Edward Arthur Quayle

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Prominent among the leading members of the Morris county bar who have achieved distinction and success in their vocation as a natural sequel of thorough preparation, persevering effort and a determination to succeed, is Edward A. QUAYLE, who was born October 15, 1854, in Whippany, Morris county, New Jersey, son of Thomas M. and Charlotte A. (HALLOCK) QUAYLE, his father having come to this country in early manhood from the Isle of Man, and his mother having been a native of New York.

Edward A. QUAYLE obtained a practical education in the public schools of Morristown and in the Morris Academy, graduating at the latter institution in 1868. While a student in the academy he acted in the capacity of clerk in a stationery and book store, thus acquiring a knowledge of business affairs, but preferring a professional career he read law with the late Augustus W. CUTLER, of Morristown, and was admitted as an attorney at the New Jersey bar at the November term, 1875, and as a counselor at the November term, 1881. From 1875 to 1879 he practiced in partnership with John B. VREELAND, after which date he continued alone until 1887, when he formed an association with Charles F. AXTELL. He soon rose to prominence as a lawyer and advocate, his arguments before the bench being marked by clearness, precision, industry of research, and a perfect knowledge of all the principles involved in the case in hand, and his advice to clients has always been marked by clearness, wisdom, profundity of thought and an adaptability of legal principles to the case in point. His active career as a lawyer has been spent in Morristown, in the affairs of which he has ever been active and prominent.

In the year 1874 Mr. QUAYLE was appointed to his first public office, that of deputy county clerk, in which capacity he served for one year. In 1887 he was appointed postmaster of Morristown, receiving the appointment from the late President CLEVELAND, serving four years, during which time he established a free mail system for Morristown, which met with the approval and approbation of its residents. He was a member of the board of aldermen of Morristown for two years, counsel for the Morris county board of freeholders, and was mayor of Morristown, being elected in 1894 and again in 1896 and 1898, his administration being noted for utmost efficiency and promptness in every detail. He also acted as receiver of the Whippany River Railroad Company. When the law creating county tax boards was passed he was appointed one of the first members of the Morris county board, and has continued as such until the present time. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Independent Order of Foresters, in both of which he takes an active interest. He is also a member of Morristown Lodge, No. 815, B. P. O. E.; Morristown Lodge, No. 188, F. and A. M.; Madison Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M.; Ode de St. Amand Commandery, Knights Templar; and a member of the executive committee of Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Mr. QUAYLE married, in 1886, Carrie E., daughter of Stephen B. COOK, of Morris county, New Jersey. Children: Edward Arthur and Harold M.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)