2. Ben Harper Lot

2. Somewhat to the North is the enclosed lot of Ben Harper, distinguished by a tall monument, topped with a life sized statue. Mr.Harper was a former mayor of Rock Island and a charter member of the Chippiannock Cemetery Association. His is an interesting story. Mr. Harper was born in Pennsylvania, and had made a small fortune in St. Louis in the clothing business before he was 30 years old. Shortly thereafter, following his wife’s death, he sold out and moved to Rock Island, because he felt it was the gateway to the West and destined for a great future.

Once he was settled in Rock Island, Mr. Harper was a busy man, building some 45 homes and buildings, including the Harper House, at one time the most luxurious hotel west of Chicago. He later built Harper’s Theatre, and he also brought light to the city, as owner and twenty-year president of the Rock Island Gas Company.

During that time, he also organized the Rock Island-Moline Horse Railway Company.

Next stops on the tour:

1. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial

2. Ben Harper Lot

3. Burial Plots of Ransom R. and Philander Cable

4. Grave of Philemon Mitchell

5. Denkmann Family Mausoleum

6. Frederick Weyerhaeuser, Thomas B. Davis, Samuel S. Davis Lots

7. Thomas B. Davis Grave

8.  John Volk Grave

9. William Tenges Monument

10. Captain A. J. Whitney Lot

11. William R. Little Headstone

12. Captain David M. Tipton Grave

13. Dean Tyler Robinson Monument

14. Charles Buford Grave

15. Ada Brackett Schwatka Grave

16. C.C. Knell Grave

17. General William Hoffman Grave

18. Colonel John Buford Monument

19. Captain John Wilson Grave

20. Eddie & Josie Dimick Monument

21. William Morrison Grave

22. Richard Mansill Monument

23. Colonel Davenport, Margaret Davenport, Bailey Davenport, Susan Lewis Goldsmith Plot

24. Benjamin Dann Walsh Grave

25. Minnie Potter Grave

26. Edward Burrall, Jr. Grave

27. William Harte Monument