Rock Island Argus., 1914-12-31

H. NJ. Schriver, first mayor in Rock
Island under the commission form OF
government, has headed the body OF
men which has successfully launched
the new method of municipal admin
istration of public affairs. With a
record of success in pedagogy and
law, it is not strange that he was
able to accomplish the many things
he has in the capacity as mayor OF
this city.
While there may have been some
occasions when the mayors schemes
did not in their entirety meet the ap-
proval of his co-workers, yet he mas
always stood for his own convictions
fearlessly and with the belief that
such were the best for the interests OF
the people of Rock Island. He has
always gone on record in the council
sustaining progressive measures.
Mayor Schriver's rise TO promi-
nence is one of interest, and he shoul-
dered many burdens to become sue
cessfuI which others of average
characteristics would have less per-
sistently borne. 1t may have been the
rugged life that Mr.. Schriver led in
severance which has marked and
aided him during his entire career.
Mr.. and Mrs. William n. Schriver
residing on a farm in Edgington town
ship, in September. 1873, welcomed
into their home a son whom they
named Harry NJ. He received his
early education at a country school,
and on completing his course there
he attended high school. Two months
before the time which he would have
finished i'm the secondary school he
dropped out of his class and went .
work on the farm. But this did not
deter him from his ambitions, and he
studied by night to keep up the
course.
Later he entered Valparaiso Uni
versityI in Indiana, where he took up
commercial course. which he com
pleted and returned to his home. He
then was teacher in country |
school a short distance from Rey-
mods. later returning to Valparaiso !
and graduated in the scientific course. |
He graduated in law in 1897, and Il /
few months later was admitted to the /
bar. Then instead of Immediately en- /
tering the profession for which he |
had fitted himself he became teacher |
again. this time at the Monitor school |
in EdginGton township, where he first
attended school.
Fourteen years ago he determined |
TO enter the practice of law, and CON-
ing TO Rock Island in July. 1900, he
started a career OF success in his /
chosen profession. Mayor schriver
for FIVE years attended to the business
of his Office alone. being affiliated
with no partner. His brother. Ben
jamin IF. Schriver. who also gradu-
ated from Valparaiso law school and
was admitted 10 the bar on Dec. Is, /
1908, then joined his brother. and the
firm name since has been Schriver &
Schriver.
When L. NJ. Magin was elected
states attorney in 1908 ne appointed
MIR. S-hriver assistant which position
The latter filled for three years, resign
ing in 1911 to enter the campaign for
mayor. His fight was clean, and al
though the battle was warm one, he
succeeded in gaining favor of the ma
Ority of voters, and when the returns
IF the election came in they showed
he victor.
When Mayor Schriver took oath OF
office conditions were not such as
hey are today. There were many
matters which demanded the imme-
late attention of a man able to grasp
heir full meaning and deal with them
wisely and well. Mayor AJchriver
ackled these conditions in the same
manner which marked his other
accomplishments, and he laid the
oundation for progressive govern
lent which gives Rock Island a place
mong the leading cities in Illinois ;
Or being modern in its Legislation.
II was not easy to do this with a
ew and, as far as Illinois was con- !
erned. practically an untried form /
( government. His persistent urS
lG and argument united the people S
18th him in interest of public i'm I
rovements. and surely there is no j
ne who will say that he has not v
.ood for and given the city num-
er of projects which have produced. I
nd will mean. a better Rock Island. d
The mayor has always tried TO be
ir in his legislation, and was one n
the hardest workers for annexation b
territory to this city. He is Y
his office each day, and mat 4
rs, regardless of whether they 4
re trivial or OF vital Importance.
hich are brought 10 his attention re- +
i've due consideration from him.
Mayor Schriver Is prominent e
ember OF Rock Island lodge No. Is. $
I'd Fellows. Camp %. Modern Wood D.
en- .of America and Rock Island h fl
cge No. 300, Loyal Order OF Moose.t S