Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 22 of 24)

I he Rock Island National Bank was organized in November, 1871, as the 1,889th national bank, and ever since that date has been under the management of Capt. T. J. Robinson, and to his praiseworthy attention to its affairs, sound judgment and liberal, yet accommodating conduct when consistent with security, the unusual success and high standing of the bank is mainly due. In addition to this, however, the directors and stockholders are men of high standing and financial responsibility in the community, and have added largely to its standing and splendid success. Its capital stock is $100,000. The directors are J. H. Wilson, Fred. Weyerhaeuser, Peter Fries, E. D. Sweeney, Capt. T. J. Robinson, W. C. Welch and J. Frank Robinson. The vault room is built up from solid rock, the walls being lined with iron and steel, so interwoven that it is an impossibility for any one to gain unlawful entrance.

The People s National Bank was organized in 1S74, with a paid up capital of $100,000. Among its stockholders are some of the wealthiest men in the county. The bank at once took a leading position and did a good as well as safe business from the start. The capital stock remains at $100,000, while its surplus now amounts to $30,000. Bailey Davenport is President; Joseph Rosenfield, Vice-President : John Peitz, Cashier. Its directors are Bailey Davenport, Joseph Rosenfield, F. C. A. Denkman, C. Speidel, George Wagner, Peter Fries, Ignatz Huber, Geo. Schneider, Henry Woltman, Frederick Hass, August Huesing.

City Water-Works And Fire Department

In 187 i the water-works question was agitated, and £jy in March, 1872, the works were open to the people. At *j> that time they had about nine miles of mains, 64 hydrants, a capacity of 2,000,000 gallons per day, at a cost of $1 10,000. Since then the mains have been inm creased to 16 miles, the city owning 98 hydrants and the manufacturers 30 extra. At the present time there are 1,000 patrons of the works and the revenue derived therefrom amounts to $15,000 per annum. Since their first establishment the works have been moved from the lower end of the city to their present location, at the foot of 24th Street, where the solid, convenient and ornate brick and stone buildings stand as enduring monuments to the enterprise and usefulness of the city and her citizens. Water is drawn from the main channel of the Mississippi River, through a cast-iron inflow pipe, 20 inches in diameter and 2,126 feet in length, thus insuring an abundance of pure water at all times. The pumps are of the Holly construction and have a daily capacity of 5,000,000 gallons. For this $200,000 have been expended. J. H. Kerr is Superintendent, W. H. Pierce and I. N. Cox the engineers.

The Fire Department is an institution of which the people of Rock Island may justly feel proud. It consists of no firemen, with an abundance of the best and most approved apparatus at their command, the city officers having been liberally discreet in making this abundant provision. The water- works give the department an immense volume and pressure of water when required, which materially assists the firemen, under whose skill it is well directed, so that Rock Island suffers but little from the fire fiend. The organization is under the control of Jacob F. Ohhveiler as Chief, who has been connected therewith the past 1 r years, having taken every step from the ranks, including Assistant Foreman, Foreman and Assistant Chief. He has held his position since February, 1884, and has done nobly, as has his assistant, D. E. Butler, the various foremen and the whole department. The department is composed of one steamer for an emergency and five companies, as follows : Phoenix Hose Co., No. 1, was organized in 1S72, has 20 men, with George Schmidt, Foreman; James Albery, Assistant Foreman; and J. M. Beardsley, Treasurer. Wide-Awake Hose, Hook and Ladder Co., No. 2, was organized in 1873, has 30 men, with Philip M. Betts, Foreman ; Win. Eckermann, Assistant Foreman ; George Haymaker, Secretary; and B. Winter, Treasurer. Rescue Hose Co.. No. 3, was organized in 1876, has 20 men, with B. F. Knox, Foreman ; Thomas Moore, Assistant Foreman; and Chris. Trefz, Treasurer. Cable Hose Co., No. 4 (formerly the Fourth Ward Hose Co.), was organized in 1876, has 20 men, with Christ. Baker Foreman. Holly Hose Co., No. 5, was organized in 1874, has 20 men, with Horace J. M< - Gregor and J. D. Beecher, Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.

The Chippiannock Cemetery Association was organized in 1855 and owns 60 acres of ground in one of the most lovely spots in this vicinity. The cemetery is very appropriately located for the purposes designed, while the name it bears, Chippiannock, which is of Indian origin, signifies " city of the dead." Over $30,000 have been expended in purchase and improvements. Up to December r, 1884, 752 lots had been sold, while to the same date 3,479 interments had been registered. P. L. Mitchell is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Association, whose office is at the First National Bank.

The Hebrew Burying-Ground Association was organized in 1869, and owns one acre in the above cemetery that is very beautifully laid out and enclosed with a living hedge. The officers are Henry Burgower, Pres. ; M. Rosenfield, Vice-Pres.; L. Simon, Sec, and Joseph May, Treas.

Rock Island city has within its limits some veryextensive manufactories, the existence of which has done much to promote the growth of the place. Among the number are the following extensive concerns :

The sash and door factories, planing-mills, soap works, stove works, carriage factories, bone-meal factory, breweries, baby-carriage factory, iron works and machine shops, iron-fence factory, cracker factory, pork-packing establishment and saw works have each contributed to the general prosperity of the place. Few cities present greater opportunities for the development of manufacturing enterprises than Rock Island. With a fortunate geographical position, the leading Western railways entering the place, the Mississippi also affording an outlet for its productions, there is no reason why it should not

The Rock Island Lumber and Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in 1878 and was the outgrowth of several concerns which were started nearly twenty years before that time. Since incorporation it has met with wonderful success, its progress from an ordinary to an extraordinary institution being very rapid. The company owns two saw-mills and a large sash and blind factory, and occupies about 20 acres of ground. While the company does a large business in this vicinity yet most of its product finds its way into the Western and Southern States, which consumes 4,000 car-loads a year. The two saw-mills have a capacity of producing 45,000,000 feet of lumber, 7,000,000 shingles, 10,000,000 lath, and 50,000 pickets per annum. Their sash manufactory is a fine brick structure 80 by 130 feet, three stories, and has an annual capacity of 75,000 doors, including those of all sizes, 150,000 sash, 30,000 blinds, and moldings measuring 4,000,000 lineal feet. In the production and care of this immense out-put some 500 hands find employment and receive annually in wages nearly $200,000. Last year nearly 4,000 cars of materials were shipped from this establishment, the lumber principally finding a market in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, and the sash, doors, blinds and moldings in the States of Missouri, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas.

Weyerhauser & Renkman do a very large business. This mill was established in 1859, on a small capital, and is now one of the largest concerns in the Mississippi valley.

Statistical

According to Holland's City Directory, published in the spring of 1885, there were 2 abstract offices, 17 law firms, 6 bakeries, 4 banks, 12 barber shops, 2 beer bottlers, 6 billiard halls, 2 blank-book manufacturers, 5 blacksmiths, 6 boarding-houses, 1 boarding stable, 1 boat builder, 3 bookbinders, 3 booksellers, 8 boot and shoe dealers, 2 bowling alleys, 1 box factory, 1 brass founder, 3 breweries, 4 brick yards, 13 butcher shops, 7 carpenter shops, 1 carpet dealer, 2 carriage manufacturers, 2 cement and lime, i children's carriage manufactory, 8 cigars and tobacco, 8 clothing, 6 coal merchants, 3 commission merchants, 2 coopers, 1 cracker manufacturer, 7 crockery, 1 dairyman, 4 dentists, 12 druggists, 7 dry goods, 1 dyer, 2 express companies, 2 feed stables, 3 ironfence manufacturers, 13 flour and feed, 2 foundries, 13 fruits and confectionery, 3 furniture, 3 gas and steam fitters, 1 glass w >rks, 1 granite works, 48 grocers, 2 gunsmiths, 1 hair goods, 3 hardware, 4 harness, 2 hats and caps, 4 horse-shoers, 8 hotels, 4 house furnishers, 2 ice dealers, 7 insurance agents, 1 insurance company, 2';iron works, 5 jewelers, 2 justices of the peace, 1 leather, 2 lime and cement, 6 livery stables, 2 lumber manufacturers, 3 machine shops, 2 marble works, 6 merchant tailors,

3 milliners, 1 music house, 1 news depot, 6 newspapers, 6 painters, 3 photographers, 17 physicians, 4 picture-frame dealers, 1 planing-mill, 1 plow manufacturer, 3 plumbers, 1 pork-packer, 1 poultry-breeder, 10 produce dealers, 2 pump dealers,

4 real-estate dealers, 1 1 restaurants, 42 saloons, 1 saw-maker, 5 second-hand stores, 1 seed merchant, 16 shoemakers, 1 soap manufacturer, 2 -soda-water manufacturers, 2 steamboat lines, 5 stoves and tinware, 1 stove works, 3 tailors, 1 tea and coffee store,

According to the abstract of assessments in the office of the County Clerk, there were in r885 of improved land, 241 acres; unimproved land, 808 acres ; total value, $98,632. Town lots, 1,706 improved, and 763 unimproved, valued at $1,653,220. Of horses there were 692; cattle, 271; mules and asses, 69; hogs, 27; steam engines, 31; fire and burglar proof safes, 63 ; billiard tables, 23; carriages and wagons, 540; watches and clocks, 492 ; sewing and knitting machines, 727 ; pianos, 270 ; melodeons and organs, 68. The total value of personal property was $634,235.

When the township organization law was adopted, Rock Island, which then included all of the township of South Rock Island, was entitled to two representatives upon the County Board of Supervisors. In 1875 the number was increased to three, and in 1881 to five. The following named have served upon the Board :

?F this institution and of the self-denying efforts of those devoted Christian men who J^r founded and fostered it, the history is of the qgJT greatest interest. Already at the organization of the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod, which took place at Clinton, Rock Island County, Wis., in June, r86o, a resolution was passed to establish and maintain an institution of learning. This was done at a time when the Swedish Lutherans of the United States numbered only seventeen (17) ministers, thirty -six (36) congregations and three thousand, seven hundred and fifty (3,750) communicants, all of whom were poor emigrants. But God has abundantly blessed their efforts, so that from a very small beginning this institution has had an unusuil and wonderful growth and development. This school to which was given the name of Augustana Seminary* was temporarily located at Chicago.

Rev. L. P. Esbjorn, who had for nearly two years been the Scandinavian Professor at the Illinois State University, Springfield, was chosen its first Professor. This position he occupied until the summer of 1863, when he returned to Sweden.

*Augnstana i> taken from the Latin name of the principal confession of the Lutheran Church, the Augsburg Coufessiou. It was called (in Latin; Confessio Augustana, because it was delivered bythe Lutherans to the Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Augshurein 1530.

The institution remained at Chicago for three years. During this time Rev. Esbjorn, who was the only Professor, received a yearly salary of $600, being assisted in the work by two of the more aded students. The attendance numbered from 12 to 20 students, almost equally divided between Swedes and Norwegians.

The year 1S63 marks a new era in the history of this institution. The school was now removed from Chicago to Paxton, Ford Co., 111., and the handsome gift of $10,190, which was collected from all the Churches in Sweden, and granted by the King, Karl XV, gave the school fresh impulse in its new quarters. Rev. T. N. Hasselquist had been elected Professor in the place of Rev. Esbjorn, and later, in 1864, Rev. W. Kopp was chosen as Professor of the English Language and Literature. In the first few years the number of students was small, but later it began gradually to increase until at the Commencement, in June, 1875, the institution numbered five Professors and eighty-six students.

In the year 1875 another important step in the history of '\ugustana College and Theological Seminary* was taken, by transferring the institution - professors, students, library and museums - from Paxton to Rock Island, as a much more central location. The grounds, consisting of over iS acres of picturesque bluff land, in the eastern part of the city, were purchased by H. P. Hull, in 1873, for $10,000. The college building was erected in 1874 and 1S7:;, al a cost of $40,267.63 ; the professors' houses subsequently, at .1 cost of $11,913-53; total for buildings in Rock Island, $52,182.16. School was opened in this beautiful and commodious edifice Sept. 22, 1875, and 't was solemnly dedicated to God and his Church Oct. 14, the same year. Near the center of population of the United States, Rock Island is the most central and convenient point for the Swedish- American, and the above changes have yielded rich results. Situated high upon the side of the bluff, the location is free from miasma and very healthful. The view from the ground is unsurpassed in picturesque beauty, including the three cities, the Mississippi River and Rock Island, which here divides the river, and is the site of the Government Arsenal, situated just opposite the college. The scene is enlivened by the constant movement of trains on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and Chicago, Milwaukee & extent. Among those who settled here after that St. Paul Railways, all of which run between the river and the institution.

Since the removal here the institution has enjoyed a healthy and rapid growth, the number of students increasing from 86 the last year in Paxton, to 2 1 1 the school year of 1884-5. ^ nas a fa^ corPs °f well educated and efficient professors, a valuable library of 7,3to bound volumes and 5,100 pamphlets, a fine museum of natural history, including ethnological and numismatic collections, a chemical and physical laboratory, and a gymnasium in which instruction is given by the Ling method.

In the Theological Seminary young men are prepared for the gospel ministry in the Lutheran Church. The instruction is given by three professors, two Swedes and one American.

In the college with its two courses, classical and scientific, a broad and solid foundation is laid for professional studies and for usefulness in life. There is also a musical conservatory for instruction in vocal and instrumental music. Except in the Swedish language and literature, and in a part of the religious instruction, the English language is used as the medium of instruction. Seven of the professors were born in Sweden and six in the United States.

It should not be forgotten that while this is not a sectarian institution, it is based on sound Christian principles. Its aim is to educate not only the head but also the heart ; not only to give a thorough classical and scientific education, but also to build up a good, reliable and steadfast moral character, resting on, and upheld by, thorough Christian principles. Its discipline is good and the behavior and habits of the students highly commendable.

When, in 1875, the Board of Directors reported to the Synod concerning the building, some of the delegates proposed to censure them for extravagance in erecting a building unnecessarily large. One of the delegates proposed, however, to wait five years, and before the expiration of that time the attendance had so increased that it was already inconveniently small. The necessity for larger accommodations constantly increasing, the Synod at Red Wing, in 1883, authorized the Board to procure drawings and solicit subscriptions for a new building, which, however, should not be begun before $30,000 had been subscribed and $10,000 paid. These conditions being complied with, the Synod, at Andover, in 1884, authorized the Board to proceed with the erection of the building. It is 168 feet long, the central part 76 feet wide and the wings 64 feet, four stories high, including the basement. A full page view of the college with its surrounding buildings and beautiful scenery is given in connection with this historical skelch.

The corner-stone was laid Nov. 6, 18S4. There are, however, few men of large means among the Swedes, and as the hard times checked contributions, it seemed necessary to suspend work, when on the 9th of June, 1885, the Board were rejoiced by the munificent gift of $25,000 from the Hon. P. L. Cable This timely and liberal aid has enabled them to push the work as vigorously as consistent with thoroughness of construction. The structure will be alike an honor to the Swedish-Americans and their generous benefactor, Hon. P. L. Cable, and an ornament to the city and county of Rock Island, and will be ready for use at the fall term, 1886. Besides this munificent gift, the Swedes have collected $25,000 among themselves and at least $25,000 more will be needed to complete the building.

Having no endowment, the institution is dependent on the Synod and its congregations for its support, the annual expenses being from $25,000 to $30,000. But the Lord of Hosts, the Father of Light, who has sustained them hitherto can help them hereafter, and

May Augustana College and Theological Seminary, from Zion Hill, its elevated position on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, shine as a light-house for generations to come!

Tne Board of Directors for the year 1885 consisted of the following members: Rev. Erland Carlsson, President ; Mr. Nelson Chester, Secretary ; Mr. J. H. Westrand, Treasurer; Rev. H. O. Lindeblad, Mr.

Gustaf Johnson, Rev. S. P. A. Lindahl, Mr. Peter Colseth and Rev. T. N. Hasselquist, D. D. The members of the theological faculty are Rev. T. N. Hasselquist, D. D., Rev. Prof. O. Olsson and Rev. Prof. R. F. Weidner. The college faculty consists of Rev. Prof. C. O. Granere, Rev. Prof. C. P. Rydholm, Prof. Josua Lindahl, Ph. D., Prof. A. O. Bersell, Prof. A. W Williamson, Prof. C. M. Esbjorn, Prof. C. W. Foss and Rev. Prof. G. W. Sandt, Prof. C. L. E. Esbjorn and Prof. Gustav Stolpe.

cities of the Union. Its large and excellent manufactories have given it a world - wide reputation, and its manufactured products have taken the first premium at every world's fair or exhibition in which they have been exhibited. The immense water-power attracted attention at a very early date, and it was only a question of time when it should be utilized. In 1838, in a letter to Judge Spencer, Hon. John Buford discussed the practicability of improving the natural power and predicting that in time Rock Island would be the center of 50,000 population. He recommended the formation of a joint- stock company, which should purchase and hold the land at this point, and which also should develop the power. Mr. Buford outlined a plan for a canal and mills, which should be erected. " In the first place," he says, "four feet clear fall must be obtained. I would recommend to you to have a line of level run from the mouth of the branch below the rocks and near the house occupied by one of your partners, upon the most favorable low grounds, and as high up the rapids as experience and utility will authorize. I think the ground is most favorably adapted for such an improvement. The average depth of the canal will not exceed nine feet.'' The cost of this canal Mr. Buford reckoned at $2 r, 870, which, together with a good mill for grinding grain and sawing lumber, would cost $30,000. "This establishment," he said, " would build up Stephenson (Rock Island), and as the tefwn and country demand, other additions will be added."

In 1841, John W. Spencer, David B. Sears and Spencer H. White built the first dam at this point, made of brush and stone. They also built a saw and flouring mill on the Moline side, just north of where the Moline Plow Company's woiks now stand. This dam was erected under the superintendency of David B. Sears. About this time these gentlemen, together with Gov. W. Lynde, laid out a town, to which they gave the name of Rock Island Mills. The plat of this village was never recorded.

hereof a village until 1843, when the original owners of Rock Island Mills, together with the owners of the land adjoining (Huntington Wells, Chas. Atkinson, Joel Wells and D. B. Sears) had surveyed and platted what is recorded as the original town of Moline. At this time the only buildings upon the town plat were those of Chas. Atkinson, Huntington Wells, David B. Sears, Benedict, Patterson, Hoskins, Hun toon, White, Weir, Kinzie, Bell, Reynolds and Benham - in all 13.

When the survey was made two copies of the plat were prepared by the surveyor, in one of which lie wrote in pencil in the space left for the name of the place the word Hesperia, and in the other Moline. A name had not then been agreed upon, and the surveyor was asked the meaning of the two words. Hesperia, he said, meant " Star of the West," while Moline signified " Milltown." Chas. Atkinson responded, " Moline let it be called ;" and thus it was named.

The mill erected by Spencer, Sears & White was in running order in 1842, Jonathan Huntoon being placed in charge as miller. Mr. Huntoon is yet an honored citizen of the place, and is President of the Rock Island & Moline Horse Railway.

Incorporation

Moline was organized as a town in 1843 and so remained until 1872, when it was incorporated as a city, under the general laws of the State, which came in force July 1, 1872. On the third of that month a petition was presented to the Board of Trustees of the town of Moline, asking that the question of the adoption of a city government be submitted to the legal voters of the town. The petition was granted, and an election was held Tuesday, August 6, 1872. There were cast 261 votes for incorporation and 22 against; for minority representation in the City Council, 21 ; against minority representation, 247.

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, 1872, an election for city officers was held and the following named elected : Mayor, Daniel L. Wheelock ; City Clerk, Orrin K. Ferguson ; City Attorney, John T. Browning ; Aldermen, George W. Vinton, Luke E. Hemenway, J. S. Keator, Marvel H. White, Henry Klahn, Chas. W. Lobdell, Swan Hanson, Daniel W. Dimock,Chas. F. Hemenway.

The post office was established in 1844, with David B. Sears as postmaster. The office at this time was not a sinecure, but yet there were others willing to serve. Between 1844 and 1853 Dr. Wells, Geo. W. Jackman and Joseph J. Jackman served, it is believed, in the order named: Absalom B. Williams was appointed in 1853, at which time the office was on what is now the comer of Second Avenue and 1 6th Street. Here it remained some time and then was removed a few doors west on the same avenue. In 1873 it was removed to the Library Building on 15th Street. J. M. Gould succeeded Mr. Williams as postmaster and served until April 17, 1861, when Win. iCerns was appointed, serving until June, 1865. Geo. D. Gould was his successor, serving some 22 months, when Mr. Kerns was appointed. On the nth of August, 1869, he was succeeded by Henry E. Wells, who served until April 1, 1877, when Luke E. Hemenway was appointed. Mr. Hemenway, it is but just to say, is regarded as a model postmaster, and gives personal supervision to every department of the office. By six o'clock in the morning he is found at his post, and, with the exception of the time required for his meals, he is there till the closing hour at night. He is methodical in everything, and can, in a few moments' time, show the record of every transaction in his office since his appointment. The office contains 2,409 Yale boxes, producing a rental of $Soo per quarter. The gross revenue of the office for the year ending June 30, 1883, was $20,500, entitling it to a free delivery, but in consequence of the reduction in postage and the general stagnation in business, it has fallen to a little less than $20,000. With the return of better times it will be increased to more than the required amount. While this work is in preparation the office is occupying temporary quarters on 3d Avenue between 1 6th and 17th Streets, while a building is being erected expressly for its accommodation on the corner of 3d Avenue and 16th Streets, which will be the finest postoffice building in the State.

The first school-house in Moline was erected in 1843, shortly after the platting of the village, on the site of the present city engine-house on ground donated by the proprietors of the place. The building was of brick and was used for religious as well as school purposes. It was erected by the people, each donating as he was able or willing. Joseph Jackman was the first teacher. Mr. Jackman is remembered by all the early settlers. S. P. Hodges was the next teacher. He was subsequently county clerk for many years.

As a matter of course the first schools were of a primitive character. As the scholars were few in number, ranging from the child sent by its mother " to get rid of it " to the young man who should have graduated years before, and all confined in one room, the teacher had to teach all grades from the a-b, abs to the higher branches in mathematics. All this has since been changed. The schools are now thoroughly graded, the present system dating from April, 1873, when the first Board of Education was elected under the city charter and in accordance with the revised school laws, consisting of the following named: C. A. Wheelock, President; H. H. Grover, Secretary; Wm. H. Edwards. Ezra Smith, C. O. Nathan an Jonathan Huntoon. The first annual report of the Board showed two school buildings that were known was the Central and the West Ward.

In the Central building, in addition to the Superintendent, W. H. Russell, there were 11 teachers employed and four in the West Ward. The salaries of of teachers and superintendent amounted to $8,014- .77. There was a total enrollment of 750 and an average of 624.

After serving some two and a half months in the fall of 1874, Mr. Russell resigned the superintendency and L. Gregory was elected to fill the vacancy. He served until the fall of 1878, when W. S. Mack (see page 289) was appointed. During his administration great improvement was made in the schools, which had increased in numbers very largely. During his last year there was an enrollment of 1,104. Twenty teachers were employed, the salaries of whom, together with the superintendent, amounted to $10,386.59. There were three school-houses at this time.

1 Kiting Prof. Mack's first year there were employed 20 teachers regularly, the salaries of whom, together with that of the superintendent, amounted to $10,436.02. There were then in the district 1,819 persons, between six and 20 years of age, with an enrollment in the schools 1,285. New rules and regulations were adopted, and the time in the High School was increased to four years, the number of studies being reduced each year. A new schoolhouse has since been built, and in the summer of 1885 the district in South Moline, adjoining the city on the south, voted to unite the city district. There were in that district two good school-houses. Added to the number in the city, it gives six school-buildings, valued at about $134,500.

The first religious services in this place were held in the dining-room of D. B. Sears' house about 1842, Rev. A. B. Hitchcook conducting the exercises and preaching the sermon. Rev. Isaac Bliss was the first to have a regular appointment here. He began to hold services in the old brick school-house shortly after its completion. To-day the city is well supplied with handsome church edifices, and is represented by the Baptists, Catholics, Congregationalists, Lutherans, Methodist Episcopal and others. The Congregationalists and Lutherans have very handsome houses of worship, and all have fair congregations.

Rev. A. B. Hitchcock was the first Congregational minister who preached in the place. His first sermon was in the dining-room of Sears' boarding-house, in 1843. Rev. Mr. Woodruff also preached during this year at the same place. Rev. Isaac Bliss soon after was employed to hold services at stated times and labored for eight months, and in connection with a series of interesting meetings, a Congregational Church was organized. Preliminary steps were taken at the house of Amos Gordon.

The congregation met for worship in the " brick school-house" until June 25, 185 1, when a church edifice was dedicated on the corner of Lynde and Illinois streets. This edifice, afterwards enlarged, was occupied until the completion of the present structure, in 18*9, on the corner of Bass and Henry Streets, at a cost of $35,000. In 1877, Mr. Charles Atkinson offered the Church $2,500 for the erection of a parsonage, on condition that the debt still resting on the church edifice be paid. The offer was accepted, the condition fulfilled, and a new parsonage duly occupied by the Pastor.

Of those who laid the foundation of Moline's social and religious character, Mr. Hitchcock will always remain the honored head. With a zeal for truth, which was sweetened by a love for all men, he labored to build here a Church from which no sectarian tenets should debar any true disciple of Christ.

In the great slavery question he was an avowed friend of the oppressed, and to his fearless zeal for temperance it was chiefly due that for years no intoxicating liquor could be legally sold as a beverage in the community. Mr. Hitchcock continued to reside in Moline until called to rest Dec. 15, 1873.

Soon after the law was passed permitting cities and towns to raise money by taxation for library purposes, steps were taken to secure a library for this city. On the 2 1 st of September, 1872, the Mayor, Hon. D. L. Wheelock, appointed the following named persons a Board of Directors of the Moline Public Library: J. T. Browning, Eugene Lewis, S. H. Velie, J. C. Starr, Win. H. Russell, H. A. Ainsworth, H. H. Grooves and E. Okerberg. The latter gentleman declining, the place was filled by Charles Atkinson. The city council a short time previously had made an appropriation of $800, which formed the nucleus for the library. The sum, though, was too small to do more than provide a building and meet contingent expenses; therefore additional funds must be secured in other ways. A meeting was accoidingly called for that purpose Dec. 17, 1872, and $3,000 were pledged, the ladies organizing a society and becoming responsible for $500 of the amount. This sum was soon increased to $5,566.24. With this financial aid the Board proceeded to procure rooms and to purchase books. Rooms were obtained in the postoffice building of Hon. S.VV. Wheelock, the first installment of books purchased and the library opened to the public Jan. 6, 1873. On the 29th of March, 1873, Mrs. Kate S. Holt was appointed Librarian.

On the 10th of March, 1877, Mr. Wheelock and wife deeded to the Board the building in which was kept the library and which cost upwards of $20,000. The building, according to the terms of the deed, was to be known as the Wheelock Library Hall.

The various secret and benevolent societies are well represented in this city. Among the number are the Masons, Odd Fellows, United Workmen and Modern Woodmen.

Masonic. - The Masons are represented by one blue lodge. The proximity of the city to Rock Island, where the order was first established in the oounty, has rendered it impossible heretofore to obtain charters for the higher degrees of Masonry.

Doric Lodge, No. 319, A. F. & A. M.. was organized in 1859, with 20 charter members, - John H. Dillon, W. M.; L. E. Hemenway, S. W. ; H. G. Nourse, J. W. For a time the lo.lge seemed to prosper, but during the dark days of the war, in consequence of the absence of a number of its mem- bers, who were at the front fighting the battles of their country, under a rule adopted by the Grand Lodge its meetings were suspended until brighter days should come. It was re-organized in 1866. For a time the lodge met in Chamberlain's, now Dunn's Hall, removing from thence to Dahm's Hall, on the corner of Third Avenue and 17th Streel, and from thence to the hall over Moline National Bank. After remaining here for some years they removed to the hall in the library building, where they remained until their removal to their present elegant quarters, on the corner of Third Avenue and 17th Street, July 1, 1885. The building in which is situated their hall was erected by John Deere and is one of the handsomest structures in the city. Doric Lodge occupies the entire third floor and was arranged especially for its use. The main lodge room is 36x60 feet, with 20-foot ceiling. There is a double parlor on the east (Masonically speaking), 43 x 18 feet, 14 feet high. A long hall is upon one side, 7^x66 feet. The dining-room, south of the main lodge room, is 21x60 feet. There are three ante-rooms, each 12 x 14 feet; kitchen and vestibule, each 18x21 feet, with water closets and toilet room. The lodge room and the parlors are furnished with body Brussels carpet, solas, etc. The rooms are said to be the most convenient of all lodges in the State, and have been furnished at a cost of $2,000. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, having 101 members in July, 1885, and constantly increasing.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows have three subordinate lodges and an encampment in this city, with a large membership, composed of some of the best citizens of the place.

Moline Lodge, No. 133, was instituted Jan. 4, 1854, and is in a very flourishing condition, its membership embracing many of the oldest and best ' known citizens of the city. It numbers 90 members in good standing. Fred. Volkman is the present Noble Grand and O. E. Tyler, Vice-Grand.

instituted Oct. 13, 1875, with 15 charter members, Andrew Anderson, N. G. ; B. P. Oakley, V. G. ; A. P. Ahngren, Sec. ; J. P. Soderstrom, P. S. ; Peter Nelson, Treas. The lodge has been quite prosperous and is now in a most healthy condition, with a membership of 84. Its present officers are P. B. Anderson, N. G. ; J. A. Swanson, V. G. ; N. J. Pierson, Sec. ; A. O. Lindstrom, P. S. ; August Lindgren, Treas. ; Andrew Anderson, Representative to the Grand Lodge.

Ancient Order of United Workmen. - Four lodges and one legion represent this order in this city, each being in a very gratifying financial and harmonious condition.

Harmony Lodge, No. 2, A. O. U. W., was organized Dec. 3, 1874, with 23 charter members. This was the second lodge instituted in the State, Noble Lodge, No. 1, of Rock Island, being the first. The lodge now numbers 54, and is in good condition in every respect. D. R. Ziegler is the Master Workman; Benton Davis, Recorder; C. F. Ziegler, Financier. There has been but one death in the lodge since its organization.

April 19, 1876. Meetings were held in the Library building, until July, 1885, when the lodge was removed to the corner of Third Avenue and 17th Street.

Franklin Lodge, No. 16, A. O. CJ. W., was organized Sept. 25, 1876. Meetings were held in the Library building, and continued there until July, 1885, when a removal was made to the corner of Third Avenue and 1 7th Street. For some years the lodge has only been holding its own in regard to membership, having 69 in good standing. Death has visited three times since its organization - L. Pinkham, John A. Steele and Frank Gunnell. Its principal officers in July, 18S5, were: Alex. E. Montgomery, M. W. ; Robert Young, F.; G. W. Parker, O. ; S. Kennedy, Sec.

North Star Lodge, No. 48, A. O. U. W., was organized March 16, 1877, with 35 charter members, with Chas. E. Piper, M. \V. The lodge has a present membership of 5 1. Death has visited the lodge four times since its organization, removing Aleck Venerluns, John Erickson, Arel Blombergson, Andrew Wickstrom. This lodge is composed of Swedish members exclusively, though it works in English, only using the Swedish language when some one is initiated. Its principal officers in July, 1885, were : N. H. Caderberg, M. W. ; C. E. E. Engmark, F. ; James B. Nelson, O. ; C. G. Carlson, Sec.

McLean Legion, No. 26, Select Knights, A. O. U. \V., was organized in March, 1884, with 18 charter members. Its membership at present is about the same, and all are supplied with handsome uniforms. A. E. Montgomery is the present Commander.

The Modem Woodmen of America have one camp in this place, Moline Camp, No. 38, which was organized May 7, 1SS4, with 32 charter members. It lias been exceedingly prosperous, and has a present membership of 137. No deaths have as yet occurred in this camp. Its officers are : W. A. Mase, Consul ; Geo. Lee, Adviser; W. C. Thede, Clerk; F. A. Burgsten, Banker.

Grand Army of the Republic. - The old soldiers are represented by one Post. R. H. Graham Post, No. 312, G. A. R., was mustered Aug. 12, 1883, with 20 charter members. The principal officers were : A. C. Grout, Com. ; Amos Altimus, S. V. C. ; F. M. Andrews, Adj. Meetings were held in the hall of Library building until July, 1885, when they moved to hall corner Third Avenue and 17th Street. The

The Iron-Molders' Union, Aro. 2jj, was organized June 12, 1875, and has about 65 members. Its meetings are held every Tuesday night in hall over the Moline National Bank. In April, 1885, Chas. French was President, and Isaac Dawson, Secretary.

Moline Grove, No. 26, Druids, was organized Jan- 1 uary, 1872, and holds its meetings on the second and last Wednesday evening in each month. Wm. Runge, N. A , J. Mueller, V. A.; Claus H. Reimers, Treas ; Geo. Oldefest, Sec, - were among its officers in the spring of 1SS5.

iWississippi Valley Grove, No. jj, Druids, was organized February, 18S3. Nels Peterson, ,N. A.; Nels Nelson, V. A. ; Joseph Perry, Sec, - were among the officers in 18S5. Meetings were held over Moline National Bank.

The Concordia Germania Turnverein was organized in 1876 by the consolidation of the Concordia, Germania and the Turners. It has about 100 members. In the past few years the society has spent several thousands of dollars in improvements, included in which is a fine and imposing building used as a gymnasium, in which, besides themselves, a Scandinavian society meets and enjoys its benefits. The Concordia Germania Turnverein has now three buildings, two being frame and one brick, all located at the corner of 15 th Street and Sixth Avenue, and used as school-room, assembly-room and gymnasium respectively.

The Moline Building, Savings and Loan Association was incorporated May 25, 1880, its special object being to provide a safe and profitable investment for small savings and furnish money to its members for the purpose of securing, improving or purchasing homes. Since its organization it has accumulated $33,000, and the association is in a flourishing condition, having nearly 200 members. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at W. R. Moore's law office, 314, 1 6th Street. Its officers in 1885 were C. F. Grantz, President; C. F. Hemenway, Vice-President; J. W. Warr, Secretary ; P. C. Simmon, Treasurer; W. R. Moore, Attorney.

Board Of Associated Charities

"The association may be called an outgrowth of our Thanksgiving distribution of 1883, when, in accordance with a recent custom among us, the Churches and various charitable societies contributed clothing, provisions and money, to be distributed among the worthy poor of the city, under the direction of a committee appointed by the different Churches. After the distribution of the Thanksgiving offerings of 1883, it was found that the fund had been unwisely distributed; that the committee depending on hearsay as to the need of the different families, and without time to properly investigate the cases reported, had in some instances given assistance where it had been better withheld, and that with the best intention on the part of the committee, others, more deserving, had been passed by. The committee were convinced that a more thorough investigation should accompany relief, and that the truest and best charity is to help people to become self-supporting, and that every exertion must be used to this end before bestowing gifts of clothing, provisions or money. A public meeting was called, and with these ideas as a basis, the Associated Charities was organized, with a plan of work similar to or identical with that found to be most efficient in the larger cities where it had been tried, and is, we believe, the first charitable society in our State organized on this plan of relief. At this meeting the following Board of Directors was chosen, and at a subsequent meeting of the directors the following officers were elected : L. E. Fish, President ; H. W. Hyde, Secretary; Mrs. C. W. Heald, Treasurer; Mrs. Julia M. Dunn, Corresponding Secretary ; Mrs. H. B. McKeever, Conrad F. Grantz, Charles H. Boman, H. Kohler. Immediately after organization, a soliciting committee was appointed to collect funds and solicit membership, and the society was soon in working order. At the outset the association had many difficulties to encounter; they were without practical knowledge, inexperienced as to methods, with themselves to educate, and, in short, everything to learn that pertained to the work itself. The Associated Charities is non-sectarian and non-partisan ; it has no creed, save to do good ; its field is as broad as humanity itself, and Jew, Christian or atheist is alike welcome to dispense or receive its

During its first year, 42 families received aid, and employment was found for 170 persons. Persons who had been dependent on the county for years were placed in a position to be self-supporting, and much good was otherwise done. The receipts were $709.35, with expenditures of $360.24.

At the annual election, held Dec. 21, 1884, the following named officers were elected: Conrad F. Grantz, President; L. E. Fish, Secretary and Manager; John N. Mason, Treasurer; Mrs. Julia M. Dunn, Corresponding Secretary; Peter Lind, Mrs. C. W. Heald, Mrs. H. B. McKeever.

Upon the re-organization of the Illinois National Guard, in the spring of 1S82, the Sixth Regiment of Infantry was formed from portions of the Fourth and Seventh Regiments and the whole of the Fourteenth Battalion. From the Fourth, Companies A, B, C and D; from the Seventh, Company H; and from the Fourteenth, Companies B, C, D and E were assigned to form the new organization with Company F, at Moline. Lieut. Col. William Clendennin, of Moline, was elected Colonel (see page 295). Immediately upon receipt of his commission, Colonel Clendennin established his headquarters at Moline and announced the following appointments on the staff and non-commissioned staff: John H. Porter, Capt. and Adjt, Moline; William B. Young, Capt. and I. R. P., Monmouth; W. S. Bryan, Asst. Surgeon, Cambridge; A. R. Morgan, Chaplain, Orion ; J. M. Holt, Quartermaster, Moline; E. Kittilsen, Sergt. Major, Moline; B. R. McClary, Q. M. Sergt., Lacon ; W. O. Chapman, Com. Sergt., Cambridge; Chas. Devendorf, Hospital Steward, Galesburg. The regiment is armed with breech-loading rifles and is thoroughly organized and well equipped, and has so conducted itself as to merit and receive much praise and many commendations for readiness, efficiency and soldierly bearing.

Street Railways

The Moline Central Street Railway Company was incorporated September, 1884, for the purpose of operating a street railway from Fourth Avenue and 15th Street, south one and a half miles to what is known as Stewartville, a populous district lying just outside the city limits, but whose residents are chiefly engaged in the various factories of the city. The capital is placed at $12,000, and at the head are solid and earnest men, while the stockholders are numerous. Its officers are Hon. S. W. Wheelock, Prest. ; M. Y. Cady, Vice-Prest. ; W. R. Moore, Secy ; C. F. Hemenway, Treas.

Sylvan Boat Club

This club was organized in February, 1874, and was incorporated July 19, 1876. It has a boat house , located at the foot of 161I1 Street, containing boats and other appliances valued at $6,000. The active membership is composed of representative young men of the city, about 35 in number, while the honorary roll bears the names of some 20 of the older and solid business men. W. R. Moore is President; Austin May, Secretary.

The First National Bank of Moline was organized in 1863. with a capital stock of $50,000. Jerman S. Keator* was its first President and John M. Gould * cashier. Mr. Keator served as President until Jan. 12, 1866, when John Deere* was elected. Mr. Deere served but one year and was succeeded by John M. Gould, who still continues to fill the duties of the office. Mr. Gould served as cashier till January, 1867, at the time of his election to the presidency, when John S. Gillmore* was elected and yet serves in that capactiy. The capital stock of the bank has been increased from $50,000 to $150,000 and a surplus of $30,000 is reserved. The First National Bank of Moline is regarded a safe depository, its affairs being managed in a conservative manner, though it is liberal with its patrons, as much so as business prudence will justify. The names of its officers and directors will substantiate this assertion. John M. Gould is President ; Chas. Atkinson, Vice-President; John S. Gilmore, Cashier ; J. M. Gould* Chas. Atkinson* D. C. Dimock* John Deere* Chas. H. Deere* James Shaw* H. A. Barnard,* John S.Gillmore* Jonathan Huntoon* Samuel Bowles* J. T. Browning* Porter Skinner* Morris Rosenfield* directors.

A savings department was organized April 26, 1868, under the management of the same officers. This department is well patronized and has been a blessing to many.

Moline National Bank. - One of the leading banks of the country is the Moline National. This bank is the outgrowth of the Manufacturers' Bank, of Moline, organized under a special State charter in 1869, with a capital of $100,000. At this time the organization could not secure a national bank charter, the limit of the United States circulation allowed by law having been already readied. In 1872, however, Congress changed this law, compelling the Eastern States to retire a portion of their circulation, in order to distribute 1 he same in the West, which up to that time had an unequal share. It was in April, this year, that the change was made to its present name, with the same amount of capital, and was the 1,941st national bank organized. It has a large surplus added to its capital, and has during its prosperous career accomplished much good and made many friends, and this because it has always been liberal, yet cautious in its dealings. The bank is located at the corner of Third Avenue and 15th Street, in its own fine and rather imposing building, which ranks among the solid structures of the city. Its officers at present are S. W. Wheelock,* President ; Porter Skinner* Vice-President ; and C. F. Hemenway* Cashier; each having held his respective, responsible position most of the time since organization. The directors are : H. Darling, N. Chester,* E. Smith* L. E. Hemenway* Dr. C. Vitzthum,*C. F. Hemenway* Porter Skinner* J. Silas Leas, A. S. Wright,* J. M. Christy* H. A. Barnard,* J. S. Keator* and S. W. Wheelock*

The Moline Savings Bank transacts business under a special State charter, and was organized in 1869. It is the only chartered savings bank in Rock Island County, and has been of much benefit to the mechanic and man of small means. It has about 1,000 depositors, whose total deposits foot nearly $250,000, on which a liberal interest is allowed. Its office is in the above bank's building, and the same responsible and efficient officers and directors govern its affairs.

Until recently there was no very well organized system of water-works in Moline ; but as the city has made rapid strides in manufactures and consequently population, everything in the way of advantage and convenience has been added to her welfare, and among these the water-works. These works were O^ orgnaized in November, 1883, and have proven a /D great modern necessity, and have at the present % time between 300 and 400 " takers." The mains extend over the entire city, and measure over eight L miles, and have 26 valves and 116 hydrants for lire purposes. The mains, laying, etc., cost the city $65,000; the engine house, pumps, etc., which belong to Davis & Co., cost $25,000. Thus $90,000 have been expended in providing the citizens with complete water-works, and a full supply at all times of pure water, obtained from the main channels of the Mississippi River. There are three compound condensing Dean pumps, of a combined capacity of two and a half million gallons per day, which will prove sufficient for some time to come. Two main pipes bad from the works, one to the lower part of the city, the other to the higher or the bluff part thereof. The water obtained for the supply is taken through an eighteen-inch pipe, from the rapids of ( )\ the river, half a mile distant, and carried through * the wing-dam. The city pays Davis & Co. $6,500 /& per annum for fuel, attention, power, etc., for the * works and the interest on their investment, but in due time has contracted to purchase at a stipulated 1 price the entire interest of Davis & Co. The works are located at the foot of Seventeenth Street, and are ably managed by S. S. Davis, Fred Alsterlund and Will T. Channon, the latter two being the efficient engineers.

The fire department of Moline consists of 100 well-trained men, who are in a high state of efficiency, under the control of a chief. The following companies compose the force : Union Hose Company, No. 1; Onward Hose Company, No. 2; Minnehaha Hose Company, No. 3; Deane Hose Company, No. 4; Moline Hook and Ladder Company ; Moline Plow Company's Hose Company; Deere Hose Company. The water for the reservoir of the department is supplied by the city water-works, whose pumps of the Dean pattern send a reliable supply through the mains, which are distributed over the whole city, hydrants being located at proper and convenient places.

The City Police Force

The police of Moline consists of seven officers, including the Marshal and one merchants' policeman. They are acknowledged an efficient and intrepid body j/ of men in the discharge of duty, and manage the affairs of their department with skill, and receive public commendation. The calaboose is located at 413 Sixteenth Street, where the cells and everything pertaining to an institution of this kind are kept in excellent order, and the whole healthily heated and ventilated. A patrol wagon is kept for the department's use; and the Marshal's office, located at 1508^ Third Avenue, is centrally located, neatly kept, and well arranged, the whole affairs of the force reflecting much credit upon the Chief and those under his immediate charge. Officers - Edward Kittilsen, Marshal (see page 592) ; J. G. Wells, Deputy; John M. Geisberger, John Nelson, John Messer and Joseph Enderle, policemen, with George C. Lee, merchants' police.

Cemetery

The Riverside Cemetery is owned by the city of ' Moline, contains 100 acres, and is located one mile east from the postoffice. There are r,4oo lots of all sizes and shapes, which are sold at one uniform price of 15 cents per square foot, the revenue derived therefrom being expended upon improvements and preserving the grounds. The cemetery is one of the finest and most beautiful spots that could be selected fcr a burying-ground, being of easy occess to the city and yet far enough distant to be secluded from the turmoil of its business affairs. It is managed by a Board of six Directors, Walter J. Entrikin being Secretary and Treasurer.

Moline Water Power Company

When the United States Government determined to take entire possession of Rock Island for arsenal purposes, the Moline Water-Power Company were joint owners with the Government of the water power, which they were using to a consicerable extent for manufacturing purposes. A board of comrriis- ) sioners was appointed by the Government to settle and adjust all questions appertaining to entire posds

By these commissioners it was represented that the developments necessary to this end should be of a more substantial and extensive character than a private company could either afford or would be likely to undertake. An arrangement was sought by the commissioners and ordnance officers, whereby the work of development and maintenance should be done solely by the United States. This proposition was considered by the Water-Power Company, and afterwards exhaustively discussed by it, by the commissioners, and by other accredited representatives of the Government. As a result, an agreement was entered into by which, in consideration of the transfer of the company's interest in the water power to the Government, the latter would develop and maintain it, and the company should have free use in perpetuity of one-fourth part of the entire power developed.

The large manufacturing interests already using water power, encouraged by the prospect of such development and maintenance of the power by Government, added, at great expense, extensive improvements for utilizing this power, and continued to prosper in its use until the power, for reason of the Government's failure to keep its agreement, began to diminish. By neglecting to remove the deposit from the pool, but permitting it to increase, the power was not only not maintained, but damaged to an extent which made it imperative for the manufacturers to substitute steam power. The result of such failure to maintain and develop the power was its practical abandonment by manufacturers, involving a positive damage to themselves, and a damage of very great extent to the Water-Power Company.

The original purpose of the Government was to use the power to compress air for the purpose of operating its machinery. Finding that plan objectionable, they sought a modification of it, and requested the Water-Power Company to make a new contract, in 1869, whereby the water power could be brought nearer the Government shops, which was accordingly done, the Government agreeing to develop and maintain the power as in the original contract. Inasmuch as this new contract has never been carried out in acccordance with its terms, the company has

Hon. Chas. Atkinson, the able President of the company, has worked long and faithfully in its interest. A New England man, raised where they know the value of water power, he quickly realized its value here, and is to be commended for the labor bestowed upon this effort to utilize the mighty force of the Father of Waters as it rushes by Moline. With the advice and consent of the Board of Directors of the Moline Water- Power Company the legal steps were taken, and it is to be hoped that success will crown their efforts. In the history of the island this subject is further treated.

HE design of the founders of this city was to make of it a manufacturing point. How ^ well they have succeeded the pages of this work will testify. As stated, in 1841 Spencer, Sears & White erected a grist and saw mill, which was the nucleus around which all other manufacturing enterprises have grown.

In 1843 Monroe D. Sherman erected a foundry where the paper-mill now stands. He continued the business about one year and then sold to David B. Sears, who soon after sold to Fergus & Buford. The latter, after running the foundry for some years, sold to S. W. Wheelock, who converted the building into a paper-mill.

In 1844 David B. Sears commenced the erection of another mill, near the site of the first. It was a a larger and much better mill, used exclusively for grinding. It was completed in 1845 and had four run of buhrs. The mill continued to be operated by various persons until after the war. The building is now used for storage purposes.

In 1846, Chamberlain & Atkinson built a saw-mill and commenced operating the same. Chas. Atkinson became sole proprietor and in 1848 put in a planing-machine, the first north of St. Louis.

John Deere & Co

The name of John Deere (see page 205) has become famous the world over. A Green Mountain boy, born in 1804, when but 13 years of age he commenced to learn the trade of blacksmith. Ten years later he was running a shop of his own, and in time began the manufacture of shovels and pitchforks, acquiring a reputation for superiority of goods that has been maintained in other branches during his entire business career. While in Vermont a few years since, he found some of his shovels and pitchforks that had been used almost half a century and were yet serviceable goods. In 1 837 he came West, his destination being Grand Detour, Ogle County. As Mr. Deere's early labors are quite fully set forth in his personal sketch on page 205, we deem it unnecessary to recount them here.

At Grand Detour a shop was started for general work, and the building of plows added. In 1839 ten plows were built, and the entire iron works of a new saw and flouring mill made, with no help except that of in inexperienced man as blower and striker. In 1840 a second anvil was placed in the shop, a workman employed, and forty plows made. The following year seventy-five plows were built, and a brick shop 45 x 50 feet erected, and in 1842 one hundred plows were made and sold. Steadily and rapidly the business grew, until in 1846 the product of the little shop was r ,000 plows.

In James Swunk's book, " Iron in all Ages," will be found the following reference to Mr. Deere : " The first slab of plow steel ever rolled in the United States was rolled by Wm, Woods at the steel works of Jones & Quigg, in 1846, and shipped to John Deere, of Moline, Illinois." This shows that Mr. Deere not only imported the first steel for plows, but that he was instrumental in starting this branch of manufacture in the United States.

As stated, the difficulties were too great for the profitable manufacture of his line of goods in Grand Detour, so he determined to move to Moline. Here was a good water power, coal near in abundance, and cheap river transportation. A partnership was formed between R. N. Tate and John N. Gould, shops built and work commenced, resulting the first year in the production of 700 plows.

of steel from England, and with it 50 plows were made and sent to different parts of the country where the soil was not difficult to work. They proved successful, the trade increased, and in 1850, 1,600 plows were built. Mr. Deere then bought out the company and continued alone until 1857,111 which' year he made 10,000 plows. In 1858 he took his son Charles H. into the business as a partner, and the business was conducted under the name of Deere & Co. until 1S6S, when the business had assumed such proportions that a company was incorporated under the general laws of the State, with John Deere as President, Charles H. Deere, Vice-Presinent and Manager, and Stephen H. Velie, Secretary. During all the subsequent years the business hadasteady and marvelous growth, requiring the annual addition of shop room, men and machinery, until the shops occupy three sides of a space 300 x 400 feet. Besides this there is a foundry and pattern building and core shop 150 x 1 15 feet, making in all a floor area of ten acres, and lumber sheds covering an area of 300 x 400 feet. The product for this immense establishment for r884 was 120,000 plows, amounting to more than one and one-half million dollars.

In 1866 the company started with a paid-up capital of $250,000 ; since then, year after year, it has increased until it now amounts to $1,000,000 paidup capital.

The tremendous business of Deere & Co. is the result not only of the ability of its founder, but of the great executive ability, the indomitable will and push of Charles H. Deere* who has been manager for the past quarter of a century, assisted by S. H. Velie* the Secretary; C. O. Nelson and Gilpin Moore, Superintendents.

Dimock, Gould & Co

are manufacturers of wooden-ware and dealers in lumber. The busines was commenced in 1852 by D. C. Dimock and J. M. Gould* under the firm name of Dimock & Gould, who leased some land on the island and began the manufacture of woodenware and furniture, employing from 40 to 45 men. They continued on tlie island until the winter of 1867-8, when they purchased ground on the main land, dropped the furniture business and added that of lumber. They now manufacture wooden-ware and paper pails, the manufacture of the latter having begun in 1S79. About 200 men are employed, and the firm's sales of lumber amount to 20,000,000 feet annually, their sales extending through Northwestern Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. It requires 12 acres of ground for their lumber and mills.

Moline Wagon Company

The Moline Wagon Company had its origin in a humble and unpretentious way. In 1854 James First opened a shop in the upper part of the city and engaged in the manufacture and repair of wagons. For 15 years he continued alone, when a partnership was formed with Morris Rosenfield and Chas. A. Benser, under the firm name of First, Rosenfield & Co., and the new firm moved to the present location, on Third Avenue, where they erected a building two stories in height, with basement. Fifty hands were at first employed, and the business steadily increased. In 1871 a stock company was formed and incorporated under the general laws of the State, under the name of the Moline Wagon Company, with Morris Rosenfield (see page 265), president, and Chas. A. Benser, secretary. Since then it has had an unparalleled growth, and has been under the presidency and general management of Morris Rosenfield, who has proven by his laborious career, enterprise, shrewdness and determination to produce the best in the market, a valuable executive chief officer, and erected an establishment of which he may justly be proud. During the past 13 years, although depression in business has afflicted the country more than half that time, the institution has continued to thrive and extend its trade in the midst of this drawback and the keenest competition until 1 885 finds it one of the very largest farm and spring wagon factories of the country. Its capital stock is $600,000, and its business approaches $1,000,000 a year. In shops, which are of brick and mostly four stories high, store-rooms, lumber sheds, etc., over r,ooo feet frontage on the main avenue of the city is employed, with a depth of 450 feet to the river. The whole establishment presents a mammoth and magnificent appearance, by which all persons coming to Moline on the cars or otherwise cannot avoid being attracted. Between 300 and 400 here find employment, and the number of vehicles produced daily, when in full running order, number too. These consist of farm, truck and sptjng wagons, which find ready sale amidst keen competition in the territory between Ohio on the east, to the Pacific coast on the west, and from Manitoba on the north to Texas on the south. The company has branch and distributing houses in different parts of the country, including Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Fort Worth, Salt Lake City and Winnepeg. Mr. Rosenfield is President and General Manager; R. H. Wilson, Secretary.

Williams, White & Co

are manufacturers of steam hoisting engines and all sorts of mining machinery, steam engines, rotary and gang saw-mills, power hammers, gang boring-machines, drop presses, tools for plow shops and castings of all kinds. The company was incorporated in 187 i with a paid up capital of $50,000. Alfred Williams was elected President, M. H. White Vice- President and H. A. Ainsworth Secretary and Treasurer. The present officers are M. H. White, President (see page 245); F. H. Williams, Vice- President ; H. A. Ainsworth, Secretary and Treasurer. These works were established in 1854, by Alfred Williams* C. W. Heald * M. H. White* and Parley Williams, under the firm name of Williams, Heald & Co. The partnership agreement was entered into at Barre, Mass., in the spring of 1854, between the above-named parties. Alfred Williams and Mr. Heald came out to Moline at once. They purchased the present site of the works and erected a wooden building 32x70 feet, which was completed and opened for business in October of that year ( 1 S 5 4) the firm beginning business with the modest capital of $2,500. Parley Williams came later, and Mr. White in February following. Alfred Williams was Business Manager. Mr. White superintended the foundry department and Mr. Heald the machine shops. At the beginning the firm employed only five men.

In the spring of 1855 they began erecting additional buildings to accommodate their increasing business. Wooden buildings of various dimensions were added till 1866, when they began to supplant them with solid brick. In 18S0 they erected the extensive brick building on the west side of Eighth Street en Third Avenue, which is their latest important improvement.

Their buildings now cover an area of two and a half acres, and are complete in all appointments. Parley Williams sold his interest to his partners in 1856, and about the same time Daniel P. Beery bought in, but the firm name remained unchanged. Mr. Beery continued in the business till 1859, when he sold to his partners. In 1866 Mr. Heald sold his interest to Williams & White, who became sole proprietors, under the firm name of " Williams & White." In 1870 Mr. H. A. Ainsworth purchased an interest in the business, and the following year the present company was incorporated, as before stated. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Williams retired from the presidency on account of failing health, and Mr. White was elected to that position. F. H. Williams (son of Alfred Williams) became a stockholder in the company and was elected vice-president.

Mr. Ainsworth has served continuously since the incorporation of the company as secretary and treasurer, and is the general business manager. The company employs from 50 to 100 men and does an annual business of $100,000.

The history of these works show a healthy and steady development in business and wealth from the time of their establishment, 31 years ago, to the present date. They have always ranked among the important industries of Moline, and their founders and managers are practical business men of high standing.

The Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Company

dates its existence since i860. H. A. Barnard,* a millwright by trade, came to Moline in 1856. For about four years he worked at his trade, combined with that of chair-making, when his attention was called to the model of a smut machine, the invention of John A. Woodward. Consulting his partner in the chair business, L. E. Hemenway,* the present Postmaster of Moline, a partnership was formed under the firm name of Woodward, Hemenway & Barnard, for the manufacture of smut machines. The firm prospered, and in 1863, Mr. Barnard having improved the old Woodward mill almost beyond recog- ( nition, and obtained the patents on his improvements, Mr. Woodward retired from the firm and Joseph t B. Wyckhoff took his place. In 1864 Mr. Hemen- £ way retired and the firm of Wyckhoff & Barnard was jffs, formed. In 1865 they began the manufacture of ' Barnard's dustless wheat separator. Soon after J. .

Silas Leas was admitted to the firm. In 1869 a new wood shop and foundry were erected, each of the proprietors contributing $2,000 for this purpose. In 1870 Mr. WyckhofF retired, the firm then being known as Barnard & Leas. In 1872 Capt. W. C. Bennett* was admitted and the Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Company was incorporated.

From 1872, with Mr. Barnard in constant supervision of the mechanical department, Mr. Leas acting as general traveling salesman, and Capt. Bennett as business manager, the company made rapid strides forward. Every new year witnessed either the invention of some new machine, or valuable improvements in those already in use. First appeared the Victor Smutter and Separator, which at once took high rank among machines of that class; then came the renowned Victor Double Brush, with its unexcelled principle of scouring by brush on brush. In 1877 the manufacturers found themselves so cramped for room that a third enlargement of their works was an absolute necessity, and a substantial four-story brick building, 50 x 52 feet, was erected, the first floor being occupied as an extension to their machine shop, with one end partitioned off for the office, the second for the wood department, the third for varnishing and finishing the pattern-making, and the fourth for storage.

During the year 1878 Mr. Leas visited Europe and established an agency with Wm. R. Dell & Son, of 26 Mark Lane, London, E. C, for the sale of their machines abroad. This wise move was the means of widely extending their foreign trade. Every year large numbers of mill separators, brush machines, flour packers, etc., are sent through Dell & Son to millers in Great Britain and on the Continent.

In 1879 the company brought out and patented the Advanced Combined Adjustable Brush and Smut Machine, the Victor Corn-Sheller, Barnard's Dustless Corn-Cleaner, and Victor Combined Corn Sheller and Cleaner, which, with subsequent improvements devised by Mr. Barnard, Mr. Leas and Mr. John B. Cornwall, foreman of the construction department, have won great favor with millers.

A fourth addition to the works, in the shape of a three-story brick wood shop, in 1882, gave their present shops the extensive dimensions they now have. The establishment as it now stands consists of the *See personal sketch.

main building, dimensions given above; a wood shop three stories high, 52 x 40 feet, with the new extension, 60 x 90 feet; a machine shop, general construction and storage building, three stories, 54 x 80 ; foundry, 60 x 80 ; warehouse, two stories, 60 x 60 ; sand and storage shed, 48 x 15 ; oil and varnish house, 15 x 15 ; brush factory, 16 x 20; cleaning house, lumber sheds and stables. Including the foundry, and exclusive of the smaller outbuildings, the entire floor space afforded is something over 67,000 square feet. The establishment is splendidly equipped throughout with first-class machinery and tools - the machine shop probably the most complete in its appointments of all similar institutions west of Chicago. The recent addition of the new Daverio three-high roller-mills to the company's line of manufactures, made it necessary to expend several thousands of dollars in the purchase of heavy machinery, such as gear cutters, shapers, grinders, tool lathes and planers. These include a Brown & Sharpe's Universal Milling Machine, one of Pratt & Whitney's celebrated tool lathes, and a Gleason double-headed '} iron planer of six tons weight. No less than 150 r men are now employed in tnese works, and the pay £ roll averages $2,000 weekly.

The Moline Pump Company

Is the outgrowth of a small business established by Harper Bros, in 1863, on the corner of 2d Avenue and 19th Street, the firm purchasing stock at Erie, Pa., and Jinishing it by hand. In 1865 A. S. Wright purchased the interest of one of the brothers, and under the firm name of Harper & Wright the manufacture of pumps was added. They put the machinery in White's mill, on the island, for the purpose. In 1866 they purchased a portion of their present location and erected shops. In 1868 Walter Hillhouse was admitted as a partner, the business being conducted under the firm name of Harper, Wright & Cc. In 1869 Harper sold his interest to Daniel Wheelock, and the firm name was changed to Wright, Hillhouse & Co., continuing as such until May r, 1872, when a joint-stock company was formed under the name of the Moline Pump Company, with a capital stock of $75,000. A. S. Wright was President and Walter Hillhouse, Secretary. In 1874 Chas. G. Moore became interested, purchasing a large share of the stock. Chas. A. Rose subsequently purchased a number of shares of stock, and at the present time the stock is about all held by A. S. Wright*, C. G. Moore and C. A. Rose. The business has gradually increased until now the average products amount to $125,000 annually: employment is given to about 50 men. Wooden pumps were manufactured ex- S{) clusively for many years, but in 1878 the company began preparations for the manufacture of iron pumps of every kind. To the improvement of existing patterns much time and labor was given, and a number of entirely new styles were designed. In 1880 their foundry was built, their machine shop fitted up, and the manufacture of iron pumps begun in earnest. New styles are introduced from time to time and old ones improved.

The Moline Pipe Organ Company

Was established in 1871 by the present proprietors, and incorporated March 26, 1879, with a capital stock of $15,000. This company manufacture pipe organs exclusively, and employ from 2c to 25 men, and do an annual business of $40,000. Their organs are of the finest workmanship, and are rapidly growing in favor throughout the States and Territories, where their market extends. The company have received very gratifying commendations from Quincy, 111., Omaha, Neb., Muscatine, Iowa, and other places where they have built organs.

The Union Malleable Iron Company

Was incorporated in April, 1872, with a paid up capital of $30,000, which has since been increased to $90,000. Its first officers were C. S. Eells,* President; C. W. Heald * Vice-President; C. O. Mitchell, Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Mitchell was succeeded in 1875 by H. O. Sleight,* who held the office up to Oct. 1, 1881, when Wm. T. Ball* bought a third interest in the business and was elected to the office. The company has extended its business and enlarged the capacity of its works from time to time till now their works, consisting of solid brick buildings, cover and area of two and a half acres of land, and constitute the largest establishment of its kind west of Chicago. The dimensions of the vartious buildings and rooms are as follows : Foundry, 65x200 feet; store and annealing room, 50x125 feet; sand, coke and tumbling room, 52 x 117 feet, with an addition of 20 x 50 ; finishing room, 50 x 60; shipping room, 30 x 40 ; pattern room, 30 x 40; office, 20 x 40, with capacious fire and burglar-proof vault.

The entire ground-floor room embraces 32,300 square feet. When working to full capacity, the works employ 140 men, while their average output is from 1,400 to 1,600 tons of finished metal. The maximum output of the works exceed this amount by several hundred tons. They make a specialty of wagon irons and those used in agricultural business.

The Moline Stove Company

Was established in 1874 by E. B. Beers & Co., and was incorporated in July, 18S1. E. B. Beers* is President of the company, and Joshua Norris* Secretary and Treasurer. The history of this company shows the usual struggles incident to the establishment of a new enterprise from small beginnings. In this case the proprietors were men skilled in their business, possessed of pluck and energy, and who, by judicious management and indefatigable application, forced success. The universally acknowledged superiority of their stoves have given them a good reputation and secured a large and rapidly increasing trade. This superiority has been brought about from the fact that the proprietors are practical moulders of many years' experience, and who give personal supervision to the details of the business. The company's grounds have a frontage of 100 feet and a depth of 600 feet, while the buildings are commodious and well adapted for the business. The " City of Moline," for wood, and " Dictator," for coal, are among their leading cook stoves, and the " Moline," a cannon heating stove. In addition to the regular stove manufacture, the company turn out a large quantity of gray castings for wagon, pump, scales and school-furniture manufacturers.

Moline Pump Works

The Moline Pump Works, Huntoon Bros., proprietors, - Edgar N, Geo. H* and Joseph C* - was established in June, 1875. They manufacture one of the best porcelain-lined pumps in the market, as well as chain pumps. They employ ten men and have a capacity for the manufacture of 100 pumps per day. The shops are located at the foot of 17th Street.

Luther H. Barker is the manufacturer of Bean's celebrated double-acting stone-face pump. He began business in 1874. The pump is a non-freezing force pump. The factory is located at 387, nth Street.

Deere Manufacturing Company

The Deere & Mansur Company was incorporated in 1877, and commenced in a two-story brick building, since used by the Union Malleable Iron Company, and which was supposed would be large enough to answer their purposes for many years. After the first year's introduction of their implements, orders came in so fast that they were compelled to seek more commodious quarters, which they did in the purchase of their present extensive buildings, formerly used by the Rock Island and Moline Manufacturing Company. Since the purchase, the main building has been improved and additional buildings erected. Most noticeable of the new, is the warehouse, 50 x*i 12, the foundry, 40 x 100, and blacksmith shop, 38 x 80 feet. These, with the main building 60 x 180, three stories, give them considerable room. The company was organized with Chas. H. Deere, President, and James W. Atkinson, Secretary. They still retain these offices, and under their management the works have secured a trade second to none in their line. Among the implements made are the Deere & Mansur Rotary Drop Corn-Planter, Deere 's Wire Check Rower, Single and Double Row Cornstalk-cutter, One and Two Horse Drills, Broadcast Seeders, and Deere Hay-Rake, all of which have an enviable reputation. The company employ an average of 220 men, requiring over$S,ooo monthly to meet the pay roll, the annual product being between $300,000 and $400,000.

The Moline Cabinet Organ Company

Was incorporated Dec. 19, 1S81. Peter Colseth* was elected president and treasurer ; Wm. Josephson* secretary. President Colseth was chosen superintendent and general manager. The company's works consist of the following described buildings, which are fitted with necessary machinery and stock : Main building, 30 x 60 feet, three stories high, which constitutes the principal workshops and finishing rooms. A second building, 24x50 feet, two stories high, contains the store room, packing room and office. A suitable engine room, of one story, is in the rear. The company employ an average of 20 men, and have an invested capital of between $45,000 and $50,000. This company was founded by Peter Colseth and Charles C. Leaberg, in 1S77. These gentlemen were both practical mechanics, thoroughly skilled in their business under the rigid rules of the trade in their native country (Sweden), which was supplemented by several years' experience in some of the most extensive organ works in America. They began with the limited capital of $1,000, their workshops being in the upper story of an old building on Railroad Avenue. The first three years were spent in the old shop, working to great disadvantage and against many obstacles. At the expiration of that time they had demonstrated their ability to carry on the business successfully. They then purchased suitable grounds, on the corner of Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue, and erected their present commodious buildings. On December 19, iS8i,as before stated, the company was incorporated as a stock company. Wm. Josephson, Lewis P. Youngren, C. G. Timlin and John Peterson became stockholders. The present officers are Peter Colseth,* President ; C- G. Thuliri* Treasurer ; John Peterson, Secretary. This company is doing a safe and profitable business. The principal managers are practical mechanics and give their shops a personal supervision that in- : sures perfection in their work. Their organs are elegantly and substantially finished and perfect in every detail. The rapid growth of their trade and very general satisfaction of their customers speak *t/

The Moline Carriage Works

Are located at Nos. 316 to 320 18th Street. Robert H.* and John Munro* are the proprietors. The firm manufacture carriages and spring wagons and do general repairing, blacksmithing, horseshoeing and jobbing. The business was commenced in February, 1 88 1. From six to eight men are employed.

The Moline Road Cart Company

Was started in T8S2, with a paid up capital of $15,000. It was subsequently enlarged, with capital stock of $50,000 and name changed to Moline Buggy Company. In 1884 the com pan) sold their manufactures to the amount of $100,000. Beginning in a small way, their works were increased until they gave employment 1052 men. In 1885 J. H. Wilson* succeeded to the business, and is now engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carts and buggies. About 40 men are employed, but the works will permit the employment of 70 men.

The M0L1Ne Malleable Iron Company

Was incorporated June 1, 1884, with a capital stock of $75,000; A. L. Carson, President; C. F. Hemenway,* Vice-President; Wm. B. Ullman, Secretary and Treasurer. The works, which are of brick and cover an acre of land, are located on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Eighth Street. The company employ an average force of 125 men, turning out all sorts of malleable castings, making a specialty of the detachable chain, and do a business of $200,000 annually. This company succeeded, by purchase, the Moline Malleable Iron Works, which were established in 1869 by Jonathan Huntoon, C. W. Heald and others. In the spring of 1884 the works were purchased by the present company and are being successfully managed by the well known gentlemen who constitute its proprietors and officers.

The Moline Screw Company

Was incorporated in the fall of 1 884, with a capital stock of $20,000. C. H. Deere* was elected President; T. B. Carson* Vice-President; H. L. Bullen* Secretary. The works were erected during that fall, the company commencing business on Jan. 1, 1885. The main building is 64 feet square, three stories high, of brick, thoroughly and substantially built, with a boiler house and engine room, 16x32 feet. The company employ 15 men and manufacture iron wood screws of various patterns and sizes. While in operation but a few months, and that during a period of depression in manufacturing industries, the company have developed a fair business and have made a good showing as to product and quality of work. This is the only establishment of the kind in the Mississippi Valley north of St. Louis. Its founders are men of well known enterprise and responsibility, and it is only a question of time when it will rank as one of the important industries of Moline.

The Printing House

Of John H. Porter ,* located opposite the Keator House on Third Avenue, is one to be eminently proud of. It contains three cylinder and two job presses, and a very fine assortment of book, pamphlet, commercial and job type. Not only this, its systematic arrangement and general management is also of a superior order, insomuch that but few offices in cities the size of Moline can compare with it. The proprietor is a practical and master printer and believes and succeeds in turning out some of the best specimens of the art we have ever seen. This printing house is a credit to Moline and to its popular and reliable proprietor. Mr. Porter became proprietor of the office in r88i.

The Augustana Book Concern

Was incorporated as a stock company under the above title in July/1884, S. P. A. Lindahl, Pies.; James Moody, Sec. ; C. P. Rydholm, Treas., with a capital stock of $15,000, Jonas Westling, Manager. Does a general book publishing and importing business; sales amually amount to about $25,000. This company publishes principally religious books, papers, tracts and periodicals. They publish a weekly paper called the Augustana och Missionaren, which has a circulation of 8,000 ; a monthly Sunday-school paper called the Olive Leaf, circulation 9,000 ; and a semi-monthly Swedish magazine called the Ungdomsvanncn, or Youth's Friend. These papers are edited by the faculty of the college.

In 1885 the Assessor reported the following items : Improved land, 132 acres; unimproved land, 563 acres; total value, $i 17,765. Improved lots, 1,150; unimproved, 281 ; total value, $g3L>37°- 0f horses there were 426; cattle, 197; mules and asses, 11; hogs, 5 ; steam engines, 28 ; fire and burglar proof safes, 54; billiard tables, 31 ; carriages and wagons, 419; watches and clocks, 321; sewing and knitting machines, 748; pianos, 117 ; melodeons and organs, 136; total value of personal property, $469,130.

Board Of Supervisors

NDALUSIA is a fractional township, comprising all of township 17 north, range 3 in^eff* west, lying south of the Mississippi River, which is its northern boundary line. It is bounded on the east by Black Hawk, on the west by Buffalo Prairie, and on the south by Edgington Township. On the adoption of the township organization law in 1857, Andalusia formed a part of Edgington Township, but was set off by the Board of Supervisors in 1859.

The first settlement was made in 1833. Capt. B. W. Clark, who commanded a company of rangers in the Black Hawk War, came here from White Oak Springs, near Galena, with a flat-boat and established a ferry, and on his claim of 1 60 acres built a hewedlog residence near the mouth of the creek. This was the first house built not only in Andalusia, but in Rock Island County, south of Rock River. Capt. Clarke was a man of great energy and indomitable will, and his ferry became one of the most important ones above St. Louis.

The second cabin was built by H. Sams at Sulphur Springs, and the third by John Vannatta, on section 26. The farms of these gentlemen were the first under cultivation in this county below Rock River. Fro 11 that time the township gradually settled up.

Capt. Clark sold his claim in a few years to S. Whiteside and others, who had surveyed and platted a magnificent city, to which was given the name Rockport. This was wholly a paper city, representing a tract of land with a mile and a half river front and a width of one mile It was a great speculative enterprise, in which United States Senators as well as others were involved. Being all sold to various parties, and remaining unimproved after the speculative fever had subsided, owners allowed their lots to be sold for taxes, and Rockport became a thing of the past.

The first school-house was erected in 1843 and built by volunteer work in the eastern part of the township. In this house the first school was taught the following summer by Miss Hannah Buffum. The first school-house built at public expense was in the fall of 1854 on the farm of Lorenzo Parmenter,

A local writer thus speaks of Andalusia: "In 1827 this was a favorite hunting-ground of the Black Hawk Indians. From the village of Andalusia and the Sulphur Springs, down the valley to Sunfish Lake (a fishing resort to this day), seemed to have been a preferred fishing and camping ground, while that east of the^ village they seem to have associated with the whisperings of the Great Spirit and futurity, by interring their dead in that locality, where a great number of the remains have since been exhumed. In 1867 a tomb was unearthed on the farm of John Buffum containing 15 remains. It was made with five large slabs of stone placed in box form, barely of sufficient dimensions to answer the purpose. Why these were thus honored in death is probably explained by that principle of human nature upon which monuments are built for the illustrious of our own race - they were probably once distinguished chieftains." In speaking of the topography of the country, the same writer says : "Andalusia is a fractional township on the Mississippi River, containing about one-third part of a full township. The principal part of it lies in the river bluffs, which abound in coal, building stone and potter's clay. There is a remarkably pure bed of magnesian limestone at the mouth of Coal Creek, which might be easily and profitably developed. Limestone of the Silurian and Hamilton formation abounds in the middle and produces a most excellent body of strong lime. In the upper end there is exposed a fine ledge of sandstone, which, in geologic order, seems almost to belong to the drift period, furnishing excellent building stone. In the southwest is found excellent sand for the manufacture of glass. The creeks, which cut through the bluffs, abound in fossils and furnish an instructive field for the amateur and scientific geologist. Its surface resembles that of the north part of Edgington Township, being divided by ravines which drain the surplus water to the Mississippi, between which on the ridges there is considerable level land and some well-improved farms. In the east part, in which there is a greater proportion of level land, the soil is mostly of black alluvium in various proportions, excepting a tract of land of about onehalf mile wide at Andalusia, to a less width below, lying between the bluff lands and the river, which has a greater mixture of sand in the black alluvium. During early times the land was mostly covered with groves of large oak trees, free from underbrush; but now about half the area is covered with thickets of underbrush and young timber. This growth is one of the legitimate results since fires ceased to run through the woods and destroy all the tender tree plants. Among the hills are numerous never-failing springs of good water. ' Among the strata which compose the coal measures, overlying the Devonian limestones, which extend under the formation from out-croppings to a d-epth not exceeding 300 feet, there is a valuable one of fire clay from two to four feet in thickness. The less pure clays, which are in abundance, burn into a good common brick. The Mississippi River at this place (Andalusia village) runs over a solid rock bed of Hamilton limestone (a group of the Devonian series)- the upper stratum of which is a superior quality of magnesian limestone, and is quarried out near the hills. It crops out at Coal Creek, 20 feet in thickness. This stone, by Government test at Rock Island, compares favorably with other superior building stone throughout the State."

In 1 84 1, Jonathan Buffum built a log grist-mill 16 x 20 feet, on Fancy Creek; it stood about 40 rods north of the Andalusia road, leading from the east to that village. This was the first mill built in this neighborhood, and had the buhrs used by Joseph Dunlap in Edgington Township.

As stated, Andalusia was set off from Edgington Township in 1859. Its first election was held April 5 of that year, the following named being elected . John Buffum, Supervisor; James S. Ferguson, Town Clerk; B. F. Eby, Collector; Samuel Kenworthy, Assessor; Isaac Richards, Jonathan Mosher, A. H. Mosher, Commissioners of Highways; James W. Ballard, James Roberts, Justices of the Peace ; James Hill, Joseph C. Buffum, Constables ; Lorenzo Parmenter, Overseer of the Poor.

According to the report of the Superintendent of Public Schools for the year ending June 30, 1885, there were three school districts in the township, each having a good frame house, the total value of which was $4,960. There were 173 persons of school age, of whom 134 were enrolled in the public schools. Eight teachers were employed, receiving from $18 to $55 each per month.

140 unimproved, valued at $16,914. Of horses there were 155 ; cattle, 325 ; mules and asses, 4 ; sheep, 60; hogs, 492; steam engines, 1 ; fire and burglar proof safes, 3 ; billiard tables, 1 ; carriages and wagons, 5 2 ; watches and clocks, 15 ; sewing and knitting machines, 58; melodeons and organs. 10. Total value of personal property, $17,265.

HE village of Andalusia is situated on the : northwest quarter of section 27 of Anda- 1 lusia Township. Capt. B. VV. Clark was the original owner of the village plat, which was a portion of the site of the paper city of Rockford. In 1843, Samuel Kenworthy opened a store in his cabin, which stood near the river, a little east of the ferry landing. Soon after, Col. N. B. Buford bough tat a tax sale the lots of Rockport and built a store and warehouse, and in 1845 named the village Andalusia. In 1866, S. M. Boney had the place re-surveyed into 50 blocks, having a total of 47 1 lots. The streets running east and west were named Water, Main, Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Adams and Jackson. Those running north and south were Aspen, Apple, Perry, Magnolia, Walnut, Park and Maple. The village is finely lo:ated amidst beautiful and picturesque scenery.

While the river trade was large a bright future for Andalusia seemed assured; but when railroads were built, which monopolized passenger and freight traffic, its trade began to decline. The village is pleasantly situated, easy of access, and with the aid of manufactories, might yet realize the bright anticipations of its founders.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Andalusia dates its existence from 1858. The earliest meetings were held in 1849, at the residence of Mrs. Sarah Buffum, a short distance east of the village, at which time it is said that there were but seven members of all denominations in the township. Subsequently their meetings were held at various places, until the organization of the class at the residence of Joseph Garnett, at the Sulphur Springs, in the fall of 1858. Those composing that class were Mrs. Sarah Buffum, Elizabeth Eby, F. A. Cobb, Joseph Garnett, Mrs. Clara W. Ferguson and Mrs. Susan Garnett.

In 1859 meetings were held in the school-house, located east of the village, and continued to be held there until 1867, when their house of worship was erected in the village, and duly dedicated in March of that year. On the day of dedication $900 was subscribed toward the building expenses. The Church is not strong at the present time.