his command charged
the Confederate lines with success. Near
Mount Pleasant, and also Duck River, after

dark, finding himself cut off and surrounded,
he placed himself at the head of his command
and carried his column through the Confed-
erate lines with success.

During the advance of General Hood's
aggressive army, including the battle of
Franklin and the advance of the Union Army
at Nashville, his officers and the men of his
command speak in eulogistic terms of Major
Connelly's leadership and his sterling quali-
ties as a soldier. From second lieutenant
he was promoted captain over his first lieu-
tenant and by a vote of the officers of his regi-
ment, who also voiced the sentiment of the
rank and file, he was elected major over six
captains who held commissions older than his.

The Inter-Ocean's article is brief, and does
not give in detail the events leading to Cap-
tain Connelly's promotion, which are now re-
lated: Colonel F. M. Davidson, of the Four-
teenth, wrote two letters to Governor Oglesby
recommending him for the position of major.
These letters were written at Edgefield, Ten-
nessee, the first bearing date of February 7,
1865, in which Colonel Davidson says: "In
recommending Captain Connelly for this po-
sition (major) it affords me much pleasure to
bear witness to the gallant and successful
manner in which he has conducted himself
as a soldier whenever and wherever he has been
called upon to face the enemy. His bearing
on the Morgan raid until the day he (Morgan)
was captured; his skill throughout the entire
campaign in East Tennessee under General
Burnside, and particularly on the 14th day of
December, 1863, at the battle of Bean Sta-
tion, fighting General Longstreet's corps, in
which he handled his battery with the coolest
daring and most splendid success; his energy
on the (Cherokee) North Carolina expedition
in the month of February, 1864, commanded
by myself; his bravery and dash during the
recent campaign in Tennessee under General
Thomas, and particularly on the night of the
23d of November, 1864, when, being sur-
rounded by General Forrest, and after other

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

officers failed in charging the enemy's lines,
he placed himself at the head of the column,
rallied the men, and charged out without the
loss of a man; and also on the 15th of Decem-
ber (at Nashville) when he rallied his regi-
ment, after being broken under a fearful can-
nonade from the enemy's batteries. In short
his whole career as a soldier proves him to be
worthy of prompt promotion."

Governor Oglesby hesitated to commission
a junior captain over so many seniors; and
Colonel Davidson, being advised of this hesi-
tation, on March 28, 1865, wTote to him again
as follows: "I can only repeat what I said
of Captain Connelly in my communication to
Governor Oglesby dated February 7, 1865.
Aside from his being an officer of the first or-
der (particular mention of some of his acts of
bravery being there set forth), his high tone
as a gentleman, and his acknowledged talent
as a man, loudlj' call for official recognition
of his services to his country. He has capac-
ity for any position as field officer. Anything
you may be able to do for him will be esteemed
as a personal favor."

June 22, 1865, Governor Oglesbj' issued to
Captain Connelly his commission as major.

In the Rock Island Argus of July 10, 1S65,
we find the following: "Major H. C. Connelly
of the Fourteenth Illinois Cavahy. arrived
home on Saturday evening, and is a citizen
again. No officer from our count}- has ac-
quitted himself with more credit or returned
with a better reputation, both among the
soldiers and people."

Upon his return from the war. Major Con-
nelly resumed his law practice. In 1866 he
was elected police magistrate for a term of
four years. He was elected city attorney
for Rock Island to serve during the years
1869, 1870 and 1871. In January, 1894,
his son, Bernard D., became associated
with him under the firm title of Connelh' &
Connelh'. Their practice covers the various
branches of law and the firm ranks as one of
the leading law firms of Rock Island Count}'.

Aside from the practice of law, Alajor Con-
nelly has been identified with several local
enterprises. Upon the death of Bailey Dav-
enport he succeeded to the presidency of
the Rock Island and Milan Street Railway
Company. He was one of the original stock
holders in the Rock Island Buggy Company,
as well as in the Rock Island Savings Bank
and State Bank. He was one of the orig-
inal incorporators and assisted in the passage
of the bill through both branches of Congress,
authorizing the construction of the electric
railroad now crossing the Mississippi River
between Rock Island and Davenport, Iowa.
He has alwaj-s been active and taken great
interest in all matters pertaining to the ad-
vancement and the prosperity of Rock
Island, and in 1861 labored many weeks with
senators and members of the House at Wash-
ington to secure the passage of the bill by
Congress, locating the great National Arsenal
at Rock Island. He' is the last survivor of
the committee of ten from Davenport, Rock
Island and Moline. who went to Washington
in the fall of 1861 to aid in the passage by
Congress of the Arsenal Bill.

He is one of the few living citizens who saw-
Black Hawk, the Indian chief, in his life-
time.

In his former years Major Connelly was a
strong believer in and supporter of the doc-
trines of the Democratic party. During the
Buchanan campaign of 1856 and the Douglas-
Lincoln campaign of 1858 he was an active
worker. The late Judge Jerry S. Black, who
was a personal friend of Major Connelly, and
at that time a member of ilr, Buchanan's
Cabinet, tendered him the position of post-
master of Rock Island. This appointment
he respectfully declined. He was a firm
friend of Senator Douglas, and considered it
inconsistent for him to accept office from
President Buchanan, w-hile he was using the
power of his administration in the state
(though unsuccessfully), to defeat Senator
Douglas. President Johnson appointed him

HISTORIC ROCK I SL A N D CO U .V T Y

postmaster of Rock Island, but a Repulilican
Senate failed to confirm tiie nomination.

In 1882, the late P. L. Cable, at the Demo-
cratic Congressional Convention at Mon-
mouth, placed in nomination Ma.jor Council}'
for Congress. The Democratic State Con-
vention, which convened at Peoria in 1884,
elected him temporary chairman. On the
money question he voted for President
McKinley, and has since supported the prin-
ciples of the Republican Party.

He was a tireless worker for, and visited
Washington to aid in the passage of the Hen-
nepin Canal Bill. For many years he served
as member and president of the school board,
as well as a member, president and secretary
of the library board. On his seventieth birth-
day the bar of Rock Island County presented
Major Connelly with a gold mounted cane.

On May 12, lSo7, Major Connelly married
Miss Adalaide McCall, daughter of Clark and
Hannah (Hanford') McCall. She is a native
of New York. Her earlier ancestors did
duty in the Colonial and Revolutionary Wars.
Of their children Clark H. and Ahin H. are
manufacturers of and dealers in hardwood
lumber at Kansas City, Missouri; Mabel is the
wife of Dr. C. W. McGavren. of ilissouri Y al-
ley. Iowa; Bernard D. is in partnership with
his father, and Miss Lucia is deceased.

Bernard D. Connelly is a Rock Islander by
birth, being born October 19, 1866. He is a
graduate of the High School of Rock Island.
and the State University of Iowa, where he
acquitted himself with honor. He was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1891, at the time being
associated with the law firm of Douthitt,
Jones & ]\Iason, of Topeka, Kansas. Since
January, 1894, he has been associated with
his father in the practice of law under the
firm name of Connelly & Connelly. On De-
cember 22, 1903, he married Miss Elizabeth
Chamberlin. Mr. Connelly is a member of the
Phi Delta Theta college fraternity and is a Son
of the American Revolution. He is the present
Master In Chancery of Rock Island County.

COLONEL HENRY CURTIS.

OXE of the prominent citizens of Rock
Island, and a man of high standing in
the legal profession, was Colonel Henry
Curtis, deceased.

He was born at Boston, Massachusetts,
August 13, 1834, the home of his parents.
Henry and Rebecca L. (Everett) Curtis, and
in that city he spent his boyhood and re-
ceived his preliminary education. This was
finished by a course in the English High
School of his native city, which fitted him for
entrance into the Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute at Troy, New York, where he pur-
sued an engineering course, and graduated
in 1855 as a civil engineer.

In 1856 Mr. Ciu-tis came to Rock Island,
where, one year later, December 15, 1857,
he married Lucy R. Osborn. the daughter of
Marcus B. Osborn.

He continued his practice as a civil engi-
neer in Rock Island until October 8, 1860,
when, having fitted himself for the legal
jirofession, he was admitted to the Rock
Island County Bar. Upon taking up the
practice of his new profession, Mr. Curtis
entered into partnership with his brother-
in-law, Charles M. Osborn, under the firm
name of Osborn & Curtis, and this partner-
ship continued until 1880, when it was dis-
solved, Mr. Osborn removing to Chicago
and Mr. Curtis continuing in the practice
alone until his death. During the contin-
uance of the firm they were attorneys for the
Rock Island Road. In 1887 Mr. Curtis was
appointed master in chancery for Rock
Island County by Judge George W. Pleasants,
which office he held continuously for nearly
twenty-five years. A staunch Republican,
Mr. Curtis never aspired to an active career
in political life, and the office of master in
chancery was the only one he ever held dur-
ing his long and honored career in Rock
Island.

Soon after Mr. Curtis came to Rock Island

HISTORIC liO C K I S L A A' D CO U \ T Y

the Civil War broke out, and he, together
with Major Charles W. Hawes and others,
organized a company of volunteers, consist-
ing of one hundred and sixteen men. Dur-
ing the first j-car of the war this company
was mustered into the Thirty-seventh Illi-
nois Volunteer Infantry, Mr. Curtis bearing
the rank of lieutenant, M. S. Barnes of Rock
Island being captain of the company, which
was known as Company A. This company
was mustered into service at Camp Webb,
in Chicago; Julius White of that city being
the first colonel of the regiment to which
they were assigned. M. S. Barnes, the cap-
tain of Company A, was made lieutenant-
colonel, and this created a vacant captaincy
to which John A. Jordan was elected. He
served for three months and was then suc-
ceeded by Lieutenant Curtis, who continued
as captain of the company until March 7,
1862, when he was severely wounded at the
battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. He was
granted leave of absence, and upon his recov-
ery again rejoined his company and shortly
afterward was chosen assistant adjutant-
general by the former colonel of his regiment,
who had meanwhile been appointed briga-
dier-general.

The remainder of Colonel Curtis' military
service was in the Eastern Army. One
notable incident in this service was the siege
and surrender of Harper's Ferry, in which
he took a very prominent part. His war
record througliout was distinguished by
bravery and loyalty. At the end of the war
he was brevetted a lieutenant-colonel.

At the close of the war Colonel Curtis re-
turned to Rock Island and again resumed the
practice of law together with his partner, Mr.
Osborn. As has been stated, his career as a
lawyer was a long and honorable one. He
achieved and nuuntained an exalted position
in the forefront of his profession, and was
held in confidence and high esteem by all
wiio knew him. After the firm of Osborn
c^c Ciu'tis was dissolved, ilr. Curtis formed a

partnership with his son, Hugh E. Curtis,
for the purpose of drawing abstracts of title,
and this firm, under the active management
of Hugh E. Curtis, continued until the death
of Colonel Curtis, when the son assumed full
charge of the business.

On November 17, 1902, Colonel Curtis was
bereaved by the death of his wife. Of this
marriage four children were born: Henry R.
Curtis, St. Paul, Minnesota; Osborn M. Cur-
tis, New York City; Hope G. C. Jones, wife
of Commodore H. W. Jones, United States
Navy, residing at Washington, District of
Columbia, and Hugh E. Curtis, of Rock
Island.

On September 12, 190.5, death brought to
a close the long and useful life of Colonel
Henry Curtis, his demise occurring at Mar-
blehead, Massachusetts. He had been in
failing health for some years and had retired
from active professional and business life.
His death was a distinct loss to the com-
munity in which he had spent the best years
of his manhood, and in the tributes paid to
his memory by his fellow members of the
bar and others who were intimately asso-
ciated with him the sentiment was general
and profound that Colonel Henry Curtis was
a character above reproach, an honorble,
sincere and u])right gentleman.

m m <»
ELMORE W. HURST.

AN ABLE lawyer, a successful financier,
and a man recognized as a state leader
in Illinois Democracy, is Elmore W.
Hurst, of Rock Island, one of the senior mem-
bers of the legal firm of Jackson, Hurst &
Stafford.

Mr. Hurst was born December 6, 1851, in
Rock Island, which city has ever since been
his home. His parents were William and
.\nna (Hurlock) Hurst, both natives of the
State of Delaware. The father, who was of
English descent, came to Rock Ishuid in 1837,
and here he was engaged in mercantile pur-

ELMORE W. HURST.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND C U N T Y

suits. Coming to Kock Island when wliat is
now a city, was but a mere handful of people
gathered together in a little village, he saw
the town gradually increase in size and im-
portance as new business enterprises were
added from time to time, and in that growth
and progress he, himself, was prominently
identified. Both the elder Mr. and Mrs.
Hurst were among the early members of the
First Methodist Church of Rock Island, and
were unswerving and untiring in their loyal-
ty and devotion to the church of their choice.
To this couple were born five childi-en, three
of whom are still living: Miss Mary Hurst,
Mrs. Julia Stafford, and Elmore W. Hurst,
the siibject of this review.

After completing a course of study in the
public schools of Rock Island, Elmore W.
Hurst decided upon a business career, be-
giiming as bookkeeper, and later being pro-
moted to the position of assistant cashier
in the Rock I.^^land National Bank. His
connection with that institution continued
for eight years. M'-. Hurst had for some
considerable time cherished an ambition to
become a lawyer, and at the end of his eight
years of service in the banking house in which
he was employed, he had formed a definite
determination to fit himself for membership
in the legal profession. With that end in
view he took up the study of law in the office
of the Hon. W. H, Gest, who was then a
practicing attorney in Rock Island, and in
1883 Mr. Hurst was admitted to the bar.
Immediately upon his admission as an attor-
ney he began the practice of his profession.
A man of great natural ability and of close
application his rise in the profession has been
a steady one, and today both he. himself,
and the firm of which he is a member, are
recognized as leaders at the Rock Island
County Bar. In 1891 Mr. Hurst formed a
partnership with the Hon. William Jackson,
the style of the firm being Jackson it Hurst.
This partnership continued until 1902 when
the firm was enlarged by the admission into

it of ;Mr. Hurst's two nephews, John T. and
Elmore H. Stafford. This firm's offices in the
Masonic Temple are the most commodious
and well arranged in the city, the volume of
their business requiring the employment of
several assistants.

On May 29, 1873, occurred the marriage
of Mr. Hurst and Miss Harriet M. Field. For
years Mr. and Mrs. Hurst made their home
on the corner of Nineteenth Street and Sixth
Avenue in Rock Island, but in 1906 Mr.
Hurst purchased the old Buford residence
at the head of Eighteenth Street, a large and
handsome edifice built in the old Southern
style of architecture. This he has thoroughly
remodeled and modernized, and there he
now resides.

He is a large owner of farm lands in the
north and west and has extensive holdings
in business realty in Rock Island, also being
interested as a stock holder in several banks,
both in Rock Island and in western cities.
Mr. Hurst is a man of business sagacity and
financial acumen, and the modest fortune
which he has accumulated is an honest one,
the result of prudent and careful investment
in real estate that has increased greatly in
value and which now vields handsome re-
turns.

As has been stated, Mr. Hurst is a promi-
nent Democrat. He was elected on that
ticket to the Illinois Legislature in 1888 and
1900. His name has been several times
mentioned as a possible candidate for Gov-
ernor of Illinois upon the Democratic ticket,
and it is certain that he could have received
the honor of a nomination to that office at
the hands of his party had he so desired.

He is a member of the First Methodist
Church, the church of his parents, where,
for several years, he filled the office of one of
the trustees. Fraternally, he is identified
with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen.

Durinn- the vears 190.5 and 1906 Mr. Hurst

HISTORIC ROC K ISLAND CO [J N T Y

was elected president of the Rock Island Coiin-
ty Bar Association, his successor in that ottiec
being Hon. Chas. J. Searle, the present incum-
bent.

A man of stronr; personality, Mr. Hurst
commands the admiration and respect, not
only of his fellow members of the bar, but of
the body of Rock Island's citizenship. He is
honoral)le, ujiright and conscientious in his
dealings, and always ab.solutely fair and
sincere. He is a man who believes in the
future of his native city and he has proved
that his belief is a sincere one by investing
many thousands of dollars in Rock Island
real" estate, and by improving property that
he owns. Such men are invaluable to any
city in which they exert their ability and
expend large sums of money in its improve-
ment.

5S 5i 5«

REV. CHRISTOPHER A. MENNICKE.

ONE of Rock Island's most revered and
honored ministers of the gospel, a man
who has grown old in the service of his
God and his church, is Rev. C. A. Mennicke,
pastor of the German Evangelical Lutheran
Immanuels Congregation.

He was born September 17, 1834, at Fried-
richsschwerz, a small place near Halle, in
Prussia, his parents being Andreas and Caro-
lina (Winter) Mennicke. He received his
early education in the institutions of Halle,
Germany. An uncle, Professor F. Winter
whose home was in America, wrote to the
young student and urged him to come to this
country. He left Germany in 1854 and came
to America, locating at St. Louis. The main
purpose of his coming was to prepare for the
ministry of the German Evangelical Luth-
eran Church in America, a hope and aspira-
tion that he had cherished from early boy-
hood. Soon after reaching St. Louis our
subject entered Concordia Seminary in that
city, and here he pursued a foiu* years' classi-
cal course, upon the completion of which he

entered upon and finished a theological course
of three years at the same institution, grad-
vuiting in May, 1861. Shortly after his grad-
uation he received and accepted a call as pas-
tor of the (lerman Evangelical Lutheran
Immanuels Chiu'ch at Rock Island, a pastor-
ate that he has held ever since. The first
parsonage in which Rev. Mennicke dwelt was
located on what is now Thirteenth Street and
Sixth Avenue, but which was then known as
Beaver and Pleasant Streets. Here he m.ade
his home until 1869, since which time he has
resided at the present parsonage located at
1923 Fifth Avenue.

On October 20, 1861, shortly after taking
up his pastorate in Rock Island, Rev. Men-
nicke was joined in marriage to Miss Anna
D. Mangelsdorf, a young lady of St. Louis.
The marriage ceremony was performed by
Rev. F. Doescher, of Iowa City, Iowa, the
marriage taking place at Rock Island. Four-
teen children were born of this union, four of
whom died in their early youth. Those liv-
ing are: Mrs. Anna Hohenstein, wife of Rev.
O. L. Hohenstein, of Bloomington, Illinois;
Mrs. Amalie Streckfus, widow of Rev. J. A.
Streckfus, residing at home; Rev. August C.
Mennicke, of Edford Township, Henrj^ County,
Illinois; Mrs. Maria Kroeger, wife of Rev. F.
Kroeger, of Hinckley, Illinois; Rev. Ernest
D. Mennicke, assistant pastor of German
Evangelical Lutheran Immanuels Church, of
Rock Island; Mrs. Caroline Schmidt, wife of
Rev. H. Schmidt, of Galesburg, Illinois; Rev.
Charles G. Mennicke, of Four Corners, Iowa,
and the Misses Clara, Justine and Frieda
Mennicke, at home.

From 1861 to 1862 Rev. Mennicke in addi-
tion to his pastoral duties acted as teacher of
the parochial school established in connection
with his church. At times he was assisted
in this work by his wife, and the duty of
developing the minds of the children of the
church and of establishing their feet in the
paths of religion was faithfully performed by
this devoted couple.

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

In 1886 was celebrated the twenty-fifth
anniversary of Rev. Mennicke's pastorate at
Rock Ishind. On the same day his son,
August C. Mennicke, was ordained as a min-
ister of the Lutheran denomination, and was
installed as assistant pastor of the church at
Rock Island, thus being enabled to relieve his
father of some of the more arduous duties in
connection with the extensive work of the
church.

Rev. Mennicke is a member of the German
Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri,
Ohio and other states. For years he has been
an officer of the Illinois District of the Synod
for Central Illinois, and chairman of the
Central Illinois Conference.

For almost fifty years this good man has
labored assiduously in Rock Island for the
uplifting of mankind and the salvation of
souls. He has grown old in the service of
Christ and the church, l)ut who can measure
the good that he has accomplished in the la-
bors of a lifetime. Such lives as his have a
benign influence upon mankind. And in his
latter years as he looks backward upon his life's
work, although his labor has not brought to
him a liberal financial reward, still he has
love, reverence and regard of all who have
ever come within the circle of his acquaint-
ance.

m m '^
HENRY J. FRICK.

THE life record of Henry J. Frick, the
subject of our present sketch, is that of a
self-made man; a man who through his
unflagging industry and undaunted persever-
ance has achieved for himself not only a com-
fortable competence, but an enviable reputa-
tion for unswerving integrity and uncompro-
mising honor.

He was born August 31, 1858, at Rock
Island, and this city has been his home ever
since, with the exception of one and one-half
years spent in Scott County, Iowa. His par-

ents were William and Caroline (Dietrich)
Frick. Both were natives of Germany.
They emigrated to the United States in 1851.
The first four years after coming to their new
home they spent in Utica, State of New York.
They moved to Rock Island in 1855 where his
father took out his papers in 1856. Here the
father was connected with the Rock Island
Railway, being in charge of the local baggage
and freight department. The death of the
mother occurred in 1878, and that of tlie fa-
ther in 1882.

Their son received a common school educa-
tion in the Rock Island public schools. At
the age of fifteen years he decided to follow
the plumbing trade and with that end in view
he entered the employ of Fred Hass as an
apprentice for a year and one-half, after which
he abandoned his intention of becoming a
plumber, and entered the employ of the Rock
Island Railway as a locomotive fireman at the
age of seventeen years. This occupation he fol-
lowed for eight years, residing part of the time
in Buffalo, Scott County, Iowa, where he serv-
ed one year as a township officer. He then
decided to embark in the livery business and
together with Gottliel? Zwicker formed the
firm known as Zwicker & Frick at Rock Island.
Their partnership continued for seven months,
when Mr. Zwicker disposed of his interest in
the business to Chas. Hansgen. Upon this
business change the firm was known as Frick
& Hansgen. Mr. Frick and Mr. Hansgen
continued the partnership for about three
years. Then Frank Kautz purchased Mr.
Hansgen's share in the enterprise, and the
firm name was changed to Frick & Kautz.
The business association of Mr. Frick and Mr.
Kautz continued for more than ten years.
Then Mr. Frick ptu'chased his partner's inter-
est, and has since continued the business
alone. Largely through Mr. Frick's indi-
vidual efforts the business has constantly
grown in size and importance, and today Mr.
Frick possesses one of the largest and most

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

completely equipped livery establishments
in the Tri-Cities.

On February 21, 1SS4. Mr. Frick was uni-
ted in marriage to Miss Susanna Kautz, a
daughter of Fritz and Barbara Kautz, of Buf-
falo, Iowa. Two children, both daughters,
were born of this union, Adelia E. and Ber-
tha C. Mr. Frick was deprived of a devoted
wife and his daughters of a loving mother by
the death of Mrs. Frick, which occurred De-
cember 26, ISSS. May 16, 1S91, occurred the
marriage of jMr. Frick and Miss Mary E. Kautz,
daughter of Christian and Christina Kautz.
also of Buffalo, Iowa, she being a cousin of
Mr. Frick's first wife. To them three daugh-
ters have been born, Marie J., Edith M. and
Henrietta N.

In political affiliation Mr. Frick is a Demo-
crat. In the April election, 1907, he was
chosen as alderman of the Fourth Ward upon
the ticket of the Citizens' Non-Partisan Asso-
ciation. The contest in election was not won
without a struggle, as both the Republican
and Democratic parties had placed strong men
in nomination. Mr. Frick's popularity with
men in both of the old parties was so clearly
demonstrated by the election, that upon the
sending in of the returns it was shown that he
had been elected by a handsome majority
over both opponents. The Fourth Ward,
which Mr. Frick now represents as alderman,
is the ward in which he was born, and in
which his business has been located for many
years.

In religious conviction Mr. Frick is a con-
sistent member of the German Catholic
Church of Rock Island. Fraternally he is
connected with the Elks, the ^^■estern Catho-
lic Union and the Knights of Columbus.

From what has already been said of the
life of Mr. Frick, and from the personal knowl-
edge which almost every one residing in Rock
Island or vicinity has of the man, it is a fact
beyond dispute that he is one of Rock Island's
best citizens who is constantlj^ working ft)r
the advancement of his native city.

IGNATZ HUBER.

THE City of Rock Island is indebted for
its present prosperity and commercial
activity to many men whose capital and
intellect have been instrumental in pro-
moting its growth: but one of the men to
whom it is chiefly indebted for his activity
in promoting those industries and measures
which are the life of a city is Ignatz Htiber,
one of Rock Island's pioneer brewers and
financiers.

ilr. Huber is a native of Bavaria, Germany.
He was born February 1, 1S26. His boy-
hood and youth were spent in his native
Bavaria, and after his school days were fin-
ished, learned the brewer's trade under the
instruction of his fatlier. Like many others
of foreign birth who have emigrated to the
United States, Mr. Huber saw in America a
land of promise where individual abilitv
counted for much more and brought much
better returns than in the old world. He
took passage for America on a sailing vessel
leaving the Port of Rotterdam, and after a
vo}-age of forty-two days on the ocean, ar-
rived at New York on June 16, 1849. Push-
ing westward he stopped at Canton, Ohio,
where he spent two months, and then re-
moved to Columbus in the same state, where
he found employment in a brewer}-. Leav-
ing Columbus he went to Cincinnati, where
he again followed that line of business in
which he had received such thorough train-
ing. ^Ir. Huber remained in Cincinnati until
1851, when he came to Rock Island, which
has ever since been his home.

In Rock Island he again obtained employ-
ment in a brewery, and after his first month's
employment he purchased an interest in the
concern, of which three 3'ears later he became
the sole owner. From a small beginning Mr.
Huber's business grew and his patronage
increased until it became one of the cit3-'s
principal industries, emplo3dng many men.
He continued in business alone until the for-

J^^'^^^J^^^ ^e/^

HISTORIC ROCK ISLAND COUNTY

mation of the Rock Island Brewing Company,
whereby Rock Island's three brewing plants
were consolidated and a stock company or-
ganized. Then Mr. Huber turned over active
management of the new enterprise to his son,
Otto, pursuing the same course as his former
competitor, George Wagner, who had turned
over the management of his part in the busi-
ness to his son, Robert, the elders practically
retiring and placing the responsibility of ac-
tive management of this large concern upon
the shoulders of the junior members of their
respective households.

Mr. Huber was married in October, 1854,
to Miss Catherine Koehler, a young lady of
German birth and rearing, but who had come
to .\nierica in her youth. To this couple have
been born six children, three of whom have
attained manhood and womanhood and are
living at home with their parents, and three
of whom died in early childhood. Those liv-
ing are the Misses Amelia and lallie Huber
and Otto Huber.

In religious faith Mr. Huber is a Catholic,
while his wife is a member of the Lutheran
denomination. In politics he is a Democrat,
and although never an office-seeker, he was
once elected alderman of his home ward, and
proved so thoroughly acceptable to his con-
stituents that he was twice re-elected to that
office. From 1858 to 1861 he was captain of
the Rock Island Rifle Company, a military
organization formed here at that time.

Mr. Huber has valuable real estate holdings
in Rock Island, Moline and Geneseo, Illinois,
and in Davenport, Iowa. He is also a stock
holder in the Peoples' National Bank, and for
many years was its vice president. In the
spring of 1906 Mr. Huber purchased twenty-
five acres of valuable land lying between Twen-
ty-seventh and Thirtieth Streets, and be-
ginning on Ninth Avenue extending to the
bluff in Rock Island. From the summit of
this land a magnificent view of the entire City
of Rock Island may be obtained. One-half
of this land is to be plotted into lots which will

be sold and the other half Mr. Huber will
retain for a home, where he will shortly erect
a residence. In fact Mr. Huber has been a
pioneer in the laying out and platting of addi-
tions; the Huber and Peetz addition, in which
he was interested, being the real beginning
of Rock Island's real estate boom.

For all the years that Ignatz Huber has
lived in Rock Island his life has been an open
one. his every deed being actuated by honest
motives. He has conscientiously endeavored
to fulfill the duties that devolved upon him
both in public and in private life, and how
well he has succeeded is thoroughly demon-
strated by the universal esteem in which he
is held bv his fellow citizens.

OTTO HUBER.

AMONG the younger generation of Rock
Island's prominent business men whose
names are deserving of special mention
for what they have achieved in their chosen
vocations in life, stands that of Otto Huber,
who is the present secretary and treasurer of
the Rock Island Brewing Company, a Rock
Island industry whose formation, growth and
present scope, has been related elsewhere in
this book.

Mr. Huber was born in Rock Island January
19, 1866, and attended schools in that city
until he was ready to enter the Illinois State
University at Champaign, where he spent
three years. Afterward he studied two years
abroad and graduated from the Institute of
Technology at Weihenstephan, near Munich,
Bavaria, which country had been the birth
place of his father, Ignatz Huber. After
completing his education he entered his fa-
ther's business in 1889, but he was also a pro-
moter of brewing enterprises in other cities,
notable among which is the organization of
the Seattle Brewing & Malting Company in
1 893. This was a consolidation of four of Seat-
tle's brewing plants and was brought about

// / .S r HI C RO C K ISLAND COUNTY

by Otto Hubcr. The company today is the
largest and most prominent brewing concern
in the United States west of Milwaukee and
St. Louis. He organized the Des Moines
Brewing Company in 1907, of which he is the
president.

In 1893 when the Rock Island Brewing
Company was formed, Mr. Huber was one of
the chief promoters of that organization, and
it was largely through his activity that the
organization was brought into being. Upon
its formation he was elected secretary and
treasurer of the new company, positions which
has held ever since.

In 1902 Mr. Huber was one of the organizers
of the Illinois State Brewers' Association and
was its first secretary.

In 1903 Mr. Huber became vice president
of the People's National Bank of Rock Island,
succeeding his father in that office. In 1904
he was appointed a member of the board of
park commissioners in the City of Rock Island
and it was this board that inaugurated the
improvement of Long View Park, one of the
most beautiful in the state. He is at present
treasurer of the board.

Mr. Huber is not allied with an political
organization, but gives his support to those
men and measures that in his opinion repre-
sent the best principles.

He is a member of several social and fra-
ternal organizations, among them being the
Rock Island Club, the Davenport Commercial
Club, Chicago Athletic Association, is a life
member of the Rock Island Arsenal Golf
Club, and is a member of the Elks.

He is a man who is fond of all varities of
clean athletic sports, being an enthusiastic
equiestrian and golf player.

Mr. Huber is unmarried. He takes an ac-
tive and prominent part in the social life of
the three cities and Chicago, his genial quali-
ties and liberality making him a general fav-
orite. Although a young man possessed of
wealth and one who has received many ad-
vantages he is unspoiled by prosperity and

is of a very unassuming nature without the
slightest trace of arrogance. Warm hearted
and sympathetic he is ever ready to extend
a hel])ing hand to those less fortunate than
himself and to devote his time and money to
the upbuilding of his native city.
m ^ iS

HON. WILLIAM McENIRY,

tN considering the prominent legal
I firms in Rock Island County one's mind

instinctively turns to the firm of McEniry &
McEniry, a firm composed of the two brothers,
Hon. William McEnirj^ and Matthew J. Mc-
Eniry, having offices both in Rock Island and
Moline. It is the life and character of the
former of these two gentlemen that we pro-
pose to depict in the sketch that is to follow.
The life and character of Matthew J. McEniry
will be found elsewhere in this work treated at
length.

William McEniry was born in Rock Island
County, Illinois, May 9, 1860, his parents be-
ing William and Elizabeth (Coughlin) Mc-
Eniry. William McEniry, Sr., who was a
farmer, came to Illinois in 1841 and settled in
Moline, making his home there until 1852,
when he took up his residence on a farm in
this county. In 1840 occurred his marriage
to Miss Elizabeth Coughlin. To this couple
eight children were born, six sons and two
daughters. Two of the sons, however, died
in infancy. The death of the father occurred
February 18. 1874. His widow survived him
luitil May 30, 1907, when she passed away.
Both were devout members of the Roman
Catholic Church. In a panegyric at the time
of Mrs. McEniry's death one of the Moline
daily newspapers spoke of her life as follows:
"Mrs. McEniry was identified with the his-
tory of Rock Island County. She was the
first Catholic woman to reside in what is now
the City of Moline, and the first mass of the
church ever said in that city, was celebrated
in her house by a Davenport priest. She
was a remarkable character in many ways.

HISTORIC RO C K ISLAND COUNT Y

Her life was as calm and gentle as its close
and 3'et it was active. She was of firm faith
and resolute purpose and courage."

William McEniry, the son, whose life we
will now discuss, received his preliminary edu-
cation in the public schools of Hock Island
County. I.ater he pursued a commercial
course in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Upon
the completion of this he entered upon a lit-
erary course in the University of Notre Dame,
at Notre Dame, Indiana. Then he chose the
profession of law as his life's vocation, and in
order to fit himself for the practice of that
science he entered the law department of the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in that
state. Here he graduated in 1SS.5.

Soon after his graduation the young bar-
rister opened a law office in Rock Island, and
liis immediate success proved him to lie an
able lawyer. He possesses a keen and ana-
lytical mind, and a broad and comprehensive
mental vision, enabling him to assimilate the
correlation of ideas and to instinctively grasp
the fundamental and basic elements of the
subject under consideration. Added to this
he is a logical reasoner and an eloquent and
forceful public speaker. These attributes
and accomplishments are essential in a suc-
cessful legal career, and by the possession of
these superior qualities, which in themselves
are marks of distinction, Mr. McEniry has
attained an enviable station in his profession.
He has served as counsel in some very impor-
tant litigation that has attracted widespread
interest. In legal ability he is one of the
foremost lawyers in Western Illinois, and his
superior merit has obtained the recognition
that it deserves.

Ever since entering upon the practice of
law in Rock Island and taking up his residence
here, Mr. McEniry has been constant and
untiring in his endeavor to promote that
city's best interests and has given his sup-
port to all measures for the public benefit.
He was, actively instrumental in the work of se-
curing a new court house and was also a

potent factor in dete