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Immigrants Immigrants came to Rock Island County from many countries between 1840 and 1921
when new immgration laws required that an immigrant be related to someone already here. They came from Ireland, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, and Sweden primarily.
Most knew little English and settled near relatives and friends who had come at an earlier time. This helped them
overcome the language barrier. These ethnic groups may have come for religious freedom, but it is more likely
they formed churches because of a common language. Besides its religious significance, the church provided an important
social activity for the friends and family of these hard working immigrants. Almost all of the early churches in
Rock Island county were related to a particular ethnic culture. After John
Deere moved his plow business to Moline many Swedes came to the Quad City
area, especially Moline. They were well suited for working in the Deere factories because of their ability to work
with steel. As new immigrants they didn't know much English. The story goes that they only recognized one phrase,
so when the train conductor called out "John Deere town" all the Swedes got off! . Many settlers from Great Britain settled in Rock Island, because they came up
the Mississippi rather than overland.
Swedish Recipes and other Traditions
Swedes in Moline |
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