Benjamin N. Arquitt

ARQUITT, DINNEY, MURPHY, RYAN

Posted By: Cheryl Moonen (email)
Date: 2/9/2013 at 08:53:52

BENJAMIN N. ARQUITT well known in Taylor Township, Dubuque County is residing on section 6 and is operating what is known as the Farley Stone Quarry. He is pursuing a successful career and his good business ability and energy have brought about flattering results. A native of New York our subject was born in Syracuse June 6, 1848 and is the fifth in order of birth of the family born to Joseph and Mary Dinney Arquitt. The father of our subject was born in Canada and when thirty years of age crossed into the United States and located in New York. Remaining there for some time then in 1858 came west to this state and took up his abode in Dubuque County. Being a stone cutter and mason by occupation he soon found work at his trade and followed it until obliged to retire on account of old age. He died in 1889. His good wife still survives at the venerable age of four score years. She was born in Cornwall NY and there met and married Joseph Arquitt. Benjamin of this sketch accompanied his parents to this state and was reared and educated in Dubuque. When old enough he learned the stone cutter's trade from his father which he has followed his entire life. He worked for other parties until 1870 when he engaged in business for himself and at that time opened up the quarry which he is still operating and which is known as the Farley Quarry. From it our subject has obtained the stone used in the construction of many of the leading buildings in this county. He is carrying on a large and constantly increasing business and gives employment to from twenty five to thirty men. Benjamin N. Arquitt and Miss Bridget Murphy were united in marriage in 1870. She was the daughter of Felix and Ann Ryan Murphy natives of the Empire State. To Mr. and Mrs. Arquitt have been born six children all of whom are living and named respectively Clara, Agnes, Gertie, Charles, Noel, and Winnie. Our subject and family are all members of the Roman Catholic Church. In social affairs Mr. Arquitt belongs to Albert Lodge No 204 KP of Farley and in politics he always votes for Democratic candidates.

~source: Dubuque Co. History http://members.tripod.com/~Doreen_3/DBBIOAB.htm