Minnie Potter was 32 years old and the mother of three small children when her husband died in 1898 leaving The Rock Island Argus newspaper in her hands. By all accounts it was Mrs. Potter’s courage and determination that kept The Argus alive during the next 25-year period. In the early 1900’s John Looney built an empire based on extortion, bribery, gambling, prostitution, illegal alcohol production, and his local yellow scandal sheet. Through it all Minnie Potter and her paper published stories and editorials about corrupt local politicians and the exploits of Mr. Looney, putting herself and her children in danger. After the fall of Looney and many local officials, the newspaper flourished. Publication was taken over by the Potter sons. Minnie Potter is remembered for her courage and The Argus remains in publication to this day.