William T. Quimby

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

William T. Quimby

Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County New Jersey. Illustrated. Vol. II., Lewis Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1899.

Successfully engaged in the nursery business at Mendham, Mr. QUIMBY has attained to a leading place in industrial circles through his own well-directed efforts. Like others, he has not found in his business that all days are equally bright; in fact, in his earlier career there were many clouds to darken his pathway, but with resolute purpose and unshaken energy he has progressed, and has attained to a plane of financial comfort.

Mr. QUIMBY was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, January 13, 1834, and is descended from an old colonial family, of English origin, that was founded in America during the troublous times which preceded the war of the Revolution. The great-grandfather of our subject was one of the heroes who assisted in throwing off the yoke of British oppression. The grandfather, John QUIMBY, was a farmer by occupation, as was Isaac QUIMBY, the father. He was born in 1810 and died in 1855. He married Rachel FROST, a most industrious, faithful and devoted mother to her family. She was a daughter of Ezekiel FROST, who passed his life in Bernardsville township, Somerset county. Mrs. QUIMBY, who died in July, 1886, had a family of seven children, namely:

William T.;
John W., of New York city;
Mary E., deceased wife of E. E. REGER, of Succasunna Plains;
James H., who went west years ago, since which time no news has been received from him;
Susan A., wife of Thomas ALLWARD, of Washington, D. C.;
Martha J., widow of Henry BOWERS; and
Anidie F., deceased.

When William T. QUIMBY was eight years of age, his parents being in limited circumstances, he went to live with an uncle, and remained an inmate of his household for thirty years. He was married November 7, 1857, to Miss Sarah M. LEIGHTON, and in the spring of 1873 he came to Mendham, purchased a farm and turned his attention to the cultivation of peaches. In 1866 he added to this industry the nursery business, and to the dual occupation is now devoting his energies. His business has constantly increased and he now enjoys a very liberal patronage, which yields to him good financial returns.

To Mr. and Mrs. QUIMBY were born three children:

Anna F., the eldest and the only survivor, is the wife of Benjamin BENBROOK, of Newark;
Sarah P., who married Joseph P. SUTTON, died in April, 1888; and
Alva S., who had but just entered upon his business career, died January 11, 1895.

The mother of this family passed away January 8, 1886, and on the 1st of March, 1887, Mr. QUIMBY was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary E. AXTELL, daughter of Luther AXTELL, of Somerset county.

Mr. QUIMBY is a leading member of the Methodist church in Mendham, in which he is serving as steward and one of the trustees. He is a man of public spirit, broad-minded and of generous impulses, and contributes to the support of many enterprises whose object is the progress and advancement of the community.

This biography was scanned and contributed by Catherine Smith DeMayo.