Browning Field

John T. Browning was born on June 11th, 1830 in Genesee Country, New York. John moved to the village of Moline in 1858 as a lawyer and practiced law until his death in 1910. Mr. Browning served as the City Attorney of Moline and was the leader in writing the new ordinances, as Moline became a city. He also served two-terms as a state representative from our district and was a leader in helping to write many pieces of legislation.

During his last illness in 1910, Mr. Browning planned on having a large granite monument built to honor his memory, but Dr. A.M. Beal, who was the President of the Board of Education, suggested that Mr Browning turn his large pasture into a much needed athletic field. Moline High School football teams were playing at Riverside Park with no stands and little room. Mr. Browning agreed and added a codicil to his will, which gave the field to the City of Moline.

For more on the history of the Browning Field... (pdf)

If you are interested the Browning Field Entrance Improvement Campaign you can download the brick order form.