Robert D. Quigley, one of the leading farmers and
successful stock raisers of Macoupin County, owning a farm of 160 acres in
section 30, and 60 acres of timber land in sections 17 and 19, Gillespie
township, was born October 18, 1832, at Mobile, Alabama, and is a son of
Hon. William and Eliza (Somers) Quigley.
Hon. William Quigley,
father of Robert D., was at one time mayor of the city of Mobile, Alabama.
He was born in New York, and was the eldest son of Daniel Quigley, of Irish
extraction, who married twice, reared seven children, and died at Mobile at
the age of 75 years. In young manhood William Quigley went to Philadelphia
and there learned the brick-mason's trade, and following it went to Mobile,
where he was later joined by his father, also a mason. William Quigley
became a large builder and contractor in that city and for many years held
the position of city engineer there. He became prominent in Democratic
politics and was elected mayor and, had not an early death intervened, would
probably have become still more distinguished. At Camden, New Jersey, he
married Eliza Somers, daughter of Isaac Somers, who was the inheritor of a
large, still unsettled, estate in England. The children born to this
marriage were: Malcolm and Jefferson, both deceased; Mrs. Cordelia
Shackelford, deceased; Robert D., and George, of St. Louis.
Our
subject was bereft of his father when but four years of age, and when 18
years old he accompanied his mother and younger brother to Macoupin County,
Illinois. Prior to this he had enjoyed high school advantages and had also
had a few months of business experience in the cotton commission house of
McClennan & Company. After coming to Illinois, he entered upon farm work and
has continued in the same line ever since. In 1857 he settled on his present
place, on which he has engaged in large farming operations and has
successfully raised much stock. He operates entirely with high grade cattle
and stock and gives his whole attention to their further improvement.
Mr. Quigley was married June 7, 1855, to Mary Parks, who was born
September 10, 1831, in Christian County, Kentucky, and is a daughter of
James and Mary (Harlan) Parks, the former of whom was born in Augusta County
and the latter in Berkley County, Virginia. They came from Kentucky to
Gillespie township, Macoupin County, in 1833 and Mr. Parks entered over 400
acres of land in Gillespie and Hilyard townships. Four children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Quigley, namely: Walter, who married Sarah E. Spillman and
lives in Pettis County, Missouri; Robert P., unmarried, who resides at home;
Jessie Cordelia, who resides at home; and Mary Eliza, who died at the age of
26 years.
Mr. Quigley is an outspoken and consistent Republican and
has never voted any other ticket, supporting that party even when only one
of three Republican voters in the township. He has capably filled many local
offices, has been highway commissioner, serving three years, and for 10
years was appointed clerk of elections. He has done much to further the
cause of education in his locality, has served as school director and has
always favored progressive movements. With his family, Mr. Quigley belongs
to the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the representative men of his
locality.
Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 270-271.
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