Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 15 of 16)

ilr. Coyne has been thrice married. His first union was with Miss Elizabeth McKee, December 26, 1855. One child was born to this union, but died in infancy. The mother did not long survive. The second marriage was with* Miss Margaret Morrison, July 4, 1860. She was a native of Ireland and came to America with her jjarents in early womanhood. Eight children resulted from the second union, as follows: William T., born June 16, 1861; Elizabeth J., born June 14, 1863; Alexander W., born :\Iarch 15. 1866; .James, l)orn Novemi:)er 19, 1867; Lydia A., born February 22. 1869: Julia A., born June 19. 1S7(): Udward S.. lioni October 25. 1873:

Historic Rock I S L A N D Count Y.

Mr. Coyne is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli. of .Milan. He has steadily espoused the cau.se of the Republican party and taken an active interest in the affairs of that organization, thouiili he has never sought political f.'n-ors.

James Coyne

THE man whose name appears at tlie head of this sketch is known as one of the most industrious and enterprising farmers of Howling Townshi]), wliere he was born and has sjjent all his life. He first ojieneil his eyes upon this world November 19, 1867, his parents being William and Margaret (Morrison) Coyne. He attended the pulilic schools of the County, and February 18, 1S96. was married to Miss Eilza A.. Hauer. The latter is also a native of Bowling. She was born September 3, 1869, the daughter of .Jacob and Mary (McDonald) Hauer. Her mother was a native of Ireland and her father a native of Germany, they being Ixn-n in 1845 and 1821 respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer were among the early settlers of the County. They were married here in 1868, and immediately took up their residence on the farm they still occui)y. Their children are. F'liza A., Emma J., Mary E., anfl Sarah A., besides a son \\lio died in infancy.

.Mr. Coyne after his marriage began the cultixation of a farm in lilack Hawk Township. In .January. 1907, he removed to the place he now occupies.- He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Black Hawk and one lnui<lrel and twenty acres adjoining in Bowling. In his methods he is practical and at the same time thoroughly up-to-date. He makes a specialty of Ijreeding improved Chester White hogs, Short Horn

William T. Coyne

V\ /Tl LIJAM T. COYNE is one of the entervy prising and u])-to-date agriculturists of Rural Township, Rock Island County, and a mendier of one of the pioneer families. He is a native son of the County, having been Ijorn in liowling Township June 16. 1861. He is a .son of William and Margaret (iMorrison) Coyne. I^orn on the farm, he has always followed that vocation. With a limited schooling he, l)y study and close oliservation, has gained through his own efforts a ready fund of general information, as well as a good working capital of special knowledge of iise to him in his business. He was nuu'ricd in Rural Townshij) March 8, 1893, to Miss Carrie JI. Grifhth. The latter was born in Rock Island January 23, 1870, the daughter of Mlwuod and (Airrie I^C. (Hauldi) Griffith, now of Rural.

After his marriage Mr. Coyne settled on tlie farm he now occupies in Rural. The land at that time was badly run down and poorly im]:)roved, but by hard work and the application of ad\'anced methods of agriculture he has brought the land to a high state of cultivation, and now owns two hundred and forty acres of the best jn-oducing ground in the vicinity, as well as one of the most comfortable homes.

In his political views Mr. Coyne is a staunch Republican. He stands liigh in the community as a citizen and neighl)or, being best likeil by those who know him best.

Alexander W. Coyne

Tll.VT farming in Fiork Island Coinity is a profitable occu])ation is atte.sted by the subject of this sketch, who, thougli in business for himself but a few xcars, is now tlie owner of two hundred and .sixty acres of well improved land in section eleven. Bowline: Township. He was born in the same Township, the son of William and Margaret (Morrison) Coyne, March 1.5, 1S66. After the usual schooling of the coimtrv boj- and the practical preparation for life on the farm, he married March 27, 1901. Miss Nora S. Doonan, of Mercer County, Illinois The latter is the daughter of James R.. and Bessie Doonan, and was born in Mercer Coimty October .30. 1876. Mr. Coyne after his marriage settled on the farm he now occujiies. and has cultivated it since with im varying success. He and his worthy wife are the parents of one son, Everett D., born .March 13, 190.5. Mr. Coyne is an ardent Rejiublican. He has served two terms as Townshij) Tax Collector.

Francis Coyne

OXE of the prosperous young farmers of Rock Island County is Francis Coyne, son of William and Margaret (Morrison) Coyne. He was born in Bowling Township, where he now resides, ^larch S, 1876. He received a common school education in the County and started out for himself in 1902, following his marriage, when he established himself on the old homestead. In the Fall of 1904 he removed to the farm he now occupies. He now owns two hundred ami twenty acres of well improved land and is considered one of the well-to-do and substantial citizens of the County.

Mr. Coyne's marriage to Miss Theresa M. Koch took place in Rock Island County February 5, 1902. His wife is the daughter of Rudolph and Ella (Collins) Koch, and was born in the County September 22, 1884. Her parents are residents of Bowling Township. The father is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born at Erie Jime 2, 1859. The mother was born at Dixon, Illinois, Ma\' 17, 1862. Thev were marrietl at Ro.ck Island August

Edward S. Coyne

AWELL known native son of Rock Island County is Edward S. Coyne, son of William and Margaret (Morrison) Coyne. He was born on the old homestead in Bowling Township, on which he now resides, October

25, 1 873. Tilling the soil has been his sole occupation. In the Spring of 1896, he settled on one of his father's farms in section eleven. Bowling, where he resided till the Spring of 1900, Then he removed to the farm he now occupies in section one. same township. He now owns two hundred and sixty acres of good land, which he cultivates with much success.

ilr. Coyne was married in Rock Island December 23, 1895, his wife being Miss Margaret .1. Clark, daughter of William and Eliza (Gauley) Clark, early jnoneers of the community. The parents are natives of Ireland, who took up their residence in Rock Island County soon after their marriage. The children born to them are: Robert A. and Sarah E., both deceased; David B.,. Lydia A.. William A., James H, and Margaret J., the last named being l)orn in Bowling February 23, 1876.

0\'i'> of the successful medical jiractitionors of Rock Island Count}- is the subject of this review, who for fifteen years has fiillowed his profession at Milan with a steadil\- increasinn; business. Dr. Eddv is a native of the Empire State, liaviii}!; been born in Madison County, New York, December 17, 1869. He is a son of Homer and lOditli S. (Townsend) Eddy. His father was born in Madison County, New York, May 22, lcS42, and his motlier in Ca]>e ^lay County, New Jersey, May 17, 1846. The parents were nuirried in New Jersey, and after a residence of several j-ears in New York settled permanently on a farm in Cai)e Maj- Countw New Jersey, where they still reside. They are the parents of three cliildren, Lucien C, Arthur and Warner L., of whom this sketch treats. Tlip last named grew to manhood on the farm, obtaining his education in the public schools and under a pri\'ate tutor. In 1887 he began reading medicine under the instruction of Doctor Julius \\'ay of Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Two years later he took up a regular course at Rush Medical College at Chicago, graduating in March, 1892. After a few months spent in Chicago he came to Milan and has since followed his profession there.

Dr. Eddy was married April 5, 1893, to Mrss Alice \ . Fellows, the ceremony being performed in Chicago. Mrs. Etldy is the daughter of Jonathan H. and Charlotte A. (Rich) Fellows. She was born July 13, 1865, at Arlington Heights, Illinois. Two children have been born to the couple: Allen T.. May 7, 1895, and Edith L., May 5, 1900. Doctor Eddy is a member of the Rock Island County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He and his wife are mendjers of the Methodist Church of Milan. SI ig sg

Peter F. Trenkenschuh

BORN in Rock Island in 1875. the above named gentleman, young though he is, has, by persistency and application to his chosen vocation, forged to the front until he is now one of the best known and capable contractors and builders in the Citv. Maiiv structures throughout the City attest his mastery of the building trade, and the several large contracts which he now has (ui hand indicate that his ability and workmanshiii are fully appreciated.

Mr. Trenkenschuh is a son of Phillip and Elizabeth Trenkenschidi, who were of German descent. In 1902 he married Louise M. Nold, of Rock Island, and the fruit of this union was: Paul, born 1903, and Florence, born 1905.

Mr. Trenkenschuh received a common school education, supplemented by a course at the Davenport Commercial College. He began his trade when but sixteen years of age, and he tenaciously clung to it until his present success has rewarded him. He is a member of Rock Island Lodge, No. 658, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Rock Island Chapter, No. IS, Royal Arch Masons. In politics he is a Republican, and was at one time alderman from the Third Ward. During his entire business and political activity he has been esteemed for his integrity, his progressiveness and alertness, and for his generous and congenial disposition.

Robert J. Montgomery

ROBERT J. MONTGOMERY, the Moline manufacturer, was born May 20, 1864, on a farm near Orion, Henry CountV' Illinois. His parents were Alexander E. and Margaret ilontgomery. When but eight years of age the family removed and took up residence on Rock Island Arsenal, where the son grew to manhood. After completing a course in the Moline piUilic schools our subject learned the tinner's trade at Rock Island Arsenal, but being ambitious to enter business for himself, he formed a partnership with his brothers to operate a machine shop, under the firm name of Montgomery Brothers. This was done in 1891. Two years later the concern was consolidated with the Moline

Elevator Company, and Mr. Miint^oiiiery has been actively connected with tliis firm since. He has had charge of the outside con.struction of the coni])any and as sujierintendent of the erection of elevators, operating in nearly every city of any size in the United States and Canada. In addition to his holdings in this particular factory Mr. ^lontgomery was one of those interested in the Deere-Clark ilotor Car Company, and holds stock in the Moline Automobile Comjiany, Root iV: \'andervoort Engineering Company, and the American Harvester Company. He has also extensive land holdings at Alberta, Canada.

In politics Mr. ^Montgomery is a Rejniblican. He joined the United Presbyterian Church of Rock Island in 1SS3 and transferred his membership to the Jloline Church when the latter was formed in 1898.

Our subject married, October 24, 1893, Lillie R. Matthews, the nuj)tials being celebrated at ^IcPherson, Kansas. Mrs. Montgomery was the daughter of Samuel and Rose Matthews. ])ioncer settlers of vScott County, Iowa. They lived on a large farm near Davenport, when tlie father's ill health compelled his retirement, and eventually the reuio\al of the family to McPherson, where he died in April, 1894. three years after leaving Scott County. Mrs. Matthews came fi'om McPherson two years ago to li\-e in Moline. Mrs. Montgomery was educated in the Davenport pulilic schools, graduating fi-(un the high school. She has borne her husband two children: Royal Ewert, aged eleven, and Margaret Rose, aged nine years.

Alexander Owens

JUNE 17, 1830, near Jielfast, Ireland, the subject of this sketch was born. He was the son of Archibald and Mary (McMaster) Owens, both lifelong residents of the Emerald Isle. Their children were Jane, Mary, Alexander. -Margaret, Anna, \\'illiam and .Icnnie, all of whom l)ecame citizens of the United States, and all of whom, with the exception of .Icnnie and the subject of this review, are now deceased. Alexander came to America when but sixteen years of age and settled ali Pittsburg, Penn.sylvania. There he earned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed the greater part of his life. At Pittsburg, October 1.5, 18.52, he married Miss Helen W'ymaii. a native of New York, born January 31, 1834. She was the daughter of Closes C. and Ann (Lamb) Wyman. A year after his marriage Air. Owens removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he followed his trade for three >ears, at the end of that time becoming a resident of Rock Island, Illinois. In the Spring of 1857 he settled in the Village of Milan, then a thriving young manufacturing place, and has made this his home since, with the exception of two years spent in California.

After coming to Milan Mr. Owens engaged extensively as a builder and contractor, operating in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry Counties. In 1891 he was appointed master carpenter on the western section of the Illinois and Mississip])i Canal, which was begun at that time. Mr. Owens first had charge of the carpenter work on the locks and gates and of the erection of the houses on the western part of the canal. When this work was done he was appointed overseer for this part of the waterway, and he has held this position ever since, serving with great success.

Mr. and Mrs. Owens became the parents of seven children: Anna L.. William A. (deceased), Charles C, Jennie, Helen, Elizabeth B., and Emma A. Mr. Owens is a Republican and has been honored with various offices. He served as supervisor of Black Hawk Township two terms and as president of the Milan Milage Board eight terms. He is a Mason and he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church.

THE HONORABLE SAMUEL S. GUYER was born at Lewistcnvii, Pcnns^-lvania, December 26, 1814. In his early manliDciil he was a contractor in New York City and in the constrnction of the Pennsylvania Canal System. In 1839, with his mother, sister and two brothers, he removed to Peoria, Illinois, from which base he engaged in the business of building flat boats and carrying cargos of merchandise to trade with the planters between Natchez and New Orleans. In the great tornado at Natchez in 1842, he lost all his possessions and barely escaped with his life. Returning to Peoria he studied law and qualified for the bar in the office of Mr. Knowlton, father of our former townsnuui, William S. Knowlton. In 1843 he came to Rock Island to practice his profession.

He was ajjpointed by the Court to defend the Hedings, indicted for complicity in the iMiii-<lcr of George Davenport, and he succectled in securing their acquittal. In 1847 he was elected Sheriff of Rock Island County, which oflice he held for two terms.

He was one of the incorporators of the Coal Valley ^lining Com])any, and of the iiock Island ami Peoi'ia Railway Company, which road, then built only as far as Coal \'alley, -was under his management vmtil 1861 wlu'H he sold his interests to the late P. L. Cable. In this enter]irise he had been associated with Charles Buford, Holmes Hakes, N. B. Buford and Ben Harper.

After tlisposing of his mining and railroad nterests he became a member of the firm of Hakes, Guyer it Company, in the ojieration of a jiajier mill on the present site of the Standard Oil Cloth Comjiany. This mill was several years afterwards iiought liy Mi-. Hakes and mo veil to Rock River.

He was married June 3 1847, to Annette Holmes, daughter of the late George K. Holmes, of Port Byron, who. together w'ith his son, Edward H. Guyer, and his daughter, Annette, now Mrs. James R. Kimball, survived him.

Frederick C. Liekefett

BOliN in Germany and brought to America by his parents at a tender age, the subject of this sketch is one of the many German-Americans who has made his mark in Rock Island County. His birth and early training started him aright and he has hewed to the line and become one of the most prosl)erous and substantial citizens of the community. Mr. Liekefett's native province was Hanover, where he first saw the light November 28, 1848. The ])arents from whom he descended were Franz and Christina (Giltnuicher) Liekefett, who came to the United States in 1855, first settling at St. Louis, Missouri. Here they remained but a short time,' removing to near East St. Louis and taking up farming. After two years they came to Rock Island and the husband and father, being a tailor by trade, followed that occupation for two years. At the end of that jieriod, satisfied that there were greater o])])ortunities on the farm tiuui in tlie sho]i, Mr. Liekefett jmrchased land in Bowling Townshii) and settled thereon. Some years later this pro])erty was disjiosed of and the farm in Black Hawk that the co\iple occupied till death and on which the subject of this review now resides, secured.

Frederick C. Liekefett was mari-ied in Rock Island County December 19, 1S7(). his wife's maiden name being Maria Simscr. She was born in this County November 7, LS58, the (hnigliter of Henry and Mary (J^runcr) Siniser, earl\- settlers. Mr. anil Mrs. Liekefett have l)een blessed witli the foUowinf!; children : Mary C, born August 12. 1880, now the wife of Carl Belshouse of this County; Clarence F.. liorn .March 28. 1883; Elizabeth E.. born March 28. 1880; Sadie E.. born Xoveniber 21, 1889, and Herman J.., born October 12, 1892.

^Ir. Liekefett after his marriage settled on the home farm and still resides there. He owns four hundred acres of fine and well improved land and is accounted one of the progressive and influential citizens of the County. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church.

Jame5 Brackett

JAMI':S J5RACKETT, a prominent lawyer of Cherry Valley. Otsego County, New- York, who graduated in the class with Daniel Webster, at Dartsmouth College, came to Rock Island in 1847 to spend the last years of a long and useful life.

John Ely Brackett. eldest son of James Brackett, graduated from West Point and later was appointed a Lieutenant in the* Second Regiment of Artillery. Later he became a Captain in Colonel Stevenson's Regiment, which was to sail for California to serve during the war with ^lexico, and afterwards, as Major-General John Ely Brackett, was verv active during the troublous California clay.s in 1849. and is much lauded in the annals of that State. He died in Rock Island some years later.

Joseph Warren Brackett, second son of James Brackett. was ap]>ointed midshipman in the navy, at the age of fifteen, in 1830, from which he resigned four years later. In 1840 he was admitted tt) the bar of New York, and practise<l nine years in Cherry \'alle3', his birthjilace. He then went to Rock Island, where he remained till his death. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Colonel Brackett joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was appointed successively Battalion

(Juartormastcr and Regimental Commissary. Tliis Regiment made a record second to none in brilliancy and secured the special thanks of General Curtis and Thomas. He was a member of the John Buford Post, No. 243, Grand Army of the Republic, and one of its Post Commanders. He died at the age of 79, and was born January 19, 1815. in Cherry Valley. New York.

William Brackett. fourth son of James Brackett, was born in Cherry Valley, New York, in 1820. He was educated at Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He went to Rock Island in 1848, moved to Chicago in 1852. where he practised law until 1874. He was an excellent \\Titer, having a style clear, jiure and classical, and was a charming companion. He died in Chicago June 14, 1888.

Doctor James W'. Brackett, third son of James Brackett, was born in Cherry ^'alley, New York. October 8. 1816. and came to Rock Island in 1846. When the Civil War broke out Doctor Brackett was appointed surgeon to the Ninth Illinois Cavahy. In 1863 he became a contract surgeon at the I'nited States military jirison on the Island of Rock Island. He died at Rochester, Indiana, and was buried at Chipinaiuiock Cemetery, March 25, 1886.

Albert Gallatin Brackett, the j'oungest of James Brackett's seven sons, was born in Cherry Valley. New York. February 14. 1829. Ill June, 1847, he became First Lieutenant ill the Fourth Indiana \'olunteers. He participated in a number of battles in the Mexican War, and was honorabh- discharged at its close. He then went to Rock Island where he lived till iMarch 3, 1855. when he was a])pointed Captain in the Second Regiment of LTnited States Cavalry and sent to Texas to fight the Indians. When the Civil War broke out he became Colonel of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. July 17. 1S62. he was made Major in the First Cavalry. Regular Armv, and sent to the L^epartment of the Missouri. Ill January, 1864, he was placed in command of the Second Brigade of the Cavalry Division, .Sixteenth Army Corps, and in July of the same year was ap])ointed Acting Inspector- (leneral of Cavalry for the Cavalry Burean, Army of the Cumberland. During the next thirteen years, as Colonel of the Third alry, he was engaged in constant campaigning against the Indians. He dieil in A\'ashingtoii and wa.s buried at Arlington with military honors.

Rober.T E. Little

ROBiaiT E. LITTLE, for ten years postmaster of the \'illage of Milan, is one of the successful native sons of the County. He was born on a farm in Bowling Township May 22, 1861. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Rea) Little, were both of Irish birth, the former's natal day being December 7, 1815, and the latter's August 16, 1819. Thev were married in their native land and immigrated to America and to Rock Island County in 1844. The farm on which they settled and which they occujiied till death was entered by them from the Government. Mr. Little passed away August 6, 1891, his wife having preceded him to the lieyond Septeini)er 12, 1884. Their children are: Margaret C.. wife of O. C. Wells, of Bruning, Nebraska: Ann ,]., widow of Arthur O'Neal, of Milan: Francis A., of Conway Springs, Kansas; Mary L., widow of Robert Elliott, of Conway Springs: William R., of Gushing, Oklahoma: David T., of Conway Springs; I'^xaliiK- Iv, wife of William L. Heath, of Davenport, Iowa; and Robert Iv. the subject of this review.

The last named received his early training on the farm, being educated in the public schools and at the Dixon Business College. He continued to make the farm his home till 1892, when he removed to Milan and took a position as salesman in the hardware store of his brother-in-law, Phil F. Zahn, remaining there three years. July 7, 1897, .Mr. Little received the a|>)iointmcnt as postmaster of Milan and has since discharged the duties of that olhce to the satisfaction of all. In addition he engages extensively in the insurance business and is owner of the old Little homestead in Bowling, one hiuidred and eighty acres of well improved land.

Mr. Little was married in Rock Island Gunity October 27, 1886, to Miss Harriet Zahn, also a native of the County. She was born August 21, 1866, the daughter of Phillip and Harriet (Orth) Zahn.

Politically, Mr. Little affiliates with the Republican party and is active in the councils of that organization. He was County committeeman in 1896-97. Among the offices he has held are those of highway commissioner of Bowling and clerk of Black Hawk.

Fraternally the subject of this sketch is a member of the Masonic order, the Court of Honor, and the Eastern Star, his wife also holding memljership in the last named.

Douglas E. Hall

\"\ /ylllLE not a long time resident of Hock yy Island County, the subject of this sketch is a native of Illinois, son of pioneers of the State, and is descended from an ancestry that has participated in all the wars that the United States has waged. Mr. Hall was born in JMenard County April 6, 1861. his parents being James P. and Mary J. (Pierce) Hall. His father was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, July 1, 1818, and his mother in Sangamon County. Illinois, August 16, 1830. James P. Hall was a son of Elisha Hall, a native of Bedford County Virginia, and a descendant of the early pioneers who settled in that State long before the Revolutionary War. F]lisha Hall married Nancy Overstreet, also born in Bedford County and of pioneer ancestry. Her father, John Overstreet, was a Revolutionary soldier under General Washington, and participated in the battles of the Cow Pens, Brandywine and Monmouth, ainoni!; others, and was at the siege of Yorktown. when Lord Connvallis was forced to surrender. During the War of 1812, Elisha Hall, his son-in-law, was drafted, and being the father of a large family who needed his support, he offered $100 for a substitute. Mr. Overstreet accepted the offer and, though well advanced in years, again bore arms against the British.

Elisha Hall, in an early day, settled in Lawrence County. Ohio, where he resided till the fall of 1826. Then, with his family, he removed to what is now Menard County, then Sangamon County, Illinois. He settled on a farm near Athens, jjassing the remainder of his daj's thei'e and going to his reward in 1838. Hi.s wife survived till 1862. James P. Hall, son of Elisha and father of our subject, was a lifelong resident of ilenard County, passing nwsxy there October 11. 1892, his wife following September 21, 1905. The latter was a daughter of Charles and Malinda (Anderson) Pierce, natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky, who settled in Sangamon County in 1825. Charles Pierce was First Lieutenant in Abraham Lincoln's Company during the Black Hawk War and campaigned through Rock Island County at that time. To James P. Hall and wife foiu'teen children were born, seven surviving. They are Charles W., Emma, Caroline, Rosa, Laura J., Douglas E. and Mollie.

Douglas E. Hall was reared on a farm in Menard County, receiving a limited education in the public schools. Later in life he eml)raced every opportunity to overcome his lack of advantages early in life and is now a fair tyi)e of what is known as the self-made man. After reaching his majority he traveled extensively for two years through the west and .south. On returning he took charge of the old homestead and conducted it till his father's death. In 1904 he came to Rock Island Count}' and purchased a farm on Big Island, just outside the corporate limits of the Village of Milan. He owns three hundred and thirty-seven acres of highh' productive land and has become recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the community. Mr. Hall is nut married.

John H. Wilson

JOHN H. WILSON has been a con.stant factor in the upbuilding of the Cities of Rock Island and Moline for half a century- As president of the Wilson Moline Buggy Company and in other business enterprises in which he has engaged since coming to this comnnmity in 1856 he has given employment to many men and has directed their energies into channels that have brought adequate rewards to themselves, to their employers and to the cities in which they have lived and labored.

Like many another of the substantial earh' residents of Rock Island Count}', Mr. Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in fiercer County. His parents and grandparents were tillers of the soil and established one of those elegant old homesteads which excite the admiration of visitors to the Keystone State nowadays, and which exert a powerful influence in drawing the absent sons home from time to time to renew the associations of their childhood. Mr. Wihson often goes back to the old farm home built over eighty years ago, but still in 'a ])erfect state of preservation.

During his youth the subject of this sketch attended the public schools, and when about eighteen years of age took a coiu'se at Alleghany College at Meadville. Pennsylvania. For several years afterward he worked on his father's farm in summer and taught school in winter. Subsequently he engaged in general merchandising at Clarksville. Penn- S3'lvania, and as he accumulated property became interested in coal mining, a business that he followed to some extent after coming west.

line in which several flowing wells were developed. With rare business foresight he sold his holdings at a favorable o])portunity to Philadeljihia parties and removed to Rock Island. That was in 1856, and he has made his home here since. Conservative in his business habits he has met with luiiform success in his various ventures.

Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with .Miss Siisanna A. Ho.xie in Erie Comity, Pennsylvania, in 1850. Three children were born of this union. Clara .J., is the wife of George W. Kretzinger, an attorney of Chicago; Mary E., is the wife of F. A. Head; and Nettie, is the wife of W. A. Ross. Mrs. Wilson died in 1882, and two years later Mr. Wilson married Mrs. Ella Case, daughter of Marvin Case, of Greenville, Pennsvlvania, and widow of the late Dr. Case, of Chicago.

Henry E. Brown

MR. HENRY E. RROWN was born and educatetl in Elm wood. Peoria County, Illinois, until his sixteenth year when lie moved to Peoria and entered the high school, afterwards entering Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, from wliich he graduated in 1899, with tiie degree of Rachelor of Physics.

Since then he has been connected with the Rock Islantl Pulilic Schools, starting as a teacher and five vears ago becoming principal of the high school.

Mr. Brown has always been greatly interested in all educational matters and has received much recognition for his interest by educational associations. He is at the present time president of the Western Section of the Northern Illinois Teachers' Association. He is also author of a text book which has had a very wide sale among the schools of the country.

AMONC; Rock Island physicians none have a wider practice or a more successful one tlian the subject of this sketch, Doctor George L. Eyster, one of that city's old established and jirominent physicians and surgeons.

He was born May 14, 1853, at Chambersburg, Penn.sylvania. his parents being William F. and Lucretia (Gibson) Eyster. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of A'ermont. His father's family was of (ierman origin, the Eysters being among the early settlers in the colony of Pennsylvania. Doctor Elyster's father was for many years a clergyman of the Lutheran Church, being also engaged in the educational work of that church. For some years he was president of the Hagerstown Female Seminary, a Lutheran educational institution located in Jlaryland. In 1876 he came to Rock Island, where for ten years he occupied the chair of English Literature at Augustana College. He afterward removed to Crete, Neliraska, where he lived a retired life.

.\fter the removal of the Eyster family to Marvhind, where the subject of this sketch received a imblic school and academic education, filling himself to enter Pennsylvania College, an instituticnr from which he graduated in 1871. He then entered the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania, and three years later he graduated. One year later he began the practice of his profession in Nebraska, but in 1876 he removed to Rock Island, which City has been his home ever since.

Doctor Eyster's ability and skill both in the practice of medicine and surgery was recognized early in his professional life, and his practice has been a constantly increasing one. He is a member of the staff of St. Anthon3''s Hospital, was County Physician of Rock Island County for about ten years, and for six vears was Healtli Commissioner in the City of Rock lt;laiul. He is a member of several leading medical associations, among them being the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the Iowa and Illinois Central District iledical Association. He is also a member of the Rock Island County Medical Society, and from time to time has held several offices in that Society, and has contributed many valuable papers at its meetings.

February 17. 1876, Doctor Eyster was joined in marriage to Miss Fannie P. Wright, a daughter of John K. Wright of Philadelphia. Both the Doctor and his wife are prominent in the society circles of the tri-cities and frequent h' entertain. The Doctor is a genial host and his wife a charming hostess.

In politics Doctor Eyster has always been a Republican, and although having no disposition or time to engage in active conquest in the political arena he has been the recipient of several appointive offices akeady mentioned requiring a specialist along medical lines. These he filled ably and with credit. Fraternally Doctor Eyster is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Jlodern Woodmen of America. In his college daj's he was connected with the Sigma Chi, a Greek letter fraternity of national scope.

He is one of Rock Island's best citizens, a man who enjoys the regard and respect of all who have ever had occasion to call him in a professional capacity as well as many others of his friends and acquaintances wlio know him to be a generous, kindly man. >g jg Jg

Elmer E. Morgan

EI.M1:R i:. .morgan is a lineal descendant of General Morgan of revolutionary fame. His grandfather, Isaac Morgan, was born in Kentucky in lS79^and fought in the War of 1812. Later he built the first slab house at what is now Dayton, Ohio. He came to Davenjiort in 1836. Isaac F. Morgan, father of Elmer ^lorgan. grew to manhood in the vicinity of Davenport, married Sarah E. Williams, a Tennessee lady, and settled near DeWitt, Clinton County, Iowa. There the subject of this sketch was born September 13. 1861. His early life was spent on his father's farm and his ojiportimities for schooling were few. In later life by consistent, painstaking study, he obtained an excellent education, and one which he was able to turn to practical account.

At the age of twenty-three ^Ir. Morgan sought wider fields of endeavor and took up his residence in Moline, then just beginning to show promise of becoming a great manufacturing city. He began reading law in the office of William A. Meese and soon thereafter ojiened a collection agency, which he still conducts and which is the oldest one in this part of the State.

Mr. Morgan has traveled extensively in the United States and Eurojje. In 1S96 he toured France, Holland and the British Isles on a bicycle. He was one of the founders of the Unitarian Church in Moline and remains a leading member of that institution. Politically he is a Republican and exerts considerable influence in the party. He is a member of Doric Lodge, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons; the Eastern Star; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Pythias; Select Knights; Moilern Woodmen and Home Forum.

Hon. John T. Browning

THE oldest member of the Rock Island Comity Bar, a lawyer of ripe learninig and wide experience, who has now retired from the active practice of his profession. is the Hcnoratde John T. Browning, of iloline. He was born in Genesee County, New York, June 11, 1830, his parents being John L. and Lucy (Tillotson) Browning. He received an academic education at Rochester, where later he was admitted to the bar in the Autumn of 1858.

He came west in December of that same year and located at Moline, where he immediately engajietl in the practice of law, being that city's first City Attorney. Of course one of his duties in this position was to compile and arrange a code of ordinances governing the affairs of the City, and this work was done in a highly creditable and systematic manner. In 1S76 he formed a law partnership with Mr. Kntriken, the well kn >\\n Moline attorney who has served this Count}' as State's Attorney and Master in Chancery, the firm being known as Browning tt Entriken. Two years previous to the formation of this jiartnership Mr. Browning had been elected to represent this Senatorial District in the Illinois General Assembly. He was re-electeil in 1S76 and served through anitlier session of the Legislature.

During Mr. Browning's young manhood he entertained very ])rcnounced anti-slavery views and was in fact an ardent Abolitionist. Ujion the formatiiin of the Republican ])arty in 1856 he immediately allied himself with that organization and was earnest in his support of Fremont and Dayton. Since that time he has continued in his allegiance to the Republican party and while zealous in its support and a firm believer in its policies he has always been conservative, considering the welfare of the country and the cause of good government of far greater importance than mere party success.

He was engaged in the famous controversy between the river and railroad interests over the construction of the bridge across the Mississippi here at Rock Island. In this controversy some of the most eminent legal talent in Illinois .]>articipated, among -wlioni was Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Browning, as has been stated, has nowretired from active practice of law. He now makes his home on a fine farm that he owns outside the City of Jloline. He still takes an active interest in pidalic affairs and is an extremely well informerl man upon all the

]iertinent questions of the day. He has, during his professional career, been a great student, and as a councelor he had no superior in ]Moline. It was to this branch of legal work that he gave his chief attention, rather than to the more exciting life of a trial lawyer. Mr. Browning has always been a liberal and generous contributor to charitable and philanthro]iic movements, and as a man and a lawyer he is hclil in high esteem by all who know him.

Martin Theodore Rudgren

EYE'S in an age wliich recognizes young men anil places responsibilities upon them which in the past have been laid only u]ion the shouKlers of those of more mature years we seldom find one of t\vpiit\-- eight years entrusted with the complex details of the business end of the administration of a City of ;3().()()() inhabitants. Such, however, is the confidence ])laced in .Martin T. Rudgren by the ])e.ii)Ie of the City of Rock Island that they elected him City Clerk when he hail barely passed his twenty-eighth milestone, and that by an overwhelming majority. Events have shown that the trust was well merited.

Mr. Rudgren was l)orn in Rock Island April 7, 1879. His parents, Carl J. and Christina W. Rudgren, were both born in Sweden, the former June 22, 1S36, in \'erinland. and the latter March 13, 1858, in Ostergotland. The father came to Rock Island in 18(38. After a year he went to Moline and made his home in that City seven years. Then he returned to Rock Island, and has resided there since. Mr. and Mrs. Rudgren's marriage took place March 14, 1878. In addition to the subject of this sketch they had one son, Carl Ludwig, who was born January 28, 1881, and died June 14 of the same year. Mrs. Rudgren died February 4, 1881. .Mr. Rudgren is now retired and is care(l fur bv his son.

Martin attended the puhlic schools of Hock Ishmd. and after graduating obtained a commercial education at Avigustana lousiness College and the Gustus School of Business in Moline. Then he set out to make his own way. In this he was somewhat handicapped by an accident which maimed him permanently. When eight years old he was injured by being thrown from a sled so that the removal of the right hip joint became necessary. From this time on the use of crutches was required, but so well did ^Ir. Rudgren learn to handle himself that his handica]) after all proved to be but a slight one.

llr. Rudgren was first employed in tlie office of an implement factory in Moline. where he remained two years. Resigning at the end of this period he accepted a position with a Rock Island manufacturer, retaining it till the Winter of 1904-05. Then lie resigned to take up the duties of tax collector for Rock Island, an office to which he had been elected in April, 1904. He served with such entire satisfaction that liis successor the following year detailed him to again collect the taxes for the township. In the Spring of 1907 H. C. Schaffer declined renommation for the office of Citj^ Clerk, and ilr. Rudgren 's Republican friends saw in him a suitable man for the place. Tliej' urged him to make the race and he did, with the result that he defeated his op]3onent by a majority of over 1600 \-otes. He took up the duties of office in May, 1907.

Mr. Rudgren is an active member of the First Swedish Lutheran Church of Rock Island and a leader in young people's work. His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party. He is unuuirried.

Thomas Nessler

THOMAS NESSLER is one of Rock Island's well and favoratily known (lerman-.'\merican citizens, where he occupies the position of brew master for the Rock Island Brewing Comjiany.

He was born December IS, 1869, at Obernhibeim, Germany, his parents being Donatus and Barbina Nessler. After completing a common school course in his native land he entered a brewing academy at Versuchs Statum, Germany, and there received instruction in the trade w'hich he expected to followthroughout his life, having previously served two years apprenticeship in Aldvisebach, Germany. After being emploA-ed for several years in brew-eries of Germany, he came to the L'nited States in 1892, and later came to Chicago, where from 1898 to 1899 he took an advanced course in the art of brewing in Walil c^' Henius Institute in that City.

In 1892, upon locating in Chicago, he was connected with Joseph Junk's brewery for three years, then with the Standard Brew-ing Comjiany for three years and for one year was with Walker A: Burke Brewing Company of the same city. Then, after completing his course at Wahl iV: Honius Institute, he removed to Danville, where he was brew master for the Danville Brewing & Ice Company, which position he held until 1901. wlien he came to Rock Island to accept a position as brew master for the Rock Island Brewing Company, which position he now holds. During his connection with the Rock Island Brewing Company he has devoted his knowledge and energy to increasing the excellency of that companj-'s product and how well he has succeeded is attested by that company's constantly increasing patronage.

Mr. Nessler is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined that fraternal organization at Danville. Illinois, and being still afliliated witli l.oilge Xo. 499 of that city.

He is a master of the art of brewing, and constantly strives to serve the interests of his employers b_y bringing their output up to a standard of perfection excelled by none and ecpialled bv few.

TH K technical education of the doctor of medicine avails him but little unless he has laid a foundation for it of broad general knowledge and made a careful study of himian nature. When he took up the ]3ractice of medicine Doctor Albert M. Beal brought to the profession a mental equipment such as few men acquire in a lifetime. For years he had been an educator, teaching the common I)ranches in the public schools and later specializing in college. Having as a student earned the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, he later found ojiportunity to perfect his knowledge of law so that he was admitted to the -bar after successfully passing the prescrib.ed examination. With this preparation the mysterie.s of medicine and surgery were quickly mastered and success was his from the beginning of his professional career.

Doctor Beal was born October 31, 1S53, in Zuma Township, Rock Island County. His parents were Daniel N. and Betsy (Spencer) Beal, pioneers of the community. The son attended the country schools and later the ])ublic institutions of learning of Port Byron and Rock Island. At the age of seventeen he began teaching school at what is now Barstow. He entered Western College of Iowa when his preparatory studies had been com]ileted. and graduated with tlie class of 1S76, taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The following year he was principal of the Ham])tiin. Illinois, schools. In 1879 he received the degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater, which was in tliat year removed to Toledo, Iowa. Mr. Beal at this time received a call to the chair of physics and chemistry of Western College and accepted and held that post twelve years. Previously, however, he had read law, being admitted to the bar in 1879. From 187G to 1879 he acted as assistant to the president of the Moline Water Power Company.

Having decided to fit himself for the practice of medicine, Mr. Beal in 1890 began attending a regular course of lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Des- Moines, delivering at the same time a course of lectures on chemistry and medical Latin. During 1891 and 1892 he served as president of Western College. In 1894 he graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. He immediately began practicing at Toledo, Iowa, but after a few months, in December, 1894, he located in Moline, where he has remained since, and where he has built up a large ])ractice. Doctor Beal is a meml.ier of the Illinois and Iowa Central District Medical Association and of the Illinois State Medical Association.

At the age of sixteen Mr. Beal became a, member of the United Brethern Church. He served as superintendent of tlie Brethern Sunday School at Toledo for some time. Since coming to Moline he has become identified with the First Congregational Church. He has always been an ardent Republican. Casting his first vote for Rutherford B. Hayes for President. While a resident of Toledo he served three successive terms as Mayor, resigning on his removal to DesMoines. He was the first clerk of South Moline Township. Fraternally he affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.

At Andalusia, Illinois, October 31, 187G, Doctor Beal married Miss Etta Thompson, daughter of Henry L. and Mary (Buffum) Thompson. Slic died Novemljcr 11, 1880. leaving one daughter, Mamie. A second marriage was contracted Jamiarv 1. 1SN4. with Miss Carrie K. Miildekauf. dI' Polo, Illinois, a native of Ogle County. Five children resulted from the second alliance: Etta Grace. Daniel Middekauf. Althea. .\lbert Milton, who died when one year old, and Walter Hubert.

John W. Roche

LITTLE woukl the visitor of today suspect that much of the western ])art of the City of Rock Island, now built up with modern homes, business houses and factories, was once an uninhabitable swamp; worse than that, it was covered with water to a great extent, and when the Mississippi was high a rapidly flowing stream ran through half the present length of the citv, and skiffs, rafts and even steamboats passed over the very place where hundreds now live and work on dr}'. firm mother earth the year around. The work of reclaiming this tract of land has been one of less than fifty years, and the process has been a gradual one. full of hard work and patience on the part of those actively engaged. Among those who saw the possibilities of this ]iart of the city and who labored long and diligently for its improvement, none deserves greater credit than the subject of this sketch. When he. in 1!S70. purchased his first lot at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Twelfth Street, water stood upon it at all seasons, varj'ing in depth from two to six feet. Largely by hand lal)or he and his family filled it. and built a home there. Later they bought otiier lots till they owneil two blocks, which were gradually improved, and now are among the most valualile in the residence portion of the city.

John W. Roche was born February 22, 1S39, in County Waterford, Ireland, celebrated for its fisheries. He was the eldest of three sons, his parents being Michael and Katherine (Power Roche. Tradition has it that the ancestors of the father came to

Ireland from France in the early ]iart of the seventeenth century as .soldiers and remained to fight for the island of their adoption. The parents of our subject lived to an advanced age, the father reaching his ninety-seventh }-ear and the mother her ninety-third. The son obtained a limited education in the national schools. One of his earliest recollections is of incidents connected with the famine of 1846-47 when the potato crop failed. Mr. Roche came to America in 1866, and finally reached Wisconsin with fifty cents in his pocket. Here he worked two years in the lead mmes at Shullsberg. having many interesting experineces, and learning, among other things, to play baseball, with the result that he has been an enthusiastic supporter of the national game ever since.

At the end of two 3'ears the desire to obtain an education led Mr. Roche to go to Fon dn Lac, where he temporarily took up railroading. Seeing, however, a better opportunity for financial gain and mental improvement he soon left the road to become a book agent. Thus it was that he came to visit Rock Island. Mr. Roche relates that when he first thought, of coming to the city he has helped build up he was advised by a veteran police magistrate of LaSalle, Illinois, where he happened to be, to avoid the place, on the ground that human life and i^rojjerty were not safe there, his friend adding that threefourths of the criminals who had come before him were from Rock Island. Apparently, the advice did not make a deep impression for in a short time our subject found himself in Rock Island, and so well pleased was he that he at once decided that he would never settle elsewhere. A few months later, November, 1869, he was married at Fulton, Illinois, to Miss Ellen Mulcahey. and March 25, 1870, the couple came to Rock Island to stay.

For ten years thereafter Jlr. Roche continued in the book business and made a success of it. Then he embarked in other lines, among which was life insurance, and here again he demrnstrated his fitness, standing, after two years, eleventh in ]ioint of business written, amcng two hundred agents of the Prudential Insurance Compam'. In JiUy, 1900, Mr. Roche established the American Steam Laundry at the corner of Fifth A\'enue and Twelfth Street, which he still owns and operates.

Mr. Roche has never held public office. Neither has he affiliated with any party, preferring to support the men whom he believes fit, rather than ])latforms full of glittering generalities. He is a faithful member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, and withal, a fine e.\ample of the self-made man.

John H. Thornton

MR. JOHN H. THORNTON, veteran of the Civil A^'ar and for many years employed in the Government service at Rock Island Arsenal, was born in Ireland June 24, 1847, and died at his home in ]\Ioline July 9, 1903. He was the son of Patrick and Mary Thornton and came to America with his parents while an infant, aged nine months. The mother died in Rochester, New York, after which the father removed to Philadelphia, from which city, at the age of sixteen, yoins Thomtcn enlisted, July 26, 1862, in Comptny Fifty-three, Twenty-Ninth Regiment, Penn.sj-lvcnia A'olunteers, Third Infantry. His Company was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Divisicn, Twentietli Corps, Arm}- of the Potomac.

He was in numerous engagements, among them may be named the Battle of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, Missicnary Ridge and Zurmell Hill. In 1865 he was hcnorably discharged and returning to Philadelphia he followed the arts of peace for the succeeding five years.

Coming here «ith Captain Farley, who was n3xt in command at the Arsenil, when fieneral Flagler was Commandant, Mr. Thornten served on the Island till 1894, when he was placed on the retired list as Sergeant, after a total of thirty years of service, with ]iay of forty dollars per mcnth.

After retirement from the service he secured a position in the shops at the Arsenal, which he held up to the time of his last illness. Mr. Thointcn was married to ilartha J. Montgomery, daughter of the late and venerable A. E. Montgomery, September 17, 1885. No children were bom to them, and his widow, alone, of all his relatives, so far as known, survives him.

Mr. Thornton was a staunch Republican, always active in his party's interests. He served two years as a member of the board of Supervisors from South MoLne Township. and also as school du'ector in his district for several terms. He was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also of Graham Post, Grend Army of the Republic, and of Ben Butterworth Command, L'nion \'eterans L'nion, and at one time was a member of the Select Knights of America. His religious affiliations was with the Ignited Presbyterian Church. Mr. Thornton was a genial, whole-.souled man and left a host of friends to mourn his death.

H. Maurice A. Hollingsworth

a veterinary surgeon, now practicing his profession in the City of Rock Island, was born December 10, 1872, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been a resident of Rock Island for a number of years.

Canada. After completing his studies there he took up his residence in Rock Island and commenced the practice of his profession, which he has gradually built u]) so that he now ranks aniong the foremost of his ))rofession in this vicinity.

It was not until 1904 that Doctor Hollings- «orth decided to wed. and on September 4 of that }-ear he married Miss Isabel J. Mc- Conochie. the charming and well known daughter of E.\-iIayor William McConochie.

Josiah G. Heck

THE subject of this sketch. Josiah G. Heck, of Moline, was born in Harrison County. Ohio, May S. 1840. the son of .John and Sarah (Wilde) Heck, and has been a resident of Rock Island County the past sixty-four years. The Heck family is an old one; Phillip Heck, grandfather of Josiah Heck, belonging to a family that was early established in the United States.

John Heck, father of Josiah Heck, was born September 10, 17S6, in Penns3'Ivania, In 1S33 he emigrated to Harrison County, Ohio, staying eleven years there. There he married Jliss Sarah Wilde, and a few years later Josiah Heck was born. In the early forties John Heck and family started for the Territory of Illinois, coming down the Ohio and up the Mississippi River to Rock Island, where he arrived May 15, 1844. In 1894 the famih- of Josiah Heck celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their arrival, four generations ]jarticii)ating. Mr. Heck's father passed away August 6, 1878, at the advanced age of 92. His wife survived him until 1881.

Our subject is an old .soldier who was one of the valiant sons who responded to the call of Abraham Lincoln when the Civil War broke out. As a youth he had good educational advantages, and was a college student when the war was declared. On October 5, 1864, he joined Company C, Sixty-si.xth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Tennessee until discharged June 10. 1865.

In ])ublic life Mr. Heck has been prominent. P'or seven years he has been justice of the peace, and has served as collector, overseer of highways, as a member of the school board, and for twelve years served as a township trustee. As a strong temperance man his .s\-mpathies are with the Prohibition party, but he often votes independent of party ties.

^Ir. Heck was married May 11. 1881, to Miss Lora E, Cornwall, who was born in Faj'ette County, Iowa, and is the daughter of George W, and Araminta (Crawford) Cornwall, natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Heck have one daughter, Elizabeth S. Heck, Thev are members of the United Brethern Church. ^Ir. Heck belongs to the Forum Lodge of Stewartsville.

Joseph Huntoon

JOSEPH HIXTOOX. deceased, a native of Hano\er. Xew Hampshire, was born April 17. 1812. and came to Illinois in 1837. and settled at Andover Heights. .Shortly afterwards he went to what is now called Richland (Jrove Township, where he was united to Miss Syhia Tanneg in marriage also a native of Xew Hampshire, having been born at X'ew Ipswick October 22. 1822.

Josepli Huntoon only had a common school education and at an early age learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1844 he and Mrs. Huntoon took up their residence in Moline and he was the first shoemaker of that place, which was then a mere "Hamlet." He resided at the corner of Second Avenue and Fourteenth Street, the property on which he lived belonging to Spencer White, and afterwards was the home of S, W. Wheelock.

Historic Rock Island Cou X T Y.

lived until the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad came west, and upon entering Moline, took a portion of their lot. This necessitated the removal of the house further hack on the lot in order to make room for the tracks. The people at that time were so anxious for the railroad that they cared Imt little where the tracks were laid.

Sirs. Huntoon was a charter member of tlie Congregational Church of Moline, being at that time only eighteen years of age. Soon afterwards ilr. Huntoon liecame a member of the same church, and both became steady church goers. Jlr. Huntoon later became a deacon and also could l)e found on eacli Wednesday evening in cliarge of the Boj-s' Club. Not only was Mr. Huntoon the first shoemaker of the place, but he was the second brickmaker as well. Finding that the brick industry was a profitable one he commenced to manufacture that material, and from 1846 to 1876 he supplied Jloline with the greater quantity of its brick.

His family consisted of Edgar X.. .Joseph C, George H.. Mary L. and Fannie A. Huntoon. all of whom were born in Moline with the single exception of Edgar N.. who was born in Mercer County, Illinois.

Through keen perseverance and business enterprise Mr. Huntoon acquired considerable wealth, and after giving his children a good education, left them well provided for. He possessed the faculty of making friends and was held in high regard by his many acquaintances.

Honorable George W. Johnson

HONORABLE GEORGE W. JOHNSON, of No. 1440 Twelfth Street, Moline, was born in Henry County, Illinois, October 9, 1857. He was raised on the farm and the training he there acquired fitted him well for the public career he later attained. As a youth he was persevering and studious and made the most of the public school teachings he had the advantage of. May 31. 1882, he married Miss Caroline F. Hogg, of Andover, Illinois. For two years they conducted a farm and then. Mr. Johnson feeling himself fitted for a Inisiness career, moved to Orion, Illinois, in the Spring of 1SS4, where he entered in the general mercantile business. During President Harrison's administration he was appointed postmaster at Orion.

In 1891 he gave up his. business in Orion and moved to Moline where he entered the real estate field. He followed this business until 1900 when he accepted the active management of the Jloline Furniture Co.

Mr. Johnson is a staunch Republican and has been identified with the party since old enough to vote. As a Republican he has always upheld the party principles and taken an active ])art in the campaigns. He was elected a member of the House of Representatives from this, the Thirt}--third Senatorial District, in 1898, and served for two terms in the FortA'-first and Forty-second general assembly, where he acquitted himself well. Mr. Johnson is affiliated with the Lutheran Church.

Mr. and .Mrs. Johnson have lipen the parents of four children, the oldest dying when six years of age. There are three bovs living, ^lauritz Johnson, aged twenty-two. now with his father in the office; Esley, aged nineteen, now at college; and Franklin, aged twelve, now in the public schools.

Charles Bishop Knox

CHARLES BISHOP KNOX, deceased, one of Rock Island's pioneer citizens and a Avide awake and conservative lousiness man and politician in his days, was born at Blandford. Massachusetts, June 27, 1818, and died in Rock Island on May 28, 1890.

Charles ]5isli(i]i Knox was tlic son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis 11 Knox, Avho was one of the old respected families of Blandford. He acquireil a coninion school education in the pid)Iic schools of Blandford and SiJringfield. Massachusetts, and in 1841 came to the City of Rock Island direct from his native state. Having arrived here at this early day he was listed among the pioneer settlers of the county and soon became widely acquainted.

After devoting much time to the study of embalming he entered the undertaking business in Rock Island in 1S58 and continued in this business until May 28, 1890, which was the day of his demise.

During this period of years he held jniblic office, and in the execution of the duties of these, which he capabl_v conducted, naturally won the esteem and admiration of all those with whom he dealt. His career in politics lead him into various offices of responsibility which he occupied for a number of years. Amcng the public offices held by him Ijeing County Coroner, county supervisor and alderman of the Citv of Rock Island.

Mr. Knox was a staunch Republican and was elected to office by the Republican party. Aside from these political duties Mr. Knox also served for some time as chief of the vohmteer fire department of Rock Ishmd.

To fraternal organization ]\lr. Knox gave but little of his time, being onh* a member of Rock Island I,odge. No. 18, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and taking Ijut a small part in its business or social department. While he was affectionate and liberal he was affiliated with no other charitable or ])hilanthrojnc institutio;ns than the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rock Island. In this he was known as a good church worker and always assisted in its advanceuicnt in whate^'er way he could.

Ill bS.3!), shortly before Mr. Kno.x had reached his maturity, or atjlie age of twent.v years, he decided to nuuTv, and this event took ])lace at Blaiulfonl. wliere he resided

Four sons of Charles Bishop Kno.x are his oidy survivors: Edwin B. Knox of Moline, B. F., C. B. and S. P. Knox of this city are the remaining members of his family.

Under him two sons learned the embalming and undertaking business, and to this day both are successfully engaged in carrying out the work of the father; E. B. Knox conducting his undertaking rooms in ^loline, and B. F. Knox in this city. Both have established themselves in their respective cities as well as in the surrounding community and are enjoying a steady growth and' prosperous bu.siness. B. F. Knox, like his father, aspired to political office and was on two occasions honored by being elected mayor of the City .of Rock Island on the Republican ticket.

Walter Judson Entrikin

AFTER sixty-two years of experience of the most -v-aried nature, Walter Judson Entrikin, jirominent attorney, died August 3, 1908, at his residence in Moline, at 316 Sixteenth Street. T'nlike many of the older settlers in this county. Attorney Entrikin was born on American soil and spent his entire life in the United States of America - in the great middle west. Born on February 8. 1846, he spent his early youth in Salem Townshi]!. Coluniljiana County. Ohio, but later choose to roam farther west. After many years of work in various capacities in Rock Island Coimty. Mr. Entrikin became city attorney of the City of Moline, 1873-4 and 1881-2; state's attorney of Rock Island County, 1884-8; master in chancery of Rock Island County. 1902-4.

Historic Rock Island C 0 U N T Y.

is of great interest and it was due to tlieir efforts and labor in the ''pioneer days" that their descendants became influencing jKuvers in communities in which they have labored in later years. Brinton Entrikin was born on December 8, 1811, at Westchester. Chester County, Pennsj'lvania, and Eliza Jane McCraken was born on November 19, 1814, at Salem Township, Columbiana County, Ohio. The father of the local man was a schoolmate with Bayard Taylor, the author, and his mother was an important station agent on the " Underground Railroad" - that railroad which passed thi'ough Columbiana Cotmty, and which meant so much to fugitive shnes seeking (^anada, and freedom. The luitrikins came from Ireland, the McCrakens from Scotland. John Entrikin, the first I'hitrikin of whom a detailed record was kept, settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania, before the Revolutionary war. The grandmother of Walter Entrikin. it is related, tied u|i the finger of General George AVashington when he was woimded in the battle of Brandywine, at the time she was a little girl.

Mr Entrikin came to Moline, Illinois, on April 25, 1871, and has since resided there. Pi-c\-ious to that time he received a classical collegiate counse at Oberlin College, the gi'owing Ohio educational institution, graduating on August 4, 1870. Following that he read law with Wait and Modenvell of Geneseo, and with John T. Browning of Moline, Illinois, He was admitted to the bar of Rock Island County on October 12, 1871, being the last lawyer to take the examination under the late Judge George W. Pleasants.

Mr. Entrikin was a Congregationalist and his views were of the bi'oadest scope. His record as a Re|.)ublican i)arty memlier in this county is a long and prominent one. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Pnited

His wife was a native of Vermont and came to Moline with her ))aronts in .^pril of 1860. They were William and Lydia P. Chamherlin, well-to-do anil peo]3le who for the uiost part lived a quiet retired life.

The children are: E\'a Mary Mirgan. wife of Robert H. Morgan, of Muline: \\'illiaui Brinton Entrikin and Frederick ('ha])in JMilrikin, who were associated \\ith their father in Moline; Roy Judson Entrikin, connected with Moline Heating and Construction Comp.my; and Ada Lucile Entrikin, widely known soprano soloist and gradiuite of .\inerican Conservatory of Music.

Doctor James F. Myers

DOCTOR JAMES F. MYIORS. one of Rock Island County's ]irominent physicians, was liorn December 29. 1850, at Hebron, Ohio, and was the son of Henry A. and La\-ina Myers, both of whom are living in their eighties at Eureka, Illinois. Dr. Meyers' father was a Baptist minister by vocation, but at an early age retired upon a farm in McLean County. Illinois. He was a native of Alleghany County, Peunsyl\ania.

Doctor James F. Myers attended the common schools of his own neighborhood vuitil he I'caclied his eighteenth year, when he took up his studies at Westfield College. Before receiving his degree there he entered the business college of Alarquani and Raker at Bloomington, Illinois, and after completing his course of study in this college, entered Rush Medical College and graduated from that institution February 20, 1883,

During the time spent in college he studied art, and during the hist three years of his studies he taught music, nanieh-; piano, violin and vocal.

James F. Alyers was born on a farm and spent his boyhood days there. Even when a mere boy he was noted for his musical inclinations, if not his ability, and at the age of fifteen vears was leader of a br.-iss band' also leader of an orchestra, played the church organ and taught the old fashioned singing school in the school houses and churches and in the villages in his section of the country.

After graduating in medicine from Rush Medical College in 1883 he located at Farmer City, Illinois, for the practice of his profession. Not content with his country practice and the long rides over countrj' roads he gave up his practice there and located in the City of Rock Island in the Fall of 1901. and has continued his residence in Rock Island since. His dailj' life was unobtrusive and he was not disturbed from following the "even tenor" in his own way until after the second attempt by the Modern Woodmen to move their head offices from Fulton, Illinois, to Rock Island. Doctor Jlyers was the cnh- phj^sician in a party of five hundred who went from Rock Island to Fultcn in a special train for the purpose of forcefully removing the books and fixtures of the Modem Woodmen of America, and a general riot followed, in which about one fourth of the participants were injiu-ed.

Doctor Myers was such a conspicuous figure in leading the attack upon the people of Fulton - or the "Fultonites," as the}- were called - and in his attentions to his wounded comrades after the fight was over, though he himself had been shot, cut and bruised, made him generally known and spoken of with more than ordinary ccnsideraticn.

Doctor Myers had not only accomplished much in medicine and music, but in politics, educaticn and fraternal organization as well. In 1886 he was president of the school board Enl in 1889 was president of the McLean County Agricultural Fair Association. In 1898 he was elected supreme medical director of the Court of Honor, a position which he held for eight years.

In the same year he was also elected a member of the board of supervisors and held the pcsitic n for six years. He was appointed in 1902 by Sheriff Gordi n as ph\sician to the Rock Island County jail, and he was successivel_y appointed to the same position by SherifT Hemmenway and Sheriff Cralle. During the year of 1906 he was health commissioner for the City of Rock Island, and it might well be added that Doctor Myers was the organizer and first president of the first medical society organized in Rock Island County which was recognized by the Illinois State Medical Society.

He has been and is at the present time connected with many organizations, among which are the Masons. Odd Fellows. Knights of Pythias, Court of Honor, Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, North Star, Modern Brotherhood of America, Royal Americans, American Order of Foresters and others. He has held ^-a^ious offices in nearly all these orders and has held responsible offices in the supreme lodges of many of them. He was for years chairman of the law committee of the Fraternal Army. For eight 3'ears he was supreme medical director of the Court of Honor. For eight years he was a member of the board of directors of the North Star and is now in possession of the highest office, chief astronomer.

Doctor Myers was married March 15, 1882, to Miss Sarah J. Johnson, of Heyworth, Illinois. Her father was James Johnson, the most influential farmer in the community in which he resided. Two children have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Myers: Dacie. now the wife of a prominent drj- goods merchant of Erie, Illinois; and Miss Nettie E. Myers at home. Miss Nettie is editor of the North Star, a publication devoted to the organization of which Doctor Myers is chief astronomer. &: Jg 3g aequirin^ a common and high school education he entered tlie Chicago College of Pharmacy and Medical Department Union of Illinois, from which he graduated. He served Ijriefl}' as a military man as a member of the Chicago Zouaves, this service extending from the year of 1S86 to 1S.S7. Politically he was every hair a Repulilican. and in 1897 he received the appointment of United States pension examinei'. which po.^^ition he holds to date.

As a physician he ranks high and as a citizen his pleasing personality and characteristics have stamped him among the most agreeable and respected of Moline.

Mark Ashdowim

MARK ASHDOWN, deceased, for many years a resident of Port Byron and Coe Townships, was, during his lifetime, one of the best known and respected of the many long time residents of this county. He was born in County Kent, in England. on the tliird day of .June. 18.51, and died May 31. 1907. He came to America early and in late years became jjrominent in local public life as an ardent Prohibitionist and the holder of varioiis public offices in this coimty at various times. Not until early in 1907 dill death finally claim Mr. Ashdown. after he had suffered for six years with l)aral3-sis.

The late citizen of Rock Island County, here mentioned, was the son of Edward and Ann Bakurst Ashdown, both of County Sussex, England. Edward Ashflown. father of Mark, came to America in 1S42. .-iccoiupanied by hi.s two .sons, Henry and Mark, and after spending thirteen months in Macedon, Wayne County, New York, they returned to England, where the elder .Mr, Ashdown died soon afterward.

In the fall of 18.50 Mark and his brother returned to New York State and again located in Wayne County. Until 1855 Mark remained there and in that year emigrated to Illinois, spending one Summer in Port Byron. Then going to Canoe Creek Township of Rock Island County, he remained until 1863. engaging in agricultural pursuits. Going into Coe Township in 1863, he remained tmtil 1881, at which time he .again moved to Port Byron, engaging in the manufacture of lumber and acting as local dealer in agricidtural imjilements. Not until 1895 did he permanently retire from active business pursuits.

For eight years Mr. Ashdown was a justice of the peace in Coe Township and for thirteen years he was a member of the school board. He was also at one time a member of the Port Byron town board. In early years Mr. Ashdown was identified with the Democratic party, but in late years, as was stated abo\'e, he became a Prohibitionist.

Mark Ashdown married in Wayne County, New York, on December 23. 1852, the bride being Miss Mary Ann Beale, of County Kent, England. Miss Beale came to this country in 1850, with her father, Henry E. Beale. The nearest descendants of Mark Ashdown are two sons and one daughter, namely: William Henry, born in Wayne County, New York, and now living in Coe Township; Charles Edward, born in Rock Island County, Illinois, a farmer living in Coe Township; and Ella E., the wife of Luther S. Pearsell, a Port Byron merchant. One son died in infancy.

Harry Landon Chapman

HARRY LANDOX CHAPMAN, a native (if Illinois, was born at Jersej'ville, in this state, on October 29, 1875, and was the son of T. S. and Sarah E. Chapman.

Mr. Chapman is now prominent in lianking circles in the City of Moline, where he holds the honorable position of vice-president of the Peoples Bank and Trust Company. He took up his residence in Jloline February 1. 1904, and since that time has made many staunch friends.

After obtaining a ])ublic school education he entered the ^lichigan law school and upon completion of his studies, graduated and was admitted to the bar of Illinois and ilichigan at the age of twenty-three years. He practiced law for some time, but decided that his interest in banking would be of greater value, and consequently turned his attentions to that profession, to which he still adheres.

Mr. Chapman is a Republican but never run for public oflice. He has always, and is still, ready to exert his efforts for a fellow Republican. iMr. Chapman is also a constant church goer and can be found in the congregation of the First Baptist Church of Moline on most every Sunday. His people were all honorable and ranked high in their respect i^-e lines of business, and like his ancestry, Mr. Chapman aspires to thesummit of his profession-

Doctor A. H. Arp

THERE is no period in the world's history which fails to demonstrate that exceptional ability and knowledge are invarial)ly triumphant and lasting, and live in memory long after the finite clay has returned to mother earth.

In medicine, as in every profession or business, nothing succeeds like success, hut to attain success requires a master mind, a logical and conservative policy and a thorough understanding of one's chosen calling. This being true, what shall be said of those who are inordinately endowed with genius and ability of accomplishment?

Hence, is so much as success is measured b}- achievement, and in turn, success is bona fide proof of exceptional cajjability. it can be perceived that the prolific mind if not permitted to hide its lamp of genius under a bushel. Personal adaptation and knowledge are recognized with a certainty that passeth understanding, and are never permitted to remain dormant for any great length of time. Whether it be found in business, politics, art or medicine, the result is the the same - cream will not cease rising until it has reached the top.

A timely and parallel case for illustration is to be found in Doctor A. H. Arp, of Moline. Born December 4, 1861, in Davenport, Iowa, and being left fatherless at the age of three and a-half years, he was never the less endued with the perquisites which go to make a virile and intelligent being, antl siich he has l^een during his entire lifetime.

After the death of his father his mother removed to Moline, where she took abode with her brother. Doctor P. H. Wessel. In that city he received his education, and after lieing graduated from the public schools be began to study law under the direction of Honorable William A. Meese. Finding law incompatible to his inclinations, Mr. Arp took up the science of medicine under the tutorage of Doctor P. H. Wessel, his uncle, and in 1879 entered the Iowa State University, from which he graduated in 1SS2, being one of the first class in that college to finish the three years' medicine course. He returned to Moline and began his profession under auspicious circumstances, and ;\Ioline has since been his home.

In 1888 he formed a partnership with Doctor Wessel, a consolidation which did not terminate until 1895, since which time Doctor A. H. Arp has practiced as an individual physician. How successful he has been is apparent by the scores of patients who daily visit his office, by the remarkable cures he has effected, and bv the fact that he is the attending physician for nearly, if not all, of the manufactories in the Plow City; chief surgeon of the Tri-City Railway and Light Company, and surgeon for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway and Chicago, Rock Islanfl and Pacific Railway shops. He is a nienilior of the Rock Island County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, American Medical Association, Association of Railway Surgeons, Tri-State Medical Society of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri; he served as City physician of Moline from 1883 to 1S87, and from 1892 to 1897 in the same capacity; he was appointed on the first hospital board under the state law, and was its secretary or president for six years; and is a member of its medical staff, and of the adjunct staff of St. Anthony's hospital. In 1907 Doctor A. H. Arp was ajipointed commissioner of health under the administration of j\Iayor Andrew Olson, which jiosition he still holds, and under his management a great many needed reforms as to puljlic health have been inaugurated. As may be surmised, he is a member of numerous orders, among which may be named King Philip Tribe, Improved Order of Red men, of which he is a charter member; Improved Order of Forresters; Modern Woodmen of America, No. 38; Tribe of Ben Hur; Royal Neighbors, etc., and these he re]iresents as physician for the order. Is medical examiner for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, the Erjuitable of New York, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, etc.

December 24, 1889, Doctor Arj) was wed in Rock Island to Miss Mattie Hardy, who was born in Wisconsin, she is a graduate of the Rock Island High School, was graduated in music under Professor Ki'amer of Da^'cnport, and was fui- two years a well known music teacher in <'liicago. Two children were born to this union, namely; k. Henry and Louis C.

A volume larger than this could be written relative to the ex])eriences and cures wrought by Doctor Arji. but since his reputation as a skilled hand and master mind in medicine and surgery has spread to limitless miles, any effort to confine them to details or define them would be futile.

Coming from the great middle class of ''men who do things," Doctor Arp was physically as well as mentally cpialified to succeed, as evidenced by the rapid strides in metlicine that he can check to his credit. He is jovial, but never ungracious: kindly and gentle, though coiirageous and stern; strong and \-irile, yet womanly in tenderness and sympathy.

As a physician he is ])ar excellent, and his re]nitation throughout the middle west is paramount to that of any jjhysician, regai'dless of the school which awardeil him a sheepskin. .Medicine magnifies before him witli the ease and celerity with which the sun disposes of the dew, and as a diagnostician and surgeon he is an acknowledged superior, even by those who would fain say otherwise. Socialy he is recognized in every plane anil by everyone, and in brief, it may be said tlml aside from his skill as a ])hysician and a gentle administrator to suffering mankind, he is pleasant, painstaking, conscientious, and of sterling integrity. What more need be said, for of what avail are weak words compared with the lasting monument of service whicli he has rendered to all who came under his care.

Charles Deere

THE American plow and I lie iianir uf Deere are synonymous in the public mind. Neither widespread commecialism insjiired by the [ilow nor its constant dexelopment toward jierfection by ct'.ei' hands and minds has effaced the intiuKicy between th(> in\-entoi' ;iiid liis iii\entiin. There is no such close sympathy between

Fulton and the steamboat, Morse and the telegraph f)r others among the pioneers of jiractical ideas. The living force of most inventors has been in the ideas they have given to the world, but the perfection of these ideas has been carried forw ard by others. The living force of the Deere invention is the Deere plow and the Deere industry and the faithful association of the inventor with every phase of the development of his invention. The Deere plow was the product of the genius of John Deere, the father; the Deere industrj^ was the triumph of business acumen akin to talent of Charles Henry Deere, the son. The Deere plow and the Deere industry have e^-er been foremost in setting a standard for agriculture and manufacture, both in perfection of the implement and the magnitude of the industry. Seldom has history brought into such close relation such a remarkable combination of practical genius and business capacity in father and son. They were true pioneers of .\merican products in the markets of the world and they made the name of Deere a house hold term in every nation of the globe.

Charles H. Deere was a typical American in a day and age conspicuous for individual achievement. The times called for men to develop the natural resources of the j-oung undeveloped nation. Men consecrated their lives to organizing vast industrial activities. Charles Deere was representative of the highest type of these producers of the enormous' wealth of the nation. His life was consecrated to exploiting the utility of that which his father had created. The plow not only became the most potent forerunner of civilization, but the originator of the commercial wealth of the nation.

As a boy, when his mind was forming, Charles Deere caught the all-ab.sorbing enthusiasm and zeal of the father. He was John Deere's companion in driving about the country in the vicinity of (irand Detour. Illinois, to test the priniiti\(> plows the father had built for the ]iioneers. He held the plow anil followed the furrow and caught the first faint realization of the scope of agriculture as a national resource and of the bu.siness of farming.

Charles Deere was Ijrought a babe in arms l)y his mother In ls:?S from the family home in Hancock, .\ddison Comity. \'ermont. where Charles was born .March "JS. 1S.37. .lohn Deere had ])receded the family by several months to the west. In the simple home at (!rand Detour, now a somewhat de.serted village near Dixon, Hlinois, the son tasted the privations of the pioneer, lived the humble life of the settler, mingled with the Indians and was given the meager advantages of the coimtry school. He was brought a boy of eleven, to the new home in Moline when John Deere, in 1S48, was prompted to ino\-e from Grand Detour by reason of the natural advantages of coal, water power and transportation for his modest industry. His common school education was continued in Moline and he attended commercial schools at Davenport aiul Oalesburg, finishing his education at Hell's commercial school in Chicago.

When he first became identified with the Deere Plow Works in 1853, the son was ]nit at bookkeeping. His marked ability at mastering detail brought him more intimately into the industry and he turned to salesman. He became proficient in every phase of plowmaking and demonstrating, even as a boy in actual apprenticeship as an artisan. Driving horses was a natural talent, and he became the company's most expert representative in handling the walking plow, being especially successful in introducing it into new territory. In later years he never swerved from his devotion to his first love - the walking |)low - and even to the last year of his life Mr. Deere's greatest delight was to spend often as much as a half day in the experimental field liolding a walking ]ilow to the furrow.

Riiildinii a factory in those days before the war was a slow and hdiorious process with no banks and no railroads. The Deere plows were loft wilh llie merchant on commission and were deliAcred by wagon after trips often several hnntlred miles long. Collections were made on subsequent trips, the dealer recei-ving a dollar as commission on each sale. The panic of 1857 caught the Deere industry in the midst of an outlay for additions, and the l)iirden of the storm rested heavily on the struggling concern. Pluck and determination carried it through, and every creditor was paid in full.

At the outbreak of the civil war the company's selling force consisted of George W. \'inton, Alvah Mansur and Charles Deere. The younger Deere's adventurous spirit prompted him to follow a regiment organized in Moline as far as Palmyra, Missouri', but his military ardor was cooled after a week spent in camp and his unsuccessful effort to be mustered in. He was one of the active young men of the town thereafter in securing and forming new regiments of volunteers for service. He was inspired by a warm patriotism, and in 1898 contributed with liberal hand to the support of those left behind by the volunteers of the Spanish-American war.

Charles Deere became a partner with his father and his brother-in-law in the Deere factory in 1858. Ten vears later - in 1868 - the corporation of Deere and Company was formed and Charles Deere became vice-president and general manager. The practical worth of the Deere plow had been demonstrated. The manufacture of the young industry had reached an annual output of 100,000 plows. The problem before father and son was to organize to meet the great market before them. There came to the son - now a mature business man - the awakening to the responsibility before him, and thenceforth his life was consecrated to the great work given him to jiprfortn. During the eighteen years that intervened between the organization of the corporation and the death of John Deere in 1SS6, the individuality of the son became more and more the individuality of the concern. He became jiresident of Deere and Company and all auxiliaries at his father's death.

His work ever beckoned him on - on. He could scarcely have fireamed of the ultimate fruit of his talent, but his success lay in building his industry with such a master touch that it was ever jirepared to respond to the quickening influence of a larger market. From selling directly to the dealer, a system of branch stores - which later became branch houses - grew under his direction, till at the time of his death any one of the fifteen or more at Omaha, St. I.ouis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Winnepig, San Francisco and other centers represented a volume of business worthy of the undivided attention of a business genius. He and his father originated the policy of making each branch house the center of a diversified line of farm implements, thereby bringing the name of Deere more intimately into every phase of the business of farming. His great structure comprehended the entire field of agriculture. Tie Deere and Mansur Company was startetl in 1877 to manufacture corn planters. The John Deere Buggy Company of St. Louis, the Fort Smith Wagon Company, the ^"elie Saddlery Company, the Union Malleable Iron Company all became cogs in the almost perfect business machine which he constructed . Mr. Deere was a profound believer in the future of his country; he displayed rare foresight in forecasting the possibilities of its resources and he organized his industry to develop them. At the close of the nineteenth century he caught the first glow of th.e golden age in American manufacturing and he set about to rebuild his plow factory t i meet it. At the time of his death he ha 1 only just completed this reconstructiim. r)eath allowed him no lime in which to

There was nothing hap-hazard about the success of the Deere industry. Its im])lements were built for the specific work they were to perform. The temper of tlie iron, climatic conditions, the needs of the agriculturist were met before the implement was sent from the factor3\ A healthful invigorating life permeated every detail. Everything which bore tlie name of Deere represented real value conservatively estimated.

I'nder the direction of such a master mind it was but natural that a distinctively Deere sentiment should sway the industry. Did Mr. Deere specialize it was in his judgment of men and his mastery of detail. He possesseil an insight akin to instinct in the selection of men of large calibre as his aities in working out his great structure. The}- carried on do\\-n through their departments a spirit of personal responsil)ility and consequence and pride in doing one's best. "Deere stands by Ids men" came to be a sentiment that estabished a mutual bond of sympathy, inspiring wonderful loj-alt.v to the name of Deere. The fundamental principle was to provide the best and the public would ]>e quick to appreciate.

The honor due his father as inventor of the plow was respected with imcommcni reverence and devotion. Every branch house but two bore the name of John Deere. The bust of John Deere was the distinguishing characteristic of the advertising of the parent plant and its immediate auxiliaries. Was he swayed by pride, it was in the name of Deere and in the father whose genius had given the name such immortal luster. Personal glory over his achievement was utterly foreign to his nature.

The scope of his life work made .Mr. Deere of necessit}- a man of large jniblic usefulness. It drew him into the very vortex of the industrial and politic;d life of tlie nation.

The individuality of his concern in large ineasui'e became the individuality of the comnumity in which he Deere and Company, the Deere and Mansur Companj', and the I'nion Malleable Iron Company - liis trinity of industries - gave employment to -S..500 men during the latter years of his life- His capital at one time or another was invested in ]iractically every manufactory in Moline. He recognized the strategic advantage of the locality as a manufacturing center and substantiated his faith in its future by liberal investment in every phase of the business life of the city, notabh- erecting many of its most substantial structures aside from its factories. He ])opularized Moline by the success of his own enterprises and became its leader and financial power in establishing its commercial solidity. His capital was identified with the Peo])le's Power Company, the Moline Abater Power Company, and the street car lines, ])ublic utilities that have had potent influence - in the growth of the community. His personal influence was conspicuous toward making Rock Island Arsenal the chief workshop of the government and toward making the Mississippi River and the Hennepin Canal practical highwaj's of commerce. He was the first to be sought when a new enterprise was projected and its fate many times rested on his attitude toward it. His first question was of the men to be identified with it. Outside of Moline his investments aside from his factories were in everj- known avenue of pulilic enterprise.

There is no estimating the scope of Mr. Deere's contribution to the material prosperity and progress of the world. His factories and allied industries, his distriliuting branches, gave employment to thousands and furnished means of livelihood to other thousands, to say nothing of the countless thousands who have profited through the utility of the Deere plow and allied implements. The volume of lousiness of his great business structure in the vear of his death is estimated to have been $25,000,000. Such usefiihiess to hmnanity is not generally dignified with the name of philanthropy, but men who have been such factors in providing the opportunity to others to help themselves must be real i)hiIanthropists in a largo appreciation of the term.

His closest friends scarcely realized tiie extent of his national prominence and influence. A sincere republican, he was a factor in the highest councils of his party. He stood consistently for those policies which would build up the nation. He was a counsellor of statesmen, for had he not intimate knowledge of the farm and factory, the warn-earner of national resources, all of them the most serious considerations of the lawmaker: He was accorded appointments of honor as national convention delegate, national elector in the Benjamin Harrison campaigns, president of the state board of labor statistics under Governors Ogelsbj^ and CuUom, trustee of DeKalb Xormal School, commissioner to the Menna Exposition in 1.S73 and to the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 in Chicago. But. only once did he take up public work for personal reason.^, and that in the interest of the development f)f deep waterways, a cause which lay close to the heart of one with such large conception of the world's wealth. He was appointed by (iovernor Deneen in 1907 to be commissioner of the Illinois and ^lichigan canal in appreciation of his influence in ]3romoting the question of national waterways before congress and (if drawing attention to the waterways of Illinois.