Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-07-27
BEGAN LIFE HERE.
William n. Rossington, Who
Died at Topeka, on the Ar
Gus Staff in the SOS.
WAS KNOWN AS A VII
George r. Peck in Chicago Newspapers
Gives an Appreciation of the
Attorneys Character.

In the Chicago Tribune of yes
terday appears beautifully writ
ten article by George r. Peck
of Chicago, termed can Appre-
citation of w. H. Rossington." Mr..
Peck pays a fine tribute to Mr.. Ros-
sington, and gives a faithful analysis
of the character of the Topeka man.
who died suddenly few days ago. The
sketch is of more than ordinary inter-
est in Rock Island from the fact that
William H. Rossington was a Rock
Islander in his boyhood days. and lived
here with his father. Both were
known as wits, and the father was a
musician and an accomplished man.
AS a young man William H. Rossing-
ton was employed as reporter on
The Argus, and, although at that time
but a poor and unknown boy, his work
attracted world wide attention. A
young man of wit and keen magma
ton, Rossington wrote and published
in The Argus, an account of the find
ing of statuary in the old cave at the
SiOSSN
by the abuttment to the new bridge.
I The story was told as indicating that
| a prehistoric race of which to that
| time there had been no knowledge
had in past ages inhabitated this part
| of the country. The story was prompt
err bit OF realistic fiction, but to the
world at large it did not classify itself
so readily. In fact the story was cop
led all over the country, and there was
a prompt pilgrimage on the part OF
scientists from every state to Rocf
Island to investigate the matter. Speak
ing of the matter this morning, Phi
Mitchell stated that he was in Europe
at the time, and that he had seen the
story reprinted in a London newspa
Iper.
The young man left Rock Islant
about 1870, and went to Topeka, where
he studied law and was admitted t
the bar, rising rapidly in his profes
sion. He became prominent in lega
and railway circles at Topeka, and haC
gained a high place. for himself wheI
he passed away. He is well remem
Ibered here by such of the older resi-
dents as Phil Mitchell, Major c. w
Halves, Senator William Payne, ant
Major H. C. Connolly, H. S. Cable ant
lother Rock Islanders have enjoyed !
personal acquaintance with him in lat
er years. and J. are :. familiar with. tn,
Igreat success Mr.. Rossington attaine,
lat Topeka.
Mr.. Peck's Tribute.
In his sketch Mr.. Peck says in part
William H. Rossington was a mai
Iof singular versatility, great learning
land wide culture. These would mari
him for distinction in any community
but TO them was added generous
Iopen nature, which won and held tn
laffection of all with whom he came il
tcontact. 1t is not often that so man
of the qualities which endear man t
those who know him are found in sue
a perfect poise and harmony. Quit
commonly, it is thought, and often as
serted. that a brilliant intellect is Sc
dom accompanied by a generous heart
The life and career of William H. Ros
sington show how false is such an es
innate of human character He wa
born July 81. 1S4S, and had he live
lanother fortnight would have rounde
out 60 good years. 1t was not shor
life, and yet how quickly it sped t
it's close. And now that it is ended
so far as this world goes, does it coun
for nothing except the brief honors an
| the fleeing rewards of a successfr
professional career? 1t would be har
for those who loved him to think So
What he was to me / cannot tell j
words. Those who may happen to rea
the thoughts that crowd upon me t.
Knight cannot understand the place h
filled in my life. He was only you'll
and | but little more, when we me
and straightway there came to me, an
dare believe to him, a feeling fC
. which friendship is hardly an adequat
name. We lived in Topeka, the bea,