For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 86
MARK QUINN--- The business interests of Muscatine are growing in importance and attract men of ability and progressiveness who here find a lucrative field for the exercise of their talents. Of this number is Mark Quinn, dealer in men's furnishing goods. He was born in Galena, Illinois, January 26, 1859, a son of Michael and Bridget ( Malloy ) Quinn, both of whom are natives of Ireland. The father came to America in young manhood and began his active career as clerk in the dry-goods store of A. T. Stewart, of New York city. In 1865 he located in Muscatine, Iowa, and was here engaged in the dry-goods business for many years with S. A. Folk. He removed to Bay City, Michigan, where he entered the boot and shoe business and where he is now living retired at the age of ninety years.The beloved wife and mother was called from earthly scenes at the age of seventy-eight years, in 1905. She was a devout member ot the Roman Catholic church as is also the father. Grandfather Quinn, who was a linen manufacturer of Ireland, emigrated to America and lived retired with his sons near Darlington, Wisconsin. He was the father of eight children, Michael, Patrick, Richard, James, Morgan, Timothy, William and Mrs. Stewart, of Wyota, Wisconsin. The maternal grandfather, John Malloy, was a landowner of Ireland. There were three children in his family: Bridget; John, deceased; and Mrs. Burke, of Brooklyn, New York. The home of Michael and Bridget Quinn was brightened by the arrival of four sons and four daughters, five of whom are now living: Maggie, the widow of A. A. Van Winkle; Josie, the wife of Henry Crotty, of Bay City, Michigan; Mark, our subject; Morgan B., of Denver, Colorado; and Delia.Mark Quinn grew up in Muscatine and was educated in the public and parochial schools. He began his active career at eighteen years of age as a clerk in the store of J. H. C. Petersen, of Davenport, Iowa, and continued with Mr. Petersen for thirteen years. In 1887 he returned to Muscatine and became identified with the dry-goods store of Ben Lilly, continuing for thirteen or fourteen years in that position. He then went on the road and sold goods for L. Mane & Company, of New York city, but after five years' experience as a traveling man decided to settle down on his own account and accordingly he opened up a men's furnishing goods establishment, of which he is now the head. It is one of the most attractive stores of the kind in Muscatine and, being excellently managed, yields liberal returns upon the investment.
On the 15th of February, 1882, Mr. Quinn was happily united in marriage to Miss Ida L. Nierel, a daughter of Isadore and Matilda ( Engelman ) Nierel, who were early settlers of Muscatine. Her father was born May 10, 1827, in Posen, Prussia, originally a port of Poland, and during his youth came to this country, settling in Allentowwn, Pennsylvania. On the 22d of February, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Engelman, who was born in Allentown, in 1837, a daughter of Daniel and Louise Marx ( Dannert ) Engelman. Her mother was a native of Reading, Pennsylvania. Mr. Engelman was a miller by trade but was also engaged in the queensware business in Allentown. It was in 1857 that Nr. Nierel came to Iowa and settled in Muscatine, where he engaged in the jewelry business on West Second street. He had the distinction of being the oldest Jeweler in Iowa, being engaged in business for over fifty years in Muscatine. He departed this life when he was nearly eighty years old, his wife having been called away previously. Three of their children are now living: Ida L., now Mrs. Quinn; Norbert; and B. J. Unto Mr. and Mrs Quinn three children have been born: Ruby W., now a correspondent in Chicago; Eva May, who died in 1900 at the age of fifteen years; and Newton N., an engraver and jeweler.
Mr. Quinn is a member of the Knights of Columbus and also of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Mystic Workers of the World. He and his wife hold membership in St. Mathias Catholic church. Politically he affiliates with the republican party and is a stanch supporter of its principles. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn occupy a well appointed home at No. 1513 Mulberry avenue, which is the center of hospitality where friends may always be assured of a cordial greeting. Surrounded by evidences of comfort and ease, they are enjoying the results of wisely directed effort and at the same time assisting to the extent of their ability in promoting the happiness of others.
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