Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 12 of 16)

early in 1S57. t<> visit her sister. !Mrs. F. C. A. Denkmann. She was from Mr. Weyerhaeuser's native village. The bond of interest this created deepened in intensity and ripened into love. Six months later her consent to marriage was won and the ceremony took place October 11. Fifty years later, in October, 1907, the golden wedding was celebrated by Mr. and Mrs. Weyerhaeuser, with the loving and joyous aid of children and grandchildren at the old home, Rock Island. The first ceremony was a simjile one. To its golden anniversarj^ metropolitan news]3apers sent picked men to report and illustrate this event.

In December of the year 1857. Mead, Smith & Marsh opened a lumber yard in Coal \'alley, Illinois, a fiovirishing town to which the new railroad had just been completed and which was advantageously located in a fine farming community. Mr. Weyerhaeuser was given charge of this venture which proved a profitable one. While he was gaining valuable experience and knowledge of the demands of lumber jiurchasers his employing firm were nearing financial straits which finally resulteil in such embarrassment that their assets were purchased liy Mr. Weyerhaeuser as he was able from time to time until he was fairly embarked in the himber business for himself and in his own name. This was a time of financial unrest the country over antl tlie modest financial craft just launched was in danger for some months with others that went down.

Coming to Rock Island to secure lumber for his Coal 'S'alley yard Mr. Weyerhaeuser formed the plan of ojierating the unused mill of his former employers. A raft was bought in Davenport and the idle saws bit into Weyerhaeuser logs. The lumber was laid down in Coal Valley at a cost of $8 [ler thousand feet. There was a good margin in the sale of this lumber, and when this was added to the profits of Mr. Weyerhaeuser 's o])erations as a building contractor and grain buyer, the new

When the affairs of Mead, Smith it ^larsh were closed up and the old mill put upon the market at a modest figure, with a small sum of cash required to bind the bargain, a partnershij) was formed Ijetween Mr. Weyerhaeuser and his brother-in-law, F. C. A. Denkmann, then conducting a grocery store in Rock Island. The mill was purchased and the future-great firm of Wej-erhaeuser & Denkmann commenced operations. In two years the mill had freed itself from imcumbrance. Its capacity was steadily increased and in a few years reached an annual output of from 3,000,g00 feet to 10,000,000 feet.

The ever increasing lumber business of the firm did not engross their entire attention. Mr. Weyerhaeuser was interested in a numl.)er of enterprises in the years succeeding the purchase of the mill. He owned a part of a flouring mill at Coal ^'alley. He and Mr. Denkmann had an interest in a woolen mill. In 1871 the Coal A'alley business was put in charge of an employe and Mr. Weyerhaeuser moved to Rock Island.

Between the years 1858 and 1871 the foundations of tlie great business of lumbering afterward carried on by the firm were laid broad and deep. The personal characteristics of the members of the firm made their association mutually beneficial. Mr. Denkmann, a fine mechanic, took charge of the mills and surmounted all the mechanical difficulties of manufacture. Like his partner he was possessed of great vigor and executive ability. .Mr. Weyerhaeuser's natural abilities and training made him a great salesman, one who knew intimately the wants of c\istomers. His genius in providing a competent log supply for the mills was also early apparent. He was not content with the method of purchase from log drivers then in vogue. He saw that a mill to succeed must be backed by adequate stumpage and took hold of that problem. He

Historic Rock I S L A X D Co V X T Y.

In the northern woods l^e became endowed with prophetic vision, and cast an anchor to windward, as the sailors say. With the cooperation of his partner, the firm of Weyerhaeuser lV- Denkmann inaugurated their policy of purchasing pine lands. Great tracts were bought on the Chippewa River and its tributaries. Other lumbermen did likewise. Logs cut at the different camps floated down the stream in confusion. The necessity for sorting the logs of different owners led to the organization of the Mississippi River Logging Company at Chicago, following a meeting of conference attended by representative lumber men of the Northwest, December 28, 1870. This company was destined to occupy a great field in the white pine industr}-. The logs of stockholders were sorted at great logging works at Beef Slough, Wisconsin, and at AVest Newton. Minnesota. Logs were purchased by the company from the various stockholders. These logs naturally varied in quality and value. The task of grading and pricing these logs and apportioning the credits to be given the different stockholders was deputed to a committee of which Mr. Weyerhaeuser was the chairman and executive. That his associates felt entire confidence in his uprightness and fairness needs no other proof. Mr. Weyerhaeuser has been the president of the Mississippi River Logging Company since September 5. LS72.

From the time when the log supply was planned, secured and safeguarded, the business of Weyerhaeuser it Denkmann grew with its growth and strengthened with its strength. Each gain in breadth of operation revealed still other fields where development was possible. Other mills were added to the equipment. Timber lands were purchased in other parts of the country and mills established to work the logs into lumber. A list of the corporations and companies in which

Mr. Weyerhaeuser has held an interest and official position would be an astounding revelation of the man's breadth of executive ability and business acumen.

He has always been a consistent follower of his theory formed years ago that the purchase of pine land was always the best thing a lumberman could do. This plan he has followed even after pine land had gone to a figure where further advancement seemed unlikely. He is quoted as saying to a friend who doubted the wisdom of a purchase where the price seemed prohibitive of profit : "I know this much: Whenever I buy timber. I make a profit; whenever I do not buy, I miss an opportunity. I have followed this practice for many years and have not lost anything by it."

Another notable feature of Mr. Weyerhaeuser's business policy has been his belief in co-operation. This principle he has alwa\'s employed. It has reduced the cost of production by sharing with competitors any general and necessary expense. It has eliminated friction and promoted a cordial understanding among men engaged in the same line of business. If he has at any time planned a large deal, others have been invited to share in the development of the plan and in the profits. This disposition has won for him not only the respect but also the warm regard of associates in the lumber industry.

The habits of a lifetime of industry are not lightly shaken off. Although the necessity for work long ago disappeared. ^Ir. Weyerhaeuser is devoted to his business. There is much in organization and execution beside the piling up of wealth. There is a joy in accomplishment, and it is this that has kept Mr. Weyerhaeuser from seeking a life of ease which to him would be not only inglorious but distasteful. He is still Frederick Weyerhaeuser, lumberman, and it is easy to predict that he will never write "retired" after his signature. Since his removal to St. Paul from Rock Island, a step made desirable by the location of his newer home in the field of his operations, he has become a member of the Town and Country, the Commercial and the Minnesota Chibs, but his time is spent at his oliice or in the society of his wife at home.

To Mrs. Weyerliaeuser, the friends of the family who have known the Weyerhaeu.sers longest and best ascribe a splendid share in the credit for the success which has crowned the modest business beginnings in Rock Island a half century ago. No man ever had a more judicious advisor, say those who know, than this same wife wlio mingled with her common sense advice at business crises the steady encouragement of love and thoughtfulness. Mr. Weyerhaeuser has also had the invaluable assistance of late years of his four sons, all born and bred in the lumber business. When the character of these lieutenants in charge of the outposts and animated by the same loyalty to the Weyerhaeuser interests that has inspired their founder is considered, the credit for a large share of recent success is apparent.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Weyerhaeuser. The eldest is John P. Weyerhaeuser, now managing the Neljagamon Lumber Comiiany, J>ake Nebagamoii, Wisconsin.

A daughter, Margaret, now Mrs. J. R. Jewett, lives in Chicago. Her husband is a professor of the Semitic languages in the l.Tniversity of Chicago.

A son, Charles A. Weyerhaeuser, made his reputation as a lumberman in the management of the Pine Tree Lumber Company of Minnesota. He is no^v president of the Potlatch Lumber Company, with mills in Washington.

A son, Frederick E. Weyerhaeuser, after experience at Cloquet and in the South in lumber manufacture, is now at St. Paul serving the family interests as principal assistant to his father.

The greatest tribute paid to the man, Frederick Weyerhaeuser, is the love and admiration of his old friends and neighbors at Rock Island. They esteem him for personal qualities of exceptional sort, for his upright character and for his willingness that all should prosper, even as he has done. K iS K

Robert S. Montgomery

FOR a jjeriod of over 35 years the subject of this sketch was one of the leading farmers of Rock Island county. His farm was one of the largest and best under the highest state of cultivation, while the improvements upon it were among the finest and latest in design. Not only was the owner a leader in agricultural, but he was likewise foremost among his fellow men, in church, in politics and in .society. His sons and daughters, following the example he set for them, grew into useful men and women and went out to fill responsible positions in the world.

Robert Simington Montgomery was born March 30, 1836, at Danville, Pennsylvania, and died January 6, 1900, at his homestead on section 26, Edgington Township. He waS a son of Daniel and Margaret (Simington) Montgomery, natives of the Keystone state, but residents of Rock Island County from the year in which the son was born. The father became one of the chief landholders of the community, entering 1,000 acres from the government where the homestead stood. He also acquired a section of land lying to the south and several other farms in the county, besides a considerable tract in the vicinity of Joliet. The father died in 1849 at the age of

Historic Rock Islaxd Couxty

45 and his two suns. Holiort ami Daniol. succeeded to his landerl interests. IJoth improved the opportvmity thus opened to t'em and both were successful in the highest degree.

Our subject attended the ]Md)lic schools and su]ipleniented them with a collegiate course at Macomb, Illinois, after which he returned to the farm u]joii which he had been reared, and spent practically all his life there. At the ojiening of the civil war he organized Company li of the 65th Illinois \'olunteer Infantry and was elected captain. In this capacity he served throughout the conflict, being thrice wounded and seeing the hardest sort of duty. He took jiart in the Atlanta campaign and in that in Tennessee. He was in the siege of Knoxville and was taken prisoner, together with his company, at Harper's Ferry, but was paroled on the field and returned to Camp Douglas, Chicago. On being exchanged he rejoined the army in Kentucky and remained there till the end of the war. Wounds were received at Lexington, in front of Atlanta, and at Columbus, Tennessee. The first year after the war Mr. Montgomery spent in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. Then he returned to Illinois and resumed farming, which occu]iation he continued to follow actively till his death.

Mr. Mont.gomery was one of the leading members and supjiorters of the Edgington Presbvterian chuix'h. long rated as one of the finest country churches in the state. He sup]K)rted the ]5rinci])les of the Republican party from the time when he attained the voting age. He was never an office seeker, but was twice honored with election as member of the board of supervisors and for a number of years was school director. Fraternally he affiliated with the Masons.

The marriage of the subject of this sketch to Miss Jane Titterington took place June 23. 1869. His wife, a daughter of James and Eleanor (Beall) Titterington, was like himself, one of the early settlers of the comnuuiity. Nine children were born to Mr. and .Mrs. Montgomery: Alexander Hoyd. now a practicing physician at Checota. Indian Territory: Elizabeth Simington, now Mrs. William McLean Stewart, of Tishomingo. Indian Territory: Anne Beall, now Mrs. Frank W. Hahnsen, of Rock Island. Illinois; Margaret J., now Mrs. Louis Cole Maynard. of Dallas, Texas: Eleanor Ruth, now Mrs. Edward K. Cherrill. of New York City; Louisa Reed; Daniel T.; James Howard, now in the lumber business at Belle Fourche, South Dakota; and Thomas Candor. Daniel, who was a mining engineer and a yoimg man of great promise, died October 30, 1907, in Ventanas, State of Durango, ^lexico.

Hon. Henry C. Schaffer

ROCK ISLAND is an exceedingly prosjjerous and well governed city. Its municipal prosjierity must be attri uted in a great degree to the business like and economical administration of the city's affairs. Its good government must be attributed likewise to the enforcement of law and the peservation of order, so essential in every well regulated community, by the city's chief executive. Mayor Henry <?. Schaffer. the subject of our present sketch.

Henrv C. Schaffer was born October 16, 1851, at Baltimore. ^laryland, his parents being Conrad and Mary (Hoffmeister) Schaffer Both his ])arents were natives of Germany. Their son received his education in the public schools of his native city. One incident of his boyhood is noteworthy, as showing the early development of those traits of character which were to become so pronounced in the man. When the Confederate General, Jubal Early, threatened the City of Washington with an attack. Henry C. Schaffer was a lad thirteen years of age. He was a drummer boy in the Baltimore Home Guards, a company similar to that organized in almost every citv of anv size at that time. The threatened destruction of Washington tlirew Baltimore into a frenzy of excitement. The company (if which Henry Sciiaffei' was the drummer i)oy was mobilized, together with many other Maryhmd companies for the purpose of repelling the threatened Confederate invasion. The lad. too young to accom]5any his comrades without parental consent, which it was impossible for him to obtain, ran away from home to enter the service of his country.

After the completion of his course in the Haltimore Puldic Schools, Henry C. Schaffer took up a commercial course and became an expert accountant. This profession he followed for a number of years in Chicago. In 1878 he came to Rock Island with O. H. Watson, the owner of the Rock Island Glass Factory. Here he was employed as a bookkee])er at the gla,ss factory, and later was ])romoted to superintendent of that industry. This latter position he held until the factory was purchased by the CUass Trust and closed. In 1S92 Mr. Schaffer entered the em]3loy of -Idhn \'olk A: Company as bookkeejjer Here he remained vmtil 1899, when he was elected city clerk. From that time until the present Mr. Schaffer's life has been essentially a political one, and to continue our sketch in an orderly fashion we must now take up his political career.

Mr. Schaffer's political affiliation is with the Repid^lican party, in whose ranks he has done nuu'h effecti\'e work. His political career in Rock Island began in 1885 when he was elected a member of the City Council. He served two terms as alderman, retiring from the City Council in 1889. As has been stated, he remained in the employ of John Volk & Company from 1892 until 1899, when he was elected city clerk of Rock Island. To this office he brought a thorough knowledge of accounting and an aptitude for systematizing. This latter quality especially has saved for the city many thousands of dollars. He systematized the collection of water rents, and as a result the revenues of the Waterworks Department have been vastly increased. As city clerk he husbanded the city's resources, insisted strenuously upon economy in ex- ])enditui-es and stood firmly against the incurring of oliligations where the way to meet them did not seem clear. He held the office of city clerk from 1899 until the year 1907, when the jjeople of Rock Island showed their confidence in the unswerving integrity of the man, and their apprec ation of his services as city clerk, by electing him mayor of the city by a handsome majority. As mayor, Mr. Schaffer is quietly, and in his usual unassuming manner, carrying on those same well-founded policies of systematic economy through wise expenditure that made his administrations as city clerk a success. He is giving Rock Island an effective, clean and sane administration, an administration of which every citizen of Rock Island, regardless of politics, may be jiroud. Mr. Schaffer's career as nuiyor was initiated by the bringing about of some much needed reforms in the municipal government. Those reforms, however, have been not merely spasmodic, but have been carried on consistently and conscientiously.

On December 26, 1878, occurred the marriage of Mr. Schaffer and Miss E. F. Delveaux at Indianapolis. Indiana. Five children were born of this marriage, two daughters and three sons, Ida Hawkins, Esther Elcock, Harley W., Carl B., and Henry C. Schaffer. The death of one of the sons, Henry C. Schaffer, his father's namesake, occurred September 30, 1891. Mr. vSchaffer was bereaved by the death of his wife August 23, 1891. On September 19, 1895. Mr. Schaffer was united in marriage to Miss Catherine J. McQuade of Rock Island. One child, a son, C. Harry Schaffer, has been born to them.

Mr. Schaffer is an adherent to the Lutheran faith, and is a member of that church. In his fraternal connections he is a member of the Elks and f the Knights of Pvthias.

Jiut little more ran he said of this man's honorable career, ^hich is now in its zenith. He has enjoyed, is enjoyinu; and will continue to enjoy the confidence and respect of the people of his city. The citizens of Rock Island have repeatedly shown their sincere appreciation of Mr. SchafTer's untiring industry and sterling integrity. He was an ideal city clerk and he is an ideal mayor. He has the reins of city government firmljin hand, and his administration so far has been a wise and just one. There is every reason to feel assured that there will be no departure from that course. His executive ability is of a high order. ' Both in his official and in his private life Henry C. Schaffer deserves and has the highest esteem of his fellow men.

William Fisk Eastman

VW-/1LJ.IA.M FISKE EASTMAX, co-editor y(/ with P. S. McGlynn, of the Moline Daily Dispatch and Weekly Rcview- Dispalch, and postmaster of Moline. was liorn in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New York. November 11, 1844. His parents were Charles W. Eastman, Doctor of Medicine, and Cynthia (Fiske) Eastman. He attended the public schools of his native village and Union Academy in the neighboring village of Belleville. Graduating there he attended Union College at Schnectady, New York, grathiating in the scientific course in 1S66. ami taking first honors of that course. In the meantime he hail been teaching in the district schools, earning in this way and by conducting a liook store in his room at college, the money that paid for his college course.

After graduating he came West and taught in the schools of .Maquoketa, Iowa, and .Sterling and Union (irove, Illinois, e.\])ecting to devote his life to that work. In 1872 his health broke down and he sought other business. He ]uucliased the Red Oak (Iowa) Express and conducted it a few months when there came a proposition which he accepted, to go back to Sterling and purchase a half interest in the Sterling Gazette. He held his half interest in this for nearly ten years when he sold it because his health again broke down.

He then went to Huron, South Dakota, where he engaged in banking with a partner, s]:)encling his own time on a farm about twenty miles away, his partner taking charge of the- bank. Unfortiuiately the business was mismanaged and in .June, 18S5, he was left without anything he could call his own. After a few months spent on the farm, at the same time being editor of the Dakota Farmer, he returned to Sterling to the em]5loy of the Sterling Gazette. He later was editor of the Farmer's Budget of that city and conducted a job printing sho]i.

In April, 1889. he came to Moline as a third owner of the Western Plowman, which interest he held for twenty months, when he became interested in the Moline Dispatch. In June. 1890, the :\[oline Dispatch Publishing Company was organized with Mr. Mc- Glynn as president and Jlr. Eastman as secretary and co-editors of the paper. To comply with the state laws requiring at least three stockholders in a cor])oration. Mrs, Eastman and Jlrs. McGlynn became stockholders, and these our have owned and controlletl all the stock from that time. Under this control it has grown to be one of the strong pajiers of Northern Illinois, with a circulation and advertising ]iatronage probably not exceeded l)v any pa])er in the State in a city of the population of Moline. The jiaper has been Reptiblican in politics and \nicom])r(Hnisingly in favor of tem])erance and all other reforms.

Mr. Eastman has been nuirried twice. His first nuirriage was to Miss Frances J. Adams, of Sterling, June 18, 1872. She died February 22. 1876. and June 8, 1880, he married Miss Myra F. Christopher, daughter of John (iarrison and Chloe Brewster Christopher, of Byron, Illinois. Their only daughter, Louise C,

Mr.s. Eastman was born May 10. 18.50. at Byron. Her father's ancestry reaches back to the Dutch merchantmen of New York, and her mother's to Brewster Bradford and Hopkins of the Mayflower pilgrims. She was a teacher after graduating from the public schools of B^vron, and was in the schools of Sterling several years before her marriage.

Mr. Eastman's ancestry is English, and comprises such names among the early settlers of this country as William Brewster, John Dwight, Nathaniel Fairbanks and Henry Adams. Daniel Fiske. his great grandfather. was a surgeon at the battle of Bunker Hill, and a corresponding ancestor on his father's side. .Tared Chittenden, was in the Revolutionar\- Army from 177.5 to the battle of Yorktown. His father was in the Army of the I'nion and was detailed as a surgeon at Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he remained on duty some months after his term of enlistment expired.

In politics yir. Eastman is a Republican. He has been on the city and county committees of his party and was chairman of the county committee in the strenuous campaign of 1896. He became postmaster of Moline, March 1, 1906.

Mr. Eastman is a member of the Christian Church. He belonged to the church at Rock Island for many years after coming to Moline, and was on its board of officers for seventeen years, and chairman for six years, resigning to assist in the organization of a church of that faith in Moline. 'SS m ^

Frank Mixter

ONE of the chief industrial upl)uilders of Rock Island, a man who, as president of two of the City's manufactories, has proven his ability both as an organizer and an executive, is Frank Mixter.

He was born November 7. 185.3, at Rock Island, his father lieing George Mixter, a sketch of whose life appears upon another jmge. His mother was Susan Elizabeth (Gill)ert) Mixter. The genealogical record of both the Mixter and the Gilbert families appears in the sketch of our subject's fatlier, George Mixter.

Frank Mixter 's early education was obtained in the ]3ublic schools of his native City, and after graduating from the High School he entered the I'niversity of Heidelberg, at Heidelberg. Germany, for a year. With the excejition of that one year at Heidelberg, ilr. Mixter has made his home continuously in Rock Island to the present time.

On April 5, 1877, he was married at Southport, Connecticut, to Miss Elizabeth Bradley, Southjiort being her birthplace and home. Her forbears were the old Colonial family of Bradleys and Sherwoods, and she is now Regent of Fort Armstrong Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mixter, a daughter, Florence I>oiusa, now the wife of Frederick Brown Wells, whose birth[)lace and early home was also Southport, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Wells now live at Mount ^"ernon, New York. A son, William Bradley Mixter, graduated at Yale Scientific School in 1905 with the Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, and from the Yale College with the Degree of Bachelor of Arts. He is now in the employ of the Westinghouse Electrical Company at Pittsburg, Penn.sylvania.

Mr. ]\Iixter has been, and is, a successful business man. He is president of the Rock Island Stove Company, and also of the Rock Island Buggy Company. He is also a director in the Rock Island Plow Company. It is to the Rock Island Stove Company, however, that Mr. Mixter devotes the most of his time, an industry that is constantly growing and whose output is distributed throughout a large territory.

He is II consistent nit'inhcr (if 15ni;i(i\vay Presbyterian Church, tlio chiu'ch at which his father was an attendant throufiliont his life.

Mr. Mixter is a nicnihor of such an olil Rock IsLind family, and is so well l<ii()\vn throu.shout liock Island County that any laudatory words would be superfluous. C^^'iet and unostentatious in manner, in no way egotistic, he has always been known to stand for what were the best interests of the City that is his home. He is a good citizen and a good man, and when that can be truthfully said of any individual it leaves little else unsaid.

MR. McDonald was bom in the City of Rock Island, Illinois, November 13, 1S62. the son of H. A. J. and Sarah J. McDonald, of Scotch-Irish descent. He was married to Mary C. Gall June 5, 1889, in Rock Islanil, Illinois. The offspring of this union are Hugh Karl and Tieorge Hobart McDonald, iioth resilient in Rock Island.

Mr. McDonald was a member of the State Infantry of Illinois, Company A, Sixth Regiment, from 1884 until 1893, wheti he resigned with the rank of Captain, which he had held during the last eighteen months of his ser\ice.

On November 13, 1902, he was apj)ointed by Governor Yates as Chief Clerk of Illinois Western Hospital for the Insane, which position he held till March 1, 1906. During this period, for the sjjace of one year 1903 to 1904 - he was Captain and Adjutant of ills old Regiment, the Sixth Illinois infantry.

For a period of two years .Mr. .McDonald was City Collectoi' (if Hdck Island, resigning the ])osition in 189'), on accoiuil (if iiici'easing duties in other directions.

He is Past Commander of Rock Island Commandery Knights Templars, member of Trio Lodge No. 57 Ancient Free and .\ccepted Masons, member of Rock Island Chajiter No. 18 Royal Arch Masons, Kaaba Temple Nobles of Mystic Shrine, etc.

George Mixter

A GENTLEMAN of education, refinement and culture, an Easterner who came to Rock Island in the early days, and who spent a busy and useful lifetime in this community, was George Mixter, deceased, the subject of this sketch.

He was born in Hardwick. .Massachusetts. April 28, 1835, and died in Rock Island April 20. 1897. He was of English extraction. The first Mixter who came to .\mei'ica was an English sea captain of that name, who came to this country ami settled in Plymouth in 1630, and from him the Mixter family, so well known throughout Rock Islantl County, trace their ancestry.

Mr. Mixter's education was obtained in th(> schools of his native State, and later he attended Yale Iiiiversity, then Yale College, from which he graduated in 1836. In that same year he came \Vest and settled in Rock Island, which was his home until his death, with the exception of a few years spent at Dixon. Illinois. He li\ed in a log cabin on the north si(_le of what is now f^econd .Avenue, iietween Eleventh and Twelfth Streets. Shortly after locating here he took up the study of law and was admitted to the Illinois Bar, but was never engaged in the active practice of his profession, choosing instead a commercial career. In fact, he was engaged in the trial of but one case. Abandoning his intention of engaging in the practice of law, Mr. Mixter enibarl<efl in the lumber business and this engaged his attention until 1863. From an early da>' until iiis death Mr. Mi.xter was interested iu many factories both here and elsewhere, liut took no acti\'e part in their management.

On January 1, 1S45, Mi-. .Mixlcr was married at Moline, Illinois, to Miss Susan Elizabeth Gilbert. After his marriage he removed witli his wife to Dixon, Illinois, where he remained for a few years engaged in a land office. While at Dixon their oldest son, William Gilliert Mixter, was born. He is now professor at Yale. Three children, George. Elizabeth and Mary died when very young. A daughter, Susan, died at the age of twenty-three. Another daughter, Carrie, is now the wife of C. W. Cook. They reside at Shawnee, Oklahoma. Two sons, Charles Knox Mixter and Frank Mixter, live in Rock Island, sketches of their lives appearing elsewhere in this book.

Mr. Mixter was never ambitious to hold political ofKce himself, and although a stauncii Republican, the only office he ever held was an honorary one as member of the Rock Island School Board, which position he filled for many years. His broad education and comprehensive knowledge made him a most valuable member of such a Board, and his hand was potent in molding the development of the Rock Island Public Schools. Although, as has been stated, he was not self-seeking iu the field of politics, he nevertheless took a keen interest in affairs political. He was a forceful public speaker and made many political speeches during the Fifties and Sixties.

college education was a rarity and its po.ssessor was a person looked up to and revered because of it. There was about Mr. Mixter, however, not the faintest trace of egotism or conceit, and he walked through the world with that unostentatiousness which always marks the truly well educated man. He was fond of literature, a great reader and a delightful com])anion, a man greatly beloved by those who knew him, kindly, considerate and of a kindly disjiosition. In short it may be said that he was a gentleman, possessing all the attril)utes which that term implies.

THE subject of this sketch neeils no introduction to the older generation of Rock Island County, the larger enterprises of which he was intimately associated with througliout the many years of his residence here.

Benjamin Harjier was l)orn February 12, 1S17, in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and died April 3, 1SS7, in the City of Rock Island, Illinois.

When about fourteen years of age his parents removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he served his apprenticeship to the wagonmaker's trafle, upon completion of which, that s]iirit of bold initiative and energy which characterized his whole after life, asserted itself in a determination to launch out upon an independent business career. The story of his start, and his rapid conquest of fortune, affords an interesting contrast to the conditions of success demanded by our modern youth.

Young Benjamin's father was a small farmer, on what was then the Western frontier. Naturally, he possessed scant means that he could afford to venture as a capital stake for his young .son, but the boy needed only half a chance, as the event will show. Mr. Harper happened to have in his cellar a considerable stock of cider. This he gave to

Benjamin, telling him to dispose of it as he pleased. Yomig Harper loaded the cider on to a flat-boat, floated it down the Ohio River to St. Louis, and sold it. With the money this gained he purchased a stock of general merchandise, and pushing North to Piqua, Ohio, there he set up in busness, continuing prosperously until the year 1838, when he removed his stock to Tully, Lewis County, near Canton. Missouri, where he added the pork packing business to his other lines. His wealth grew rapidly during the succeeding twelve years, at the expiration of which time, in the year 1850, he closed out his business in Tully, and journeyed Westward to the City that was to be his home during the rest of his life - Rock Island. Illinois.

By this time ilr. Harper had accumulated what was in verj^ fact, in those days, a large fortune - seventy-five thousand dollars. With this capital he established a large packing business in Rock Island, and prosecuted it with such energy and success, that five j^ears later, he became sole owner of the Rock Island Gas Company, in the control of which he continued for a period of twenty years.

With increasing wealth Mr. Harper's field of enterprise widened. He purchased, in 1860, the Island City Hotel, which occupied the present site of the Harper House. Having reconstructed the building, he named it the Rodman House.

The new building burned down before it was completed, inflicting a heavy loss upon Mr. Harper, but, with characteristic courage and energ}% he at once began again, and the structure that he erected still stands, the well known Harper House of Rock Island. It was for many years the best hotel in all the West, and it is today in the front rank of Western hosterlies - a splendid monument to the local patriotism and generous enterprise of its projector.

service, presented Mr. Harper with a sixhundred-dollar piano, antl a silver pitcher costing two hundred dollars. The house was brillianth- opened on Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1871.

Mr. Harper built more dwelling houses in Rock Island during his life than any other man - one of the highest and most publicspirited forms of service that a wealthy man can render to his citv - and to his initiative in this field is largely due the rapid growth of the City's population. He built succes.sfully a number of residences for his own occupancy, the last of these being the stately mansion at the head of Eighteenth Street, where he passed the closing years of his prolonged, active and useful life.

Mr. Harper's friends who survive him. bear testimony to his generous public spirit. The Harper House alone cost him more than a hundred thousand dollars; and it has benefited the business interests of the City to the extent of many times that much. Hundreds of thousands of dollars beside were spent by him in the public and quasi-public improvement. No man has done more than he to make Rock Island the famed and prosperous City that it is.

In politics, Mr. Harper was a staunch Republican. He served with honor as Mayor of Rock Island, to which office he was twice elected. He was a charter member of Rock Island Lodge, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons.

.\lways alert in promoting new industries for the public welfare, he enjoyed the confidence and grateful regard of his fellow citizens. In his domestic life he was quiet, and of simple tastes, and lovingly devoted to his family.

Luke E. Hemenway

MR. LUKE E. HEMENWAY, father of Charles, F., whose biography appears elsewhere in this book, was born in Shoreham, Vermont. August 7, 1816. His father was Francis S., born at Grafton, Massachusetts. January 23, 1784, and his mother was Clara Tiu-rill, boi-u in the year 1 786.

He was a direct tlescendant of Ralph Hemenway and Elizabeth Hewes, who were married at Roxbury, Massachusetts, July 5, 1634. He received a common school education at Shoreham, Vermont. Leaving home at the age of thirteen, he worked in a store at Bethel. Vermont, until the year 183S, when he removed to Grand de Tour, Illinois, where he married Jane E. Marsh, June 23, 1842.

On August 7, 1855, Mr. Hemenway removed to Moline, Illinois, to take charge of the offices of the John Deere Plow Works. In the year 1860 he became a member of the firm of Hemenway, Wyckoff & Company, now the Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Company, and 1864 the call of his country prevailed against the demands of business. He was elected Captain of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Then, his public duty discharged, he returned to Moline and took charge of the office of the Moline Plow Company, in which connection he continued until failing health led him to resign his position in 1875.

Subsequently, he was agent for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, continuing therein until his appointment as postmaster in 1877, which office he held for a period of nine years, Mr. M. J. McEnery succeeding him, under appointment by President Cleveland. He served the City of Moline as Trustee for several terms: also as .\lderman, and as City Clerk.

Though active in public business, Mr. Hemenway was of a quiet, retiring disposition, and of strong literary tastes. He was a great reader, and up to the time of his death, kept posted in all important current events, and was familiar with the latest literary productions. He was surpassed by few, in private life, in knowledge of Ancient History.

Politically, Mr. Hemenway was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican. At the time of his death he was a member of the Tippecanoe Club of Des Moines, Iowa.

His religious affiliation was, for a number of years, with the Universalist Church in .Moline, and after that church was dissolved, he joined the Congregational Church.

He was one of the charter members of Doric Lodge, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; also a member of the Odd Fellows, and of Graham Post. Grand .\rmy of the Republic.

Charles F. Hemenway

A PROMINENT and active figure in the business life of Moline, Illinois, has been, and still is. Mr. Charles F. Hemenway, tlie well known dealer in real estate and loans. Mr. Hemenwa\' was born November 1. 1846, at Grand de Tour, Illinois. His father's name was Luke E. Hemenway (to whom a special article is devoted in this book), who married Jane E. Marsh, at Grand de Tour, June 23, 1842.

Historic R 0 C K I S Land Co U N T Y.

Tlie Henieiiways are diroct ilescendants of Ralph Hemenway and Klizalicth Hewes. who were married at lloxbury. M;i.ssachusetts, July 5, 1634. Their grandson, Daniel Hemenway, was a delegate to the convention that framed the Constitution of Massachusetts. He was Treasurer for the Patentees of the Town of Shoreham, A'ermont, in the year 1S73. From him is descended the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Hemenway received a conmion school education in the Schools of Grand de Tour and Moline, finishing at the latter place at the age of fourteen.

On August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, \'ohmteers, at the age of fifteen years, and was honorably discharged at Vickshurg, Mississippi, .June 6, 1865, with the rank of Corporal. Mr. Hemenway served with his company during the campaign in Northern Mississippi, being present at the capture of Holly Springs, of that State. He was detailed as clerk at Headqiuirters of the Third Brigade. Sixteenth Army Corps, July 11, 1863; again as clerk in the Adjutant-General's Office, Sixteenth Army Corps, Decenilier 4, 1863, antl as clerk at Headquarters of the Department of Mississippi, January 13, 186.5, where he was on duty when discharged.

The war ended, Mr. Hemenway returned home from the service of his ct)untry. and on June 12, 186.5. entered the First National liank of M(ilin(\ as Ixiokkceprr. In April, 1869, he was elected assistant cashier and active manager of the Manufacturers' Hank of Moline, and in the year 1871 cashier of the Moline National and Moline Savings Hanks, which olfice he filled until li)()(), when he re.signed to engage in his |)resent business - real estate and loans.

terms as .Mdcrnum. He was appointed notary public when he was but twenty-one years of age, and has continued in that office up to the present time.

He was married November 4, 1869, to Mary E. Harrold, daughter of Henry D. and Nancy Harrold, his wife having been born in Rock Island County, Illinois. February 1,

Five children were the issue of this imion. fo\u' of whom are now living, namely: Martha J., wife of C. R. Hull, of Indianapolis. Indiana: Harrold, Francis B. and Joseph C, the three latter residing with their jiarents in Muliiie.

George W. Stephens

Gi:ORGI': W. STEPHENS was born February 22, 1799, in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and died at Moline, Illinois, July 12, 1892.

He was christened (!corge Washington Stephens because of his bii'thday being the same as that of the Father of our Country, but he dropped the "Washington" from his name because of a dislike of seeing the names of distinguished men attached to others. His father was Randall Stephens, a soldier of the war of 1812 and the grandson of Captain Alexander Stephens who was attached to the .\rmy of the Second Kdward the Pretender. After the battle of Culloden in which the forces of Edward were disastrously defeated, Alexander Stephens fled to this country, where he entered the Army of Washington anil fought iiivler him in the French and Indian wars. He founded what was known as the Penn Colony at the junction of the Sus(iuelianna and Junniata Rivers in 1 716. Some years later a son, .\mos, was granted llS-acr(^s of land in West- moreland County by the State for distinguished service of his father in the Revohition, and this land is still in the possession of the family, the son of a sister owning it.

Alexander afterward went to Georgia, where his grandson, Alexander Hamiltf)n Stephens, became a United States Senator and the \"ice- President of the Confederate States. His mother, Martha Boggs, was a resident of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Stephens came West in 1S41 without a dollar save what he had earned. He had given all he had received from his father to a brother who was married, and whuni ho thought needed the family inheritance more than he did. He had learned the millwright's trade and had built several mills in Pennsylvania and Ohio, so that he was well equipped for the work there was in Moline. He told his friends when he went away that he would not come back until he had a thousand dollars, an amotmt that among the farmers of the rugged hills of Pennsylvania, was a large fortune, l^ut on his way here he was offered the construction of a mill in Northwestern Pennsyh'ania, and as he I'dund no work awaiting him on his arrival in Moline he returned and built the mill in Pennsylvania and came back to Moline in 1S43. The flouring mill of D. B. Sears was then ready for the machinery. Soon after this he built the sawmill on the Islam! for Sears, Wood & Company. He had charge of the machinery of that mill for five years. In 18.59, in company with .lonathan Huntoon and Timothy Wood, he leased the null, and two years later the three men bought it, the firm name being Stephens, Himtoon it Wood. They made furniture in addition to running a sawmill. Their mill was a very large one for those times, having a capacity of 3,000,000 feet annually. In 1864 the owners were notified by the Oovernment to leave the Island, but an extension of time was granted them and it was not until 1866 that they left. The Government ])ai(l them $28,270.00 for their projierty in 1867. In 1865 Henry Candee. R. K. Swan and Andrew Furberg had organized a company for the manufacture of hayrakes, fanning mills and kindred machinery, with a cajiital of .118,000. Mr. Swan believed there was room for a second plow factory in Moline. and when Mr. Stephens was out of the sawmill business Mr. Swan urged him to come into their firm and make it a plow company. The Company was formed with a capital of $24,000. In 1870 it was incor])orated as the Moline Plow Company with a capital of $2.50,000. This iuis been increased until it is now $6,000,000.

^Ir. Ste])iiens became its First Vice-President, holding that position until 1885 when he resigned aiul made a tri].) to Mexico. Upon the death of S. W. Wheelock Mr. Stejihens was made President and held that ])osition until his death, at which time tlie Board of Directors passed the following resolutions, showing their sincere regard for him:

"Mr. George Ste])hens, our dearly l)el()\-ed President, at the age of four score years and three, dejiarted this mortal life on the night of .Inly 12tli. (Juietly, peacefully and without pain he passed away, a gentle and fitting end for the kindly gentleman who by his upright and just nature, his unblemished rejnitation and his amiable characteristics endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact."

"Virtue, truth and sobriety were ever dear to him. All through his life he earnestly endeavored to practice and follow these attril:)utes. Like the sturdy oak of the forest he was a moniunent of honor and strength among his fellow men, and always stood before the world as a type f>f the square, just, upright and honorable man."

"He was a plain num. who lox'ed his home and family. He was a just num. who never consciously wronged a person. He was a kind nuui, whose jjrivate aid to the distressed was heartfelt and characteristic of his noble spirit. His memory will long be cherished by those who enjoyed his accnuuntaiice and friendship. As a tribute to his memory and in commemoration of onr roK^^rd. esteem and love be it,

"Resolved and Ordered. That a jiage of o\ir records be inscribed with this memorial and copies transmitted to the family and press." ' ' By Committee of Board of Directors of Moline Plow Co." --Moline. Illinois. .Inly 21. 1902."

Mr. Stephen's energy made the business grow from the time he took an interest in it \mtil the factory became one of the largest in the workl.

Mr. Stephens' education was limited to that which he could get in the private schools about his home, but he was a great reader, especially on scientific subjects, and he investigated carefully the latest scientific theories as they came out. He was one of the first in Moline to adopt the theory of evolution. His mind became stored with knowledge acquired in this way.

In 1846 he married Miss Mary A. Gardner of Rock Island. She was born near Ithaca, New York, and like her husband, was of a distinguished ancestry, being of the family of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of tlie Declaration of Independence, and Esek Hopkins, the founder of the American Xavy. She was also a descendant of the Wilkinson family that founded the City of Providence, Rhode Island. She died on the 4th of Feliruary, 1888.

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephens eight children, six of whom are still living. they being G. A. and C. H. Stephens. .Mary, wife of George H. Huntoon; Minnie, wife of F. G. Allen; Nellie, wife of Charles H. Lippincott, Hollywood, California, and Ada E., of Moline.

Mr. Stephens in his life was one of the most genial of men. He met all the men in his employ as men, and they all entertained the highest respect for him as a man. .\niong business men he was looked to as a clear headed man whose advice was always sound. He was a man of the highest integrity in all business matters, and his great business ability has been shown in the growth of the great institution (if which he was at the head.

Major Charles W. Hawes

A.IOH ('HAHLi:s \V. HAWES is probthe oldest male "native" of Rock Island, Illinois, born within the Village of Stephenson, now embraced in the city limits of Rock Island, prior to 1842. His father was David Hawes, a native of Belchertown, Massachusetts, and his mother was Julia M. Babcoek, a native of Ware. Massachusetts, both of Revolutionary stock. (See l)iogra]ihv David Hawes.)

Major Hawes's father arrived in Rock Island from Massachusetts via St. Louis and the Mississippi River in October, 1835, where Mrs. Hawes joined him later, and Major Hawes was born March 7, 1841. He had the advantage of a better education than most frontier boys of his day. attending the Harsha Academy at Di.xon. Illinos. after graduating from the local schools.

.\t the outbreak of the Wur in 1861, he was serving as deputy sheriff imder his father, who was then Sheriff of Rock Island County. On July 20, 1861. Major Hawes enlisted in ComjKmy A, of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry. Volunteers, being made first sergeant of the Company. The Companies of the Regiment assembled at Camp Webli. Chicago, Illinois, and it was there, while the Regiment of raw recruits was being whipped into fighting condition, that Major Hawes received his first promotion. He was commissioned second Lieutenant on August 10. 1861. On December 31, 1861, he was commissioned as first Lieutenant, and on July 20, 1862, one year from the date of his enlistment, he was raised to the rank of Captain.

Major Chas. W. Hawes

As Captain of his Company, Major Hawes served with credit in the Army of the Frontier, later known as the Thirteenth Army Corps, of wh'.ch his Regiment was a part. With his Regiment he ])articipated in the Battle of Pea Ridge, the engagements at Prairie Grove and Cape Clirardeau and in the memorable siege of Vicksburg.

In September, 1863, Major Hawes was again promoted for meritorious service, this time to the rank of Major. He was then transferred to the Ninety-second United States Contraband Troops, then being organized at New Orleans, Louisiana, which Regiment he drilled until orders for active service came. With his Regiment he participated in the Red River campaign, including the battles of Morganzie Bend, Yellow Hayou and Bayou Teche.

In 1865 Major Hawes was assigned to duty as superintendent of the bureau of refugees, contrabands and abandoned lands, with lieadquarters at New Orleans, Louisiana, and was not mustered out of service until December 31, 1865, having rendered a continuous service of four years and six months.

Major Hawes achieved an enviable rejiutation as a regimental drill master while in active service, and it was this and his love of the soldier's life that led to his acceptijnce in 1878 of the captaincy of the Rodman Rifles of Rock Island, which he made the crack Company of the then strong national guard of Illinois, composed, as it was, largely of veterans of the Civil War. In 1879 Major Hawes was commissioned Major of the Fourteenth Batallion, Illinois National Guard, and this was the last military command held by him. An official posit on related to his war time days, however, was his appointment by Governor Richard Yates as a member of the board of trustees of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, Quincy, Illinois. He served in this position during the years 1901-1906, inclusive.

years 1872-1890, inclusive, he served as chief of police of Rock Island, assistant postnuister, later postmaster, then dejnity county clerk.

In November, 1890, at the Springfield, Illinois, Head Camp meeting of the Modern A\'oodmen Society, Major Hawes entered upon what has proved to be, in civil life, his really distinguished career. At that meeting he participated as a delegate in the reorganization of the society, being elected head clerk or general secretary. Then the society had 42,642 members; now it has over 1,000,000. At each succeeding head camp, or national convention. Major Hawes has been re-elected without opposition, a fact bearing convincing testimony to the ability and integrity of his official course, and to his personal ])opvdarity. .

Major Hawes enjoys the re]nitation of having practically created the methods now almost imiversally employed in the administration and accounting of the fraternal beneficiary system, numbering at present over 7,000,000 members, and 93,000 local lodges. He is a recognized authority in this great field and his official reports are regarded as models. He at this date, is serving his tenth official term as head clerk of the Woodmen Society. He is, besides, prominent in Masonry.

Major Hawes has been twice married. His first wife was Josephine B. Saulpaugh, daughter of L. E. Saulphaug, of Rock Island to whom he was married on December 10, 1866. Three children came of this union - Katherine L. (Mrs. James McNamara), Charles W., Jr., and Josephine, deceased. His second wife was Mary C. Fay, daughter of J. M. Fay, of Fulton, Illinois. One son. John Marcus, is the fruit of this union. (See biography of Mrs. Mary Fay-Hawes.)

Major Hawes is a man of the people and his successful and active life is largely due to the fact tha.t he has kept closely in touch at all times with his environment. He is a type of the sturdy i)ioneer. whose best education and most valuable asset is a life replete with experience and accomplishments. He has, like so many other pioneer westerners, won an honorable place in history foi- himself and family by serving the people generally, and the society of which he has for years been an honored official, with an honesty and fidelity that is more to be prized than great riches.

John Deere

No CITIZEN in Rock Island County, or throughout the country, was probably more widely known than John Deere of Jloline. He was born at Rutland. \'ermont. February 7, 1804. and died May 17. 1S86. 1S()5 the family moveil to Middlebury. ^'ermont, where the children attended school in a district schoolhouse. which had a long fire place across the end of the room. The reading, writing and little arithmetic obtained here, before he was twelve years old, was the principal educational start Mr. Deere had for life. He afterwards attended private school for a few months, but the inborn inclination for active jiractical work must assert itself, and the career began, which, for unconquerable energy, determined will, and selfmade success, has few eciuals, if any superiors. Becoming tired of the schoolroom, he hired himself to a tanner to grind bark, and the ]iair of shoes and suit of clothes jnu-chased with the wages were the first inclination the mother had of John's doings. At the age of seventeen he became an apprentice to Captain Benjamin Lawrence, and began learning the blacksmith trade. He faithfully worked out his engagement of four years, and was then employed in the shop of William Wells and Ira .Allen, to construct iron wagons, buggies and stagecoaches. A year later he was in liurlington. and did the entire wrought iron work on the saw and linseed oil mill built at Colchester Falls. This indicates the mechanical ability of the young man; for it must be rememl)ered that work which is now done by machinery, in those days must depend upon the skill and strength of the common blacksmith. In 1S27 ilr. Deere went to Vergennes, Wnnont, and entered into partnership with John McVene, to do general blacksmithing. January 28, 1827, he was married to Demarius Lamb, who became his faithful companion and helper for thirty-eight years.

A change was made in 1829 to Leicester, "\'ermont. where a shop twenty-five by thirtyfive feet was built, which was destroyed six months after, by fire. It was rebuilt, only to be again burned. A third one was built, in which business was carried on till 1831, when the family moved to Hancock. \'ermont, where ,Mr. Deere followed his trade, adding to his general work the business of making forks and hoes. Energy and diligence were bringing in sure but small returns, but the rumors of larger openings and richer rewards in the Great West, induced Mr. Deere to sell out his business, leave his family at Hancock, and come to Chicago. The town was small, unpromising, and ]ilanted in a swamp. Strong inducements were urged that he should remain and shoe horses and rejiair coaches, but he re.iected them, and came to CJrand de Tour, on Rock river. Here a chop was opened, and to the general work was added the building of breaking-])lows. Mr. Deere soon began to see that his iron plow with wooden mold-board could not lie made to do good wnirk in the prairie soil: with difficulty they entered the ground, clogged up and failed to scour. Then began the experiments and im])rovements which finally resulted in the present perfect steel plow. With characteristic energy and will, the battle was pushed till success came. There was a demand for a good ]ilow, and such a plow must be made. The first one which did satisfactory work was made in this way: Wrought-iron landslide and standard steel share and moldboard cut from a sawmill saw. and beam and handles of white oak rails. In 1838 two of tliese plows were made, with which the farmers were much ])leased, and (lid unusually good work for those days. That year Mr. Deere built a dwelliiio; house, eighteen by twenty-four feet, and brought his wife and five children from the Eixst. It was not a few hours' ride in a ni(i\-ing ])arlor, l)ut a weary journey of six weeks by stage, canal and lumber wagon. Settled in his little home, and often shaking with ague. work was still jnished, and in KS.':i9, ten ]3lows were built, the entire iron work of a new saw and Houring mill being done, with no help except an exjjerienced man as blower and striker. In 1S40 a second anvil was put in the shop, and a workman employed, and forty plows nunle. The following year seventy-five plows were built, and trade extended many miles in all directions. In 1S4'2 one hundred plows were made. The following year a partnership was formed with Major Andrews, a brick shop two stories high l)uilt, a horse power put in to turn a grind stone, a small foimdry established, and four hundred plows made. Steadily and ra|tidly the business grew till in 1 S46 the product was one thousand plows. The difficulty of obtaining steel of the premier dimensions and (|uality was a great obstacle. Finally Mr. Deere wrote to Nailor tt Company, of New York, hardware dealers, explaining the demand of the growing agricultural states of the West, for a good steel plow, and stating the size, thickness and quality of the steel [plates he wanted. The reply was that no such steel cfudd be had, but they would send to England and have rollers made for the ]iurpose. An order was sent, the steel cast in England, and shipped to Illinois. Not only was this instance of enterprise and determination shown, but the practical foresight of Mr. Deere saw that this location was not advantageous for a growing business. Coal, iron and steel nnist be handled by teams from LaSalle, a distance of forty miles, and plows taken long distances to market, in the same slow and expensive way. He therefore sold his interests to Mr.

Andrews and came to Moline, in 1S47. Here was good water power, coal in abundance, within three to five miles, and cheap river navigation. A ])artnership was formed with Mr. R. :M. Tate and John M. Govdd; shops built and woi'k commenced, resulting the first year in seven hundred plows. About this time the first shipment of steel from England came to hand. Fifty [ilows were made and sent to different parts of the country where the soil was most difficult to work. They proved successful, the trade enlarged, new machinery was added, the shops enlarged, till the annual production was ten thousand plows. Jlr. Deere then bought out the company. In IN.^S Mr. Deere took his son, Charles H., into the business as ])artner (see biograi)hy of C. H. Deere), and the business was conducted under the name of Deere & Company till 1S6S, when it was incorporatetl under the general law of the State, with .John Deer as jiresident.

This fiusiness is ,Iohn Deere's monument on the business side of life. It is tlie result of quick foresight, practical energy, great executi\-c aljility, and an almost resistless will, which were marked characteristics of the man. It is conceded that he was the originator of the steel plow. There was then not only no steel plows in America, but no steel manufactured to make them up. The influence of this imjirovement in ])lows cannot be easily estinuited. The name of ,John Deere is at this time a familiar one throughout the world, and the Deere plows are now shi])ped to China. Japan, and in fact all over the world. They have been awarded medals at almost numberless County, State, National and fraternal exhibitions, and were rewarded the same way at the Menna ex])osition of 1873. The princi|)le u])on which Mr. Deere conducted the business, and the ])rinciple which is still observed, was well e.\]5ressed by a gentleman long acquainted with h establishment - '"Hound to make this ]ilow better than the last."

In perstmal appearance .Mr. Deere was large, well proportioned, strongly hnilt. and had been blessed with strength capable of almost unlimited endurance. In his better days he would stand at his anvil from five in the morning till nine at night, building plows, shoeing horses, etc. His features were strong, and of lines of great power and endurance. His face was open, frank, and his address hearty, genial, besjieaking that he was a man of a tender, social nature and noble character. His feelings were near the surface, and he was singularly sensative to pathos, whether it be that of sorrow or joy. His sympathy and help quickly responded to the calls of trouble and misfortvme. and he rejoiced in the prosperity of all aboTit him. Absorbed in business, he did not have the. desire nor time for office and public trusts, which at time sought his service. He was. however, always in sympathy with public interests, and gave liberally of his means to advance them. He was a Republican in politics since the organization of that party. He was an active member of the Congregational Church, and a generous contributor to local and foreign objects of benevolence. The religious, moral and educational interests of society had in him a friend and ]iatron. He was a large stockholder in the First National Bank of Moline, and was its second President. He was once elected .Mayor of the City, and was also one of the directors of the free ]iul)lic library.

In June, 1S67. .Mr. Deere was married to Lucinda Lamb, sister of his former wife. Of the five chi dren liy the first marriage, five are still living.

Frank A. Landee

IT IS a safe presumption that Frank A. Landee the widely known retail grocer of Moline, is an example of self nuide manhood that is worthy of the most persistent and conscientious emulation. Mr. Landee was born in Kalmar. Sweden. August II. 18o"2. and from the moment of his arrival in this country, his career has been marked by unceasing toil and honorable occuinition and transactions. From a lad, wholly imknown, his rise has incessantly been in the ascendanc}-.

He is at the present time a member of the Board of Directors of .\ugustana College: and is a member of the purchasing and building committee for the same institution: Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Swedish Lutheran Church; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Independent Order Odd Fellows Lodge Xo. 583 (Swedish) of Moline: Director of the Peoples Trust and Savings Bank: \'ice-President of the iloline Furniture Works: Trustee of Court of Honor Lodge Xo. 100, of Moline: was President of the Swedish Republican State League during Yates governmental campaign: is an active member of the Moline Business Men's Club: is one of the directors of the Retail Merchants Association in his home city, and holds and has held numerous other ]iositions of trust and responsibility during his diligent lifetime.

His attitude toward those who toil is best exemplified by the signal honor l)estowe(l u])on him by the linemen of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific general system in the year 1903. I'or twenty-two years Mr. Landee had charge of the telegraph and electrical de]KU'tment of the Rock Island System, and had during that time, in the face of the most discouraging viscissitudes and resources, so ingratiated himself into the esteem and affections of the thousands of men under his jsersonal direction that they found expression of their ai)]ireciation of his equity and consideration only after they had presented him with a vahudile gold watch, fittingly inscribed, and a solitaire of great size set in a ring of purest gold, and then after it l)ecame generally known that he had retired from railroad life for good. To further denote the widespread popularity of

Mr. Landee's huidatorv qualities; that he always exhibited toward the worl<iiien under his control, it shotdd be stated that the division west of the Missouri River presented the watch, w'hile the tlivision east of the Bifi Muddy bestowed the diamond riiig. Hut with all the powerful friendships to call his. and notwithstanding' the gigantic strength he wields in the labor business world, Mr. Landee seems a misnomer, taken from a political standpoint. He has not once solicited, nor held a political fa\'or, elective or appointive, regardless of the fact that he has been selected as delegate to City, County, Congressional and State conventions, has served his party with a zeal and compunction which invokes the greatest commendation, has voted the Republican ticket since 1876, when he cast his first vote for President Hayes, and has many times been proffered public honors of various kinds.

As a sturdy, enterprising and up-to-date citizen, Mr. f^andee has accomplished an incomprehensible amo\mt of good for the City of Moline anil Rock Island County. His aggressiveness, coupled with his energy and prolific mind; his honesty as an example and precept : the obstenerous life he has lived ; his patriotism; for his devotion to his family, his county and state and to the welfare of the peojile generally; his decisive and resolute integrity and fearlessness; his ca]:)ul)ility as a man of opinions, public and private, all iiave cons|)ired to entitle him to the appellation by which he is known - one of the most valuable and highly regardeil men in the county, in -social, ]iro\-incia], commercial anil educational circles.

In company with his brother, (Jeorge, he settled first in Knox County, in 1866. He acipiircd such education as was afforded by the schools at that time, working many iiours each day the while. Four years afterwards he went to Peoria, where he became a telegraph operator of such unusual s])eed and accuracv that a vear and a half latci' lie was detailed to Chicago, during the great fire of 1871, to augment the force of telegraphers needed during that memorable catastrophe. Chicago then liecame his home until 1883 when well earned promotion came, and he was appointed traveling representative of the Western Union, the Atlantic and Pacific, the Baltimore and Ohio, and the National I^nion Comi)anies, and afterward installed telephone exchanges in various posts of Illinois, including thirty of the first telephones used in Chicago. It was his hand which superintended the work when systems were placed in Quincy, Keokuk, Rock Island, Davenport, Moline, Springfield, and other wel known ]iorts. The ^Mutual Telegraph Company entrusted him with the work in their territory from the Allegheny Mountains, west to St. Paul, and Kansas City south to Louisville. For two years he was office electrician fin' the Western Union, after which he became general forenum of the Rock Island System, a ]iosition he so long filled with unprecedented dexterity, exjiertness and success. As above stated he is now engaged in the retail grocer business at the corner of Twelfth Street and Fifth .\ venue, Moline.

It may truly be said of Mr. Landee, that he has been a "hewer of wood and a drawer of water" from his early lioyhood. Unselfish in his labors for the benefit of his friends and the ]iublic. coming as he did from the brawn and sinew which have l)uilt u}i the nation, and with which he every day brushes ell>ows, being a moral, highly respected citizen of which his home city and county nuiy well be proud, he is indeed receiving nothing but his Just de.sserts when the endearment of an appreciative people and an imtarnished career designates him a man among men.

The i)eo]ile of the Twin Cities and of the County are under a lasting obligation to Mr. Landee for the material services he has willingly performed by reason of his personal endeavor and influence, and should the op]iort unity f(ir a reciprocal anil mutual interchange of a])i)re(_'iati(in ever !>(> afforded, it is safe to predict tliat Mr. I.andee will discern that his labors in behalf of progress, ])ros|ierity and good citizenship have not been in vain. What more need be said? What can be said? Public approbation is all sufficient and more impressive than citations or rhetoric.

There are four children living, namely: George E., a partner with his father, at Moline; J"rank J., a law student at Northwestern College. Chicago; Marrion C. and Anna I.

Captain David M. Tipton

TT becomes the sad duty of the officer in I temporary charge of the Rock Island District to announce the sudden death, on September 22, 1904, of Captain David M. Tipton, Master of the I'nited States Steamer Colonel A. Mackenzie, near Frontenac. in Lake Pepin. Seated in a chair in the pilot house, having but a few minutes before lieeii at the wjieel, he passed away in an instant, without previous jiain or suffering, from aneurish of the heart.

Captain Tipton, who was about seventysix years of age at the time of his death, was born on a farm on tlu' Muskingum River in Ohio. At an early age he took to the river, soon became mate and afterwards pilot of the Northern Line Steamers on the Upper Mississip]ii River, and included in his knowledge the pilotage of the Rock Island and Des Moines Rapids, the Des Moines, Missouri and Illinois Rivers. He entered the service of the Engineer Dejiartment in 1873, serving as master and pilot from that time until his death, successively on the Montana, the General Barnard and the Colonel A. Mackenzie, with the exception of two years on the Joseph Henry, of the Light House Department. During his thirty-one years service

Cajjtain Tipton had a host of friends, and his happy, genial manner and hospitable nature endeared him to all with whom he was associated, and his demise brings sorrow to many hearts. He was never married, but dearly loved the society of children, and was much l)eloved l)y them. He also loved animals, and a good horse or dog was a joy to him. In the language of one of his oldest friends ''he was one of Nature's gentlemen, - a rare combination of simplicity and shrewdness, of humor antl tenderness, and a type of all a Jlississippi River pilot ought to be. We shall never look mion his like again."

Captain Tipton was held in great esteem by the officers and associates with whom he was connected in the im])rovement of the .Mississippi River. On a letter sent from this office to Washington, making a request in favor of Captain Tipton, the following indorsement was placed by General A. ilackenzie. Chief of Engineers:

"In consideration of the long, faithful and efticient service of Cajitain Tipton, and the saving effected by his careful maiuigement of the property entrusted to his charge, the Chief of Engineers is pleased to approve the within request."

Captain Ti]5ton was buried at Chipjiiannock Cemetery in Rock Island on September 24, 1904. the funeral services having been conductetl at the Rock Island Chili, of which he was a member. Many of his friends acted as active and honary pall bearers, and his remains were followed to the grave by them and a large number of other citizens of Rock Island and vicinity.

PATTERSON S. McGLYNN, (ine of the proprietors of the Daily Dispatch, was born in Connecticut in 1S50. of Irish parentage. He was edncated liy his fathei' to read and wi'ite and to be apiialled by the mult iphcat ion table before being sent to country schools in Iowa, commencing at Washington in the State named, "graduating " to a printing office when he was thirteen years old, and then at the age of sixteen going back to school in the old stone school in Davenport, where his printing-office education raced him through to graduation to the high school. Rut his education may be said to have been chieflj- attained at home and in printing offices.

After, service as a printer on the Davenport Democrat and on the old Davenport Gazette, under the late Kd. Russell, he was promoted to be a reporter on the Gazette, with his field in Rock Island in 1S76 and 1S77. From 1N77 to ISSd his home was in Chicago, where he had more printing office and newspajjei experience. In 1881 he came to Moline to work for the Rock Island Union. After having represented the Union in Moline for more than four years, in company with John K. Groom, he took charge of the editorial management of the Dispatch, the firm name having been McGlynn and Groom, Mr. Groom taking the business management. This was in July of 1885. Since that time he has held a half interest in the Dispatch, continuing with W. F. Eastman after Mr. Groom sold his interest to that gentleman m 1S91.

Mr. McGlynn was married July 5, 1880, in Davenport, to Annie Rose Pester. They have had foiu- children, all of whom died in 'nfancy. He has the distinction of never having sought or held a puVjlic office. He has always been a Republican in politics. He is a member of the First Congregational Chm-ch of Moline, and is a Mason and a

Col. Charles William Durham

Cob. CHARLES WILLIAM DURHAM is the princi]jal assistant in the engineering office at Rock Island Arsenal. His father, Charles Dvu'hani, was born in Belfast, Maine; his mother, Dorcas C, Durham, was born in the town of Brewer of the same State. Mr. Durham, senior, was for the greater part of his life a lumber merchant and vessel owner. Jioth ]iarents are now dead.

Young Charles was a graduate of Chelsea (^Massachusetts) High School in 1864, and gratluated Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College in 1868. Thence he went to Germany and studied in Heidelberg University for one year, returning to America in 186!) and entering the Institute of Technology at Boston.

During portions of the years 1870-71 he served the Chicago, Burlington ct Quincy Railroad in Nebraska. Before the end of the latter year he entered the Government service at Rock Island Arsenal in the Engineering office where he has continued to the present time, except for one year, when he was employed on the United States Survey of Onachita River in Arkansas and Louisiana"

Colonel Durham has had charge of snagboats on the Upper Mississipjii since 1876. He has also had charge of many works of river improvement from Minneapolis to the Missouri River and in addition to his other duties was captain of a snag-boat for a period of twenty years.

He was Colonel and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Illinois for a [leriod of four years and is now retired Colonel of the Illinois National Guard. Colonel Durham has served on the board of education. Rock Island, for a period of nine years and on the librarj- board for six years. In i)olitics he has always been Democratic; in religion a member of the Episcopal Church. He is a Mason, a Knights

On November 19, 1.S75, Cblonel Durham was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Hrackett. This union lias l)een blessed with four children: Charles Rrackett, Mary Ely, Ada Schwatka and John Barnet. Charles Hrackett died in 1S98.

Samuel Heagy

ADOZEX years ago no man perhaps was lietter known throughout Rock Island County than Samuel Heagy, the subject of this sketch, for years one of the county's influential and respected citizens.

He was born in Taneytown, Mar3-land- April 20. 1838, and died January 28. 1896. He was the son of a widowed mother, his father having died shortly before his birth. Six years later his mother also passed away, leaving the lad alone in the world. The little boy was taken into the home of a man and his wife in the neighborhood, and with this couple he made his home for ten years, or until he was sixteen years of age, when he left them and went to Baltimore. In that city he secured a position with a wholesale notion house, and remained with that firm until 1857, when he came to Illinois, locating in the Village of Hampton in this county.

Mr. Heagy married Miss Henrietta Birchard April 20, 1863. a young lady whose home was in Scott County, Iowa, just across the river from Hampton. Mrs. Heagy died March 17, 1907, at Rock Island, Illinois. She was the daughter of Jabez Avery Birchard and Lydia (Chamberlin) Birchard. Her parents were early settlers and pioneers of Scott County, Iowa, where they had removed from New York in 1836. Mr. Birchard died October 21, 1871, and his wife ten years later, July 17. 1881.

Mr. Heagy was successful in his business at Hampton and determining to enlarge the scope of his operations he also engaged in the coal business in a small waj-. This venture also proved a success and in 1868 he formed a partnership with A. R. Stoddard. Continuing in busine.ss together imder the firm name of Heagy & Stoddard, these gentlemen in 1871 opened the first coal mine in the upper end of the county. The business was soon after incorporated under the name of The Hampton Coal Mining Company, which Company carried on the business for about twelve }'ears. This Company opened and operated seven different mines during this time and around these works grew up the little mining village of Happy Hollow. After the coal deposit was exhausted around Happy Hollow the business was moved over to the southern part of Hampton Township, two miles south of the Town of East Molinewhere operations were carried on in a small way until 1892. '

In politics Mr. Heagy was a Democrat, and although his active business life did not give him time, nor did he have the inclination, to seek political reward, yet he was ready at' all times to .serve his party in whatever manner it was considered he could best further its interest and that of the locality in which he made his home During his li"etime he was a prominent figure in the conventions of his party, was elected to the office of trustee of the Village of Hampton, and for more than twenty years was school treasurer of Hampton Township.

Dr. Richard F. Sweet Historic Rock I S L A X D C 0 U X T Y.

Xo eulogy of Samuel Heagy is necessary to recall to those who knew him in life the sterling character that he possessed and the splendid reputation that he hore. He was a man of scrupulous integrity, a man who did imto others as he wished others to do luito him.

THE old axiom which tells us that kind deeds and gentle words live forever is one which not only inspires the mind with its sublimity, but its truth is so often brought home to us, and so forcibly that it affords a solace we do not alwaj-s feel. A noble life invariably begets its full measure of love and veneration, and even though myriads of kindness done and self-saerifieing efforts are lost to earth the hand-maidens of the Great Seer of Heaven have the fullest knowledge of them all.

All men who have been so graciously endowed with that most precious of all human attributes - love for his fellow-men - have been amply repaid for their self-obligation, generosity and charity; for their weakness, submissiveness and obedience to the mandates of the Deity.

This truism was abundantly exemplified during the lifetime of Reverend R. F. Sweet, and substantiated by the wealth of love which his memory impels. Instead of donning the robes and authority of a bishop an elevation twice proffered him, Mr. Sweet preferred to retain the modest position of rector, so that he could more generally and more frequently minister to humanity; unassuming to the extreme, he nevertheless accomplished inconceivable good and lightened numerous burdens worldly and spiritual, and was content to reap the harvest of brotherly love which was his, rather than hoard sordid accumulations.

reader as to his gentle though manly disposition, and illustrates how little he thought of self, and to what degree he toiled for the uplifting of his hrethern and the church imiversal.

Reverend Sweet was a native of the Bay State. When sixteen years of age he was in business with an uncle at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Later he became a dealer in real estate, in Madison, Wisconsin, and afterwards was Assistant Comptroller of the banks in the Badger State. In 1861 his devout nature impelled him to enter Nashotah Seminary, from which he graduated three years later, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was ordained l)y Bishop Kewper. and was assigned to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, as a deacon. After his ordination as a bishop of the Episcopal Church, he served as financial agent of Nashotah Seminary, an institution which owes an incalculable debt to his assidious efforts and accomplishments. He traveled both throughout America and P^ngland in behalf of the Seminary, and after his return to his native land he was assigned to Waukegon, Illinois, thence to the Church of the Ephiphar^^ at Chicago, Illinois, thence to Freeport, Illinois. In 1884 be became rector of Trinity Episcopal Church at Rock Island, Illinois. At the time of his death, December 10, 1904, he had completed a service in this city of twenty years. He was a trustee of Nashotah and Western Seminaries; Deputy to the General Convention for many years, and had always been prominent in the diocese of Quincy and for years dear to the Rock Island deanery.

Major James M. Beardsley

THE above named and beloved patriot was of that branch of the Beardsley family which trace their genealogy in America as far back as 1628. Major Beardsley was born October 30, 1833, at Ellington, Chautauqua County (near the reservation of the Six Nations), New York State; died at Rock Island. August 2'2. lOO;?. He came to his future lioiiie, tliis city, in tlie middle 50's, while still in his teens, and, though young he was. his inordinate intellect, retentive mint! and assiduity had enabled him to attain a thorough academic training.

Heing admitted to the har. ;\Ir. Beardsley soon won the highest laurels as a counsellor, orator anil diplomat. Being blessed with a giant's physic, and endued with a mind that was marvelous for its strength and resourcefulness; being an advocate of the abolition of slavery, lie soon became one of the most potential factors in the West, in both ])ublic and private affairs. He assisted in organizing the first Company of Volunteers in Rock Island - Company I), of the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry - which first served in State duty, and was mustered into three \ears' service in the regular ranks May 24, 1861, He was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company I). The Regiment to which he belonged became known as "Freemont's Greyhovmds."

While acting as body guard to General Lyons, Ma,ior Beardsley was actively engaged in the stubbornly contested battle of William's Creek. He was at the General's side and carried him from the field when he fell, mortally wounded, and was promoted for gallantry in that engagement, August 10, 1861, being raised to the rank of Captain of Company I), \'ice Captain Quincy McNeil, promoted to the rank of Major in the Second Cavalry. Later Major Beardsley 's Regiment became a part of (leneral Sherman's Army, known as the Fifteenth Army Corjis. The bloody battles in which this contingent was involved is all to plainly recorded in history to need repetition here. Suffice to sa\f that the roster of their engagements inehide those of Chickasaw Bayou, the Siege of Mcksburg, which cost them many lives and inconceivable sacrifices, the piu'suit of Joe Johnston; the juncture with Grant at Chattanooga, a journey fraught with continual peril and incessant

Xx the Jiattle of Ringgold Ga]). Mr. Beardsley's left arm and legs were shattered: but he refused to lea\c his post until firing had ceased, and for his hei'oism on tiiat occasion he was commissioned Major. After his recovery, he returned to the firing line in the Fifteenth Army Corjis. and became .Assistant Adjutant-Cieneral to General Osterhaus. There he remained >mtil 1865. when he was mustered out. and the title of Colonel conferred upon him.

Major Beardsley was elected County Clerk; was re-elected in 1869, and in 1873 began- the practice of law. He served as Attornej'- General in Illinois; was a practitioner before the L'nited States Supreme Court; was one of the thirty-six men who were sent to New Orleans to represent the Republican ])arty in the electorial college tangle. Among that number, known to history as the ' ' visiting statesmen," were Jolm Sherman, James A. Garfield, and Judge Stanley Matthews of Ohio; M. S. Quay and W. D. Kelly of Pennsylvania ; Lew Wallace and William Cumback of Indiana, and John A. Kasson of Iowa. To Major Beardsley and Judge Matthews was assigned the task of ascertaining fraud in the Louisiana election. He brought to pass the alirogation of the unit rule in Republican national conventions, thus defeating Grant for a third term; he served as Postmaster of Rock Island tmder President Hayes; in the 80's he secured from the Texas Legislature the concession of 3. ()()(), ()()() acres of land in exchange for a 11,500,000 State House: he was indefatigable in his efforts to further the development of the Arsenal and the building of the Hennepin Canal; he was a zealous worker in the Grand Army of the Republic and other societies, and was a gentleman of culture, poli.sh and tact.

drawn. His life was so active, so unlike any other; so hardened with incidents, any of wliifh would require weeks to elucidate; so laden with responsiljility and importance, so earnest, so marked by generosity and geniality, that it must suffice to merely add that he was a great man without realizing it; he was great because he could not help it - Stat magni nominis umbra.

October 20. 1862. :\Ir. Heardsley married Laurany C. E. C'onet, a daughter of .loseph Conet, a pioneer of this county. The children of this union were Wyman I. Beardsley of Rock Island; Mrs. Harry G. Brooks, and Miss Amanda Beardsley A brother and a sister of the late Major also survive - Ezra Beardsley, of Pasadena, California; and Mrs. Philora Stephens, of ^leadville, Pennsylvania.

Col. Ezra M. Beardsley

PERH.\PS throughout Rock Island County there is no name so often recalled or regarded among old settlers as that of Colonel Ezra M. Beardsley, unless it be those of the late Major James M. Beardsley, or the former's brother, James M. Beardsley. The life of Ezra was one of incessant activity and brilliant success, and up to the time of his death and since he was highly esteemed as an exemplary citizen, a patriot of the most courageous and pronounced character, and a man whom all were delighted to call friend. Strong as iron, he was a child; gentle as a baby, he was an untamed lion when the question of right was in jeojiardy.

Bvzra Beardsley was born October 14, 1S27, at Ashland, Green County, New 'i'ork, his parents Ijeing Elisha and Caroline (M. Marvin) Beardsley. He traced his progenitors back to the early portion of the Seventeenth Century, many of them having served in the Army and Navy during the various uprisings and wars which have made history for tliis nation. He came to Illinois in 1S44, and until 1870, when he removed to Kansas, had been a resident of Rock Island County. In 18.55 he was elected Sheriff; was admitted to the bar in IS,')!), after a thorough course in law: enlisteil in the "three months' service," and was commissioned Lieutenant in the Sixty-ninth Illinois Volunteers. He was promoted to the rank of Post-Adjutant at Camp Douglas, then a military j^rison near Chicago. His htuiiane efforts in behalf of the unfortunate jirisoners of war at that time would of themselves furnish material for a large volume. After his term of three months in the Army, Mr. Beardsley returned to Rock Island and re-enlisted. He became a recruiting officer; he organized six companies of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, arul was elected Lieutenant-Colonel of that Regiment, serving in the famous Army of the Tennessee. Later he was transferred to Arkansas, where he was made Post Commander at Devall's Bluff, a strategical point on the Arkansas River.

In the spring of 1870 Colonel Beardsley went to Parker, Kansas, where, for a time, he pursued his chosen profession, and, as a diversion, invested in a sheep ranch. Several years afterwards he removed to Lake City, Barber County, Kansas, where he died, 1885.

February 8, 1848, Mr. Beardsley married Sarah Lemon, of Millersburg, Illinois. Their children were Mary C, Seth Marvin (deceased) Ezra Irving, now in Pueblo, Colorado, and William Lincoln, now in Oklahoma, and Albert L., at Fort Madison, Iowa.

As to the personal attributes of Mr. Beardsley, his war record, his reputation and standing as a barrister, citizen, and a parent, feeble words are inadequate to depaint. As a soldier his long career was embellished with inspiring deeds and kindnesses, his courage was miraculous in its recklessness, and his ])atriotism was undimmed in the darkest hours of the nation's peril.

M. Beardsley which does not bring with it a felicitious thought and a moment of contemplat'on that is good to feel. Surely Rock Island County has furnished the State and the nation with many brave and noble men, and among the front rank the name of Colonel Ezra Beardsley will alwaj-s be conspicuous.

THE above named widely known soldiercitizen is a brother to Colonel Ezra, and Lieutenant Elisha I. Beardsley, the latter of whom was killed in action, December 29, 1862, at Chickasaw Bayou, during the assault under General Sherman. Mr. Beardsley, who is also a cousin of the late ilajor James M. Beardsley, and descended from a family who settled in America along with the Puritans in 1628, and whose relatives served in the Army and Navy in various capacities for nearly three centuries, was born near Aledo, Mercer County, Illinois, Jime 23, 1843. When he was still in his swaddling raiment, his parents settled in Rock Island County, where he has since resided, being at the present time a member of the firm of Beardslej- & Bailey Company, wholesale liquor dealers.

In 1S62, Mr. Beardsley enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Second Regiment, Illinois Infantry, and with his Company was at once sent to the front, going to Gallatin, Tennessee, where Company C became a part of Sherman's Army. He was in all engagements which have made Sherman and his men famous forever, and was in the assault upon the Rebel battery at Resaca, Georgia, which was successfully accomplished bj- a deadly, though brilliant bayonet charge, and through which he emerged with two serious wounds and numerous narrow escapes; he was one of the foragers which operated from Atlanta to the sea. including the battle of Savannah, and the battles which took place on the route through the Carolinas. At the battle of Avensboro, North Carolina, he was captured and sent to Libby Prison, at Richmond, Virginia, that place of confinement so lamentably famed for the carelessness and brutality of its administration - and was there held as a prisoner of war until the war was over, when he was mustered out as a prisoner of war at Chicago. June 15, 1865.

The most notable of the numerous engagements in which Mr. Beardsley participated were the battle of Resaca. when his regiment stormed a battery at the point of the bayonet, and at Atlanta, when but 280 men remained to answer roll call out of a total of 921. w-ho had enlisted a year before.

During the attack at Resaca, which occurred May 15, 1864, at which time the Rebel battery w-as captured and four guns representing the prize. General Benjamin Harrison was in general command; W. T. Ward, whose division was known as " Ward's Iron Brigade," of which Mr. Beardsley was one. was Division Commander, and "Fighting Joe Hooker " was Corps Commander.

In civil life. Mr. Beardsley has also been exceptionally prominent. From 1865 to 1875 he was a manufacturer of brooms; from 1S75 to 1885 was in the Internal Revenue Service, as gauger and deputy collector; was a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1866; a charter member of Island City Lodge. No. 4. Ancient Order of L'nited Workmen; a charter member of St. Paul Lodge. No. 107, Knights of Pj'thias; a master ^lason since 1871. organizations to which he still belongs, and of which he is an esteemed and active member.

June 27, 1S65. Mr. Beardsley was wed to Hannah Hally Beardsley. The surviving children of this union are: Henry Marvin, now a leading business man in Bjulder. Colorado; Laura C, now Mrs. Arthur ilcNeill. of Rock Lsland. and C. Lynde Beardslej', a voung man who gives promise of the same useful and commendable life observed by his father.

The friends of Mr. Beardsley are legion and (if the substantial and esteemed class. His record as a civilian and citizen is of the same hio;h tone as his record as a soldier and officer in the Army. In fact, as a friend, man and father, he is par excellent.

De Witt Clinton Dimock

THIS i)ionccr Moline business man and sterling; citizen was born October 1, 1S20, at Wellington, Connecticut. He came west and located at Geneseo, Hlinois, in 1840, taking up his residence in Moline in 1843. His activities as a manufacturer began in 1852 when he formed a partnership with Judge John M. Gould for the making of furniture and wooden ware. On the incorporation of the firm of Dimock. Gould iV: Company, in 1869, he was elected its president. This position he held till 1884, when he retired from the head of the concern, retaining his connection through the office of treasurer. Mr. Dimock was also interested in a number of other successful enterprises, among which may be mentioned the First National Rank of Moline. He was one of the original stockholders of this institution and long served as a member of the board of directors.