The first paper printed in the German language in Rock Island was The Beobachter am Mississipian, making its appearance in 1857, the proprietor being Maguns Mueller, and edited by Doctor Ciolina, a physician who resided and practiced his profession here for some years. The paper was not well supported and survived only about one year. Its politics were neutral.
Source: Historic Rock Island County, pub. Kramer & Company, Rock Island, Illinois, 1908