Day in history for March 12, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

We are happy to learn an effort is about to be made to excite a deeper interest in the subject of sacred music. C.B. Smith, a gentleman thoroughly qualified as a teacher, will meet with those who wish to form a class next Thursday evening at the Baptist church.

1878 -- 125 years ago

An Uncle Tom's Cabin show drew a good audience at Dart's Hall last night. A well known actress by name of Lottie took the part of Topsy.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Capt. William J. Ranson, a Civil War veteran who was wounded in the battle at Clarendon, Ark., died. He was born in 1841.

1928 -- 75 years ago

The sectional cage tourney will open Thursday at Augustana gymnasium with the field including teams from Galesburg, Rockford, Rochelle, Sterling, Orion, Galena and Macomb.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Albert M. Crampton, 53, of Moline, chief justice of the Illinois supreme court, and a prominent leader in Moline and Illinois civic activities, died this morning in Memorial Hospital, Springfield, where he was taken early yesterday afternoon after suffering a heart attack in the court chambers.

1978 -- 25 years ago

A little over five years ago, Virgil Mayberry, Rock Island, became the first minority applicant accepted in the apprenticeship program for patternmakers in the agriculture implement field. Today he is a full-fledged patternmaker at Deere Plow and Planter Works, Moline.

Back: Available days in March 2003