Little, Robert E.

The following data is extracted from Biographical History of Rock Island Illinois.

Robert E. Little, for ten years postmaster of the Village of Milan, is one of the successful native sons of the County. He was born on a farm in Bowling Township May 22, 1861. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Rea) Little, were both of Irish birth, the former's natal day being December 7, 1815, and the latter's August 16, 1819. They were married in their native land and immigrated to America and to Rock Island County in 1844. The farm on which they settled and which they occupied till death was entered by them from the Government. Mr. Little passed away August 6, 1891, his wife having preceded him to the beyond September 12, 1884. Their children are: Margaret C., wife of O. C. Wells, of Bruning, Nebraska; Ann J., widow of Arthur O'Neal, of Milan; Francis A., of Conway Springs, Kansas; Mary L., widow of Robert Elliott, of Conway Springs; William R., of Cushing, Oklahoma; David T., of Conway Springs; Evaline E., wife of William L. Heath, of Davenport, Iowa; and Robert E., the subject of this review.

The last named received his early training on the farm, being educated in the public schools and at the Dixon Business College. He continued to make the farm his home till 1892, when he removed to Milan and took a position as salesman in the hardware store of his brother-in-law, Phil F. Zahn, remaining there three years. July 7, 1897, Mr. Little received the appointment as postmaster of Milan and has since discharged the duties of that office to the satisfaction of all. In addition he engages extensively in the insurance business and is owner of the old Little homestead in Bowling, one hundred and eighty acres of well improved land.

Mr. Little was married in Rock Island County October 27, 1886, to Miss Harriet Zahn, also a native of the County. She was born August 21, 1866, the daughter of Phillip and Harriet (Orth) Zahn.

Politically, Mr. Little affiliates with the Republican Party and is active in the councils of that organization. He was County committeeman in 1896-97. Among the offices he has held are those of highway commissioner of Bowling and clerk of Black Hawk.

Fraternally the subject of this sketch is a member of the Masonic order, the Court of Honor, and the Eastern Star, his wife also holding membership in the last named.

Source: Biographical History of Rock Island Illinois

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