Moline Illinois
Biography of Carl Aaron Swensson, Rev. Dr.
Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson, born in 1857 in Pennsylvania to Swedish immigrant parents, founded Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, in 1881. He served as pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church and played a pivotal role in shaping the college’s direction and impact. With a rich educational background, he earned multiple degrees and was recognized as a prominent theologian and lecturer. Swensson married Alma Christine Lind in 1880, and they collaborated on various musical and community endeavors. He passed away in 1904, leaving a lasting legacy through the college and his contributions to education and church life.
Biography of Samuel Baughman
Samuel Baughman, born on January 6, 1842, in Pennsylvania, emerged as a prominent real estate and insurance figure in Chanute, Kansas. His career showcases industriousness, integrity, and a commitment to public service, highlighted by his tenure as sheriff and police judge. A Civil War veteran, Baughman participated in significant battles and acquired a strong sense of duty. After various ventures, including butchering and hotel management, he dedicated himself to real estate and insurance. He was also active in fraternal organizations and was married to Lenora Kidder, with whom he had several children.
Biography of Rev. O. I. Bennett
Rev. O. I. Bennett, born on September 13, 1867, in Iowa, is a dedicated pastor and chiropractor who has significantly contributed to both spiritual and physical wellness. Educated in theology and chiropractic, he has served congregations across multiple states since beginning his ministry at nineteen. In 1915, he graduated from Davenport’s Chiropractic College and combined this profession with his pastoral duties. Bennett founded the Boynton Christian Church and has been active in community upliftment. He has been married twice and has four children, while also being involved in various fraternal organizations.
Kempfer, Margaret Mary Van Beveren Mrs. – Obituary
Margaret Mary Kempfer, 90, passed away on January 5, 2003, at Valley View Assisted Living in John Day, Oregon. Born on February 7, 1912, in Moline, Illinois, she moved to Baker City in 1915 and graduated from St. Francis Academy in 1930. Married to Charles Kempfer in the 1930s until his death in 1970, she worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital until retirement. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a sister, and many relatives. Services include a rosary and mass, followed by burial at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Biography of William Coyne, Senior
William Coyne, senior, an influential figure in Rock Island County, immigrated from Ireland in 1845 with just one shilling. Over sixty-two years, he established himself as a prosperous farmer and substantial landholder, once owning 1,700 acres in the county. A man of remarkable activity even in later years, he has been married three times and fathered nine children. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Coyne has been an active Republican, contributing significantly to the community’s development and industry.
Biography of William McEniry
William McEniry, born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1817, emigrated to America in 1840, motivated by tales of opportunity shared by his uncle in Albany, New York. After working in Syracuse and Moline, he became a successful brick manufacturer and real estate owner in Moline. Married in Ireland in 1847, he later brought relatives to America. As the first English-speaking Roman Catholic settler in Rock Island County, McEniry contributed to local community development until his death in 1874, leaving a legacy through his family and farming initiatives.
Biography of Hon. George W. Vinton
Hon. George W. Vinton, born on December 5, 1834, in Middlebury, Vermont, became a respected figure in Rock Island County through his integrity and public service. After graduating from Randolph Academy, he taught briefly before moving west to Minnesota. Vinton worked with his uncle, John Deere, and contributed significantly to the community through various political roles, including serving as an Alderman and a member of the Illinois State Legislature, where he introduced vital legislation for healthcare and the World’s Columbian Exposition. He was also involved in Masonic and Knights of Pythias organizations.
Biography of O. Frederick Anderson
O. Frederick Anderson, born July 1, 1866, in Trehorna, Sweden, immigrated to Moline with his family in 1868. He ascended the ranks in banking, becoming cashier of the Moline Trust and Savings Bank by 1900 after starting as a collection clerk. A devoted community member, he served three terms as City Treasurer and has been a board member of the Moline Public Library since 1895. Anderson is active in several organizations, including the Masonic Lodge and the Rock Island County Historical Society, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement.
Biography of Hon. John T. Browning
The Honorable John T. Browning, born in 1830 in New York, is the esteemed elder of the Rock Island County Bar, having retired from active law practice. He moved to Moline in 1858, becoming the city’s first City Attorney and later forming a law partnership with Entriken. A lifelong Republican, Browning was an abolitionist and engaged in significant legal controversies, including those involving river and railroad interests. Now residing on his farm, he remains active in public affairs and is respected for his contributions to both law and philanthropy.
Biography of Albert M. Beal, M. D.
Doctor Albert M. Beal, born on October 31, 1853, in Rock Island County, combined a rich educational background with a profound understanding of human nature in his medical practice. Initially an educator, he earned both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees before studying law and passing the bar exam. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1894 and established a successful practice in Moline. An active community member, he served as mayor and was involved in his local church and fraternal organizations. Beal married twice, having six children.
Fifty Years Ago
In a remarkable transformation, Rock Island evolved from a desolate prairie and timberland into a pivotal manufacturing center along the Mississippi. Initially reserved for a U.S. Arsenal, it now boasts impressive military facilities under the guidance of skilled officers. The site, once admired by Black Hawk for its beauty, features extensive park-like grounds, substantial stone buildings, and well-kept avenues. The Island serves not only as an armory but also as a popular destination for visitors, showcasing the significant industrial growth of the surrounding tri-cities.
The City of Davenport, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa, originally part of land granted to Antoine LeClair by local tribes, has transformed from an uninhabited region into a thriving city with a population of 23,000. Praised for its beauty, Davenport boasts elegant residences, impressive public buildings, and a network of street railroads. The Mississippi River is traversed by a grand bridge serving various railroads. Nearby cities—Rock Island, Moline, Keokuk, and Muscatine—also flourish, characterized by their industriousness, vibrant communities, and significant manufacturing operations, contributing to the region’s prosperity.
Biographical Sketch of Elmer E. Morgan
Elmer E. Morgan, a direct descendant of General Morgan from the Revolutionary War, was born on September 13, 1861, in Clinton County, Iowa. Raised on a farm with limited schooling, he pursued education through self-study. At twenty-three, he moved to Moline, where he studied law and established the area’s oldest collection agency. Morgan traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe, founded the Unitarian Church in Moline, and became an influential Republican. He is also an active member of various fraternal organizations.
Biography of Robert J. Montgomery
Robert J. Montgomery, born on May 20, 1864, in Henry County, Illinois, was a prominent Moline manufacturer. After training at Rock Island Arsenal, he established a machine shop with his brothers in 1891, later merging with the Moline Elevator Company. Montgomery oversaw elevator construction across North America while also investing in various local companies. A Republican and a church member since 1883, he married Lillie R. Matthews in 1893 and had two children. Montgomery also owned land in Alberta, Canada.
Biography of Dr. A. H. Arp
Dr. A. H. Arp, born in 1861 in Davenport, Iowa, rose to prominence in Moline after overcoming early personal challenges. Initially studying law, he shifted to medicine under his uncle’s mentorship, graduating from Iowa State University in 1882. Arp’s successful career includes partnerships and solo practice, treating numerous patients and serving industries as a prominent physician. A community leader, he held numerous medical society memberships and played a pivotal role in public health reforms. His legacy as a compassionate and skilled doctor endures through his extensive contributions to medicine.
Biography of Charles Deere
Charles Deere, son of plow inventor John Deere, played a crucial role in the agricultural industry. Born in 1837, he joined Deere Plow Works in 1853, quickly mastering sales and production. By 1868, he became vice-president of Deere & Company, leading its expansion and innovation. Under his guidance, the company flourished, establishing branch houses nationwide. A committed community leader, Deere’s investments bolstered Moline’s growth, and he supported national policies. His legacy, marked by practical genius and dedication to service, extended far beyond his death in 1907.
Biography of William A. Meese
William A. Meese, born February 1, 1856, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, became a cornerstone of Moline’s civic life after relocating with his family at age two. A distinguished lawyer and public servant, he dedicated over fifty years to enhancing Moline’s reputation through his roles in various organizations, including as City Attorney and first vice-president of the Upper Mississippi River Improvement Association. Meese’s contributions to history and local development are notable, and his family life with wife Kittie and four daughters provided a foundation for his achievements.
Biography of Edward Coryn
Edward Coryn, born in Belgium in 1857, immigrated to the U.S. in 1880, settling in Moline, Illinois. After various jobs, he partnered in a successful grocery business in 1892. Coryn became a significant local figure, serving eight years as alderman and chairing the Streets and Alleys committee. He actively promoted civic responsibilities among his fellow Belgians, founding the Belgian Working Men’s Union and the Belgian Club. A Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Coryn married Marie DeVoghelaere in 1900 and remains committed to his Catholic faith and community service.