Quigley, Robert Pollok 1844 - 1926

QUIGLEY, GRIFFITH, JACOBS, FOX

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Clayton County Register, Thur., 23 Sept. 1926. From the North Iowa Times, undated.

Robert Pollok Quigley was born at the home of his grandparents, John and Mary Griffith, in Millville, Clayton county, Iowa, December 31, 1844. His parents, Joseph Beatty Quigley and Nancy Griffith, were married there in 1838 by James Nilson, first Chief Justice of Iowa Territory. His early childhood was spent on Buck Creek in Jefferson Township. His first schooling was in the home under tutelage of Miss Esther Quigley, who came from Ohio to instruct her brother's children. Later they attended school at Ceres, on the highlands, three miles distant. The children frequently glimpsed wolves, deer or wildcats on the way.

When Robert was eleven years old his parents moved to a prairie farm in Highland Township, where opportunities for schooling were better. In 1861 he enrolled in Upper Iowa University at Fayette where his brother and sister had already attended two years. In 1863 he left college with a group of fellow students to join the "hundred-day men" for Civil War service in the 46th Iowa. Mr. Quigley re-enlisted in the 15th Iowa and served to the end of the war.

In 1866 he entered the law office of Elijah Odell at McGregor. His legal training was received with him and with Judge John T. Stoneman. In 1859, before he was admitted to the bar, he was nominated for City Attorney. He served the city in this capacity nearly forty years and was four years County Attorney. He was a member of the State Senate from 1909 to 1917. In 1919 he closed his office after fifty years of active practice.

He was married November 24, 1875, to Blanche Jacobs. Four children were born to them: Iola, Georgia, Joseph Hale and Adaline (Mrs. I. D. Fox). Mrs. Blanche Quigley died May 17, 1911. One brother, George Washington Quigley, still lives in California.

Because of failing health Mr. Quigley went to the home of his daughters in Des Moines, October 1925. He was in a local hospital for seven months before his death, September 10, 1926. Services were held at the Methodist church, McGregor, Rev. Richard Prescott officiating. The Odd Fellows, of which order Mr. Quigley was a member for fifty-four years, had charge of the ceremony at the grave.

Robert Quigley lived his life in the county in which he was born. His memories span the period of statehood. He had the sterling qualities of the pioneer, loyalty to his friends, kindness to his neighbors, were to him gospel. He is sincerely mourned by the community which he served in many ways during his long career,- North Iowa Times.