Day in history for May 31, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

While at Muscatine last week, we were told that the cholera was raging terribly in Rock Island. Now be it known to all the world and the rest of mankind, that there has not been a case of cholera among our citizens this year!

1879 -- 125 years ago

James Coyne, a former resident of Rock Island, and now of the firm of Coyne And Co., Chicago, publishers of the Western Manufacturer, favored The Argus with a call today.

1904 -- 100 years ago

W.O. Negus, who has been in the south since the latter part of winter, returned to the city on the St. Paul. He visited the world's fair on his way back. Friends will be pleased to learn that he is much improved in health.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Dr. B.H. Sherrard, Rock Island dentist, was elected president of the Rock Island County Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Heads of four Moline city departments with the purchasing clerk, were authorized by the city council to speed steps toward the purchase of a high velocity sprayer to combat the current invasion of canker worms destroying the city's elm trees.

1979 -- 25 years ago

They buried his motorcycle Wednesday, along with his gun, his cane and a bottle of Jack Daniels. And today, several hundred members of the Grim Reapers club will lay Richard Myers' coffin on top of his ''pride and joy'' as they conduct a ''bikers funeral'' near Keithsburg.

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