"Examples of unremitting zeal, strict integrity and financial success may be met with in every agricultural district in our country. Especially is this the case in Jefferson County, where the farmers are almost invariably well-to-do and enterprising.

As a representative of this class we mention the name of Mr. Quinn, the owner and occupant of a valuable farm located on section 24, McClellan Township. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, and is especially successful in the latter branch of agriculture.

The parents of our subject were Washington Quinn and Mary (Robinson) Quinn, the former of whom was born in South Carolina, and was three years of age when his parents removed to Virginia. There he resided until reaching his thirteenth year, when he went to Tennessee, and seven years later came to Illinois, locating at Shawneetown, where he remained for a twelvemonth and then came to this county. In the meantime, his parents had come to Illinois and located on land near where the father of our subject is at present residing.

Washington Quinn has been a resident of Jefferson County since 1839, and although now well advanced in years, is in the enjoyment of good health. He is a quiet unassuming man, and has never aspired to prominence, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his private affairs. The maternal grandparents of our subject were natives of Missouri, and died when Mrs. Quinn was quite young.

Joseph, of this sketch, attended the common schools of Jefferson County, and aided his father in the care of his farm until reaching his eighteenth year. Being desirous of obtaining a good education he taught school the following year, and with the money thus earned went to Carbondale, this state, and attended one term in the normal. Returning home at the end of that time he began farming on his own account, which occupation he has since followed. In connection with raising of the cereals he devotes considerable time to stock-raising, and each year buys and ships large numbers of animals.

October 12, 1875, Miss Laura, the daughter of James E. and Mary Z. (Daniels) Bradley, became the wife of our subject. Her parents were eastern people, and Mrs. Quinn was the recipient of a fine education. In April, 1883, our subject was married to Miss Lou E., daughter of John and Lucy Jones, natives of Georgia. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, as follows: Robert M., Daisey May, William, Alvin C. and Julia Agnes.

Mrs. Quinn, a lady of worth, is a valued member of the United Brethren Church and is ever ready to assist in religious work or benevolent enterprises of her vicinity.

Our subject takes a deep interest in both local and national politics and always votes with the Democratic party. He has filled many important positions within the gift of his fellow citizens, and has been Township Clerk, Town Collector, Supervisor and Justice of the Peace. He acted as foreman of the United States Grand Jury in 1893.

Mr. Quinn is very popular wherever known, and as one of the leading citizens of this township it gives us pleasure to here present a history of his life."

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, IL",
Chapman Publishing Co, - 1894

Submitted By: Karen Rogers