St. Louis Missouri

Biography of Carl Bernhardi, M. D.

Doctor Carl Bernhardi, born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia in 1843, established a notable medical career in Rock Island after moving to the United States in 1869. He graduated from the University of Berlin and served as a volunteer surgeon during the Austro-Prussian War. With a commitment to both his profession and community, Bernhardi became involved in local politics and various medical associations. A family man, he had four children and maintained a strong presence in civic organizations, earning deep respect from his patients and peers alike.

Biography of Virgil Marion Blanding

Virgil Marion Blanding, born on December 8, 1827, in Pennsylvania, was a prominent lawyer and politician. After graduating as valedictorian from Bucknell University in 1852, he practiced law in Rock Island, where he served as City Attorney and later as Mayor in 1888. Blanding, a Civil War veteran, also ventured into bridge and railway construction. An active Mason since 1855, he held numerous leadership roles within the organization. He married Anna McNeil in 1863, and they had two children before his death on March 3, 1907.

Biography of William H. Bean

William H. Bean, born in 1842 in St. Louis, is a notable survivor of the Civil War. Enlisting in 1862, he served in the Illinois Infantry before returning to Rock Island to establish a grocery store in 1875, which he still manages at 81 years old. Bean’s life reflects hard work and steady progress, continuing amidst the dwindling ranks of his fellow veterans. Married in 1880 to Sarah A. Cameron, he remains a prominent figure in the community, embodying resilience and dedication to a quiet, fulfilling life.

Great Chief at St. Louis

The visit to the great chief at St. Louis aimed to confirm a treaty marked by tension. The chiefs faced accusations from the white officials, stemming from a perceived betrayal by their Great Father in Washington, which prompted their alliance with the British. The meeting, laden with cultural misunderstandings, culminated in the signing of a treaty without full comprehension of its implications, particularly the loss of their village. Returning home, they found troops building a fort on Rock Island, a cherished site, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between their values and those of the white settlers.

Medicine Bag of my Forefathers

The narrator inherits the revered medicine bag of his forefathers after the death of his father, prompting a prolonged period of mourning and prayer. Following conflicts with the Osages, he leads a campaign, ultimately avenging his father’s death and securing peace for his tribe. However, upon visiting St. Louis, he learns of the impending American takeover, which casts a pall over his community. The loss of their Spanish ally is a significant blow, signaling a troubling new chapter for the tribe.

Young American Chief

A young American chief, Lieutenant Pike, visited a Native American community, delivering a speech, gifts, and an American flag while requesting the lowering of British colors, which they refused, wanting dual allegiance. Later, after one of their own was imprisoned in St. Louis for murder, a delegation sought his release, offering land in exchange. Their negotiations resulted in the prisoner’s tragic death shortly after his release. The community later learned of a treaty ceding their lands to the U.S. for inadequate compensation, leading to ongoing strife with settlers.

Biography of Frederick C. Liekefett

Frederick C. Liekefett, born on November 28, 1848, in Hanover, Germany, immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1855. They initially settled in St. Louis before moving to Rock Island County, where they engaged in farming. A successful landowner, Liekefett acquired 400 acres in Bowling Township and later in Black Hawk. He married Maria Simser in 1876 and had five children. A respected figure in his community, he is an active member of the Methodist Church.

Biography of Isaac Burrows Snow

Isaac Burrows Snow, a retired insurance professional with 40 years of experience, played a significant role in the railroads of the West before transitioning to the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. Born in 1850, he contributed to early railroad operations and managed insurance agencies across various states. A direct descendant of Mayflower passengers, he held memberships in several historical societies and Masonic organizations. Married to Jeannie Knight, they had two children, including Dr. Morton Snow. Isaac passed a life of service and achievement, deeply rooted in American history and community.

Biography of Dr. Louis Ostrom

Dr. Louis Ostrom, born in Sweden in 1874, immigrated to the U.S. at age six. He worked various jobs while studying at Augustana College, where he excelled in music and sports, graduating in 1895. After pursuing medicine at the State University of Iowa and Missouri Medical College, he established a practice in Leonardville, Kansas, before specializing in eye, ear, nose, and throat ailments in Rock Island, Illinois. Ostrom also held academic positions and was active in local governance, marrying Sophia Hult in 1899, with whom he had one daughter, Meredith.

Biography of Sylvester Washington McMaster

Sylvester Washington McMaster, born October 8, 1811, in New York, was a pivotal figure in Rock Island County, arriving in 1833 when it was merely a village. Engaged in mercantile enterprises, he was also an educator and later served as an assessor. He married Jannette Brooks in 1840, and they had three children. A significant contributor to local education and community life, McMaster served on the library and school boards. His memoir, *Sixty Years on the Upper Mississippi*, reflects his extensive experiences during the region’s development. He passed away on January 22, 1908.

Biographical Sketch of Charles R. Nourse

Charles R. Nourse, born in St. Louis on December 27, 1864, was raised in Ohio and later became a prominent figure in manufacturing in Illinois. After his family moved to Cleveland and Springfield, he began his career as a bookkeeper in the children’s carriage industry. He worked with the United Engineering and Foundry Company for eleven years before overseeing the Standard Oil Cloth Company plant in Rock Island. A dedicated Masonic member and Republican, Nourse married Rose J. Henry in 1884 and has one son, Robert.

Biography of Colonel Elhanan John Searle

Colonel Elhanan J. Searle, born on January 18, 1835, in Ohio, was a distinguished soldier, jurist, and public figure. He served in the Civil War, rising from private to lieutenant-colonel of the First Arkansas Infantry, participating in over forty engagements. Post-war, he practiced law, served as a circuit judge, and was appointed to the Arkansas Supreme Court. A prominent community member, he helped establish Arkansas State University and remained engaged in public affairs. Searle passed away on August 18, 1906, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication.

Biography of John W. Potter

John W. Potter, born in 1861 in Ireland, was a distinguished newspaper publisher and editor of the Rock Island Argus. Taking over the paper in 1882, he elevated its status and influence within the Democratic party, marking it as a significant voice in the region. A vital community figure, he was appointed postmaster of Rock Island and actively engaged in local politics. His legacy as a genial and polished gentleman endures in the memories of those he impacted, as he contributed significantly to journalism and public service until his death in 1898.

Biography of Stephen Henry Velie

Stephen Henry Velie, born April 21, 1830, in New York, significantly contributed to Moline’s industrial prominence through his leadership in manufacturing, especially as secretary and treasurer of the Deere Company from its inception. His diverse business ventures included lumber, stone quarries, and railroads. A devoted family man, he married Emma C. Deere and had five children. Politically active as a Republican, Velie also supported the Congregational Church and various fraternal organizations. He was known for his fair treatment of labor and a congenial nature that endeared him to many.

Biography of Rev. Christopher Mennicke

Rev. C. A. Mennicke, born on September 17, 1834, in Prussia, dedicated his life to the German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuels Congregation in Rock Island, where he served as pastor since 1861. After immigrating to the United States in 1854, he pursued theological education at Concordia Seminary. Over nearly five decades, he not only ministered but also taught at his church’s parochial school and raised a large family. Revered for his unwavering service, Rev. Mennicke’s contributions significantly shaped his community’s spiritual life.

Biography of Judge John W. Spencer

Judge John W. Spencer, born on July 25, 1801, in Vermont, was a pioneer of Rock Island County, Illinois. After moving east of the Mississippi River in 1820, he played a significant role in the region’s early history. He served as the first judge of Rock Island County, participated in the Black Hawk War, and was a member of the board of county commissioners. A devout Christian and community leader, Spencer’s legacy endures through his descendants and his contributions to the formation of local governance and infrastructure. He died on February 20, 1878.

Biography of Jesse Applegate

Jesse Applegate, born in 1810 in Kentucky, was a prominent figure in Oregon’s early history. After pioneering journeys, he settled in Yoncalla, Oregon, where he contributed significantly to its development and took an active role in establishing the Provisional government. An adept surveyor and family man, Applegate faced personal tragedies, including the loss of two sons. As a member of the constitutional convention, he opposed slavery and advocated for infrastructure improvements. Despite his influence, he fell victim to betrayal later in life, ultimately experiencing ruin before his death in 1888.

Biography of Samuel Hadlock

Samuel Hadlock, born in 1829 in Hudson, New Hampshire, significantly contributed to the development of the Pacific coast. After his 1852 journey to the West, which included hardships during the gold rush, he engaged in various ventures, including sawmilling. In 1868, he established the Tacoma Mill and later purchased land to create Port Hadlock, Washington, which he founded in 1886. A strong figure in his community, Hadlock’s legacy endures through his pioneering spirit and contributions to the lumber industry. He passed away after his wife’s death in 1873.

Biography of George W. King, M.D.

George W. King, M.D., was born on November 14, 1844, in Missouri and faced significant hardships during his early life due to the Civil War. Orphaned by the conflict, he briefly struggled in Missouri before finding work in a tobacco factory. He served in the U.S. Army until 1866 and later sought education, ultimately pursuing a medical career. After graduating from medical school in 1883, he built successful medical practices in Oregon, where he married Nettie Powell. His later achievements somewhat compensated for his tumultuous youth.