Untitled Document

ANDREW FRIBERG

Andrew Friberg, one of the founders of the of Moline Plow Company, a stockholder in the same, and inspector of agricultural implements, and general superintendent of the shops, was born in Sweden , April 8, 1828 . He learned the blacksmith trade in his native country, and in 1850 emigrated to the United States . Arriving at Chicago , he spent nine months in that city, and then, in 1851, came to Moline , this county.

He immediately began work for Deere, Tate& Gould, and seven months later was promoted to the position of foreman of the blacksmith department, which he held for 12 years. In 1864 Mr. Friberg went to Idaho and Montana Territories , spent about seven months in the mountains, and in the fall of the same year returned to Moline , and in 1865 formed a partnership with Henry W. Candee and R. K under the firm name of Candee, Swan & Co., for the manufacture of agricultural implements, Mr. Friberg acting as mechanical manager of the works. Soon afterwards Mr. George Stevens bought an interest in the works and subsequently Mr. S. W. Wheelock became a partner. In 1870, the company was incor porated under the State laws, with a capital stock of $400,000, under the name of the Moline Plow Company. (See history of this important rnanufa< turing establishment elsewhere in this work.) Mr.. Friberg was elected one of the directors of the company, and superintendent of the shops, and served as such until 1876, when he retired on account of impaired health. Three years later, he resumed active relations with the company, since which time he has been inspector of agricultural implements and general superintendent.

Mr. Friberg was united in marriage, in Rock Island , Nov. 20, 1854 , to Miss Louisa Peterson, who was born in Sweden . She has bor.ie her husband eight children, five of whom are living: Albert B., born at Moline, Nov. 15, 1855, died Sept. 20, 1862; Cassius D., born Aug. 19, 1858; Edward F., born March 24, 1861, died Nov. 12, 1862; George H., born Oct. 25, 1863; Ina J., born June 9, 1866; Kornelia L., born July 10, 1869; Minnie N., bom April 17, 1872, died April 7, 1875; and Oliver P, bom Aug. 9, 1876. The wife and mother died March 5, 1883 , at Moline , mourned by many relatives and a host of friends.

Mr. Friberg, as is shown by the above sketch, was one of the founders of one of the most important es tablishments in the Northwest, and is the only remaining partner of the original firm now connected with that institution. He has, with the exception of two or three years (during which time he was incapacitated by impaired health), been one of the leading spirits of the business.

His thorough me chanical knowledge and faithful supervision of the work has done much to insure the perfection of the work turned out, and to aid in bringing the quality of the plows and other farm machinery made by this company up to the high standard which it has attained. As a business man and citizen, he is held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances, his broad and cosmopolitan views of life having led him easily into the ways and habits of the people of the New World , with whom he fraternizes so naturally He is liberal in his religious views, while a friend to Churches in general.

He has never been ambitious of the honors of office, and it is said was never known to accept any offers but that of Village Trustee of Moline in the early days of the history of that town. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party.

Historic Rock Island

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Illinois Ancestors

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