Day in history for April 30, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

J.B. Danforth, Jr., editor, reported that on Wednesday last ``we were quietly passing along Illinois street on our way to dinner, unsuspicious of harm, when we were suddenly waylaid and assaulted in a most base and cowardly manner by Holmes Hakes, who was armed with a dirk or bowie knife, with which he inflicted a severe wound in our back.''

1878 -- 125 years ago

Samuel Haegy and wife of Hampton were registered at the Harper House for the day.

1903 -- 100 years ago

In convention at Bushnell yesterday, the Democrats nominated Guy C. Scott of Aledo for a place on the supreme bench from the Fourth district. The nomination had been declined by E.W. Hurst of Rock Island.

1928 -- 75 years ago

The Reverand C.G.H. Ahnquist of Everett, Wash., accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Lutheran Church of Rock Island.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Winner of valedictorian honors at Alleman High School in the 1953 graduating class is James Meagher, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Meagher, 1513 24th St., Rock Island. He ranks first in the class of 168 students. Miss Mary Mart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dale S. Mart, 1332 39th St., Rock Island, achieved salutatorian honors.

1978 -- 25 years ago

The Postal Alert program, already operating in Moline and Milan, is being expanded to Silvis. Under this program, postmen check on elderly or disabled people on their route.

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