Untitled Document

BUILDING OF ARMORY AND ARSENAL STARTED

In May, 1863, a commission composed of Major F. D. Callander, Major C. P. Kingsbury and Captain F. J. Treadwell was sent by the ordnance department for the purpose of locating the proposed building on Rock Island. In addition to doing this, the commission recommended in its report the establishment of magazines on the island, and selected the most desirable sites for that purpose. This report was adopted. Major Kingsbury being appointed the first commander in charge of the construction

. To the great satisfaction of those who had worked so hard to bring about a successful termination of these efforts, ground was broken September 3. 1863: for the government building on the lower end of the island. By August. 1863. the government decided to prepare plans for a combination armory and ar senal where small arms and other munitions of war could also be manufactured as well as prepared and stored. In this same year Major Kings bury was succeeded by General T. J. Rodman who prepared the necessary plans. The government could not have made a better selection for this able general and scientific man was fitted by training, experience and natural ability for his great work. These plans, submitted to Congress during the session of 1865. met with instant approval, and an appropriation was made for the immediate commencement of the work.

General Rodman was succeeded in the command of tne arsenal by General D. W. Flagler who carried out the plans which had been prepared by his predecessor, and who remained in charge until 1886, when Colonel T. G. Baylor became commandant. He was relieved in 1880 by Colonel J. M. Wnittemore who remained in command until 1892 when General A. R. Buffington was detailed to the command. In 1897 he was succeeded by Captain Stanhope E. Blunt who became major, later lieutenant-colonel and still later colonel. In August. 1907 the command passed to Colonel S. E. Hobbs who died at his post April 12. 1011. and was buried in Chippiannock cemetery. Rock Island with full military honors. He was succeeded by Lieutenant- Colonel George TV. Burr, the present commandant, who was assigned to the command June 25, 1911.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

Submitted by the Webmaster

Illinois ancestors

112860