The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1875-09-08
The Lincoln Tree.


west of the walk and near the northeast
was planted April Is. 1866, the annivers-
airy day of the death of Americas noblest
son and one of the greatest and best men
coin. To NJ. d. Merrill, Esq, then serv-
ing his second term as sheriff of the coun-
ty, belongs the credit of conceiving the idea
and carrying into effect the planting of the
tree in commemoration of our martyred
president. The money for the purpose
was obtained by subscription, and that
larger number should assist in the effort,
none were permitted to give more than
fifty cents A book was procured in which
was entered statement of the object for
which the money was given, and the
donors names, comprising many Of the
best citizens Of the city and county. The
necessary funds being raised, the book was
Island county to be filed away and kept in
his Office. On the day before its removal
Mr. Merrill, in company with Hon. Ira o.
Wilkinson, then of this city but now resi-
dent of Chicago, made the selection of the
tree from number standing on the aven-
ue, leading to the cemetery of Chipiannock.
Patrick Shougnesay, then in charge of the
cemetery. was engaged to do the work.
The tree was twenty five feet high and in
circumference twenty inches at the
ground. To insure its living it was neces-
sary in transplanting to leave as much
soil as possible adhereing to its roots. 1t
required six men to handle it and four
horses to draw it on two wagons lashed to-
gether. A guaranty was given MIR. Merrill
that if the tree did not live through
the first year, another should be planted
in its place, but the attention given it in
mulching and watering during the hot and
dry weather of that season placed it out of
danger and now it is as healthy and fine
growing tree as one need wish to see.
If nothing befals it, long after this gener-
alton shall have passed from earth, others
will sit under the shade of its widespread
ing branches, telling of the noble deeds and
fondly cherishing the memory of him for
whom it was planted.
Near the southeast corner of the square
is another ''elm" planted in commemora
ton of another of Illinois most iilustri
GUS and greatest men. Stephen A. Doug
las, Inspired by the work of Mr.. Merrill
the late Jacob Norris raised the funds and
superintended the planting of the Douglas
} tree. 1t also is beautiful, thrifty tree
What more fitting emblem for these grea
men? There stand these living monu
ments, on either side of the sculptureC
marble, bearing the honored names of oul
patriot dead; men, noble men, who lief
their homes at their country S cal, but nev
er returned. Though members Of oppo
, site parties during most of their lives, a
the last they were united in the grea
struggle for the life of our nation. Ha(
Douglas lived to see the struggle through
there is no doubt but that he would hay
been placed in positions of high trust b.
+ the president, who at the beginning o
the troubles was so prompt to recogniz
his patriotism and the value of his coun
sci.
We copy the foregoing from late mum
Der of the Union, but as matter of his
tory the following should go along with it
= From the Daily Argus. april 70, 1866.
Notice.
The members of the Democratic central commi
=, tee are requested to meet at the book store of
) Norris & Son. at O'Clock this evening to make q
f engagements for planting Douglas Tree IN Cou
: Square, The following are the committee:
d First WdFd-Wm Shearer, Henry Burgowe
| Francis Woods,
/ Second Wdrd-James Z Johnston, David Nuna
4 John Stauback.
Third Wdrd-H Connolly Aug Roswog, Hug
n Conwel,
- Fourth Ward-D Bennett, Mathew Marx, Jacc
l. Dodge.
! JACOB NORRIS, Chairman.
u Rock Island ADril - 1866