Moments in History: Famous people connected to Burlington

BURLINGTON, Iowa (KWQC) - The ‘Moments in History’ of Burlington, Iowa, celebrate the community and what has brought it to what is there today.

John B. Newhall made his way west to Burlington just as Iowa was opening up to new settlers. Most historians place his arrival at 1834, just one year after the city was established on the western shores of the Mississippi River.

Over the next 15 years, Newhall became a regional celebrity. He was the author of three guidebooks providing to be invaluable to those who were relocating to Iowa.

Another famous person in Burlington’s history, Oliver Cock, comes from New York City and he served as the County Clerk for Des Moines County for 11 years. Thought Cock was actively involved in government for most of his adult life in Burlington.

Cock was also the first Grand Master of Masons for “The Grand Lodge of Iowa AF and AM” in the state.

Look for more Moments in History throughout the week, while we shine a spotlight on Burlington as we lead up to the live Broadcast on Friday.