Rock Island County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 8 of 16)

The Welsh Congregational Chiu'ch was organized in 1857 by the Reverend John L. Richards, with a membership of fifteen. Meetings being first held at the liome of Mrs. Sarah Williams. In the year 1862 a house of worship, costing $1,000. was built.

The Roman Catholic residents, prior to 1875, were connected with the Rock Island mission. In 1870 they build a church, costing .12,000, which was formerly opened for worship by Reverend John P. Roles, who supervised the building of the cliurch, which is in a flourishing condition.

The First Presbyterian Church Of Milan

Tlie First Presljyterian Church of Milan, Illinois, originally known as the First Presbyterian Church of Camden, Old School Branch, was organized in April, 1845. The town was laid out in 1843, and as the settlers were mainly God-fearing men and women, they soon felt the need of a religious organization. As the majority of those who desired the church were of Presbyterian belief, they resolved, with Mr. William Dickson at the head, to organize a church of this denomination. To this end, notice was duly given to the people of the town of Camden and vicmity to meet in the meeting house on April 5, 1845. The Reverend Samuel Cleland was the moderator, and the Reverend Thomas Vaill clerk of the meeting. The meeting being constituted with prayer by the moderator, the object of the meeting was stated. Mr. William Dickson presented a number of articles and resolutions for consideration and action, these forming the constitution by which they were hereafter to be regulated. After the second reading they were imanimously adopted. The first services in the town of Camden were held in the mill owned by F. R. Brunot and James Dickson, Reverend

Ithamar Pillsbury preaching the sermon from the text found in Luke, 17:35. During the Winter of 1844-45, the services were held at the home of James Uickson, as the mill proved too cold for comfort. It was during the Winter of 1845-46 that Father Dick.son built the first church; not so much as the price of a nail was contributed by anj'one else. Laborers were scarce and mone}- scarce; so the greater part of the work devolved upon him. The timbers must be taken from the forest and floated across Rock River, as there were no bridges. The task was a difficult one, but the btiilding was com]ileted on May 21, 1846, and dedicated free of debt on the 22d, to the services of Almighty God. Reverend Wilson ]ireache<l the iledicatory sermon, and Reverend Pillsbury offered the dedicatory prayer. The following Sunday, May 24th, the first sacrament was celebrated. ^Mlether with minister or without, as it often was, the church depended in a great measure on this good man. Father Dickson, to afford the means of grace. Everj' Sabbath the voice of prayer and praise might be heard. Often he read a sermon to the little Viand of worshipers, and was ever their leader. The founders or charter members were: William Dickson. Mariam C. Dickson, James Dickson, Ruth Ann Dickson, Sarah Dickson, David M. Dickson, Francis E. Dickson, William Clark, Almina Clark, Eliza Ann Dickson, Elizalieth M. Dickson, William Pinkerton, Rachel Pinkerton, Edmund Hollister and Emma A. Hollister.

During the pastorate of Doctor W. W. Morehead the little cliurch became too small to accommodate the growing congregation. The necessit\- of a new chtu'ch brovight about the building of the present house of worshiji. This building, begun in 1S66, was dedicated, also free of debt, by Doctor Morehead, on October 4, 1S6S. The committee who attended to this work were: James Dickson and N. D. liradley. The interior of the Ijuilding was remodeled in 1902, and is now one of the prettiest and neatest chtirches in this part of the State. In 1878 the parsonage was built, later a barn was added. In 1894 a pipe organ was placed in the church. The present membership is one hundred and forty. The following have served as pastors since the organization of the church: Reverend Ithaman Pillsliurg, 1845-48; Reverend W. \Y. Bockus, 1850-51; Reverend S. T. Wilson, 1852-54; Reverend Thomas M. Chesnut, 1855-56; Reverend Jacob Coon, 1858-63; Reverend W. W. ^forehead. Doctor of Divinity, 1863-71; Reverend Moses Noerr, Doctor of Divinity, 1871-77; Reverend S, T. Davis, Doctor of Medicine, 1878-79; Reverend G. B. Black, 1879-81; Reverend S. T. McClure, 1881-83; Reverend C. F. Carson, 1883-88; Reverend Watson Russell, 1889-90; Reverend W. B. McKee, 1890-93; Reverend I). T. Rol:>ertson, 1894-97; Reverend H. W. Reherd, 1897-1901 ; Reverend Marion Humphreys, 1901-05; Reverend H. Cullen, Doctor of Divinity, present pastor, l)cgan liis work October 1, 1905.

Methodist Episcopal Church Of Milan

Reverend F. Haney first held service here, as one of the stations on the Camden circuit, and was followed by Reverend John Grundy, who remained two j'ears. The church was organized in 1848, and i)reaching was done in the school house, until 1854, when the church was built,

Andalusia Churches

The earliest meetings of tlie ^lethodist Episco]ial Chiu'ch Society were held during 1849, at the residence of Mrs, Sarah Buffum, At this time there were only about seven church members of all denominations in the township, and ministers were doing missionary work. Subsequently their meetings were held in various places, until the organization of the class at the resilience of Joseph Garnett, at Sulphur Sjirings, in the Fall of 1858. The original members were: Mrs. Sarah Ruffum, Elizabeth Ebj', F. A. Cobb, Joseph Garnett, Mrs. Clara W. Ferguson and Mrs. Susan Garnett, at which time W. J. Giddings was pastor, succeeded by Reverend Mr. TJnthecum, and Reverend Mr. Welsh in l.S.^9. During their pastorate, the district school house was improved for the Baptist Church, and there they held their meetings. The Reverends Ashl)augh and Richmond in 1861 ; J. W. Barteles in 1S64, and Mr. Martin in 1865. In 1866 the society built a house of worship, which was dedicated in March, 1867.

The first church of the United Brethern in Christ, of Andalusia, held their first meetings in the Summer of 1863 in tlie district school house, the Reverend John \\'enger preaching the first sermon; meetings only being lield occasionally. It was mainly through the influence of H. S. Tliompson and wife the services were had, and led to the organization of the church by Reverend Samuel Knox in September, 1864, at the school house. H. S. Thompson and wife, M. M. Thompson and Cynthia Smith were the original four members. H. S. Thompson was the first class leader and steward. The pastorate of the church was first filled I)y Reverend Samuel Knox. Reverend St. Clair Ross, during his pastorate in 1868, devised means for building a suitable house of worship. The Sabbath school maintained by tliis cliurcli, liad its origin in a Union Sabbath school organized Maj^ 1, 1859. As the various churches grew strong enough, denominational Sabliath schools were established.

The First Bajitist Chiu-ch of Andahisia held their first metings in 1867. Pursuant to a business meeting of the Bajitist Church held at Edgington the second Saturday in November, 1866, authorizing the members of the church residing in Andalusia and vicinity, to form a separate organization. A meeting was called at Andahisia May 1, 1867, for the purpose of forming a church organization, which was done the evening of May 15. 1867, witli a membership of twenty-five. They succeedetl in providing a suitable meeting house at a cost of about $2,000, on a lot donated by S. M. Boney and others. Reverend O. T. Conger was the first pastor, followed by Reverends J. C. Post, Mr. Lamb, of Davenport, Iowa; James Young, S. D. Ross, Gilman Parker, Thomas A. Williams.

At Wrayville the (Icrnian Methodists have a church, built in 1875, at a cost of .SI, 000. They also have a parsonage, in which the Reverend CarweU resides.

Near Foster the Baptists have a house of worsliip, built aliout 1871, through the efforts of their first jiastor. Reverend E. Odell. A ]iarsonage was built for the occupancy of the pastor, who is now Reverend S])illcr.

Edgington Churches

The Presbyterian Churcli, organized in the Dunlap cabin in the Fall of 1837, was the first chiu-ch organized in Edgington. Joseph Dunlap and Daniel Montgomery were the first elders. The organization was effected Ijy Re\'erentl John Montgomery, an itinerant home missionary, by appointment of the Presbyter}' of Schuyler. Church services were held for several years once a month, or at long intervals, in the Dunlap cabin during Winter months and in the barn in Summer. Reverend John Montgomerj^, the first minister, was a brother of Daniel Montgomery. The Jlontgomeries came from Pennsylvania in 1836; Daniel locating "far out on tlie prairie," on section twenty-six. and his brother, John, the missionary over in Mercer county. In those (hiys tliere was a conimiui l.)rotherhood and sisterhood among the ].)eo]3le of all professions. Tiiey came long distances, in liig wagons, to church, some with ox teams, some on horsebacl<. ami some on foot. Chiu-ch courtesies were not gilt edgetl, nor sillv fringed. Worshipers did not stand aloof until introduced before speaking to one another. The social gulf was narrow and easily bridged by a hearty handshake and "howily-do." During the years 1843-44 a church was built twenty-two by forty feet in dimensions. Most of the material of whicli it was built was taken out of the timber surrounding it. The church thus built had added to it in 1859 a vestibule, gallery and tower. The church had no settled minister for years. Those who served the longest terms, either as pastor or supply were Reverends Samuel Cleland, A. W. Loomis, Jesse M. Jamison, Thomas M. Wilson and Thomas R. Johns(m. The pastorate of the latter began May 28, 1863, and continued until June, 1904, making a pastorate of thirty-nine years. During the ministry of Mr. Johnson the community developed and enjoved a great measure of prosperity. In this the church shared. This materialized in the present church building, which was erected in 1896. This is one of the finest and most commodious churches in the country. It has a seating capacity of about four hundred. It is provided with Sunday school rooms, cloak room, vestibule and gallery. There is also a very comfortable house near by. Since December 1, 1904, Reverend J. L. Herming has been the pastor in charge; Reverend T. R. Johnson being pastor emeritus.

The first Methodist preaching was by itenirant missionaries - James Smith, Jordan and McMurtrie, 1836-40 - at the residence of Charles Eberhart. A class was regularly organized in June, 1843, with H. H. Parks as leader. In 1854 they erected a commodious house of worship by the roadside, one and three-fourth miles east of the village of Edgington, and named it Zion. It is still occupied and kept in good repair.

The Baptist Church was organized in 1846, and a house of worship built about oneeighth of a mile east of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was sold to a farmer some years ago and a new house built at Taylor Ridge. The meeting at which the organization was effected was held in a barn of George D. Parmenter, in the village of Edgington, August 10, 1846, and the Rerevend Mr. Braljrooks preached the sermon. Reverend Clark, of Mercer County, was the first regular minister, and in the capacity of pastor served the congregation until 1848.

The Catholic Church. Through the fifties and sixties a priest from a distant parish, Rock Island or elsewhere, visited the families occasionally and held services in the homes. Then a frame house was built for worship by the roadside, opposite and a little north of the Presbyterian church, and services are still held there once a month, and the ordinances administered, and pastoral work done by a non-resident priest.

Fraternal Organizations The Fraternal Tribunes

The home offices of The Fraternal Trilnmes, a fraternal insurance society having a national reputation, are located in Rock Island, and the society occupies the entire second story of the Carse Building. This is a Rock Island institution of growing imjiortance, having been organized in 1897, in which year a charter was received from the State of Illinois' and its lodges now number up into the hundreds and are located in the thriving cities and towns of this and other states. The growth of The Fraternal Tribunes on January 1, 1908, was in excess of 11,000 members, and the society has paid in death and disability benefits over $425,000. In its scope the society is purely a fraternal beneficiary order, having a representative form of government anil conducting its business uptni the lodge l>lan, and it admits men and women for insurance benefits in the sum of .$250, .1500, $1,000 or $2,000, each individual age at entry determining the cost to the insured. The present supreme officers are as follows: Honorable T. J. Medill. joast su])reme tribune Rock Island, 111.; K. M. Whithani, supreme tribune, Aledo, Illinois; Honorable W. C. Galloway, vice-supreme tribune, Aledo, Illinois; Robert Rexdale, supreme secretary. Rock Island, Illinois; Harold A. Weld, supreme treasurer, Rock Island, Illinois; Honorable James McCartney, supreme counsellor, Chicago, Illinois; Doctor A. L. Craig, supreme medical examiner, Chicago, Illinois; Gilbert Miller, supreme orator, Canton, Illinois; L. M. Cam]:)bell, supreme sergeant-at-arms, Peoria, Illinois; Sadie B. Miller, supreme guard, Chicago, Illinois; E. L. Wolff, supreme sentinel, Aledo, Illinois.

Benevolent And Protective Order Of Elks

The Rock Island Lodge, No. 980, of the brotherhood of Elks was organized June 26, 1905, with a membensjiip of fifty-five; at the present time (September, 1908) it numbers three hundred and tw^enty-five. Their first quarters were over the Illinois Theatre. January 31, 1908, they moved to new quarters in the new Elks Building on Eighteenth Street near the river front, where they occupy two stories, and have a lodge room, club room, and accompaniments, as fine as any in the State. Dejmrting from their old home, four hundred Elks formed in line and marched to their new home with the band playing " Auld Lang Syne." The fundamental principles of the order are charity and benevolence. Their salutation cry is "Hello Bill."

Arsenal Council, No. 171

and (ieorge Phillips. Many of the first charter members and officers are still members at present, some have died and a few have drojjjjed out. The National Union teaches patriotism and tries to lift its members up to a higher sphere of life, and is one of the best fraternal organizations in existance today. It is an assessment fraternal organization, having a death benefit, and also gives insurance on the step rate plan, and sti-aight life. Headquarters are in Toledo, Ohio.

The Turn Verein

The Rock Island Turn Verein, or- the Turner Society, as it is commonly styled, is one of the best known and most substantial organizations in the city. Its origin dates back to April Hi, 1S.")7, wlien it was known as the Turn Gemeinde. It was incorporated in 1869. During the time that has intervened there has been but one real crisis in its affairs. That was happily tided over and since that time its growth has been steady and suliicient.

John Imber, a shoemaker, u]ion coming to this city during the fifties, began agitating the question of such an organization among the German residents. He aroused about twentyfive of his fellow countrymen and the society was formed. Julius Mosenfelder, the grocer, was the first jjresident, John Wright, who was once employed in the mechanical department of The Argvs, was the first secretary, and Mr. Imber the first turnwort, or leader of the classes in physical culture.

At first the society had no building in which to meet, but the lot at the northeast corner of Twenty-first Street and Sixth Avenue was bought and fenced in and the exercises were held in the open air during the first season. Rooms on the second floor of a building on Market Scpiare, back of the Bengston Block, were then leased for a c;iuple of years. Here the first dramatic undertakings were i)ut on in the Winter of 18.')S-.59. The next meeting phice was in :i biiildini^ which occupied thg site of the new Hotel Harms. After a few years another change was made to the Empire Hall, as it was then known, located over 1506 Second Avenne.

The lot now owned by the society, and occnpied by its present qnarters on the south side of Third Avenue west of Sixteenth Street, was acquired in ISGG. The wooden building, known as Turner Hall, had been in use as the church of the Episcopal congregation of the city, being abandoned upon the erection of the church now occupied. The brick gymnasium in the rear .of the hall was put up about fifteen years ago at a cost of $2,000, and the brick structure which now constitutes the main building was put up nine years ago at a cost of $14,000. The property of the societ}' is now valued at $35,000.

It was in 1S59 that the membership was reduced, through a schism, to nine, but it has grown since till at the present time it numbers 1,000. There is also a Ladies' Turner Society, with thirty-five members, that is maintained as an auxiliary to the main society.

The quarters are provided, in addition to the hall and a well equipped gymnasium, with nicely furnished club rooms, including a library of seven hundred volumes of works in German and English.

Fraternal Order Of Eagles

One of our most interesting societies is that of the Eagles. The Far West has the distinction of the origin of The Fraternal Order of Eagles. Its principles of liberty, truth, justice and equality, appeal to the most conservative people of the country. The benefits to the member are: a physician to himself and family free of charge, one dollar a day sick benefit for sixteen weeks, and one hundred dollars in case of death.

Rock- Island Aeria, No. 956, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted January 15, 1905, at the Rock Island Turner Hall. Its charter list was composed of one hundred and thirtv-one members. Oloflf Banker was its first president; A. D. Huesing, vice-president; J. F. Dindinger, secretary and, E. V. Ramser, treasurer. It is financially strong, although having expended a large sum for benefits and other purposes.

This association last Spring purchased the Murrin homestead on the south-west corner of Fourth Avenue and Twenty-first Street; a splendid location for the home, where they contemplate building; including lodge room, club room, reading rooms, and the necessary accessories.

The Modern Woodmen Of America

One of the most important Rock Island institutions is the head office building of the Modern Woodmen of America. In the Rock Island building, erected and furnished at an expense of more than $425,000 are constantly employed an average force of two hundred people, with a monthly pay roll of over $15,000. It will thus be seen that aside from the value as an advertisement to the city and county the society is a most valued financial in.stitution, bringing to the locality a most desirable class of citizens who are connected with it.

The Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal beneficiary society, incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, May 5, 1884. It began business, however, and started as a fraternal beneficiary society w'ith the organization of its first camp Januai-y 5, 1SS3, at the town of Lyons, Clinton County, Iowa. Its first camp was composed of twenty-one charter members and was instituted by Mr. Joseph Cullen Root. It is bj' far the largest fraternal beneficiary society in America, having on July 1, 1907. a membership in good standing of 851,441 beneficial members and 39,796 social members, or a grand total membership of 891,237. On this date it had 11,797 local camps of lodges distributed in the following states:

The society's principal purpose is to provide substantial death benefits for the widows, orphans and other dependents of deceased members, and for this purpose it issues to accepted members policies or certificates of insurance, and incidentally affords valuable fraternal privileges and advantages to all its members while living. It has unusually strong and attractive fraternal features. Its ritualism is beautiful, entertaining, instructive and helpful. Its local camps or lodges care for their sick and do all in their power to relieve members in distress. Many local camps pay sick benefits and most local camps have committees to care for the sick and distressed, and in countless ways co-operate in the promotion of the interests of their members, and in carrying out in fullest measure the sublime doctrines and teachings of cooperation and felkn\'ship. Its plan of cooperation is of the simplest form, and yet in its vast business it has a system of methods in its various departments which is unsurpassed in the great commercial organizations of the country.

The management of this society is progressive, economic and business like. It lias a rejjresentativo form of government in which the voice of the individual member reaches the administration of the society's affairs through a delegate .system, including triennial meetings of delegates from local camps to county conventions, and delegates from these county conventions in turn to state conventions, and delegates from these state conventions to the National convention, or Head Camp, which is the legislative and controlling bodv of the organization. At its triennial head camps laws and rules are adopted and prescribed for the management, control and regulation of the society, as well as defining the privileges and powers, rights £ind duties of its members and officers. At its triennial head camps the various officers of the society are elected.

The plan of collecting and disbursing mortality benefits prescribed in its contracts is of the simplest form, furnishing protection or insurance at actual cost; the membership being called upon to pay such assessments from month to month to the Mortality or benefit fund, as its board of directors shall from time to time find necessary and desirable to meet the claims against such fund, occasioned by the current or monthly deaths among its membership, thus requiring from its members the payment of only that amo\mt which is necessary to meet its death aims.

The expenses of conducting the business of the society aside from the payment of death claims are met from the general hind, which is separate and distinct at all times from the benefit or mortality fund, and which funrl is made up of contributions for expense purposes from its membership in the nature of a per capita tax, which is fixed and levied by the head camp of the society. Since 1890 this contribution has been one dollar per member per year, out of which has been paid all the expense of conducting the vast business of this society.

The result of this simple [ihui of "co-operation and protection " has been the most phenomenal in development of any like concern in American history. The following statement taken from the records of the society shows the number of benefit certificates issued yearly since organization uj) to and including the year 1906:

From January 1, to July 1, 1907, there liave been written 81,268 certificates, making a grand total of certificates written in tliis society from its organization down to July 1, 1907, 1,414,852.

The society has had a most successful career financially, as well as in its growth and influence as a fraternal society. Its plan of payment of death losses has always provided ample means for the prompt settlement of all death claims, and since its organization it has paid out in death losses the magnificent sum of more than .1.59.000,000.

It accepts to member.ship in this society male white persons Ijetween the ages of eighteen and forty-five, except that if the applicant be over forty-one years of age he cannot carry benefits to exceed $2,000. All applicants for membership are required to pay a membership fee of five dollars, and the cost of medical examination, varying from $1.25 to $2.25.

Its field work is under the management of the head consul of the society, who appoints a state deputy head consul for each state, who in turn appoints district deputy head consuls for certain territory or districts in a state, who give personal attention to the

The financial nuinagement of the society is under the control of a board of directors, consisting of five members, wliile the head clerk is the recording and accounting officer. The liead banker has the custody of the funds and no money can be paid out by him, except upon orders signed by the head consul^ the head clerk and at least three members of the board of directors.

In the adoption of social members only no medical examination fee is recjuired. Payment by members to the mortuary fund is according to rates established by the head camp and are graded according to the age at the time of joining the society. The rates do not increase with advancing age, and during recent years it has not been necessary for the board of directors to levy an asses.sment each month in order to meet the current death losses.

The officers of local camps are consul (presiding officer), jjast consul, clerk (recording officer), banker, adviser, escort, watchman, sentry, board of three managers, and examining physicians.

Great care is taken in determining tha physical soundness of applicants for membership in this society. Each applicant is examined as to his physical condition by the local camp physician, after which the application is forwarded to a state physician who reviews the examination of the local examiner, and such state phj^sician, after passing upon the applicant by either approving or rejecting him, forwards the application, together with the record of such approval or rejection to the board of supreme medical directors, which board is composed of three eminent physicians, selected and appointed bjf the executive council of the society. This supreme Medical board again reviews the application so far as it relates to the medical examination and opinion of both the local examiner and the State examiner, and action of the supreme medical board, either in approving or rejecting the application, is final, except in emergency cases only, when the executive council, for special cause, may ask a reconsideration and examination of the applicant by the supreme medical board.

At the time of the organization of Pioneer Camp, No. 1, on Januar}^ 5, 1S83, the first provisional head camp was organized, and the following officers elected:

The first regular head camp, however, was held in June, 1883, at Fulton, Illinois. At this head camp five local camps were represented by fifteen delegates, and the first fundamental laws were adopted. The head camp officers elected at this meeting were as follows:

The seventh head camp met in Springfield, Illinois, on the morning of November 11, 1890. There were nine hundred and sixtyone delegates present, including the hearl officers, and standing committees, representing 42,300 members and 1,491 camps.

Prior to this head cam]3 meeting, serious differences of opinion existed among the then head officers as to methods of conducting the business of the societv. At this meeting the entire fundamental laws of the societv were re-written and the society itself practically reorganized on new and different lines and plans of operation; none of the former head officers were re-elected, but new officers were selected from the head camp delegates to conduct the business of the society, upon the new plan and under the laws promulgated and adopted at this meeting. In this head camp laws were adopted providing for the holding of state head camps, and more complete and satisfactory form of representative government. The officers elected at this head camp were as follows:

The eighth head camp was held in Omaha, Nebraska, in February, 1892. There were present one hundred and twenty-seven head officers, members of standing committees, and delegates, representing 1,782 camps, with a membership of 68,667. At this head camp the Royal Neighbors of America was, by resolution, accepted as the ladies' auxiliary of the Modern Woodmen of America.

In the interim between the meeting of the head camp at Springfield, Illinois, and the head camp at Omaha, Nebraska, Honorable M. W. Mathews, chairman of the board of directors, died, and General Jasper N. Reece, of Springfield, Illinois, was appointed to fill the vacancy caused b\^ the death of Senator Mathews.

The ninth head camp met in convention in Madison, Wisconsin, in June, 1895, with two hundred and seventy-three delegates, head officers and committeemen, representing 2,840 camps and 125,667 members. At this head camp meeting the liasis of rei)resentation on account of the rajiid growtli of tlie society was changed to one delegate for each 1 .000 members, and one delegate at large from each state. Among the great questions considered at this meeting was that of the change of rates of the society; and the establishment or recognition of the forester teams in camp work.

The tenth head camp met in Dubuque. Iowa, in June, 1897, with two hundred and forty-two delegates, head officers and committeemen present, representing 208,292 members and 4,436 camps. At this head camj) meeting the laws were changed so as to provide for twelve head physicians, instead of five as formerly.

At this head camp there was created the executive council of the society, composed of the head consul, the head clerk, and board of directors, to which body the head consul and other officers of the society might at any time appeal for counsel and advice in any matter pertaining to the administration of the affairs of his department.

The eleventh head camp met in Kansas City, Missouri, in June, 1899, with three hundred and eighty-three delegates, head officers and members of standing committees present, representing 5,863 camps and 339,364 members. At this meeting the board of head physicians was increased from twelve to nineteen, and the board of auditors was increased from three to five.

At the July, 1899, meeting of the executive council, following the Kansas City head camp, J. W. White resigned as director and was appointed general attorney. At the same meeting the executive council appointed E. E. Murphy, of Leavenworth, Kansas, as director to fill the vacancj' caused by the resignation of Mr. White.

The twelfth head camp met in St. Paul, Minnesota, on June 11, 1901, with six hundred and twenty-nine delegates, head officers and members of standing committees in attendance, representing 8,980 camps and 568,181 members. At this head camp meeting the number of head phj'sicians was increased to provide one head physician for each state. The basis of representation in this growing society was again modified and fixed at one delegate for each 1,500 members or major fraction thereof, in good standing, in camps of each state, on January 1, preceding head camp. At this head camp the question of rates was again considered, and a committee was ajjpointed to employ actuaries and assistance to consider carefully the question in all of its phases and the condition of the societ}^, and make its report to the executive council which in turn should publish it to the jurisdiction. At this meeting Honorable William A. Northcott, who had served so long and faithfully as head consul of the society, announced to the head camp and the jurisdiction, that because of the condition of his health it would be impossible for him to accept another term of office from the society, and he would not, therefore, be a candidate to succeed himself at the end of the term which he was elected to serve.

In the interim between the twelfth head camp and the thirteenth head camp occurred the great discussion throughout the jurisdiction among the officers and members of local and subordinate camps the question of readjustment of rates, based upon the report of the committee appointed at the St. Paul head camp, so that the thirteenth head camp, which convened at Indianapolis, Indiana, on Juue 16, 1903, might be considered the most critical and important head camp thus far in the history of the societ}-. At this head camp five hundred and thirt3'-seven delegates, head officers and members of standing committees were present, representing 10,589 camps with a membership of

682,639. Tlie most important matter liefore this head camp was the diiscussion and action ii])on tlie report of the St. Paid head cam]-) committee on revision of rates. After several daj^s deliberate consideration and earnest and oft-times bitter debate the head camp adopted a new table of rates for the society, which ha.s been the basis of mortuary contribntion to the society's benefit fund by its mend)ers since, and is as follows:

-\t tids head camp Honorable William A. Northcott, head consul, in carrying out his announced purpose and plan at the previous head camji, declined to be a candidate for re-election, and Adolplius H. Talbot, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was elected head consvd to succeed lum.

-At this head camp the office of past head consul was created, and former head consul AMlliam A. Northcott \\as made past consul, and member of the head camp of this society for life, out of recognition for the distinguislied services he had rendered the society.

The fourteenth head camp met at Milwaukee, A^ isconsin, June 20, 1905, -nith four hundred and seventy-si.K delegates, representing 10,736 camps and 693.425 members. At this meeting of the head camp the law was changed .so that the head camp met triennially instead of biennially, and special rates were provided for hazardous occupations. The following officers were elected at this head camp n-.eeting, who are its present head officers:

The head camp meeting in Omaha, in 1892, directed the bead officers to move the head office from F;dton to Rock Island. For nearly fi-ve years every effort on the part of the head officers to comply with the directions of the head camp in such removal was thwarted b}- the activity of the citizens of Fulton by injunction proceedings and restraining orders of the various courts against such removal. In the fullness of time, however, hearings were had upon all such proceedings and the Coiu't's final decision authorized the head officers to carry out the expressed wish and will of the head camp in removing such head office to Rock Island. The removal occurred in September, 1897, and the new and commodious head office building was completed and occupied by the society some two years later, since which

The bead office of this societj^ at Rock Island, lUinois, has one of the most commodious and appropriate fire-proof buUdings of modern times. It has been constructed at an expense of more tlian .S350,000, is thoroughlj' equipped with steel furniture and file boxes, and is one of the safest and strongest buildings that can possibly be constructed of stone, brick and steel beams. It is beautifully frescoed, supplied with all modern conveniences and equipment, and the apartments are so adjusted with reference to each other as to best facilitate the great work of this society. In this building are the offices of the head officers, as well as the offices of the general attorneys, with their complete law librarj-, and the offices of the editor and supreme medical board. The arrangement of the rooms and offices in this commodious four-story building is so complete as to light, ventilation and other essentials, as to make it everything that can be desired in tlie way of a complete modern office building. Here are employed approximateh- two hundred and fifty clerks, stenographers and heads of departments, in connection with the business of this society.

No one can measure the great power and influence of the Modern Woodmen among the people of this countrj'. Its influence and effect upon the growth and development of Rock Island Coimty, and its helpfulness to the business enterprises thereof is of such lasting benefit that the establishment of its permanent home in Rock I.slnnd is a continuing pleasure and satisfactifm to tlie people.

Royal Xeighrors Of America

The Royal Neighbors of America, as a fraternal beneficiary society, was twelve vears old in March, 1907, charter having been granted March 21, 1895.

The first camp in the society - or rather the bod}'^ from which the first camp of the society sprung - was organized in December, 1888, at Council BlufTs, Iowa, as a "ladies auxiliary" to Hazel Camp, No. 171, Modern Woodmen of America. The stated purpose of this auxiliary was "to entertain and help increase tlie membership and encourage the building up of the society of the ilodern Woodmen of America." The originators were the wives of the neighbors of Hazel camp. The}- met once a month, giving socials and entertainments, and these meetings continued until October, 1899, when the ladies determined to form a secret fraternal societ}^ to be officered exclusively by ladies.

Thereupon, committees were appointed and a ritual and constitution were prepared. These were submitted and appro'ved at a meeting held January 2, 1890. Articles of incorporation were next drawn, and on April 25, 1890, the Ro3-al Neighbors of America (this being the name selected for the new society) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa. The society's underlying principles were named as faith, modesty, courage, unselfishness and endurance, and their motto ex fde fortis, which means "firm by faith."

The incorporators of the Royal Neighbors of America, who were also designated in the articles of incoriioration as the first sunrcnie officers," were:

Tlie first supreme camp meeting of the Royal Neighbors of America was held at Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 26, 1S90, more for the purpose of completing the organization of the supreme camp, for there were as yet no local camps.

At a special meeting of the supreme camp, held April 7, 1891, a resolution was unanimously adopted j^roviding for the admission of men as members of the Royal Neighbors of America. After this was done the society began to show signs of life, and when tlie first regular supreme camp meeting was called to order in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the first Wednesday of January, 1896, six camps were represented, with an aggregate membership of three hundred. The first regular supreme officers were elected at this session.

The second annual meeting of the supreme camp was lield at Omaha, Nel)raska, January 4 and 5, 1893, when there were eighteen camps, with eight hundred and fifty members represented. At this meeting it was decidetl to make the society more than a social and fraternal auxiliary of Modern Woodmen of America by establishing a benefit or insurance department, and committees were appointed to report at the next supreme session.

At the fourth sujireme camp meeting, held in Peoria, Illinois, January- 3, 4 and 5, 1894, there were forty-five local camjis, with 1,567 members, reported in good standing. After hearing the report of the committee on benefit plan, appointed at the Omaha meeting, the supreme camp decided that in order to complete this department it woidd be necessary for the society to reincorporate in Illinois. To do this the society was compelled to change the head office of the societ\- from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to some city in Illinois, and upon ballot, the city of Peoria was chosen.

The matter of putting into operation the insurance feature was left with the lioard of supreme managers. The board appointed a beneficiary committee consisting of Major C. W. Hawes, head clerk, and directors J. G. Johnson and J. W. White of the Modern Woodmen Society, and under the supervision of these gentlemen, the Royal Neighbors of America reincorporated and established its benefit department substantially as it is today, the new charter being issued by the Illinois insurance department on March 21, 1895.

The Royal Neighbors rank high in comjiarison with the largest fraternal beneficiary societies in tlie United States, and has greatest prominence over all insurance societies officered by women.

The Royal Neighbors of America has paid out in benefits, since the date of its organization, §4,283,527.94 to the beneficiaries of its deceased members.

The average age of the lieneficiarj' membershij) in 1907 was thirty-seven years. During the }-ear 1907 there were seven hundred and t went3^-eight deaths, and the amount of $730,800.44 was ])aid out in l.)enefits.

This society admits to membership beneficiary and social members of the Modern Woodmen of America and anv white woman of good character, whether related to a Modern Woodman or not.

Only women can hold elective offices, either in the supreme or local camps, with the exception in local camps that men may hold the position of manager or physician.

The supreme officers of the society are elected biennially bj^ a majority vote of the delegates in session, one delegate representing a membenship of 1,000. The last session was held in Chicago in May, 1908.

The number of certificates issued thus far this year exceeds all former records, and as our suspensions are so few the additions are almost a clear gain.

the most important being the consolidation of tlie social and beneficiary departments and rlianuiiiK the location of the supreme office from Peoria to Rock Island, Illinois. The beneficiary department was formerly in the same building with the Modern Woodmen head office, but more room necessitated a change, and now the effects of the two offices heretofore located at Peoria and Rock Island are now installed in offices occupying the entire sixth floor of the Safet}- Building.

At the supreme camp an appropriation was made to the amount of $75,000, for the purpose of erecting a supreme office building, which is likely to be started within the next two or three years.

This society is now the largest of all women's fraternal beneficiary societies; it is officered entirely by women, except that two men are members of the beneficiary committee. Its presid&nt is Mrs. Lina M. Collins, of St. Paul, Minnesota, and its secretary Miss Myrtle E. Dade, of Rock Island, Illinois.

Accepted Masons

Tlie first organization of Masonic lodges in this vicinity was a dispensation granted by the grand master of the grand lodge of the State of Illinois, in 1847, to Cambridge lodge at Cambridge, Illinois. The nearest lodges being St. Johns, No. 13, at Peru, LaSalle Comity; Henderson, No. 26, Knox Coimty; and Monmoutii, No. 37, Warren County. A charter was granted October 4, 1847, to Cambridge Lodge as No. 49, meetings to be held at (Cambridge and Rock Island alternately. January 26, 1S4S, in compliance with the unanimous request of Cambridge Lodge, a dispensation was granted to meet regularly at Rock Island. The distance between Cambridge and Rock Island - thirty miles, and by team - was quite arduous and tiresome.

Steps were taken May 18, 1848, to form a new lodge at Rock Island, for Rock Island County. When the name was considered, there was a diversity of opinion. Among the names proposed were Mississippi, Rock Island, Barrett, Buford, Illinois and Larely; none commanding a majority, Doctor James W. Brackett proposed the name of Trio, in honor of Rock Island, Moline and Camden Mills - now Milan - and the name of Trio was adopted. June 1, 1848, a dispensation was granted to Trio lodge, Rock Island, Illinois, and October 3, 1848, was chartered as Trio Lodge, No. 57.

May 3, 1855, Fort Armstrong Lodge, No. 186, was organized by members from Trio Lodge, but March 12, 1863, surrendered its charter and consolidated with Trio Lodge. In June and July, 1870, twenty brethern withdrew from Trio Lodge to organize Rock Island Lodge, No. 658. Trio Lodge at its organization had seventeen members; now it has a membership of two hundred and fiftyfour.

Morris Rosenfield, worshipful master; Charles A. Benser, senior warden; Milton G. Mills, junior warden; H. H.'Mayo, treasurer; George P. Fr3-singer, secretary; J. W. Whitmarsh, senior deacon; Ben C. Frysinger, junior deacon; J. S. Drake, senior steward; James F. Copp, junior steward; Thomas Thornton, tyler.

The lodge had twenty-six charter members, eleven of which are still alive. The lodge now has two hundred and sixteen active members and two honorary membei'S.

1904, the name of tlie cliapter was changed to Rock Island Cha]")ter. The chapter meets in Masonic Temple the first Tuesday of each month. The membership now (1908) is two hundred and fifty.

Everts Commandery, No. 18, Knights Templar, Rock Island, Illinois

First met under dispensation January 10, ISGG, a petition having previously been presented to the grand commander of the grand commander}^ of the State of Illinois by Virgil M. Blanding, Palestine Commandery, No. 14, Pennsylvania; John Lin Ramsey, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; William B. Crenelle, Blaney Commandery, No. 5, Illinois; O. S. McNeil, I>aFayette Commandery, No. 16, Indiana; C. Stewart Ells, DeMolay Commandeiy, No. 16, Indiana; W .E. Bowman, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; I. B. N. Bross, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; D. S. Rawson, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; D. W. Lininger, Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, Illinois; and recommended by Peoria Commandeiy, No. 3, Peoria, Illinois.

The following officers were appointed by the grand commander of the grand commandery of the State of Illinois: Yirgil Marion Blanding, eminent commander; John Linn Ramsey, generalissimo; William B. Crenelle, captain general; the other officers being appointed by the eminent commander. October 23, 1866, the commandery was constituted and granted its charter. Its name was changed October 23, 1901, its thirtyfifth anniversary, to Rock Island Commandery, No. 18, and at present has a membership of two hiuidred and eighty-five.

Hock Isla.Xd Ciiai'Ter, No. 269, Order Of

Rock Island Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, was instituted at Masonic Temple, A|)ril 13, 1894. Mrs. Eva M. Conover, the organizer, was chosen wrothy matron; G. F.

The first corps of officers were: Secretary, Lillie K. Williams; treasurer, Meta DeSoland; conductress, Zetta Oilman; associate conductress, Anna Harrington; Adah, Vashti Bollman; Ruth, Myra Arnold; Esther, Clara Woltmann; Martha, Ada Huntoon; Electa Kate A. Tuller; chaplain, Sarah Campbell; warder, Mary Rhodenbaugh; organist, Elizabeth Volk; sentinel, L. W. Mitchell.

In August of the same year the secretary remo\-ed from the city, her ]ilace being filled by Vashti Bollman. In October the charter was granted; the chapter nunUjered two hundred and si.\tj--nine.

Illinois

After the lodge had done business for eight or ten years a state of lethergy appeared and the charter was suspended and returned to the grand lodge. Finally the members of Eureka Lodge reorganized for work, consisting of brethern William Feris, Riley Hayford, D. C. Round}', John l'>. Davidson,

William Wallace. N. 1). Bradley, Frank H. Harris, George JM. Dickson. .James Dickson. Alexander Owens, William Dickson and Jolm Dickson; and the first comnuinication was held on the fourth day of October, 1S66, when Eureka Lodge started anew.

The next tronhlo confronting Eureka was fire. The next year, 1867. fire consumed the most of the business part of the village of Milan - then Camden Mills - , and Eureka Lodge paraphernalia was all consumed; the charter, however, was saved.

A dispensation was granted .January 29. 1S67, and a charter October 1, 1S67. The charter members were D. H. Mattice, John K. Glasscock, Orville N. Whitford, Thomas Karr, J. L. Perkins, George Bryan, George Ege, J.eonard Pyle, Jesse S. Dailey, R. F. Simpson, D. Zimmerman. A. R. Sill, R. K. McCormack, T. F. Abbott, J. E. Abbott, D. Nicewanger and Abraham Bolinger.

Silvis Lodge was granted a (lisjicnsatiou May 18, 1907, and their charter November 1, 1908, at which time they had a large class in the Master Mason's degree, working from nine o'clock in the morning until ten o'clock at night.

The ladies of the J5aptist Church served the three meals, in a good home made way; substantial, bountifvd and varied, with fried chicken each time. In the lodge work Rock Island and Moline brethern assisted. They had twenty-seven charter members. Their present membership is thirty-one.

Dillon. Horatio G. Nourse, Luke E. Hemenway. DeWitt C. Marshall, Robert H. Graham, J5eiijamiii H. Towndrovv, William G. Roswell, l.iy the following charter members: John I'. Amos (iould and Charles A. Brenan.

Date of dispensation. August 24, 1866; date of charter, October 1. 1S67. Charter members: B. F. Eby, F. M. IJcmey, S. B. Buffum, I. T. Walker, John Buffum, A. B. Roberts, F. A. Cobb, J. W. Ballard, Rinnah Wells, (i. T. Connor, M. V. Spencer, James Cozad.

The first worshipful master under dispensation was B. F. Eby; senior warden. J. W. Ballard; and junior warden, F. A. Colib. Stated communications are held Tuesday on or before full moon.

Valley Lodge, No. 547, A. F. & A. M.. Coal Valley, Illinois

Can not gi%e the date of their dispensation, as some of their records were destroyed by fire. The date of the charter is October 1, 1867. The charter members were: James R. Rosenberry. William Wayne, William Meanor, B. R. Blackfan, Robert Lee, Frederick Wcyei-hacuser, L. H. Trego, S. Blackfan. The number of members at present is sixty-six. Stated communications Friday on or Ijcforo full moon.

Byron. Illinois

Henry Saddoris is still a member - -eightynine years old. He was made a Master Mason, in 1S39, in Ohio. Have seventy-nine members at present.

Independent Order Of Odd

The national order was first instituted in J>altimore, Maryland, in 1819, by five people; a blacksmith by the name of Wilej' being the head organizer. The first local lodge instituted and chartered was Rock Island Lodge, No. 18, in 1850; some of the older members being Washington L. Sweeney, Charles B, Kno.x, William Bell, W. T. Norris, Henry Bnrgower, Ernest Krell, Charles Engel, Cyrus Churchill, Jacob Hnber, John B. Ilawley and W. T. Magill.

Ileal Lodge, No. 608, was chartered in 1876; the older members being Jonas Bear, Reul)en Bollman, Frank Bahnsen, Benjaniin Hartz, Herbert Scott, John South and Charles Hodgson. The Odd Fellowship Association have a strong bond of help or assistance, which they contribute to the dead or sick. Rock Island Lodge, No. 18, giving a burial fmid of eighty-five dollars, and a weekly sick benefit fund of four dollars. Ucal Lodge, No. 60S, giving a burial fund of two hundred and ten dollars, and a weekly sick benefit fund of three dollars.

The founder of this auxiliary to Odd Fellowship, was Schuyler Colfax, who later was vice-president of the L^nited States. It was organized in 1850, fifty-eight years ago.

Royal Arcanum

Rock Island Council, No. 1952, Royal Arcanum, was organized September 3, 1902, in Math's Hall, with twenty-eight cliarter members. First officers elected were: Regent, Will A. Robb; vice-regent, William

Patriotic Societies The Hodman Rifles

Was mustered into the State service, by Colonel David O. Reid, adjutant-general commanding, September 5, 1877. numbering about seventy-five men. The first officers elected were' William P. Hutler, caiJtain; Charles W. Hawes, first lieutenant; John M. Reticker, second lieutenant.

Shortly after the organization of the company it was assigned to the Fourteenth Battalion of Infantry, Illinois National Guard, and designated as Company D. First Lieutenant Charles W. Hawes was elected captain, vice-captain William P. Butler promoted to lieutenant-colonel commanding the Fourteenth Battalion, with headquarters at Rock Island.

The company was one of the finest in the State, having distinguished itself for precision in military tactics and for soldierly conduct generally. The Rifle team made the best record of any team in the Second Brigade and won the prize for markmanship offered by the Second Brigade, in 1880, and also prizes in contests in other States.

In 1879, a corporation was forme. I by members of the company, and purchased a lot and erected thereon a three-story brick Armory building, sixty by one hunilred and fifty feet, at an expense of $15,000. It is said to be the finest Armory ever built and owned by a sing;le military company up to that date; it is located at the corner of Third Avenue and Sixteenth Street, and is still occujiied by the company and the Rock Island Division of Xaval Reserves.

The Armory Building is now o\\ ned by the City of Rock Island, the buildins; has been eidarged and part is used for council c'lambcrs, city offices and police station.

Company D was assigned to the Sixtli Regiment of Infantry in 1SS2, and designated as Company A in 190S. The company served in the Si)anish American \\'ar, in General Miles expedition to Cuba and Porto Rico, giving excellent service.

Grand Army Of The Republic

In compiling the history of Rock Island County, it would not be complete without making mention of the Grand Army Posts, and their auxiliaries. Shortly after the colse of the Civil ^^'ar, the thought came in the minds of the soldiers that were separating to do something that would keep them near togetlier, and the Grand Arm}' of the Republic was instituted.

Doctor B. F. Stephenson, of Springfield, Illinois, was the founder. The first Post was organized at Decatur, Illinois, April 6, 1866. Honorable M. F. Kanan was its first commander.

Wednesday evening, June 6, 1866, a meeting was held in the County Clerk's office of the late officers and soldiers of the United States volunteers. Major S. C. Plummer read the constitution of the Grand Army of the Republic; and it was decided to organize a post.

Captain J. A. Jordan, Major S. C. Plummer. Lieutenant-Colonel E. M. lieardsley, Major James M. Beardsley, and Captain James F. Copp were elected delegates to the first Soldiers and Sailors convention held in Illinois, and which convened in Springfield June 12. 1866. That evening they elected the following officers: ilajor, Samuel C. Plummer, district commander; Captain Joh:: Peetz, adjutant-general; W. C. Blackburn, quartermaster; Captain David Hillior. post-commander; Captain Lester D. Phelps, adjutant; James L. Hodges, quartermaster-sergeant.

June 24, 1866, the conu-ades received their charter, being designated as Post No. 24. At the first organization of the various Posts, no names were given; only numbers. Afterwards names were given in connection with number of the different Posts: the names being in honor-ible recognition of some prominent and favorite soldier.

Following this meeting a great many of the old soldiers joined the Post, and arranged by-laws and constitution. All went well for a 3'ear when the general interest lagged and they finally threw up t-ieir c]iarter and was not reorganized until May 30, 1883, when the following officers were elected: Major H. C. Connellv, commander; Louis M. Buford senior vice-commander; E. H. Bowman, jnnior vice-commander; John il. Reitcker, quartermaster; J. JI. Montgomery, officer of the day ; Major Samuel C. Plummer, surgeon ; L. V. Eckhart, officer of the guards; A. H. Hampton, chaphiin; Comrade Harr}- Abel was appointed adjutant; J. M. Beardsley, second quartermaster-sergeant; Levi Harson, sergeant-major; and the following name adopted: "Major General John Buford Post, No. 243."

The olijects of the Grand .^rm}- has lieen changed from time to time at their annual meetings for the greatest number interested. man_v of the legislative acts have been brought about by tlie Grand Army, and much good accomplished liy them, for the great princi]iles involved.

Eligibility to membersliip, includes soldiers and sailors of the United States ai-my, navy or marine corps, who served between April 12, 1861, and April 9, 1865, in the war for the svippression of the rebellion ; those having been honorably discharged therefrom after such service; and of such State regiments as were called into active service, and subject to the orders of the United States general officers between the dates mentioned; shall be eligible to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. No person shall be eligible to membership who has at anj- time borne arms against the United States. No officer or comrade of the Grand Army of the Repidjlic shall in any manner use the organization for partisan purposes, and no discussion of partisan questions shall be permitted at any of its

The objects to be accomplished by this organization are: To preserve and strengthen tliose kind and fraternal feelings which bind together soldiers, sailors and marines, who united to su])press the late rebellion, and to perpetuate the memory and history of the Dead; to assist such former comrades in arms as need help and protection, and to extend needftd aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen; to maintain true idleciance to the United States of America, l)ased upon a paramount respect for and fidelity to its constitution and laws, ti di.sc(Huitenance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incite insurrection, treason or rebellion; or in any manner im))airs the efficiency or permancy of our free institiitions; and to encourage the spread of universal liherty, equal rights and justice to all men.

The Major General Jojm Buford Post, No. 243, was highly complimented by one of its members - Ed\^in H. Buck, in 1906 - being elected Department commander of the State of Illinois, and with the boys was dubbed "Private Buck."

The Press Of Rock Island County

To Henry C. McGrew, a native of Ireland, who came to this country in 1818 with his father, belongs the credit of issuing the first newspaper published in Rock Island County. He came to Rock Island in 1839, and about the middle of August of that year started the Rock Islantl Banner and Stephenson Gazette, which suspended publication in the. Fall of 1841, when the press and type were moved to Geneseo. The paper was neutral in politics until 1840, when, during the jjresidential campaign of that year, it advocated the principles of the Democratic party.

Historic Rock 1 S L And Cou N T Y.

After the Banner began its support of the Democratic party, the Whigs felt the need of a paper during the political excitement of 184(i, and accordingly in the early part of October of that year the Upper Mississipia7i was started; its editors and proprietors at first not being announced, but all communications were to be addressed to Daniel Crist.

The paper had an eventful career and its editorial columns were principally filled with personal quarrels. At times the paper failed to be published on account of lack of funds with which to purchase paper, and at one time it was suggested to buy muslin and print on that; the subscribers to wash and return it in time for the next issue; but the project was never carried out. On September 24, 1842, the press and type were replevined in the name of John G. Powers, and the paper was printed for that week in the Gazette office at Davenport. In November, 1S42, a new press and type were purchased.

Among the people prominently connected with the Upper Alississipian during its career were: Daniel Crist; Doctor Silas Reed, who furnished the editorial; and Thomas Gregg. Harmon G. Reynolds purchased the paper from Crist in November, 1844, and changed the name to the Upper Mississipia^i and Rock Island Republican. It expired early in 1847.

The Northwestern Advertiser

In 1845, the Whigs were again without a paper, and in November of that year, a prospectus was issued for a new paper to be known as the Northwestern Advertiser, edited and published by Doctor Horatio P. Gatchell, who came from Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Christian (Campbellite) preacher, and Miles W. Conway. The press was purchased at Dubuque, Iowa.

he sold the paper to General William Vanderer in May, 1846. Mr. Vanderer jjublished the paper for about a year when he sold it to Messrs. Sanders and Davis, of the Davenport Gazette, who published it a few months and then sold it to F. P. Bennett, he changing the name to the Rock Island Advertiser.

Mr. Bennett continued the publication of the paper alone until 1856, when A. J. Brackett became an associate, the partnership lasting about a year, Mr. Brackett retiring.

In September, 1853, Mr. Bennett, the sole proprietor since Colonel Brackett's retirement, sold to Thomas R. Raymond and Oliver T. Wharton, who remained together until September 13, 1854, when Mr. Wharton assumed control and Mr. Raymond established a job office.

The Tri-Wcekly Advertiser was started in December, 1853, and in 1855 Mr. Wharton started the Daily Advertiser, which was rim until the Spring of 1858.

In 1856 Mr. Wharton formed a partnership with G. S. Hyatt, which did not last long. In August, 1 856, Mr. AVharton . sold the Advertiser to T. R. Raymond, and in December Doctor A. S. Paddock became interested with Mr. Raymond in its puljlication, which lasted about a 3^ear. The jjajier died in the Spring of 1858.

The Liberty Banner

A small, uiiiiretentious sheet, advocating the abolition of slaverj^ - The Liberty Banner - made its first appearance in the Spring of 1S46; a most unfavorable time, and advocating a principle which both the great parties, the Democrats and the Whigs, were violently opposing. Its editor was C. B. Waite. The paper was printed in the office of the Upper Mississipian. It was published oidy a few months.

The Argus

room on the second floor of what was then the Whittaker and Everts buikling, located just east of the present Argus building, October IS, 1851. Although it was issued as the liock Island Republican, it was Democratic in politics then, as now. The adoption of the present nauie was brought about in 1855 by the formation of an opposing political party, which took the one the paper bore. At the time it was established, as in the case with the publication for the most part since, the Republican was the only Democratic paper within a radius of one hundred miles. Its jniblication was begun by Fred S. Nichols and John W. Dunham. The outfit they used was a second hand one, purchased in St. Louis. Both partners had consideraljle experience in newspaper work previous to their coming here, and their acquaintance was formed while working together on the St. Louis IntcUigcnccr. Nichols was a Northern man and Dunham a Southerner. Tlie latter .soon became tired of the undertaking and after six weeks he sold out to his partner. Nichols continued alone until No\-eml)er, 1852, when he sold a half interest to J. B. Danforth, junior, whose connection with the paper continued to a more or less extent till 1 869.

Having acquired the interest of Nichols, in the Spring of 1853, Mr. Danforth continued as sole proprietor three years, when a share was purchased by Robert V. Shurley. The Buford Block, at the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Seventeenth Street, the first four-story liuilding in the City, was completed in 1854, ami the Republican took up quarters there which it retained seventeen years. July 13th of that year the first daily was issued. At that time there was no other daily nearer than Duljuque.

September 16, 1857, Pershing and Connelly (the latter Major H. C. Connelly), tlicn publishers of the Rock Islander, bought the interest not owned hy Mr. Shurley, and the title of the ])a])er was changed to the Rock

Islander and Argus. A week after this transaction, Mr. Shurley sold out to Milton Jones, who remained on the paper until 1881. September 16, 1859, J. B. Danforth again secured an interest, buying out Purshing and Connelly, and the paper once more became The Argus. In the meantime, July 18, 1859, the daily was suspended and a tri- weekly liegun. This was continued until September 1, 1861, when the daily was resumed.

In 1869 Roliert F. McNeal bought out Mr. Danforth; but January 1, 1S7U, he, in turn, ]iarted with his interests to J. S. Drake. Tliree years later The Argus Company was formed and incorporated with a capital stock of .1!;32,000. In 1871 the Buford heirs erected the Argus Block next the alley on the east side of East Seventeenth Street, and the pa])er went into its first exclusive quarters. Ten years later Richardson and Powers acquired the controlling interest in the company. For a brief year they waged a struggle against adversit_y. At the end of that time, in 1881, financial reverses necessitated a suspension of the paper. J. W. Potter, pulilisher of the Freeport Bulletin, came upon the scene and l)()ught tlie news])aper, semling his son, the late J. W. Potter, junior, here to manage it. (See biograjihy of J. W. Potter, as per index). The first issue under the new management appeared August 2, 1882. In May, 1885, the elder Mr. Potter died, and the son became sole owner. When Mr. Potter took charge of The Argus there was little but the name left. For a time the paper was issued in abbreviated form. As it made a ]ilace for itself in the community it was enlarged till it l)ecame an eight and even a nine-coliinm folio. The size was reduced to the standard seven column quarto upon the installati(jn of a Cox perfecting press in 1894. Since that time the regular issue has been of six and eight pages, but special editions of twelve, sixteen and even more pages have been issued from time to time.

In 188S the old quarters on East Seventeenth Street were outgrown. During that season the building now occupied was purchased by Mr. Potter and became the paper's home.

The first Daily Argus, which was issued July 13, 1854, was an evening paper. December 17, 1855, it was clianged to a morning paper and published as such till November IS, 1861, when evening publication was again resumed, and has been continued up to the present. A weekly has been jjublished continuousl}' since the founding of the paper in 1851.

During the j'ears since The Argux was revived by ilr. Potter, it has earned rank among the first ])apers of its class in the state, and has maintained that position. Besides being tlie oldest paper in the County, it has been published under its present name longer tlian any other paper in the three cities. It was tlie first paper in the three cities to use a steam power press, the first to substitute therefor an electric motor, and the first to abandon the old cylinder jaress for one of the perfecting varietv.

Upon the death of J. W. Potter, January 11, 1898, the management of Thr Argus became known as the J. W. Potter Publishing Company, by which the paper is now issued. The officers are. President, Mrs. J. W. Potter; vice-president, H. P. Simpson; secretary, and treasurer James J. LaVelle. Mi'. Simpson is editor and Mr. LaVelle manager of the paper.

The News

On the 10th of March, 1855, James Bowie issued a daily paper in Rock Island called The News. It was printed in Raymond's office in Gothic Block, and was of transient duration. It expired after an existence of one hundred and twenty-eight daj-s. Bowie came here from Baltimore, and after leaving here edited a paper at Geneseo, Henry County. In September, 1858, he returned to

Moline, and in connection with Frank Linnehan started the Citizen, which soon failed, and in 1860 he was again at Geneseo, in connectiim with another .short lived paper in that ]>lace, where he died in 1860.

The Commercial

On the 7th of July, 1858, C. W. Kirkland commenced tlie publication of a morning daily paper, and also a weekly, called the Commercial. In its first issue he said : ' ' The Commercial will be the firm, zealous and consistent supporter of the principles of the Republican partj'." The printing was done at Rajrmond's office in the Gothic Block. It was discontinued on the 3rd of February, 1850, for the want of patronage.

The Rock Island Register

T. J. Pickett launched a Republican paper - the Rock Island Register - February 9, 1859, and published from the start a weekly and tri-weekly, with Campbell W. Waite as associate editor, who continued his connection with the paper for about five months. June 6, 1860, C. W. Kirkland became a partner, the firm name being Pickett and Waite. editors and proprietors. January 9, 1861, Mr. Pickett having been elected to the Legislature, j\Ir. M. S. Barnes took charge of the editorial department, which he retained until the return of Mr. Pickett in August of that 3'ear.

Rock Island Union

A\liile the Union was first issued in Rock Island, November 5, 1862, the origin of the paper is to be sought in Moline, the daily and weekl}' Union representing a union of two Moline papers, and the transfer of the office of publication to Rock Island, the coimty seat, and the political and commercial centre of the count)'. In August, 1857, Ames

Smith, who came west from Lambertville, New Jersey, started the Moline Workman, a weekly which strongly espoused the antislavery cause. In February, 1857, he sold the plant to Robert H. Graham and Alfred AA'ebster, who chan{j:ed the name to the Independent, under wliich name it was continued by various owners. The ownership of the plant, after several changes, in 1862, finall}' reverted to Mr. Graham and his brother-in-law, Mr. I. A. Kiick. The latter remained in charge when Jlr. Graham entered the military service at the outbreak of the Civil War, in which he rose to the rank of Colonel. His death followed soon after his resignation, in the Fall of 1862.

In November, 1862, Mr. Kuck discontinued the publication of the Moline Indejicndcnt, and moved the plant into tlie old l\Iitchell and Lynde Block, in Rock Island, wlience, on the fifth of the month, the first number of the Weekly Union was published, as an organ of the Republicans of the county. Mr. Graham died November 11, and the publication of the daily, which had already been launched in the expectation that he would be able to return to take part in tlie enterjirise, was at once stopped. Mr. Kuck continued the publication of the Weekly Union imtil May, 1863, when he sold the property to Cokmel M. S. Barnes, who at once resun:ed the puljlication of tlie Daily Union as an evening jiaper in addition to the weekly. The ]jublication of the daily as an evening paper was continued until December, 1866, when Colonel Barnes, who had resumed ]X)ssession after three months control bj' Major William CafTerj^ sold the ijrojjerty to Captain L. M. Haverstick, who came here from Maryland. When Captain Haverstick took possession the daily was changed to a morning pajjer. He subsequently bouglit the Moline Republican, and. added its job plant as a department of the T'nion iirintiug l)u.siue.ss. Captain Haverstick was the editor of the Union until 1874, but in the meantime lie had several partners in the business. On July 1, 1867, M. D. Merrill bought a twofifths interest. At the end of two years he sold it back to Mr. Haverstick. The latter then sold a half interest to Mr. Richard Crampton, and the result was the removal of the office of publication to the block in which Mr. Crampton carried on his book store and blank book manufactory. This combination continued until the Summer of 1872, when Captain Haverstick repurchased Mr. Crampton's interest and built tlie block on Eighteenth Street from which the Union, daily and weeklj', has since been issued. In the Spring of 187."?, Mr. O. A. Barnhart purchased a half interest in the paper, which he held for one year.

In March, 1874, the Union Printing Company was organized, to take over the property. The first stock holders and officers were: L. M. Haverstick, president; A. E. Wells, vice-president; Walter Johnson, secretary and treasurer. In September of that \-ear Captain Haverstick sold his stock to Captain H. C. Cleaveland and J. J. Parks, when Mr. Johnson became president and editor, and Mr. Cleaveland business manager.

During the succeeding two years, the ownership of the stock held by ;\Iessrs. Cleaveland and Parks clianged hands several times, Captain returning to his ol<l [ilace for a time. In 1876, however, he sold his quarter interest to William Henry Burdett, and Mr. Parks sold his quarter interest to George McKay Luken, who became superintendent of the job room. After this period tlie ownership of the paper l^ecame staple and confined to fewer hands. Mr. Lidven after a few years, s(jld his interest to Messrs. Johnson and Burdett, and a small block of the stock went to Cieorge Morgan, but the latter remained with the paper but a short time. In 1SS8, Mr. Burdett, on account of sickness which caused his death December 1, 1889, sold his interest to Mr. H. C. Ashbaugh. The latter, in 1891, sold it to

Mr. Jdhiisdn. w lid t liiis hecamo the sole owner well as the editor. After his death the as property descended to his widow and daughters, who ha\-e retained the ownership of the paper. .1. K. Brandenburg, whom Mr. Johnson, during the period of invalidism preceding his death, placed in charge of the editorial deixirtment, continuing in that capacity, with Tj. Ben DriffiU as business manager, and F. W. Rinck as advertising manager.

The Daily Union has returned to the field which it originally occupied as an evening paper, and the change has materially increased the prosperity which the paper has enjoyed for a quarter of a century.

The American Law Reporter

A neat, little quarto-weekly paper which made its appearance in the Fall of 1872, was The American Law Reporter, with I^. G. Johnson as editor. As the name implie.s it was devoted to the interests of the legal profession of Illinois and Iowa. The first edition was printed in Davenport, then it was moved into the Union Block, Rock Island. The paper was published for eighteen weeks, when it ceased for want of patronage.

The Liberty League

Another pa|)er, which had a short life, and whose publishers were unannounced, made its appearance April 3, LS73, its name being The Liberty Lecif/iiv. The paper was started as an organ for the liquor dealers of Rock Island and the adjoining cities. It lived three weeks, when, as generally supposed, the material was stole during the night time, shi];)])ed to Burlington, Iowa, and sold.

Moline Daily Dispatch

Established July 31, 1878, by Oliver and Louise White, who came to Moline from Toulon, Stark County, where they had conducted the Mollie Stark. They started the Dispateh as a four-colunui folio. A little later is was consolidate with the Review, and thus originated the name of the Reviewhispiitch, now the weekly edition of the Daily Dispateh. Samson Kennedy was one of the successors of the Whites, and with him was Captain I^. M. Haverstick. These proj^rietors conducted the Dispatch till in the early eighties they were succeeded by the Dean Brothers - Fred O. Dean and Jay H. Dean. When these latter had failed to make the publication pay, they w-ere, in July of 1885, succeeded by P. S. McGlynn and John K. Groom. Mr. Groom sold out his interest in 1891 to W. F. Eastman. Since that time Messrs. IMcGlynn and Eastman have been editors, publishers and owners of the paper, under the style of the Moline Dispatch Publishing Company.

Moline Weekly Review-Dispatch

From June of 1S67, when Captain L. M. Haverstick bought the Moline Republican and discontinued it, to November 26, 1870, Moline had no newspaper. On the date last named, Messrs. Lowe and Gilson (Frank R. Gilson, later of the Clinton, Iowa, Herald and the Benton Harbor, Michigan, Palladium, dtu'ing his proijrietorship of which latter paper he died) started the Moline Review. They used the printing material of the discontinued Republican. February 17, 1871, Mr. Lowe retired from the firm. Mr. Gilson continued publishing the paper till September 23, 1871, when he gave way to Kennedy and Crichton. May 1, 1872, Mr. Crichton retired and was succeeded by B. F. Tillinghast, now of the Davenjiort Democrat. The firm was Kennedy and Tillinghast till March 23, 1874, when Mr. Kennedy retired. Tillinghast conducted the paper alone till Jvdy 1, 1875, when he was joined by John H. Porter. February 5, 1877, Tillinghast and Porter sold the paper to R. H. Moore, later of the Ottumwa Courier. In 1878 came consolidation w'ith the Daily Dispatch, under the management of Oliver White and his wife.

Port Byron Globe

The first issue of the Port Byron Globe appeared October 16, 1880, J. W. Simpson being etUtor antl proprietor. It was then an cifiht-cohimn folio and was liberally patronized from the start. Mr. Simpson, Feliruary 22, 1885, sold out to Hess and Owen. This firm continued for a year, when Mr. Hess sold his interest to G. A. Metzgar, and the latter disposed of Iiis interest to Mr. Owen after only a short connection with the jjaper. In 1891 W. D. Hall purchased an interest and the firm was then known as Owen and Hall. Marcli 1, 1898, Frank McMeekin |)urchased Mr. Owen's interest and the firm of Hall and McMeekin continued five years, when the junior member of the partnership retired from the publication and W. D. Hall became sole owner, and continues as such at the i)resent time.

The Globe lias always borne the reputation of being one of the best country weeklies of the State. Its advertising space is sought becau.se it is backed by the entire farming commmiity and the villages of the north end of the county, and it is also carefully edited and neatly printed. Under the management of Mr. Hall the business of the paper has doubled, and it is at present equijijied with power presses and other machinery to meet the increase in its patronage.

The paper has always been independent politically, giving first attention to the home news, and treating all fairly and honestly, regardless of color, sex or previous condition of servitude. In short, the paper is a family paper and its ]:)resent proprietor feels that his efforts to make it such are appreciated, as his readers point to the Globe as a model country jiaper.

the great mass of the people comprising Moline's population; and with the growth of the city and suburbs the paper has increased in these attributes.

Started a.s a Sunday moi'uing paper in 1893, the daily edition was begun soon afterward, induced by the growth in jiopularity of the Sunday edition. The first owner of the paper was the firm of Stanley and May - Messrs. T. I. Stanley and Charles E. May - and it so continued until Mr. Stanley sold his interests to W. A. Jones, and the paper continued under the firm of Jones and May. In 1902 Mr. Jones sold his half interest to J. H. McKeever, then city editor, and the firm became May and McKeever. This partnershi]3 was incorporated in 1903 as The Moline Mail Company, and the following directors were elected and serve at i)resent: E. B. McKeever, J. H. McKeever, C. E. May and J. H. Holmes; the officers being as follows: president, E. B. McKeever; vice-president, J. H. Holmes; secretary-treasurer, J. H. McKeever.

Starting with a foot-power job press and a small type ecpiipment, located in a cellar basement, The Mail has grown until today it occupies its own building, a fine two-story brick structure at 1420 Fifth Avenue, has a perfecting press and linotype machines, a large equipment in composing room, and a splendid, loyal and enthusiastic staff of workers in all departments. E. P. Rundquist is city editor and J. A. Logsdon is in charge of the circulation. E. B. McKeever is editor, and J. H. McKeever, business manager. The paper is now issued every week day evening, the Sunday issue having been discontinued.

The Rfanolds Press

Jesse A. Winger was the founder of the Press. He bought the entire plant, new from shooting-stick to newspaper press, in Chicago, and issued Number one of Volume one in Aledo, the seat of Mercer County, on October 19, 1894, In that city it was published for more than a year as a red hot Democratic weekh\

But the income wasn't quite large enough to paj^ the expenses, and so ilr. Winger sought a new field. He found it at Reynolds, the metropolis of the lower end of Rock Island County, and one of the finest little villages in the State, located, b}- the way, about half way between Aledo and Rock Island, and surrounded in everj' direction by a particularly rich agricultural region. The Aledo Press thus became the Reynolds Press, without missing an issue, in Januarj', 1S96, at the same time changing its politics to independent.

In Februar}', 1897, the plant and subscription list were sold to Guy Y. Pettit, who at that time was principal of the Brimfield, Peoria County, schools. Mr. Pettit had been in public school work for twelve years, five of them having been spent at the head of the Hampton and Reynolds schools, respectively. Without a single daj''s experience in a print shop, the new owner assumed personal charge of his venture July 1, 1897, and has been with the paper ever since.

In common with most country weeklies, the Press was a ' ' patent inside '' paper up to May 1, 1904. Since that time it has been an "all home print," published in six-column quarto style, with occasionalh- two to four additional pages to accommodate special spurts of advertising. The old hand press, on which tlse paper was printed for six j-ears, disappeared in 1900 to make room for a big drum cylinder, that runs at the rate of 1,200 an hour. The Press, which, bj- the way, has never missed an issue since its birth twelve years ago, attempts to make a specialtj'- of local news, neighboring correspondence and live advertisements. Its principal claim for distinction lies in the fact that, considering the size of the village, it probably has a larger circulation than anj- other paper in the State.

The Beobachter Am Mississipian

The first paper printed in the German language in Rock Island was The Beobachter am Mississipian, making its appearance in 1857, the proprietor being Maguns Mueller, and edited bj^ Doctor Ciolina, a physician who resided and practiced his profession here for some years. The paper was not well supported and survived only about one year. Its politics were neutral.

The Chronik Des Westens

In December, 1859, the material of the Beobachter office was purchased by Adam and George I.eiberknecht, who on the first of January, 1860, started a weekly German newspaper, called the Chronik des Westens. This paper, like its predecessor, was neutral in politics. It ceased to exist in 1863.

The Neue Volks Zeituxg

On the .30th of August, 1875, tlie first number of a liandsome semi-weekly, entitled Neue Volks Zeitung, was issued from Zeis' Building on the northeast corner of Eighteenth Street and Second Avenue. It was started by Charles C. Winter, one of the editors of the Westliche Post, of St. Louis, who had come here during the April previous to inspect the prospects for such an enterprise. The paper was a success from the start. In politics it was thoroughly independent, and it maintained that position admirably through out, until its name was changed.

Mr. Winter's paper flourished until ilarch 1, 1882, when he sold the same to George S. Lecliner, who came here from Johnstown, Penn-sylvania, Mr. Winter moving from here to Danville, Illinois, where he published successfully the Deutsche Zeilung until five j'Cars ago wlien he died in London, England, on a journe_v to the fatherland. Mr. Lechner after a few months sold the Neiie Volks Zcitung to F. Protar, through whose efforts the paper was brought to a flourishing condition. He changed the name to Volks Zcitung. After a prosperous ten years' career Mr. Protar, on April 1, 1893, sold his journal to the Rock Island-Moline Volks Zeitung Publishing Company, consisting of prominent German citizens of Rock Island and Moline. Tlie paper was managed by Messrs. Paul Kersch and August Hansgen. These men were less successful than their ]iredecessor, and July 1, 1897, John P. Kieffer. of Remsen, Iowa, undertook the publication of the paper, which he continued for exactly two years. Gustav Donald, of Davenport, bought the Volks Zeitung July 1, 1899, and published the same until July 1, 19t)l, when it came into the hands of Val. J. Peter, of Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Peter began his newspaper career seventeen 3'ears ago as a compositor for the Volks Zeitung. He has always considered this City his home. He went from here to Peoria, where he was engaged until his return to this City as cit}' editor of the Dail}- Peoria Sonne, one of the largest and most influential German newspajiers in the west. During the period of Mr. Peter's management of the Volks Zeitung, which is issued every Tuesday and Friday, was brought to a degree of excellence beyond that of any previous time in its history. On October 3, 1903, Mr. Peter bought the two-story brick building, at 1906 Third Avenue, of Henry Frick. where his thriving business is now comfortably enconsed. He also purchased a Hoe newspaper press, and on October 23, 1903, the Volks Zeitung was for the first time in its existence, printed on its own press. Mr. Peter has added a job printing department to his newspaper interests and has now a model plant. To commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the Volks Zcitung in a fitting manner, Mr. Peter issued on August 30, 1905, an elaborate forty-four page anniversary edition, artisticallj' illustrated and teaming with interesting matter, containing a complete history of this locality in general' and of the Cierman element and its achievements in particular, which is recognized as a puljlication of historic merits and one that has won honors for the enterprising young pubhsher.

Additional Publications

By the Augustana Book Concern: Augustana (weekly), The Augustana Journal (semimonthly). The Augustana Theological Quarterly, Barnens Tidning (semi-montlily), Korsbaneret (annually). The Olive Leaf (monthly), Praricblomman (annually), U ngdomsvannen (monthly.)

First Ferries

In looking o\er the records, we find that licenses for ferries were granted as follows: To George Davenjiort and Joshua Vandruff, for a ferry across Rock River, March, 1834; at the same date to George Davenport for a ferry across the Slough, and to Rinnah Wells for a ferry across Rock River.

Jonah H. Case, Antoine LcClaire and W. F. Brashar were granted a license to run a ferry across the Mississippi to the Iowa shore in March, 1835.

In October, 1837, a ferry feud had arisen. John Wilson, owner of the main ferry between Stephenson and the Iowa shore, made an application to the County Commissioners for an "order vacating Henry Powars' ferry." The order was granted in 1838 "for the insufficiency of his boats, the want of hands, and for ferrying beyond the linuts."

First Hotels

The records also furnish the following, respecting the first licenses for hotels: To Jonah H. Case, July 1833. His tavern was the first licensed within the corporate limits of Rock Island, though travelers had been kept at Barren's house in Farnhamsburg.

In June, 1836, Jonathan Buffum was licensed to keep a ta\ orn in Stephenson. At the same session of the Court a tavern license was also granted to Henry Powars and Company, who built the old Rock Island House, which was opened July 4, 1837 with a big ball, and torn down in 1875, to make room for the present commodious brick structure. The old frame Rock Island House, having been in existence as a hotel for over forty years, and with the new one u]) to the present time, the Rock Island Flouse has stood on the old corner seventy-two years. The old hotel u\) |o 1854 for a period of years was the old stage .station - the stage office being in the hotel office, S. S. Stevens being stage agent. Stage barn accommodations were afforded in the hotel barn where the feed store is on Market Square. When the railroad got as far as Tiskilwa - then Indian Town - Joe Barnett ran a hack from there to Rock Island.

In issuing the old tavern licenses, the County Commissioners fixed the prices for all kinds of liquors sold, and the rates of fare both for "man and beast."

At the present location of the Harper House there have been several differently named hotels. Prior to and in the early fifties, there was the Hadsell House, kept bj^ James R. Hadsell, who, over the front door, had on the cap stone the three links of Odd Fellowship; afterwards, with imjH'ovements that came, was the Island City Hotel, which was built in 1854 by C. H. Smith. Its dimensions being ninety-six feet bj' one hundred and four feet, four sto;ies high, with one hundred sleeping rooms. Mr. Smith being its first landlord, with his wife, Mrs. Nancy Smith, as housekeeper. In 1855 Tuxbury and Arnold were proprietors. In 1856 B. O. Stanley was proprietor. Mr. C' H. Smith again took charge in 1858. It was afterwards called the Rodman House, which biu'iied down in 1870, and the jiresent Harper House erected that year. The old Island City Hall, in connection Avith the hotel, was where all tlie dances, lectures and shows were held Ijefore Dart's Hall was built.

The American House, built opposite the Court House on Orleans Street, in the forties, Mathias Stem being proprietor. On this site, in 1856, was built the Farnam House, a fourstory brick building, with one hundred .sleeping rooms; Stem and Delano, proprietors.

The Graham House in the forties was b'lilt on the corner of IlUnois and Washington Streets - the Rock Island National Bank corner - where was afterwards built the City Hotel, a three-story brick building. At one time there was a butcher shop there.

Ohio House, corner of Madison and Rock River Streets; \. H. Garver, proprietor. It is still standing; used for business and private uses; a one-story 'brick business block surrounding it west and south.

Union House, Madison Street, opposite Spencer Square. Proprietors, 185.5-1858- 186'. I, William B. 0. Skelton, John Sargent, T. S. Teal. And then we had the old Shamrock on Adams Street, between Illinois and Orleans, kept by James Broderick. Later tlie Black Hawk on the levee, west of Madison Street, kept by Hugh Conwell; but these were two large boarding houses, and in their day well known. In early rafting days, when the rafts tied up for the night, the levee was a rough spot; with cheap low shows, and drunken rafters, is was tough.

First Marriages

The first marriage solemnized in the County, so far as the records show, was by John W. Spencer, one of the County Commissioners, the parties being James L. Biu-tis and Angeline Reardsley. The license was issued July 13, 1833, and the marriage ceremony immediately followed. The second license was issued to Benjamin Goble and Barbary Vandruff, August 22, 1833. The third was issued -April 1, 1834, to Adrian H. Davenport and Harriet Sibley, who were married the same day by Colonel Davenport, County Commissioner.

George L. Davenport was the first white child born in this section of the country. He was 'born on the island in 1817, and was the eldest son of Colonel George Da^-enport.

Old Settlers Association Of Rock

Preliminary proceedings for the organization of an Okl Settlers Association were commenced on the 11th day of December, 1865, liy notices published in the Rock Island Argus and the Rock Island Union, calling a meeting at Jacob Norris and Company's book store on the evening of Wednesday, December 13, 1865. On that evening ten or twelve old settlers assemliled. Cliarles H. Case, esquire, was appointed chairman, and Major Frazer Wilson, secretary. A committee on organization was appointed, consisting of Jacob Norris, Doctor P. Gregg, William Bell, Jolm H. Eby and Daniel Beals.

January 10, 1866, the association was formed and named the Old Settlers Association of Rock Island ("ounty. The meeting was held at the Coiu-t House, and a constitution and Ijy-laws adopted. An annual festival and gathering was also ordered to be held, and all persons who were residents of Rock Island County prior to December 31, 1845, or who married wives who were in the County at tliat time, were eligible to membership, together with their cliiklren or descendants. At this meeting thirty-four members were enrolled. The first annual festival was held in Babcock's Hall in the '. 'ity of Rock Island, on Thursday, February 22, 1866. August 29, 1890, the elegibility to membership was advanced from 1845 to 1850. August 27, 1895, the association adopted a resolution advancing the eligilnlity to membershij) from 1850 to 1855.

settlers prior to December 31. 1845, should be eligible to membership as ' ' [jioneers," and to so remain. As to the eligibility of an "old settler," the time was extended to a date prior to December 31, 1860, and be brought down one year each year thereafter. All actual members of the f)ld Settlers Association prior to 1846 are considered as "pioneers," and only those are eligible to the presidency of the association.

The annual meetings for the election of officers were formerly held on the first Mondaj^ in February of each year, and a social reunion and picnic on each Fourth of Jul\-. and an annual supper on the 22nd of February - Washington's Birthday. But later years the business meetings and reunions are held in the Fall of the year, and at Black Hawk's Watch Tower. These occasions are usually fraught with good cheer on the part of the old settlers who assemble to renew their fellowships of "Auld Lang Syne," and recall recollections of forty, fifty and sixty j'ears ago, when Indians' wigwams were more plentiful in this region than the cabins of white settler.". There are few living, who remember those earliest dajs, as most of the "pioneers" have passed away.

Famous Crimes Of Rock Island County

Since the mills of justice have been established in this County there have been numerous murders committed. For most of tlie cases the guilty parties were punished, six men in all having been hung for four separate crimes. Some served terms in the penitentiary, and one clieated the gallows by com" mitting suicide. Of course there have been a number of mysterious nr.rders for which the guilt was i.ever placed.

From an historical standpoint, the most conspicuous crime committed in the County was the murder of Colonel George Davenport, which occurred July 4, 1S4.5, on the Island of

The most revolting series of crimes committed by one man in the county's history is also the most recent, the jjublic being doubtless still familiar with the revelations concerning his career and his self inflicted expiation when confronted with exposure of his bloody deeds. Henry Bastian, a farmer living two miles south of Milan, in March, 1896, was suspected of having caused the death of Fred Kuschmann, a young man who had been working for him and v.-ho was found dead beside the road on the night of February 29. Seeing that he would soon be arrested he com-' itted suicide by hanging. Since that time the remains of two men. supposed to be those of John Lauderbach and Fred Kreinsen, who were at one time employed by Bastian, have been found on the place. Five others of his hired men disappeared mysteriously and it is believed that they were all murdered. Bastian's plan was to emploj' a man til! the impaid wages due had reached a cc.nsiderable sum, and then murder them.

The first murder committed in the county was that of Lawyer Philleo. of Port B3Ton, who was shot and killed by John McKinley in 1843. The latter served a term in prison for the deed.

December 17. 18.56, Samuel Ingram shot and killed his \\ife, the crime being committed a short distance east of Joslin, in Zuma Township. The murderer was tried, convicted and hung upon a scaffold east of the Henry Case residence in South Rock Island.

David Stoddard, in the Spring of 1854, killed liis wife with an axe. the deed being committed at the home of the couple at the ]iresent sTutheast corner of Fourth .\venue and Twenty-third Street. He escape:! from the city and remained at large for some time. Upon being arrested he was tried and convicted of t'.ie crime, paying the full penalty.

his son at her home in Hampton Township, the crime being committed in the Fall of 1881. The weapon used was a corn knife, and the body was hidden in a shock of corn. He was hanged for the crime in the jail yard March 24, 1882.

Frank Anderson, of Moline, on Novemlier 21, 1897, made an attempt upon the life of Charles Condo, a fellow workman, and was sent to the penitentiary for five years.

W. J. Evans, Paul Lohrman, H. H. Blohm and W. R. Carlson, all of IMoline, were held for the murder of Charles iliniie, of that city, September 26, 1901, but were acquitted the following December.

On April 7, 1876, John B. >Stayl)ack was killed by being stabbed in the head with a knife. David J. VanMeter was held for the murder, but was acquitted May 13 of the same year.