Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 13 of 16)

Mr. Dimock married June 17, 1843, .Miss Maria H. Hubbard, daughter of Rufus Hubbard. She was born in Bergen, Genesse County, New York. Two daughters were the issue of their union. The older, Nellie E., died when but two years of age. Florence, the younger, is the wife of E. H. Sleight, to whom she was married in 1880.

Mr. Dimock was one of the fonndors of the First Congregational Church of .Moline, and he and his wife are members of and liberal contributors to the support of the same. Mr. Dimock has been a strong Republican ever since that party was organized, and during the war was a staimch Union man.

Colonel Charles L. Walker Col. Charles Leander Walker

COL. CHARLES LEANDER WALKER, a member of one of the leading lawfirms of Rock Island County for more than a quarter of a century', is a native son of Illinois. He was born at Queen Ann, McHenry County, Illinois, December 27, 1851. He is a son of Reverend Leander Smith Walker and Miriam Lavilla Walker. His father was a Methodist minister and a leader in the Rock River conference. He was for a period of years stationed at Rockford, Winnebago County. From 1865 to 1870 he was financial agent for the Rock River Seminary and Collegiate Institute, located at .Mt. Morris, in Ogle County.

The son graduated from the Rock River Seminary and Collegiate Institute in 1869, taking a classical course. For several years after leaving school his activities were varied. He taught school, worked on the farm and at railroad construction. Among the places where he lived at various times are Durand. Marengo, Rockford, Mt. Morris, Prophetstown, Tampico, Garden Plain and Clarendon Hills.

.Mr. Walker removed to Rock Island in May, 1873, and the following year took up the study of law in the office of Sweeney & Jackson, supporting himself at the same time. He was admitted to the bar at Springfield Janiuu-y 4, 1878, and at once became a member of the firm with which he had been connected, the name being changed to Sweeney, Jackson it Walker. The older members were E. D. Sweeney, with whom Mr. Walker is at present associated under, the name of Sweeney & Walker, and Honorable William Jackson, now head of the firm of Jackson, Hurst & Stafford.

Mr. Walker's advancement in the community was rapid. At an early date he became recognized as one of the best posted men in his profession in the northwestern part of Illinois, and his acumen and forensic ability won him instant success before the bar. Always an ardent Republican he rose to a command ins position in the councils of the party and was entrusted with positions of honor and responsibility. He was appointed aide on the staff of (Governor Richard Yates with the rank of Colonel January 28, 1901. He has been attorney for the Illinois and Michigan canal from April. 1900. to the present time. He was president of the Rock Ishuul jniblic library board from 1893 to 1907, and it was imder his administration that the beautiful §6.5.000 library buikling was erected.

Mr. Walker early in life accepted Methodism as his faith, and in Rock Island became a member of the First Church. Fraternalljhe is a Mason of high degree, being a member of Trio Lodge, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Barrett Chapter, and Rock Island Commandery.

John Kimberland Scott

THE subject of this sketch, the present States Attorney of Rock Island County, was born in Muscatine, Iowa, on November 26, 1870. His parents were William W. Scott, now deceased, and Margaret (Hickey) Scott, the former of sturdy Scotch and the later of keen, energetic Irish ancestry. Mr. Scott's father served three years during the Civil War as a member of Company M, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, and was for almost forty j^ears a locomotive engineer on the Rock Island Railway, and for one term an alderman from the Seventh Ward of Rock Island.

John K. Scott came to Rock Island County with his parents in 1875, having lived the first few years of his life in Muscatine and later in Brooklyn. Iowa. He attended the l)ublic schools of the City of Rock Island and graduated from the high school in the Class of '89, being president of his class. He then entered the Rock Island postoffice, where he was employed as a letter carrier until September. 1893, when, having saved enough money to realize his cherished ambition, he resigned his position and entered the law department of the State University of Iowa. He graduated from that institution in 1895. as president of the law class of that year.

Mr. Scott was for two years professionally associated with C. J. Searle, and in 1897 he was appointed by President McKinley United States Consul at La Chaux De Fonds. in Switzerland, resigning that position after one year of service to re-enter the practice of the law in Rock Island. He was elected City Attorney of Rock Island in 1899. and was re-elected in 1901 and 1903. In November, 1904, he was elected States Attorney of Rock Island County by a majority of 3,602.

ilr. Scott was married on June 3, 1906, to Amy Louise Huey. of Moline. a lady whose pleasing personality, tact and grace have been a great assistance to her husband in his successful career. He is a member in good standing in Rock Island Commandery. Knight of Templar; Rock Island Chapter, Roj-al Arch Masons: Trio Lodge, No. 57, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; Kaaba Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine: Rock Island Lodge, No. 980, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; C. W. Hawes Camp, No. 1550. Modern Woodmen of America: Rock Island Aeria. No. 956. Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Sons of ^'eterans.

Politically Mr. Scott has always been a Republican, the type of Republicanism that came from a father who cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, while a soldier at the front. As a lawyer Mr. Scott is well qualified both by nature and education to maintain a high place in his profession. As a public official, he is efficient, courteous and kindly, ever ready to lend an attentive ear tn t' e unfortunate and sinned against.

Mr. Scott's best friends are those who know him best in his professional as well as in his ha]3py home life. Such an official deserves, and will retain, the confidence of the people.

Julius Junge

THERE are few business men in Rock Island or Molina who do not enjoy a personal acquaintance with the genial Julius Junge, vice-president of the Rock Island Brewing Company, a man who, though deeply engrossed in the concerns of a large and growing industry, has found time to cidtivate his social nature and to en,ioy the pleasures of companionship with his fellow men.

He was born in Prussia, March 23, 1S4S. being a son of Joseph and Johanna (Herschel) Junge. His father served for some j'ears as a soldier in the Prussian Army, but being a man desirous of seeking larger opportunities for himself and his children, in 1854, when his son. Julius, was six years of age, he, with his family, emigrated to America and located on a farm near Fort Madison, Iowa. Here the father cultivated a vineyard. There were seven children in this fanuly, and of these Julius was the youngest. The elder Jvnige after coming to .\nierica spent his entire life upon his Iowa farm, passing away at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. His beloved wife survived him six years, and then at the age of seventy-nine she joined her husband in death.

Their son, Julius, obtained his education in the schools of Burlington, Iowa, and after completing his schooling he located in the town of Jollyville, Iowa. Here he conducted a general store, and was also postmaster of Jollyville for three years.

He came to Rock Island in 1871, and for the first eight years of his residence in this city he was employed as bookkeeper by a mercantile firm. Tlien he established a bottling establishment which he conducted for one j-ear. In 1893 he acquired stock in the Brewing Company formed by the amalgamation of the various brewing establishments in Rock Island, and was elected to the offices of vice-president and general superintendent, which offices he still holds, the Rock Island Brewing Company feeling indebted in no small degree for the success they have achieved to his boundless vigor and untiring energy.

Mr. Junge was married September 3, 1878, to Miss Amelia M. Price, a young lady of I, eland, Illinois. Three daughters were born of this marriage, the Misses Olga, Frieda and Lillie, charming and talented young ladies who have been given every advantage by their parents, and who are prominent in the social life of the Tri-Cities.

Some years ago 'Sh. Junge was largely interested as a breeder and owner of blooded' pacing stock, and during this time he was the owner of two of the noted jiacers of that time - Bulmont, with a record of 2:0934, and Seal, whose record was 2:0S'''4. Mr. Junge, however, sold both of these horses at a large profit, and since that time has not taken an active interest in racing stock.

He is an enthusiastic sjjortsman. and is a himter anil ninu'od of no small ability. He belonged to the Marlin Rifle Club and later to the Rock Island tiun Club, and in these organizations he has always been a successful jKirticipant in the "shoots" that have been held. He is also an enthusiastic bowler and enjoys every form of clean, wholesome sport that calls into ]ilay both mind and muscle.

He is interested in several business enterprises, both in Rock Island and Moline, and in Davenport as well, and is a stockholder in the Peoples National Bank of Rock Island. Scr\ipidously honest in every l)usiness transaction, he comman<ls the admiration and respect of his many fricmls, l)y whom he is considered ;x most th>lightfiil companion, and in whose cii'cle he is alwajs a welcome a(hlition to a happy, social hour, ig 5S !g

Edward Coryn

A NATIVE of Belgium, lioru at Lootenhiitle. East Flanders, November '2, 1857, Edward Coryn is the second son of Leonard Coryn and .Johanna Catherine Schotteman. In the year 1880 the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Moline, Illinois, where in 1890, the father died. The mother, now ninety years of age, still survives, one of the most aged women of Rock Island County. Edward Coryn was given e.xcellent educational advantages and accjuired both the Flemish and French languages at school, and since coming to America he has, of course, addetl the English language to his accomplishments. In the interval between his leaving school and his departure for America, young Edward assisted his father on the farm.

During his first few years in Moline he \v(n-ked in a sawmill and in a [private family. In the year 1892 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. Charles A. Rank in the retail grocery business, which was continued prosperotisly until April of the present j'ear, 1896, when the company sold out its stock to two of its faithful employees, who, since have constituted the firm of (jourtney & DeTaye.

Mr. (^oryn is a stockholder and director of the Moline State Savings Rank and the Moline Incandescent Lamp Company, of whicli latter he is also secretary and treasurer; he is a Democrat, though independent in local i)olitics, in wliicli he has been active since his naturalization, five years after his arrival, tmder the .\nierican flag.

In the year 1896 he was elected alderman of his, the Sixth W'ai'd. of .Moline, and held that honorable ollice for eight successive years. In this connection he served on many

Shortly after the expiration of this long ])eriod of public service he was appointed by Mayor Skinner as a member of the Public Library Board, of the Executive Committee of which he is now chairman. Mr. Coryn is a public spirited citizen of his adopted countrj' and interests himself deeply in the matter of instructing the new arrivals from his fatherland in their duties and responsibilities as American citizens, a most creditable work of sincere and genuine patriotism and a worthy example to others. Appro])os of this he organized, in 1890, the Belgian Working Men's Union, embracing the plan of sickness benefit; the Union now has a membership of more than three hundred and a fund of two thousand dollars in the treasury.

Mr. Coryn is now, and has been from the first, president of the Society. For the purpose of promoting education among his countrymen he, two years ago, organized the Belgian Club, of whicli he has been president from the start. This imi)ortant Association numbers one hundred and sixty members. Its rooms are above the Moline State Savings Bank and are provided with a good library and with various accessories for convenience and amusement.

Mr. Corjni is a member of the Knights of Columbus, in which he is now Granil Knight of Leo Council, No. 716, Moline. Illinois. In the year 1898 he paid a visit to the old home state in Belgium, meeting incidentally Miss Marie Cecelia De\'oghelaere, daughter of his former school teacher. Two years later, namely in 1900, lie again visited Belgium, and on the 8th of .Vovemljer of that year was joined in marriage to that lady and set out on a wedding trip to their home in the Western world, and their friends may now find then in their home on Oak Hill. M iline.

Judson D. Metzgar

ONE of Moliiie'.s younger attorney.s, who has achieved success in his profession, and who has acquired a lucrative office and probate practice, is Judson D. Metzgar.

He was born at Port Byron, Illinois, December 5, 1870, and here hi.s parents- Marcellus R. and Mary E. (Brown) Metzgar> resided until he was ten years of age. when they removed to Davenport, Iowa, where they remained three years, going from thence to Moline, which has since been his home.

His early education was obtained in the common schools of Port Byron, the Moline High School of which he is a graduate, as well as of the Port Byron Academy which he attended later. His jjrofessional education was obtained in the Denver Law School. Upon finishing at this latter institution he was admitted to the Bar of Rock Island County in 1894 and to the United States District Court in 1899.

On January 28, 1895, Mr. Metzgar was married in vSan Bernardino, California, to Jliss Alice S. Peterson. Two children were born to them, Mary Alice, aged seven, and Wallace Judson, aged four. He was bereaverl by the death of his wife at Phoenix, Arizona, January 2, 1904, where she had gone in an effort to recuperate her failing health.

Mr. Metzgar's church affiliation is with the First Baptist Church of Moline. He is also a member of the Yovmg Men's Christian Association of that City. He is a member of the Redmen, the Moline Club, the Highland Gun Club and the Moline Retail Merchants' Association.

Mr. Metzgar has never lieen a i:)olitical aspirant, the on'v office lie ever held lieing an appointive one by the Mayor of Moline as Director of Riverside Cemetery of that City, an office he held for seven vears.

Edgar H. Wilson

BORN at Depauville, Jefferson County, New York, January 28, 1874, Edgar H. Wilson came to Moline, Illinois, with his parents, (ieorge T. and Mary E. Wilson, in the year 1892. He was educated in Lowville Academy, Lowville, New York. Leaving school at the age of seventeen he entered the service of Grant & Mould, grocers, at W^atertown. New York, with whom he remained for three years when the family moved west. .

.Arriving at Moline, Mr. Wilson was employed as clerk in the grocery store of George L. Benson at 1620 Third Avenue; at the ex])iration of three years he purchased the stock and fixtures of Mr. Benson and conducted the business on his own hook until Septemlier, 1902, when he, in company with C. W. Wright, organized the Wright Carriage Body Company and built that well known plant with Mr. Wright as Manager and Mr. Wilson as Secretary and Treasurer. Since Mr. Wright's retirement from the concern in 1904 Mr. Wilson has been in sole charge of factory and office.

In the year 1898, on Thanksgiving Day, Mr. W^ilson was joined in marriage to Miss Emma Wright, daughter of C. W. Wright, of the above Comjjany. In politics Mr. Wilson is a Republican ; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he officiates as organist; he is also a member of the Young Men's Christian Association, and of the Doric Lodge, No. 319, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

THE evolution of Rock Island County from an untamed wilderness into a popidous, highly inijiroved and well ordered community has occup e 1 but a brief span of years. There are those now living who were here in time to aid in the beginning of the struggle against the forces of nature. And yet there has been time for families to grow up. children and grandchildren, and even great grandchildren to be born, reared and scatter west, north and south to people other lands. Such has been the history of the descendants of Jonathan Buffum, a pioneer of the thirties. He came to Stephenson, as Rock Island was known then, frnni the east, in 1835. at a time when there were but a few straggling houses here. He established the first hotel, or rather tavern, in the settlement and at this place, so family tradition runs, dinner was provided for the gang of men who built the first house erected on the site of Davenport.

Jonathan Buffum was the father of a large family and there are today many descendants scattered throughout the country. Almon Atwood Buffum is one of the few who still live in the county. He is a son of Seth R. and Henrietta (Atwood) Buffum. His father was born in Ohio and came to Illinois in 1826. His mother was a native of Vermont, taking up her residence in Illinois in 1847. The son was born in Knox County, Illinois, August 26, 1849, and the greater part of his early life was spent in Andausia, where he obtained a common school education. January 1, 1873, he married Amanda Weaver, who died in 1902. Four children were the result of the union. Este E., Bertha, wife of Lorenzo Chambers; Ruth, and Paul. Mr. Buffum settled on a farm in Black Hawk soon after his marriage and has engaged in agricultvu-al pursuits ever since. He is a spiritualist and is independent in politics. m ^ ^

Presley Greenawalt

PRESLEY GREENAWALT, ca.shicr of the Rock Island Savings Bank, was boni May 31, 1858, at Wyoming. Stark Coimty, Illinois, the son of Henry Andrew and Maria

Calwell Greenawalt. In the public schools of Wyoming he obtained his education, leaving his studies at the age of fourteen to enter the printing office of the Wyoming Post. In 1882 he removed to Rock Island and secured a position as bill clerk witli the Rock Island it Peoria Railroad. After a few months he was made cashier in the local freight office. from wliich iio.sition he was successively promoted to agent at Toulon, agent at Rock Lsland. and finally to cashier and paymaster for the road. In 1892 he resigned to enter the shoe lousiness in Rock Island. At the end of a year he dispo.sed of his store and took charge of the books of the Rock Island Savings Bank. He was made cashier in 1895, and still holds that position.

Mr. Greenawalt has given much attention to fraternal work. He is a member of Trio Lodge, No. 57, Ancient Free and Acce])ted Masons, and served as master during the year 1899. He is connected with the Odd Fellows and filled the office of noble grand one term. In the National Union he held the office of secretary for a number of years and is now treasurer. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Globe and Bankers' Life Insurance Company.

Martin Schoonmaker

MrCH has lieen written in this historical work of the banks aiul bankers of Rock Island and Moline. However, in estimating the financial strength of Rock Island County the i)anks and bankers of its smaller mtmici]ialities are deserving of very ])rominent mention, for they are the tributaries of larger financial institutions and have an important part in swelling the stream of the county's prosperity. To the village bank comes the farmer from the .surrounding countryside and deposits the golden fruits of his toil. I'^-om the proprietor of thai bank its customers may ask and receive soiuid financial advice. He is their friend anrl adviser as well as their banker. The farm loan, that solid rock of financial investment, is placed with him, or is negotiated through some larger lianking institution through his agency. I'pon the stability and security of these smaller banks, as well as upon the honor and integrity of those in control of them, rests the whole superstructio'e of the confidence and trust reposed in them.

With these thoughts in mind we are now to consider the life and character of Martin Schoonmaker, the l>anker at the Village of Reynolds in this county, one of Rock Island County's most influential citizens. He was born October 21, 1834, in Green County, New York, his parents being Christian and Sylvia Schoonmaker. Both Mr. Schoonmaker's parents were natives of this country. His paternal grandfather came to America from Germany at a very early date. Martin Schoonmaker received such education as was afforded at that early time in the common schools of his native county, receiving sound instruction in the common branches of learning.

About April Ki, 18.56, Mr. Schoonmaker left New York State and came to Illinois. locating at once in Rock Island. Ilnancially he was in .sore straits, without either employment or friends. Upon coming to Rock Island he stopped for two or three days with Mr. C. H. Stoddard, a man very prominent in Rock Island County before his death. Mr. Stoddard informed the young man that there was plenty of employment to be obtained at or near the village of Edgington, which was just opening up as a farming conmuiiiity. Meeting Mr. Daniel Edgington, after whom the village was named, upon the streets of Rock Island, arrangements were made with him to take the young stranger down into the lower end of the county. He accompanied Mr. Edgington to his farm, and after remaining there for a day or two found employment with Mr. Mathias Agy, a neighboring farmer, to whom lie hired out at a salary of sixteen dollars a month. The employment only continued for two months, when our young adventurer was again seeking work. He found employment very speedily at the store of a Mr. Burrall, and here he received seventy-five cents a day for his toil. Afterward Mr. Schoonmaker owned this store, but as he himself says, it was in those early days of his struggle beyond the wildest dreams of his ambition. After he left the employ of Mr. Burrall the young man went to work for a Doctor Tyler, who owned a large farm in the lower end of the county. Here he was engaged in the laborious occupation of mowing hay with a scythe, this being long before the era of the mowing machine and the hayloader. For this work he was to receive seventy-five cents per acre. Again, as Mr. Schoonmaker himself says, at that time he wovdd have considered any man who would have prophesied that he would own such a farm as that little short of insane, yet in due course of time, this very farm upon which he had toiled for Dr. Tyler, came into his possession .

After some years of farming Mr. Schoonmaker entered the agricultural implement business at Edgington. From that he branched out into the general mercantile business. Then he entered the livery business at Muscatine, Iowa, later returning to the mercantile l)usiness at Edgington, and later at Reynolds. Then lie entered the grain business, and this he followed for twenty-one years. In the meantime Mr. Schoonmaker started the Reynolds bank, the first bank ever in that village. At first this was operated as a private banking institution, and it continued to be so operated for about ten years. At the expiration of that time .Mr. Schoonmaker sold out his business interests, iiK-ludirifi the hank and the grain business, his intention heinu; to retire upon the competence that he had acquired through his industry and sagacity, and to enjoy a well earned rest from the cares of business life. This he did for a time, and being opportuned by some of the Reynolds citizens to open a State bank, he yielded to their requests, and proceeded to complete the organization of the State bank. Subscription for the bank stock was very soon completed, and at the first meeting of the stockholders of the new institution Mr. Schoonmaker was luianiniously elected the bank's first president. This office he has held ever since.

Mr. Schoonmaker. during his long business career at Reynolds, has been one of that village's most public spirited citizens. To him probalily more than to any other single individual is due the credit of building up the village. He alwaj's had a firm faith in its future, and never hesitated to put his money into building enterprises. He has had built eleven dwelling houses, a large grain elevator and a bank building, a business block and office building.

In political faith Mr. .Schoonmaker was, in his early years, a staunch Democrat, but differing with the majority of his party on some of the issues it advocated, he left its ranks and has ever since voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Schoonmaker has held several public offices in Rock Island County, and although they were in fact minor offices, and somewhat local in their nature, they serve to demonstrate the esteem and regard in which he was held by his neighbors. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors for eight years and chairman of the Jioard committee at the time of the building of the new court house in this comity. The lionds voted for this enterprise were $125,000. which issue, through Mr. Schoonmaker's agency, were sold for $130,000 to H. N. Harris & Company, of Chicago, a very advantageous financial operation for Rock Island County. February 12. 1S60, Mr. Schoonmaker was married to Miss Elizabeth I^outtinghouse, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bouttinghouse, Sr. He was bereaved by the death of his wife .luly (5. 1S70, after ten years of happy married life. On February 29, 1876, Mr. Schoonmaker married Miss Jennie C. Smith. Five children were born of this second marriage, three of whom are living: Elizabeth, Laura and ^lartin Fay. The daughter, Elizabeth, is now the wife of T. I. Ash.

In bringing to a close this biographical sketch it seems that no words of flattery are necessary to gloss over Mr. Schoonmaker's long and honorable career. He has spent a long and useful lifetime in Rock Island County. He is so well known that his life and character speak for themselves. Coming to this county at an early daj^ he found natural opportunities which he improved, and he is now enjoying the natural and wellmerited reward of his foresight.

Robert Ward Olmsted

A(!OOD mental and physical equijuuent. unflagging energy, and temperate haljits have been leading factors in the elevation of Robert Ward Olmsted, from a poor boy, dependent upon his own resources, to the honored position of judge of Rock Island County. Born on a farm in Edgington Township, Rock Island County, Illinois, May 6, 1868, he became almost, if not quite, selfsupporting at the tender age of thirteen, and though employed early and late for the greater part of each succeeding year of his youth, he cultivated studious habits, and by close ajiplication to his books, both in and out of school, and by strict economy, he seciu'ed an education. Having done this, his advancement was rapid.

County, Ohio. He was left an orphan at an early age and grew to manhood in Defiance County, Ohio. He came to Knox County. Illinois, in 1856, and to Rock Island County in 1860. He was successively school teacher, farmer, merchant, postmaster of Milan, Illinois, insurance agent and for the la.st twelve years has been deputy sheriff and bailiff of the circuit and county courts.

The foundation of the Olmsted family in America was laid by three brothers of English Puritan stock, who removed to this continent in the seventeenth century, one of the brothers being a pioneer settler of Hartford, Connecticut. The mother of our subject was born March 22, 1844, near Viola, Mercer County, Illinois, her parents, who were of Scotch-Irish descent, coming to Illinois from Mercer County, Penn.sylvania.

The son at the age of thirteen began work as cutter l)oy in a paper mill at Milan, l)eing employed twelve hours a day and earning at first but $4.50 per week. During the next three succeeding summers he was employed in another paper mill, on a farm and in a drug store. Then he was assistant postmaster at Milan and at Reynolds, Illinois, for two years; at the age of eighteen, taking up school teaching near Milan. In February, 1887, he entered the Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanics Arts at Ames, and after four years graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science. While in college he earned practically all the money required to carry him thi-ough. In 1890-91 he was teacher in the Northern Iowa Normal School at Algona. and the following year he was princii)al of the public schools in Milan. Then for three years he was superintendent of schools of Orange City, county seat of Sioux County, Iowa. Prior to this, in 1891- 92, he studied law with Jackson it Hurst in Rock Island, and while at Orange City he comjileted his course vmder L. D. Hob.son. an attorney of that place. In 1895 he passed the examination and .lanuarv 16 was admitted to the bar of Iowa. After practicing four years at Orange City he was elected county attorney, and served till shortly before his removal to Rock Island in May, 1899. From 1900 to 1904 he was assistant state's attorney of Rock Island County. In the Spring of 1907 he received the nomination for County Judge at the hands of the Republican party, to fill the unexpired term of Judge E. E. Parmenter, deceased. His election by a handsome majority followed.

While attending Iowa Agricultural College Mr. Olmsted was a cadet, obtaining some military experience. He at one time took first prize in a competitive drill in which his Company participated. During his term of service he rose to the rank of Captain, being by virtue of his commission, a member of the Iowa National Guard. Mr. Olmsted is a Presbyterian, a member of the Broadway Church of Rock Island. In politics he has always allied himself with the Republican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Olmsted married August 25, 1892, Jennie K. Fahnestock, of Lewiston. Illinois. To them four children have lieen born: Margaret, February 7, 1894: Elizal)eth. June 11, 1898; Robert Ernst, December 2, 1899, and Jeanette, October 20, 1903.

Honorable William Payne

F.\RMERS who have been elected to positions of trust and honor are not by any means few in America, but it is the exception that the tiller of the soil continues to be such long after he has won success in any sphere outside his regular calling. The allurements of city life in the great majority of cases quickly overcome the inborn love of nature unadorned and the farmer is known by another name.

held iiKMiihcrshi]) in the Illinois House of H('|)rcs('ntatives and Senate ho remained a farmer. His broad acres in Ziima Township, Hock Island Comity, he still called home, and there he continued to reside and plant and cultivate and reaj) and raise live .stock till he felt it time to retire from active business and from office. Then he exchanged his farm for city jiroperty and liecame a resident of Rock Island.

Mr. Payne was born March S, 1841, at what is now known as Pleasant Valley, Scott County, Iowa, his ])arents being Jeremiah and Letitia (Orr) Payne. They located in Scott County in 1837, the father being a native of New York State, and the mother a native of Ohio. The son received his education in the public schools near his home, and in the Winters of 1859. 1860 attended school at Quincy College, and in 1860 taught school in Posey County, Indiana, and Adams County, Illinois. At the outlireak of the Civil war he joined the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, serving in Company I) during the greater i)art of the fovu- years he sj^ent in the army. After the war he fo\md employment in mercantile establishments and on the farm, till 1875, when he jnu'chased the stock farm in Zuma Townshi]) on which he continued to reside for twenty-five years. In 1901 he rented the farm and has since given his attention to other affairs, spending four years in the South.

Mr. Payne's career as a ])ublic officer began soon after the war. In the sixties he served one term as deputy comity treasurer and two terms as deputy sheriff. In the early seventies he was elected sheriff, and filled that responsible office for two terms. In 1890 he was elected a member of the lower Illinois House, and so well were his constitvients pleased with his work that they sent him back at the end of his first term for another six years, making eight consecutive years. Then they placed him in the Senate, where he held a seat for four consecutive years, retiring in 1902. .\niong other positions of trust Mr. Payne filled was that of president of the Rock Island Agricultural Association, in which capacity he continued several years.

In Masonry the subject of ' this sketch stands high, having attained the thirty-second degree. He holds membership in Rock Island Lodge, No. 658, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons: Rock Island Chapter, No. 18, Royal Arch Masons; Rock Island Commandery, No. 1 8, Knights Templar ; the Oriental Consistory of Chicago, and Kaaba Temjile, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Davenport, Iowa. In addition he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Payne was married Octol)er 26, 1870, to Miss Jennie Wilson, daughter of Major F. Wilson and Asenath (North) Wilson, both old settlers of Rock Island County. Four children born of this union: Frank, farmer and stock raiser of Zuma, married Miss Clara Frels in November. 1901. They have one son, Wilson Payne, born in 1894. Ben, of Rock Island, is single, and has all the Masonic degrees his father has. Lucy, was married in January, 1899, to Honorable Marton Bailey, of Danville. Illinois, and they have two children, Joe Cannon Marton, born in 1900- and Helen, born in 1894. Miss Mabel Payne the youngest of the family, resides at home. fS 'iSi m

Reverend George W. Gue

AM.\N who, while never a jiermanent resident of Rock Island, yet lived in the city long enough to leave a permanent impress there and to be remembered with gratitude by many, was Reverend George W. Gue. for several years pastor of the First Methodist Church, and builder of the present house of worship of that congregation. Honored in various ways by his church he bore his preferment well and earned the love and respect everywhere of those with whom he came in contact.

Rev. Gue

Mr. Giie was born in Neville, Clermont County, Ohio, February 27, 1840, and died at Portland, Oregon, .July 24, lOOl. When ten ycar.s of age, his ]>arent.s removed to Princeville, Peoria County, Illinoi.s. At the age of nine years he had completed an academic education and was admitted to the Central Illinois Conference, being at the time the youngest member of that organization. As the years passed he was assigned to the most important posts in the conference and served also as presiding elder. In 1862 he enlisted as a private in the Union army, being soon promoted to Chaplain of the One Hundred and Eighth Illinois Regiment. In later years he often proudly mentioned the fact that he was the youngest Chaplain in the Army. Serving throughout the war, Mr. Gue returned with his Regiment to Peoria in 1865, and was there mustered out. Afterward he became prominent in Grand Army circles in the State, serving one term as department Chaplain. He also published a book entitled "Our Country's Flag."

Mr. G-ie was for a number of years presiding eldt of the Kankakee district. He was transferred to the Oregon conference in 1891, and took charge of Grace Church at Portland. After three years service he was chosen presiding elder and served the full term, afterv-rd resuming his duties as pastor with the ; ntenary Church at Portland. It was while waiting at the depot to meet returning Epworth League delegates, who had been at a meeting at San Francisco, that heart failure overcame him and he died. Mr. Ciue was a delegate to three general conferences of the Ame ican Methodist Church, those of 1880, 1888 and 1898, and was elected a delegate to the Ecumenical Council of the church which met in London, England, in the September following his death.

Daniel M. Sechler

DANIEL M. SECHLER, founder of the D. M. Sechler Carriage Company, of Moline, Illinois, was born March 4, 1818, at Danville, Pennsylvania, and died at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 27, 1903.

Mr. Sechler's forefathers, in the days of the persecution of John Huss, were obliged to flee for refuge from Austria, taking up their abode in Holland, from which country, in 1685, Mr. Sechler's great great grandfather emigrated to America, locating near William Penn's town of Philadelphia. His grandson, .John Sechler, a revolutionary soldier, founded the town of Danville, the birthplace not only of the subject of this sketch, but also of his father, Rudolph Sechler, and his mother, Susannah (nee Douty).

Daniel M. Sechler's early education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, supplemented by several terms in the local academy.

At seventeen years of age he began his apprenticeship at the carriage maker's trade, in the City of Port Deposit, Maryland. Four years later he entered into a co-partnership with a Mr. Ball, under the firm name of Ball it Sechler, Carriage Manufacturers, at Milton, Pennsylvania. During this period Mr. Ball died. Mr. Sechler continued the business for three years thereafter, producing from fifty to seventy-five carriages per year, and then disposing of his establishment, removed to Wooster, Ohio, where he lived in retirement for a time. Later he operated a foundry in Adams County, Ohio, and in 1852 he took the management of the pattern department of a large machine shop at Ironton, Ohio, and in 1854 erected the Star Nail Mill - now the Bellefont Iron Works - for a company at that jilace, being the first nail mill erected in Ohio. He continued there until the year 1S5S, when he removed to Cincinnati, where he opened a large wholesale and retail store, as agent for a rolling mill, located at Pomeroy, Ohio, and iron furnaces in the vicinity of Ironton and Pomeroy.

In the year 1S67 Air. Sechler became a partner in the Swift Iron & Steel Works, at Newport, Kentucky. Two years later, in 1869, we find him interested in the manufacture of pig iron, in Montgomery- County, Tennessee, and in 1877 he returned to his original business of manufacturing carriages, under the firm name of Sechler & Company, at Cincinnati, Ohio.

Operating this establishment successfully for a period of ten years, he sold out his interest, with the intention of permanently retiring from active business. Xow ensued a period of travel, during which he, with Mrs. Sechler, visited places of interest in Europe.

Returning home, he soon fotmd that the life of ease which he had ]ilanned for his future was not so pleasant in realization as it had been in expectation. Of vigorous physique and active brain, and habituated to strenuous business life, the ennui of idleness soon became imbearable. He had learned the lesson that work is necessary to happiness, and acting upon this feeling, he once more launched out in business venture, this time selecting Moline. Illinois, as the scene of his operations. Here he established the D. M. Sechler Carriage Company, which stands toda}', the splendid monument to his later and greatest enterprise.

To the two acres of floor space, this thriving manufactory, with a capacity of ten thousand vehicles annually, was added, in 1897, the manufacture of the Black Hawk Corn Planter. . The magnitude of this branch of the business will be understood by that fact that, at the time of Mr. Sechler's death, it was the second largest cornplanter works in the world.

The manufactory, under the management of his son. Thomas M. Sechler. who survives him. has kept pace with the onward sweep of the greatest business concerns of the country, and is today one of the great manufacturing establishments of Moline.

Mr. Sechler's first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison, in 1840. He supported the Whig party until 1856, when he voted for Fremont, from which time on he affiliated with the Republican party, in National politics.

He married Miss Pamela ilackey, of .Milton, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1841. The sole issue of this marriage was Thomas Mackey Sechler, a sketch of whose life appears in this book.

Although Mr. Sechler's home was, to the last, in Cincinnati, he spent much time in Moline. in the oversight of his extensive business. His jjrotracted visits brought him into personal contact with a large number of Moline business men. and resulted in numerous lasting friendships; and his death left a deep sense of loss in all who knew him. Daniel M. Sechler was a courtly gentleman, of the Old School, a man of strict integrity of character, of unvarj-ing honor in business and personal relations, e.xerting a profound and altogether healthful influence upon the business and social life of Moline.

Thomas. M. Sechler

MOLINE is a city of mantifacturers. one of the most prominent of whom is the subject of this sketch, Thomas M. Sechler. He was born October 25, 1841, in Milton, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, at which ]ilace his father. D. M. Sechler, at that time conducted a carriage factory. His father. Daniel Montgomery Sechler, was born at Danville. Pennsylvania, March 4, 181S, and his mother. Pamela

(Mackey) Sechler. was liorn in Rutland Township, Rerks ('(ninty. Pennsylvania. December 19. 1S1!I. She is still living at her home in Cincinnati. Uhio.

T. M. Sechler's paternal great-great-great grandfather came from Holland in 16S5. together with a brother, and settled in William Penn's territory near Philadelphia. The brother settled in North Carolina, and one hundred and seventy-eight years later the descendants of these two brothers w^ere to be found in the ranks of the opposing armies in the war of the Rebellion. The great-grandfather, John Sechler, born March 20, 1739, died December 21, 1831, was a soldier in the American army during the Revolution, from 1776 to 1778. He was born in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and after the close of the Revolutionary war he moved to Columbia County in the same State, where he founded the town of Danville, now the county seat of Montour County.

Mr. Sechler's maternal grandmother, Susannah (Douty) Sechler, was born April 27, 1781, and diofl September 8. 1871. She was descended on her mother's side from John Cooper, one of the ea^ly settlers in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, where he came in 1628. Her father, John Douty, was also a Revolutionary soldier, and was taken prisoner by the British at the capture of Fort Freeland.

His mother's great grandfather, Martin Mackey, a Revolutionary soldier, was killed at the battle of the Brandywine. His son, Andrew ilackey, was an American soldier during the war of 1812. Andrew Mackey's son, Thomas Saylor Mackey, was a lad too young to join the army with his father during the war of 1812, Viut he was afterward a Major in the Pennsylvania militia, and for a time was a magistrate for Northtimberland County. He was a contractor, and built a portion of the Northern Central Railroad, now a jiart of the Penn.s\-lvania System.

attended a school in Ironton. [>awrence County, in the same State. In June, 1860, he graduated from Hughes High School, in Cincinnati, and the following Sejitember he entered the Sophomore class of JIarietta College, from which he graduated July 2, 1S63, ranking third in a graduating class of twelve. During the years he spent at Marietta College he ]nu-sued a classical course. Bishop C. C. McCabe, of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, was one of his teachers at the Ironton High School, and it was at this institution that Mr. Sechler met his future wife, who was also a pupil there.

From 1858 to 1869, and from 1S77 to 1888, Mr. Sechler lived at Cincinnati, the eight years from 1869 to 1877 being spent in Montgomery Comity, Tennessee, w-here he was engaged with others in the manufacture of iron.

As has been stated, Mr. Sechler graduated from ^Marietta College on July 2, 1863. On the eighteenth of the same month he was enrolled in the Union Army and served throughout the war. He served with the Second Ohio Artillery, from which he resigned at the close of the war. holding the rank of First Lieutenant at the time. He saw most of his service in Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee. Part of his time was spent on detached service, he being at different times Acting Assistant Adjutant General, Acting Assistant Quartermaster and Provost Marshal, but he was with his Regiment on all its important moves. He was, however, in only one severe engagement, that being with Wheeler's Cavalry at Calhoun, Tennessee, during the month of August, 1864.

From 1866 to 1869 Mr. Sechler was engaged in business wnth his father at Cincinnati, and from 1869 to 1877, as has been said, he was in the iron industry at Montgomery County, Tennessee. From November 1877, to December, 1888, he was a member of the firm of Sechler & Company, carriage manufacturers, at Cincinnati, his father being

Historic Rock 1 Sla X D County

On January 8, 1889, eighteen months later, T. M. Sechler came to Moline to join his father in the business that he had already established there, ever since which time he has been a resident of that city. His first connection with the Moline firm was as Yice- President of that industry, but upon the death of his father in 1903 he succeeded him as President of the institution, which office he has held since that time. He is also President of the Wright Carriage Body Company, a director in the Mutual Wheel Company, all Moline industries, besides holding stock in several other factories in that city.

He was married at Ironton, Ohio, June 7, 1866, to his former schoolmate, Miss Juliet McCullough, daughter of Addison McCullough, one of the leading iron manufacturers at that place. His wife's four great grandfathers were Revolutionary soldiers, and she is a member of the Moline Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sechler. two sons who died in infancy, and one daughter. Mary Addie, now the wife of Mr. Howard O. Edmonds, Assistant Secretary of the Northern Trust Company, of Chicago.

Mr. Sechler has never been an aspirant for political honors, the only officer he ever held being school trustee in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and at the same time he was also postmaster at ^'ernon Furnace, a town in that county. Although not an office seeker himself, Mr. Sechler has always been a staunch and loyal Republican, his first vote being cast for Abraham Lincoln during the time he was in the army in 1864. He is a strong adherent to the principles of his party and has never failed to support its candidates for President since he cast his first vote.

In religious faith Mr. Sechler was originally a Presbyterian, but upon coming to Moline he became connected with the First Congregational Church of that City, to which he has given his allegiance ever since.

He has been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic since 1880, first joining that organization at Cincinnati, and upon removal to Moline transferring his membership to the Post at the latter city. Wliile at Cincinnati he filled various Post offices, from officer of the day to Post Commander, and was also chief mustering officer of the Department of Ohio. He represented Ohio in the Council of Administration during the last year of his residence there. He also belongs to the Loyal Legion, holding his membership in Ohio.

Besides these organizations, Mr. Sechler belongs to the Moline Club and to the National Association of Carriage Builders, in which for three j'ears he was a vice-president.

Mr. Sechler is a man of marked administrative ability. The industries which he controls are prosperous and thriving ones, their increase and growth being continuous and steadv. He is one of the men to whom Moline owes the distinguished position she holds in the galaxy of manufacturing cities of America. ^ 5i S§

Reverend Thomas Mackin

REVEREND THOMAS MACKIN was born in County Armagh. Ireland, January 4, 1841, the son of Daniel and Ann Mackin. His rudimentary education was received in the Government schools of his native land, and upon his completion of the course afforded there, he turned to teaching as a means of livelihood, and to pave the way for t^ie attainment of wider educational advantages. In 1861 Thomas Mackin came to America, settling in Leland, Illinois. Here his brother James, was engaged in the dry goods, commission and land business. It was during war time and they did an extensive business. Thomas, however, despite that he was on the road to sure fortune in the business, was not content to devote his life to commercial pursuits. He craved knowledge, and ' his studious nature and literary inclinations developed a desire for the priesthood. With a view to fitting himself for holy orders, first he entered Notre Dame University, but remained there only a brief period, when he enrolled at Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia. Here he received his classical education - graduating at the head of his class in 1871. His diploma was conferred by General William Tecumseh Sherman. He was made Bachelor of Arts in 1871, by the university, and Master of Arts in 1888. From Georgetown he went to St. Mary's, Baltimore, Maryland, to complete his theological studies, and was ordained in Chicago by Bishop Foley August 18, 1874. Immediately after his ordination he was made assistant at St. Patrick's Church, Chicago, remaining in that position three years. He was then sent to Lena, Illinois, where he had charge of a church, and six out-missions. Father Mackin came to Rock Island Se])- tember 14, 1877, to take the rectorship of St. Joseph's Church, succeeding Father Josejih Rolls. Fifteen years ago Father Mackin, who had remained continuously as pastor of St. Joseph's Church, was made a dean and irremovable rector by Bishop John Lancaster Spaulding, of the Peoria diocese.

He was ever a lover of education, and one of his first works on coming to Rock Island was to establish St. Joseph's Parochial School, the first successful school of its kind in Rock Island. Later he endowed a scholarship in the Spaulding Institute at Peoria (a school for boys), and has the honor of endowing the first permanent scholarship of the Villa de Chantel (a school for j'oung ladies).

Father Mackin leaves to his parish a church with valuable property abutting on the north side, a handsome school on Second Avenue, and Calvary Cemetery. K JS Si

Harry P. Simpson

HARRY P. SIMI'SON, editor of the Rock Island Argus, was born in Davenport, Iowa, on July 6. 1863, and moved to Rock Island in 1887. He attended the public schools in his native city, and while yet in high school he develo]ied a decided taste for newspaper work, serving as reporter on a society paper called the Saturday Afternoon People. His work attracted attention and he was offered a position on the staff of the Davenport Gazette, which he accepted, representing that paper in a reportorial capacity in Rock Island and Moline. A little later he was made city editor of the Gazette and held that position for two years. He later served as city editor of the Davenport Herald. In 1887 he removed to Rock Island, having become city editor of the Argus. The Argus was then owned and edited by the late John W. Potter. After his death, in 1898, publication was continued by the J. W. Potter Company, consisting of Mrs. M. E. Potter, H. P. Simpson and the late James J. LaVelle, with Mr. Simpson as editor, a position he has filled to the present time with conspicuous ability and success. On August 12, 1884, Mr. Simpson was married to Miss Ella P. Skiles, daughter of H. M. G. and Eliza J. (McKissen) Skiles, a woman of beautiful character antl many accom])lishments, a devout member of the Episcopal Church, and whose untimely death, February 21, 1903, is mourned by a large circle. Two daughters, Miss Mary E. S mpson and Miss Dorothy B. Simpson, live to bless the union so happily formed. Mr. Simpson is the son of Joseph L. and Eliza A. (Purcell) Simpson the former a native i)f Missouri and the latter of South Carolina. Both are now deceased. The paternal grandfather. Dr. Robert Simpson, was a pioneer physician in St. Louis, Missouri, and one of the earlier sheriffs of St. Louis County. The maternal grandfather was a lawyer in South Carolina and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mr. Simpson is a member of the Tri-City Press Club, the Rock Island Club, the Press Club of Chicago, and the Illinois Press Association, and enjoys the friendship and esteem of a large acquaintance. His fraternal affiliation is with the Modern Woodmen and the National LInion.

Captain John Burgess Davis

AA /THEX the great West was yovmg the ^y Mississip))! River, as the principal gateway to it and almost the sole means of conveying its products to the outside world was the center of commercial life. Men who followed the river were participants in stirring events and their work was fraught with an importance in the eyes of the public that we of today can little realize. To be a steamboat captain in the fifties and sixties invested the individual with a dignity as great as that accorded to the average raih'oad magnate nowadaj's.

Captain John Burgess Davis earned his title when the great stream was at its best, and there were few who \\on greater honors than he for his calling. Among his most notable achievements was the taking of the first boat up the ilinnesota River to Big Stone Lake; thence into the Red River of the North, and the construction of the first wing dam on the Mississip])i. The boat he took into the Red River was tlie "Freighter." It was in 18.59 that he navigated through Big Stone Lake into the Northern stream. The first wing dam was built some years later, in 1873, when he was in charge of a Government fleet, anil it was located three miles below St. Paul, at Pig's Eye Island. This method of improvement, which he was the first to use on the L'pper Mississippi, has since been generally adopted and has done more than any other device in giving a uniform channel for steamboat navigation.

Born in Pennsylvania, in 1800, the father removed early in life to Kentucky, and for a number of j-ears commanded a boat plying between Pittsburg and New Orleans. On one of these trips up from the southern metropolis he was stricken with yellow fever and died, in 1835. The son was born at ilaysville. Kentucky. April 19, 1828, and died at Rock Island, Illinois, November 26, 1890. River life appealed to him from a boy, and at an early age he was given command of a boat running between Cincinnati and St. Louis. Within a few years he became o«Tier of the line. In 1858 he turned his attention to the Upper ilississippi and established a packet line between St. Louis and St. Paul. At that time he came to Moline and made his home there one 3-ear, returning then to Kentucky. He retained his interests on the Father of Waters, however, and was at St. Paul when the war of the Rebellion broke out. Though a southerner by birth and education, he enlisted when the first call for troops came, in the Second Minnesota Regiment, entering the service as Captain of Company F, July 8, 1861. He was promoted to the rank of Major November 5, 1862. At the battle of Chickamauga he fought in .General Thomas' Division, and after his horse was shot under him he was wounded so severely that he was carried from the field and sent home. He did not recover sufficiently to enable him ti rejoin his commanel. and was mustered out April U). 1S64. Honondije mention and his war record is given in ' " Minnesota in tlie Civil War," a book published by the State of Minnesota to jireservp a record of its soldiers.

In 1S66 Captain Davis resumed steamboating, conducting a line of his own from Memphis, Tennessee, up White River to Augusta, Arkansas. He made his home at Memphis till 1873, when he removed once more to Rock Island and entered the U. S. Government service, in the capacity of Captain of the United States Steamer -Montana. For three years he served under Colonel Macomb of the United States Engineer Corps, then in cliarge of the Upper Mississippi River Improvement. In 1877 he took a Government contract to convey up the Missouri, Yellowstone and Little Big Horn Rivers (the latter never before navigated), the material for the building of Forts Custer and Keough, in Montana, the freight being secured at Bismarck, Dakota, then the Western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This was immediately after the Custer massacre, when the region in which he operated was full of great peril. Captain Davis, however, knew no fear, and fulfilled his contract with promptness and with satisfaction to all concerned. Then he returned to Rock Island and became connected with the Diamond Jo Packet Company, commanding one of its best steamers nuining between St. Louis and St. Paul. In ]SS,3 his services in another arduous undertaking were demanded and he accepted an offer from the Hudson Bay Fur Company to superintend a line of boats on the Saskatchewan River, in Canada. He had been thus engaged for two years when the Riel rebellion broke out and the Canadian Government secured his services in transporting troops on the South Saskatchewan, a stream which had never before been navigated. After the capture of Riel and the collapse of the rebellion, Captain Davis once more returned to Rock Island and to the employ of "Diamond Jo" Reynolds. Being ajjpointed master of the "Libbie Conger," he commanded that boat one season and then served in a similar capacity on the "Sidney." In 1888 he resigned to become associated with a syndicate of capitalists in the construction of a steel hull packet, whicli was intended to be used for passenger business only and was expected to work a revolution in transportation between St. Louis and St. Paul. This project was never consummated, for the Captain yielded to the wishes of his family and turned his attention from the river to other enterprises. For two years prior to his death he was associated with his sons, T. B. and S. S. Davis, in developing an electric light and power plant in Rock Island and Moline.

Captain Davis was united in marriage with Miss Anna E. Sharpe, March 13, 1855. His wife was the daughter of Dr. Samuel K. Sharpe, a prominent physician and surgeon. Both her parents were natives of Kentucky, their home being for many years at Maysville. They first came to Rock Island in 1857 and remained three years in Rock Island and Moline, during which time Dr. Sharpe practiced his profession. They then returned to Kentucky and resided there till 1875, when they took up their permanent residence in Rock Island. Mrs. Sharpe died at Rock Island June 6, 1881, at the age of seventyfive years. Dr. Sharpe passed away in Rock Island May 22, 1890, at the age of ninety years. He was an exceptionally strong man, mentally and physically, and was of pronounced religious views, giving adherence to the Presbyterian Faith.

Five children were born to Captain and Mrs. Davis, two daughters dying in infancy. The survivors are T. B. Davis, S. S. Davis, and Mary Davis, all of Rock Island. Captain Davis was essentially a man of action. Bearing responsibilities never detracted from his good nature, and angry words and fault finding were alike foreign to him.

Kind hearted and generous to a fault, always ready to aid others to the full extent of his ability, and never seeking publicity or preferment, won for him the good will and personal popularity he enjoyed wherever he was known

Benjamin Franklin Knox

THE mission of liie undertaker, riglitly estimated, is not less one of helpfulness and comfort than of the mere bur_ving of the dead for a price. \'iewed in the higher aspect it is on a plane with that of the family physician, and but little less sacred than that of the minister of the gospel. The projjer discharge of the duties calls for tact and genuine human sympatliy. The conscientious funeral director who labors for a long term of years in a community comes, through association in most trying times, to know the people intimate!}' and to be their friend, regardless of their social position.

Such a man is B. F. Knox, who for thirtyfive years has been actively engaged in the undertaking business in Rock Island. Few, indeed, in the county are better known than he, and few have more close ])ersonal friends. Taking up the work with his father when but twenty years of age he has steadily followed the vocation since, and in his long term of service has at one time or another been called into perhaps two-thirds of the homes of Rock Island and the surrounding country. His standing in his home city may tie judged by the fact that he has repeatedly been given jMiblic office, serving two terms as Mayor.

B. F. Knox was born in Rock Island December 3, 1852. and has never resided elsewhere. His education was secured in the ])ublic schools of the city. AMien he first set out to earn his own living he worked in a grocery store. Later he had charge of the office of the Rock Ishmd Union. In 1872 he took up the undertaking business with his father, Charles H. Knox, who was then advancing in years. The elder 'Wr. Knox was born June 27, 1818, and died .May 28, 1890. His wife, Mary Gohram Knox, was born September 14, 1819, and died April 20, 1893. The son worked with his father till the latter's death and thereafter conducted tlie business for the estate luitil the alTairs

Mr. Knox has been a Republican and a Methodist ever since old enough to form an opinion on such matters. His first public office was as chief of the volunteer fire department of Rock Island, in which capacity he served in 1886 and 1887. He was elected alderman from the Fifth Ward in 1889. and at the end of the term was re-elected, serving continuously till 1893. He was first elected Mayor in 1895. and held the office for the term of two years. In 1901 he was again similarly honored, completing his second term in 1903.

Of a congenial disposition, Mr. Knox delights in fraternal work. He holds membershi]) in the Odd Fellows. Modern Wooden of America, Knights of the Globe, North Star Benefit Association, the Eagles and the Elks. In nearly all he has held responsible offices. He is ]iast exalted ruler of the Rock Island Elks, and twice represented them at the grand lodge.

"Sir. Knox, February 19, 1875, at Rock Island, married Miss Emma Minter, and the children born of this union are: Lillian, wife of S. R. Kenworthy, of Rock Island; Oeorge S., who died July 2, 1900, and Mary A. and Harry T., at home.

James A. Wendell

To the subject of this sketch more than to any other jierson. ]ierhaps, is due the fact that the finest jilant in the United States for the manufacture of table oil cloth is now located in Rock Island. Diu'ing a long career as traveling salesman for an eastern uumufacturer he was impressed with the advantages of the upper Mississippi valley as a site for a factory, and it was the soundness of his reasoning which impressed the officers of the Standard Oil Cloth Company and led to the location of the present factory oil the Father of Waters at H,)ck Island.

J. A. Wendell

James Augustus Wendell, sales agent for the Rock Island plant of the Standard Oil Cloth Company, and a stockholder of the Company, was born at Bethlehem, Penn.sylvania, October 23, 1848, the son of Joseph Wendell, a ])rominent merchant of Bethlehem. In the public schools of his native city, Bethlehem Academy and the Alleiitowii (Pennsylvania) Seminary, he obtained a good general education, and at the age of seventeen entered the employ of a wholesale boot and shoe house at Philadelphia. Starting as errand boy he rose successively to bookkeeper, traveling salesman and junior partner, this last ]:)osition l)eing reachetl in 1871. The panic of 1873, however, swej^t the firm under and our subject became traveling salesman for a wholesale boot and shoe house at Easton, Pennsylvania. In 1877 Mr. Wendell went to New York, where he took a lucrative position as head bookkeeper in an e.xtensive coffee and spice importing house. After four years he made another change, becoming bookkeejier for the Atha it Hughes table oil cloth manufacturing concern at Newark, New Jersey, with headquarters at New York. This he did to escape the confinement of office work, being promised the first vacant territory as traveling salesman.

In 1883 the promise was fulfilled and Mr. Wendell took a road position in which his ability quickly manifested itself. He remained with this concern till 1900, when it was purchased by the Standard people. In this period he traveled in every section of the I'nited States, and always met with success. The transfer of the business did not affect his work and he continued in the same cajiacity under the new owners. While with Atha it Hughes he had advocated the advisability of erecting a factory on the Mississip])! liiver, and it seemed at one time that his dream w.as to be realized. Then the opportunity to sell came and the project was dropped. The same plan was later laid before the Standard Table Oil Cloth Company, and Rock Island was suggested as the site on account of its advantages a.s a distributing ]5oint. Eventually another man was sent to the Mississippi valley to select a location for a factory and he, too, recommended Rock Island. Thus it came al)out that in 1902 the Rock Island factory was erected and Mr. Wendell was sent west to sell its products. The new plant has a capacity of 2, .500 pieces of twelve yards each, daily, and it has never been idle a day on account of lack of orders.

In 1902 Mr. Wendell was sent to Europe by his employers to gather new ideas and find new markets for the firm's wares. He was given a free hand and covered twelve countries of central Europe in one hundred days, his missio!i being an unqualified success.

The subject of this sketch was married July 23, 1871, uniting with Anna R. Shemelia, daughter of Michael Shemelia, of Camden, New Jersey. The couple have three children : Mary Charlotte, wife of William A. Drabble, of Newark, New Jersey; Lillian Hazleton, wife of William T. VanArsdale, general agent for the ilutual Benefit Life Insurance Coml)any, with offices at Peoria; and Elliott Hughes, a graduate of Yale in the class of 1905, and now also in the employ of Charles Scribner's Sons, New York City.

Mr. Wendell is a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church, of Rock Island. He is a member and trustee of Rock Island Lodge, No. 980, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also holds membership in the Rock Island Club.

Edwin B. Knox

ONE of the earliest born residents of Rock Island County is Edwin B. Knox, of Moline. Since October 15, 1842, when he first saw the light of day at Rock Island,

Mr. Knox has continuously made his lionie in one of these two cities or their immediate vicinity. At the time of his birth, Rock Island, then known as Stephenson, was but a fair sized village and iloline but a settlement. His parents, Charles B. and Mary (Gorham) Knox, then lived in the middle of the present block east of Twentieth street, opposite Spencer Square, and the son first attended school in a small brick school house in the middle of Spencer Square. Later he pursued his studies in the basement of the old Methodist Church, located in the early fifties in the northwest corner of the same square. He finished the common branches at what was the first high school erected in the city at Seventh Avenue and Twentyfirst Street.

The i^arents of our subject came to Stephenson in the Spring of 1842, their financial resources consisting at the time they landed from the steamboat that had brought them from St. Louis, of a single shilling. The father, though a cabinet maker of ability, sought work at anything that offered, putting much of the time for the first two or three sea.sons digging wells for the new settlers, and making furniture at odd moments, till he secured a start.

Charles B. Knox was born at Blandford , Massachusetts, June 27 1818. and died May 28, 1890. He was a grandson of four brothers who came to America from Scotland soon after the Revolutionary war and settled in the Bay State. ^Mary Gorham was born at Holyoke, Massachusetts September 14, 1819, and died Ajiril 20. 1893, at Rock Island! Her marriage to Mr. Knox took place at Blandford, Massachusetts, April 9, 1839. Six children were born to the couple: Edwin B., John Milton. Theodore. Curtis B.. Samuel P., and B. Frank Knox. John Milton and Theodore died in infancy and the others are still living.

public schools of Rock Island. The Summer he was twelve years of age he set out as a bread winner, working at a brick yard conducted by John Atkinson south of town. The following Summer he found employment under John P. Wharton, editor of the Rock Island Advertiser. In the Summer of 1857 Jfr. Knox and Thomas Pilgrim farmed the Brashar place on the Milan road in South Rock Island. In 1858 and 1859 Mr. Knox worked the Erskine Wilson farm just east of Coaltown. Two following 3'ears were spent tilling the soil in what was then the Glen settlement and then our subject returned to Rock Island and began the manufacture of brooms. This he continued till the spring of 1864, when he enlisted. May 3, in Company G, One Himdred and Fortieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving as First Sergeant. On completing his term he again entered the Army with Company G, Fortyseventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being Orderly Sergeant. His last term of enlistment began February 27. 1865, and he was mustered out at Selma. Alaljama. Januarv 21, 1866.

.\fter the close of the war Mr. Knox took 11)) house painting, first with George Alters and later with Henry Boggess as partners. In 1870 he purchased and occupied a fruit farm of thirty acres northeast of Black Hawk's Watch Tower. Four years later he disi)osed of his land and took up his residence in Moline. where he establishetl the undertaking business which he has conducted with great success ever since. For thirty-three 3'ears he occupied the building at 413 Fifteenth Street, having also a picture framing and art novelty establishment. In 1896 he sold the Fifteenth Street property and built a new store and residence at the corner of Eighteenth Street and Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Knox has been many times honored with election to public office. When he had been a resident of Moline for but four years he was. in 1878, chosen to represent the

Historic Roc K Island Co U N T Y.

Tliird Ward in the City Council. He served afi'ain in the same capacity in 1881 and 1882, and in the Spring of 1883 was elected Mayor, succeeding S. W. Wheelock, and served one term. Later he was chosen member of the board of superviors of Rock Ishmd ('(uuity. He also filled the office of president of the board of education of Moline for a term. Mr. Knox is a Republican, uiul a man of influence in the jiarty. He is a meml)er of the Methodist Church. He is a past nol)le grand in Lodge No. 133, Independent Order of Otld I'ellows, and a member of R. H. Graham I'ost, No. 312, Grand .^rniy of tiie Republic, in which he has served two terms as post commander.

Mr. Knox wa.s \uiited in marriage September 15, 1868, with Miss Lizzie Verharen, youngest daughter of Anton and Mary (Lindsey) Verharen. The parents came to America from Germany, their native comitry. and located at East St. Jjouis, where the father died many years ago. The couple were the parents of six children; Henry, Frank and William Verharen, Amelia, wife of Peter Schwin; Gertrude, wife of David Thompson, of Rock Island; and Mrs. Knox. All savethe last named were born in Germany, Mrs. Knox's native city being Alton, Illinois. Of the family, Amelia, Frank and Henry have passed away. The mother died October 17, 1869, at Rock Island. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Knox: Amy, wife of Robert Bennett, Jr., of Rock Island, and Luther C. Kno.x, of Moline. % % %

Walter Johnson

K/Ii:. WALTER .JOHNSON, the subject of I I this sketch, died in Rock Island, November 23, 1!)()3. He was for a third of a century one of the vital forces of the comnuuiity. For twenty-seven years ho occupied the editorial chair of the Daily Union, in which position he at all times was an able and courageous champion of that which he considered right, and calculated to make the community better. His editorial utterances carried weiglit not onlv because of their intrinsic merit and evident fairness in the presentation of the subjects under discussion, but because it was recognized throughout the commnuity that they represented the honest ami calm judgment of a man who in his private life exemplified his l)ublic utterances, and who at all times was actuated by the principles and motives of the Christian gentleman of the highest type.

Mr. Johnson was born in London, England, April 27, 1843, being a. son of John F. and Harriette Augusta (Ryley) Johnson. The elder Mr. Johnson, who was a ribbon manufacturer in England, came to this country in 1851, settling at Welton, Iowa, at whicli place and Lyons, Iowa, he engaged in general merchandising, in connection with farming, until 1862, when he removed to Davenport, where he engaged in the grocery trade until 1867, when he removed to Rock Island, which city was his home until his death in 1888.

Walter Johnson, whose educational opportunities- in England and Iowa were su])plemented by jirivate study, inspired l)y the influence of cultured parents, his mother l)ringing to Welton the first piano ever seen in that section of the country, eai'Iy e\'inced a prediliction for news])a].ier work; but he loyally assisted his father in his mercantile ventures until he attained his majority, when he accepted a ])lace on the staff of the Davenl)ort Democrat. In 1868 he became the local editor of the Daily Union, and his connection with that paper continued until his death, with the exception of the Summer and Winter of 1873, when he was on the editorial staff of the Chicago Inicr-Occan. Returning to Rock Island in the Spring of 1874, he bought a fourth interest in the L^nion Printing Comjiany, which had been organized a few months biM'ore to take o\-er the property from Ca])tain L. .M. Haverstick. Mr. Johnson succeeded Mr. Haverstick as editor ol the Union and continued in the active discharge of the work until his health failed. Mr. Johnson successively purchased the interests of other stockholders until in 1S91, by acquiring the holdings of Mr. H. C. Aslibaugh, he secured control of all the stock.

Mr. Johnson's editorial policy was invariably on a high plane. He al)horred sensationalism, and the parading of happenings of a salacious nature in the columns of the paper, which for such a long period bore the impress of his wholesome personality and estimable character. The community looked upon him as an able advocate of all measures and movements which were calcvdated to minister to the elevation of mankind, and a convincing eham]3ion of the best interests of the community in which he lived. He had the faculty of presenting matters of local concern with a grace and charm peculiar to himself, while his discussion of political to])ics was marked by a luoidity and breath of view which made them valuable contributions to current symposiums. His editorial utterances received additional weight from the fact that the element of personal rancor was ever absent. Of a manly and generous nature he was loyal in his friendships, and chivalrous in his treatment of those who differed with him concerning men and measures. A ReptUilican by conviction, his news])aper. the Union, was recognized as a sound and influential exponent of the party's policies and doctrines.

Beside his constant work in his editorial capacity, Mr. Johnson also gave personal service at the sacrifice of much needed leisure. He took special jileasure in his work as a director of the Pulilic Library. He became a member of the board in 1890, and served continuous!}- until his death. He was a member of the building committee which directed the erection of the present splendiil home of the library. In 1891, when Rock Island, by Congregional enactment, was made a port of entry. President Harrison ajjpointed

Religiously, Mr. Johnson was an Episcojnilian. He was a devout member of Trinity Church, and diligent and useful in the activities of the parish. He served the parish for a number of years as vestryman, and during the last three years of his life as Junior Warden.

Mr. Johnson was married in this city March 22, 1869, to Miss Ellen Head, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Head, who survives, together with two da\ighters. the Misses Harriette A. and Marguerite Johnson. One son, Eliot Leigh Johnson, was drowned in a boating accident on the Mississippi River April 12, 1892, when a boat containing four high school student was upset, resulting in the drowning of Leigh and one of his comrades.

Samuel Shar.Pe Davis

toward developing that City's industries, and whose foresight has been rewardetl in a most substantial manner, one's mind instinctively turns to the subject of our present sketch, Samuel Sharpe Davis.

He was born February 1, 1858, at Covington, Kentucky, his parents being John B. and Anna E. (Sharpe) Davis. To this couple three children were Ixirn: Thomas B., Samuel S., and Mary. The parents were of Scotch-Irish origin. Thomas Bodley Davis, the paternal grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania. In early life he moved to Kentucky, and for some years served as captain of a steamboat plying between Pittsburg and New Orleans on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Uixni one of the trips up river from New Orleans he was stricken with yellow fever, and died before the completion of the journey. At the time of his death he was thirtv-four vears of age.

Historic Rock Island Covxty

The maternal ^randfatlier, Samuel K. Sharpe, was a native of Kentucky. He was a practicing physician and surgeon. The greater part of liis life was spent in Maysville, Kentucky. He removed to Rock Island with his wife in 1S75. Her death occurred in ISSl at the age of seventy-si.x years. Her husband survived her nine years, his death occurring in Rock Island in 1S!)(), at the extreme age of ninety years. Dr. Sharpe was a remarkalily strong man, both physically and mentally, and was of pronounced religious conviction, giving his adherence to the Presliyterian faith. In politics he was a Democrat.

John B. Davis, the father of our subject, followed the calling of his father, that of a river captain, almost his entire life, principally upon the Ohio and Jlississippi Rivers. For some time he had charge of Canadian Government boats carrying the supplies of the Hudson Bay Fur Company on the Saskatchewan River. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, He was promoted to the rank of Major and for nearly three years he served with his Regiment. He was with his Regiment in the battles of Chickamauga, Mill Springs, Corinth and TiUlahoma. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded. During the time that Major Davis served with his Regiment it was attached first to the command of Ceneral Buell and later to that of General Thomas.

After the close of the Civil War Major Davis went to Augusta, Arkansas, and later located at Mem]ihis, Tennessee, in 1868. He settled permanently in Rock Island in 1874. He spent the greater portion of his life upon the river in command of the different river jiackets. After coming to Rock Island he was one of the Diamond Jo Line cajitains until about one year before his death, which occurred in 1890. when he was sixty-one years of age. His wife still makes Rock Island her home. Politically, iMajor Davis

Having thus passed rapidly over the points of interest in the lives of the forebears of our subject, we now come to treat of his life. His education was obtained in the schools of Mem])his, Tennessee, and in Rock Island. In 1873 he was employed as clerk on the steamer Montana, a boat commanded by his father. He continued in thi.s service for several seasons, attending school during the Winter months. In 1876 his father had a Government contract to carry supplies from Bismarck, Dakota, u]5 the Missouri, Yellowstone and Big Horn Rivers to the place where the Custer Massacre occurred. Upon this expedition he was accompanied by his son. Upon their return to Rock Island the son was employed as clerk for J. H. Langley, «ho was agent for a line of boats in the St. Louis and St. Paul trade. On January 1, 1878. he was employed by Thomas Yates in Moline, where he was engaged in the ]")luml)ing and steam fitting business. He continued in this employment until the death of Mr. Yates, which occurred in 1881. Mr. Davis and his brother, Thomas B. Davis, had obtained a number of valuable patents upon steam appliances, and together with Jacob Riley of Rock Island, they formed a partnership known as "Davis & Company." They bought out the business interests of the Yates estate both in Rock Island and Moline. In 1882 the Davis Brothers bought out Mr. Riley's interest in the business and continued it themselves until 1891, when the Davis Company was incorporated by them.

Meanwhile our subject was engaged in many im])ortant operations. He planned and superintended the construction of the Moline water-works, which was begun in the Spring of 1884. He also installed the first electric light plant in the City of Moline. In 1886 he constructed the Davis Block in that citv, and as secretary and manager of the

Merchants' Electric Light Company, liglited the streets of Moline. Eighty arc lights were installed, which superseded the old street gas lamps with which the city had formerly been lighted.

In 18S7 the Peoples Light ^ Fuel Manufacturing Company was organized. Of this organization Mr. Davis was elected secretary and general manager. He purchased the stock of the Moline Gas & Coke Com])any and merged the institution with that of the Merchants Electric Light Company.

In 1888 the Merchants Electric Light Company of Rock Island was organized. In the Autumn of that same year a power plant W"as erected in Moline. so arranged as to utilize that city's splendid water power in its operation. The machinery of the Peoples Light & Fuel ^lanufacturing Company of Moline, as well as that of the Merchants Electric Light Company of Rock Island, was removed to this new ])ower plant. This arrangement led up to the formation of the Peoples Power Company in 1893. This latter organization, which included the companies in which Mr. Davis was alread}^ interested, bought out the Rock Island Brush Electric Light Company and the Rock Island Gas ACoke Company. Both of these plants were removed to Moline. where they were located at the foot of Fourth Street in that city. Mr. Davis planned the reorganization and also the construction of the new plants. He sold his interests in the Peoples Power Company in 1906.

On September 21. 1892, occurred the marriage of Samuel Sharpe Davis and Miss Apollonia Weyerhaeuser, the daughter of Frederick and Sarah Weyerhaeuser. One child has been born of this marriage, a son, Edwin W. Davis.

Mr. Davis in his church allegiance is a Presbyterian and is a trustee of the Broadway Presbyterian Church of Rock Island. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never desired or held public office. Fraternally he is a member of Trio Lodge. Xo. 57, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons: of Barrett Chapter, No. 18. and of Evarts Commandery. No. 18, Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Such are the interesting events in the career of a man who, through business sagacity and acumen, has risen to a commanding position in this locality's financial and industrial circles, ilr. Davis is a man universally liked by all who are acquainted with him. Although at all times a busy man he is easily approachable. In manner he is unassuming and without ostentation. He is one of Rock Island's most public spirited and progressive citizens, and no movement for the real advancement of the city is launched that does not receive his active and hearty co-operation, and w'here the project is one that requires fimmcial subscription his gift is always a liberal one. In fine it may be said that Mr. Davis is preeminently an organizer and an executive, a man of great business talent, and a courteous, kindly gentleman.

Henry Stelck

HKNRY STELCK, a promising young member of the Rock Island County bar, is a native of the City of Rock Island, having been born there February 12, 1878. His father was Peter Stelck and his mother Caroline (Koester) Stelck. Both the parents immigrated to America from Germany. Mr. Stelck, the elder, was born in 1833 in Wisch, Propstei, Schleswig-Holstein. The mother was born in Lensah in the same state in 1845. The father located in Rock Island in 1867, after having for ten years immediately following his removal to America, been a resident of Davenport, Iowa. The parents of the subject of this sketch were married in 1869, the mother dying Mav 27. 1883, and the father January 4, 1897. Of the seven children born to them five are living: Emma, wife of W. W. Harris, of Rock Island; Bertha, wife of Dr. O. P. Sala, of Davenjiort ; Elizabeth f!., and Henry, of Rock Island, and William, of Lakefield. Minnesota.

Our subject obtained his first schooling in the Roessler German school of Rock Island. Later he attended the German Lutheran school and eventually he entered the jniblic schools, from which he graduated in 1894, after completing the high school course. After one year spent as a student at Augustana College he took up the study of law with Wood. Biitterworth & Peek, of Moline. His professional training was completed with a three-year course at Northwestern L^niversity Law School. Shortly after beginning to practice he formed a partnership with M. M. Sturgeon, known as Sturgeon & Stelck. later becoming Sturgeon. Stelck ct Sturgeon which partnership was later dissolved.

In the practice of law Mr. Stelck has manifested more than average ability. He is above all sham and pretense and his honesty and candor have won him friends on all hands. He is a Republican and has been more or less active in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons.

ALMOST the only living indivichial among those earliest settlers who came to Rock Island Comity in the thirties and forties, when the ]iresent City of Rock Island was a small village, known as Stephenson, is Sylvester Washington McMaster, a man whom nearly every man, woman and child throughout Rock Island County knows, either personally or by reputation.

He was liorn October 8. 1811, near Watertown, in Herkimer Countv, New York, and died .January 22, 1908, at the age of ninetysix years. His early life was spent u])on a farm and he received such education as he could in the country schools of that time. At the age of nineteen vears he himself was

Mr. McMaster came West in 18.3.3, traveling liy water from the City of Buffalo in his native State. The canal at that time was completed from Cleveland, Ohio, to Portsmouth, in the same state, and connecting with the Ohio River. Coming first to Cairo, Illinois, Mr. McMaster proceeded to St. Louis, and from thence to Galena, Illinois, on the Mississippi.

At that early day there were but few houses in the village of Stephenson, and but one in what is now Davenjiort, that of Antoine LeClaire. Mr. McMaster spent two years (1833 and 1834) at Galena and then returned to St. Louis, where he spent about two years, from there coming to Stephenson again, and here he made his home until 1841. During this time he was engaged in the mercantile b\isiness. He also served one term as assessor. The store building occupied by the firm of McMaster tt Andrews still stands, it being what is now known as the Roessler building, directly east from the Court House.

In 1840 Mr. McMaster was united in marriage to Miss Jannette Brooks, who died August 17, 1908, at the age of eighty-four years, whose parents had come to Stephenson in 183.5 and dwelt in a log house near the spot wliere the home of the Honorable Ben T. Cable is now located. Mr. and Mrs. McMaster continued to make their home in Stephenson until 1841. when they removed once more to Galena, where Mr. McMaster was engaged in various enterprises of a mercantile nature. Galena was at that time the metropolis of the Northern part of Illinois. The lead mines were at their zenith and the town was very prosperous. In Galena Mr. McMaster was actively engaged in the management of some of the largest and costliest flour mills at that time in the West, and he was also a large stockholder in the iild Xorthern Line steamers.

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

At this time steamboat in^ upon the Mississippi was in tlic full flower of its glory, and the railroad was not a factor in the transportation.

At the outbreak of the Civil War. Mr. McMaster served as a conscript ofhcer. He was not engaged in active service, being at that time beyond the age limit at which volunteers were received for active, military service.

^Ir. and Mrs. McMaster continued to make their home in Galena until 1S66. when, with their family, they returned to Rock Island, and here Mr. McMaster has lived a retired life since that time. He served a number of years as president of the board of education, and was also president of the library board. In the work of the public schools he has always taken the keenest interest, and until very recently was one of the most frequent of visitors throughout the various school buildings of Rock Island.

On May 17, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. McMaster celebrated the sixty-sixth anniversary of their marriage. Their union has been blessed with three children: Mrs. Mary Blackburn, of Rock Island: Mrs. Jannette Bansemer. of Torreon, Mexico; and George McMaster, secretary of the Mutual AVheel Company, at Moline. Illinois.

In religious faith .Mr. .McMaster was a Universalist. but finding that the church of his choice had no house of worship in Rock Island he became an attendant of the Broadway Presbyterian Church.

In politics he was originally a Whig, but joined the Republican party upon its formation, and has been a staunch advocate of its principles since 1856.

He is the author of a book entitled "Sixty Years on the Upper Mississippi," and is one of the very few men who have seen Rock Island grow from a primitive backwoods settlement to what it is today, and his book is full of reminiscences of those early days and of the adventures

Charles R. Nourse

BORX in ^lissouri. reared in Ohio and now engaged in manufacturing in Illinois, three great states have had to do with the career of the subject of this sketch. Charles Robert Nourse was born in St. Louis December 27, 1864. the son of Gilbert D. and Almira J. (Keith) Xourse. When eight years of age the family removed to Cleveland and six years later to Springfield. In the public schools of the two Ohio cities the son obtained his early education. In early manhood he became bookkeeper with a manufacturer of children's carriages at Springfield, and later he became connected with the Whitely interests, then among the most extensive engaged in the manufacture of harvesters.

Leaving Springfield in 1889, Mr. Xourse engaged in various pursuits till 1893, when he removed to Youngsto'mi, Ohio. Here he took a position with the United Engineering and Foundry (^ompany and remained for eleven years. In 1904 he removed to Rock Island to assume charge of the new plant of the Standard Oil Cloth Company, in which capacity he has met with unqualified success.

-Mr. Xourse is one of the many workers who are too busy to hold public office. He has never taken an active part in politics lieyond the exercise of the franchise. He affiliates with the Republican party. He united with the Masonic fraternity early and is now a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 21, Youngstown Chapter, No. 93. and St. John's Commandery, Xo. 20, all of Youngstown; and Kaaba Temple. Xobles of the Mj'stic Shrine, of Davenport. Iowa. He is also a member of Yoimgstown Council, X^o. 387, of the Royal Arcanum.

ATYPICAL example of the virile manhood of Rock Island County is the subject of this sketch. Born in Buffalo Prairie Township, he resisted the lure of the city and of the great west to which so many of his boj^hood companions yielded and set himself to the task of extracting wealth from the old home farm. After more than sixty years spent there he has now retired and is enjoying the fruits of his labors as a resident of the City of Rock Island.