Day in history for March 30, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

A man named Birch was shot in Joliet this week by a man from whom Birch had stolen a horse. The man had pursued Birch from Pennsylvania. The horse thief is said to be the Birch who was one of the murderers of Col. George Davenport of Rock Island nine years ago.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Hundreds of people in this region have signed against tramps. The mayor plans drastic city action if the governor does not do something.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Kid Ammerman of Rock Island and Hays Muhs of Davenport have signed for a 10-round boxing match for the lightweight championship of Iowa.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Col. Patrick J. Hurley, Assistant Secretary of War, inspected Rock Island Arsenal today.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Quad-Cities authorities were notified by Rock Island Police Chief Claus C. Miller to be on the lookout for three women who allegedly bilked a 70-year-old man out of $1,000. The three women obtained the money from him in various amounts since Jan. 30 by promising to remove a ''spell'' which they said had been cast over him.

1979 -- 25 years ago

The city of Moline's blue-collar workers, saying they're tired of being treated with ''no respect,'' are threatening to strike in the wake of a two-day suspension issued to a street department employee. Union members are drafting a grievance they say will be submitted to Earl Weldon, superintendent of municipal services.

Back: Available days in March 2004