Hon. Joseph Fearon Quay was born about Oct. 14, 1794 at Lamar, PA to Robert & Susan Quay.
Joseph was married to Mary "Molly" Fleming in Oct or Nov of 1827 by Rev. John Hays Grier, as noted in the Lycoming Gazette, Nov. 2 & 21st, 1827, p. 3.
The Luminary, Williamsport, PA, Sat., Oct. 8, 1842, p. 2.
Political Ad.
Democratic Candidate for Senator, Joseph F. Quay.
Joseph F. Quay.
If any of our friends doubt the qualifications of this gentleman, let them read the following, taken from the Lock Haven Whig, which proves that those who know him best speak only to his praise.
This gentleman has been placed in nomination for the State Senate by the Democratic Whit Conferees from the several counties comprising this Senatorial District. The nomination is truly an excellent one, combining, as Mr. Quay does, unswerving integrity, undoubted capacity and extensive popularity. He is well and favorably known throughout the district, and especially in the counties of Clinton and Centre, the citizens of which we are sure hail his nomination with joy and gratification.
Being himself, a farmer, and having been in close association all his life with the workingmen, the hard fisted, intelligent democracy, he consequently understands their real interests, and as their fast friend is ever ready, and willing, and able, to defend and maintain their rights. It is to this class of society, particularly, that we would recommend him, because we know he heartily desires the promotion of their welfare, and has witnessed with feelings of honest indignation the attempts which have been made to destroy the labour and reduce the wages of those who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. Without entering into any stated eulogy of Mr. Quay, we would call upon the workingmen of both parties to concentrate their strength upon him, to give him their united support. Do you wish, fellow citizens, to vote for a candidate for State Senate whose honesty is unwavering? Then vot for Joseph F. Quay. Do you wish to support one whose qualifications, moral and intellectual are undisputed? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Do you with to support one whose principles are purely democratic, and who, in the State Legislature, would labor faithfully and sedulously for the advancement of your substantial interests? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. In short, do you with to vote for one who has honesty and capacity combined with a remarkable degree, and who is a democrat of the true Jeffersonian School? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Rally, farmers in his behalf, rally workmen from every hill, rally from every vale, rally from your workshops, rally from your fields, old men rally, young men rally, Harrison democrats, rally to the support of Joseph F. Quay, and honest man and genuine democrat.
PA Land Warrants
Jos F Quay, Aug. 27, 1840, 26 acres at Bald Eagle Twp.
Jos. F Quay, Oct. 1, 1852, 100 acres at Porter Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, July 7, 1855, 50 acres, Snow Shoe, Centre Cty.
Jos. F. Quay, Jan. 28, 1858, 62 acres at Lamar Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, Oct. 22, 1867, 50 acres, Salona/Grove Twp.
Joseph died on Sept. 23, 1877 at 82 years 11 months and 9 days old. He was buried at the Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Quay Joseph F, Hon., died 9-23-1877, age 82.11.9
Quay Molly, d 7-23-1862, aged 65.4.26, w/o Hon. Jos. F.
Quay Susanna F, born 1831, died 1898
Clinton County, PA Wills, Joseph F Quay, Salona, died 9-23-1877, File No. 873, Will Book B, p. 243, Admx. Susan F. Quay, written July 24, 1876, witnessed by S. F. Sigmund Jr and C. W. Rote.
Notes and Queries, Historical, Biographical and Genealogical, 1897m William Henry Engle, p. 199.
Mr. Quay was during life, a man of considerable prominence and influence. He was by profession a farmer and surveyor; was many years justice of the peace, and served as State Senator one term (1843-47) from the district composed of Clinton and Lycoming counties. He was elected associate judge in 1861 and served one term. Judge Quay was distinguished for frankness and bluntness of speech, sincerity and integrity. He was a relative of Unites States Senator Quay.
History of Centre and Clinton Counties, PA, John Blair Linn, 1883, p 635.
Hon. Joseph F. Quay.
Judge Quay was born in Nittany valley, Centre Co. (now Clinton County), Pa., where he resided all his life. His parents were descendants of the oldest settlers of Central Pennsylvania, and were of the Scotch-Irish race. He died at Salona, Nittany valley, on the 23d day of September, 1877, aged eighty-two years, eleven months, and nine days, after a lingering illness, literally worn out, though retaining his full senses in vigorous strength to the last moment.
Judge Quay was a farmer and surveyor, and followed both occupations all his mature life. He possessed a strong mind, a retentive memory, and a will that seldom yielded to persuasion or opposition. He read much, and was one of the most intelligent of his community. A lifelong Whig and Republican, he was constantly in a political minority in the county and districts of his residence, yet such was his personal strength and such the public confidence in his integrity that he was frequently elected to office over candidates of the majority party. In 1843 he was elected to the State Senate from the district composed of the counties of Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming. In 1846 he was elected a county com- missioner of Clinton County, and in 1861 an associate judge. He filled all these offices with ability, credit to himself, and to the advantage of the public. When not holding higher incompatible offices he held that of justice of the peace in his township for most of his life. He also almost constantly held various local offices, and frequently several at a time, and was a predecessor of ex-Governor Curtin in the colonelcy of a militia regiment in Nittany valley, and their services in that direction were about equally distinguished.
Judge Quay was tall and rugged in form, was distinguished for frankness and directness of expression, and was ever ready to extend the hand of kindness and charity to those in need of such offices, and at all times enjoyed the confidence and respect of those who knew him. Though not given to attention to religious duties during the greater part of his life, towards the end he followed the bent of his ancestry and became a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the full faith of which he died, full of honors as he was of years.
PA State Reports, Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of PA, 1872, Vol. 68, . 263-
Hays et al versus Quay.
This was an action of ejectment, commenced April 28th 1857, by Sarah Hayes and others against Joseph F Quay, for a tract of about 50 acres of land.
The legal title of the land was in the defendant; the plaintiffs claimed as heirs of their mother, Elizabeth Hays, a sister of the defendant, and they alleged that he had purchased it with money advanced by his father, Robert Quay, to be held in trust for Mrs. Hays.
On the 17th of February 1834, William Richards by articles of agreement to sell to the defendant a tract of land of which that in controversy was a part, describing it somewhat minutely by adjoiners and courses, supposed to contain 110 acres, for which the defendant was to pay $6 per acre, $300 to be paid May 15, 1835 and the remainder May 15, 1837.
The defendant afterwards delivered the following paper to his father:
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about one hundred acres of land, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, therefore I do this day acknowledge the receipt of one hundred dollars from my father, Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land. Witness my hand, June 8th, 1835, Jos. F. Quay.
(several paragraphs)
The defendant afterwards made another deed as follows:
"This indenture, made the seventeenth day of Dec. A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty-three, between Joseph F. Quay, &c., of the first part, and Joseph F. Q. Hays &c., of the other part, whereas my father, Robert Quay, did in his lifetime put into the hand of the said Joseph F. Quay the sum of $300 for the purpose of purchasing from and paying William Richards for 50 acres of land for the sole use and benefit of Elizabeth Hays, a daughter of said Robert and Sarah his wife, and the said Joseph did according purchase the land as aforesaid for the use of his sister the said Elizabeth, and at the same time he also purchased for his own use an adjoining lot of land from said Richards, and in making the title from said Richards to the said Joseph the whole of the purchase was included within the deed, and afterwards the said 50 acres of land were surveyed off for said Elizabeth, but she having died before any deed or release was executed to her for said land, therefore the same descended to her lawful heirs, to wit &c., and it being agreed upon by and between the heirs aforesaid that the title shall be made to Joseph F. Q. Hays aforesaid in trust for the use of his brothers and sisters, therefore this indenture witnesseth that the said Joseph F. Quay, for and in consideration of one dollar, &c.., has granted &c., unto the said Joseph F. Q. Hays, in trust for the sole use, benefit, and behoof of his brothers and sisters within named, all that certain lot or piece of land &c. containing 52 acres and 100 perches, neat, and which is a part of a tract of land which William Richards by deed dated Dec. 20th, A.D. 1844, &c., granted and confirmed to said Joseph F. Quay &c.
The cause was tried May 19th, 1869, before Elwell P. J. of the Twenty-sixth District, when the foregoing instruments were given in evidence. The plaintiffs called their father, Gilbert Hays, the husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that he took possession of the 100 acres, and occupied the tract till the death of Robert Quay the father, in 1836, without claim by the defendant till then; cut logs on the part (10 or 12 acres), which the defendant afterwards took; subsequently a line was run between the two parcels, leaving the 10 or 12 acres on defendants side; the line was marked in 1847, and both parties have farmed up to that line since.
(few paragraphs).
John Quay, a son of Robert Quay.
"I don't recollect being present at any agreement touching the land in question, but I heard much family conversation about the purchase from my father, brother Joseph, sister Elizabeth Hays, and her husband Gilbert Hays, and from those conversations I always understood that my sister Elizabeth was to have 50 acres only of the purchase from Richards, which was to adjoin the place she lived on; and as to paying for the 50 acres, Robert Quay had an agreement with Samuel Grimes, Jr. to sell him a claim to some land up the river for $300 which was to be applied to paying for the 50 acres for Elizabeth Hays."
(several pages)
The opinion of the court was delivered, May 8th, 1871.
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about 100 acres, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, there I do this day acknowledge the receipt of $100 from my father Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land." (few lines). That Joseph F Quay intended when he bought the land to give it to his sister Elizabeth, would had raised no trust for her. (few sentences). The plaintiffs then produced Gilbert Hays, the surviving husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that the defendant made no claim to any part of the land until his father's death; and also Mary Snyder, who testified that the defendant had told him that "he had bought 100 acres of Bill Richards, and that he had to give his sister $600 or half of it." (several paragraphs).
Upon this state of the evidence we think that the law was accurately and properly laid down by the learned judge below in his charge to the jury, and that the points of the plaintiffs were in substance truly answered. Certainly upon this evidence there could be no trust for Elizabeth beyond the quantity of land which her father had paid for her, and the burden of proving that it was greater than was admitted in the declaration by the defendant of Jan. 4th, 1845 was upon the plaintiffs.
Joseph was married to Mary "Molly" Fleming in Oct or Nov of 1827 by Rev. John Hays Grier, as noted in the Lycoming Gazette, Nov. 2 & 21st, 1827, p. 3.
The Luminary, Williamsport, PA, Sat., Oct. 8, 1842, p. 2.
Political Ad.
Democratic Candidate for Senator, Joseph F. Quay.
Joseph F. Quay.
If any of our friends doubt the qualifications of this gentleman, let them read the following, taken from the Lock Haven Whig, which proves that those who know him best speak only to his praise.
This gentleman has been placed in nomination for the State Senate by the Democratic Whit Conferees from the several counties comprising this Senatorial District. The nomination is truly an excellent one, combining, as Mr. Quay does, unswerving integrity, undoubted capacity and extensive popularity. He is well and favorably known throughout the district, and especially in the counties of Clinton and Centre, the citizens of which we are sure hail his nomination with joy and gratification.
Being himself, a farmer, and having been in close association all his life with the workingmen, the hard fisted, intelligent democracy, he consequently understands their real interests, and as their fast friend is ever ready, and willing, and able, to defend and maintain their rights. It is to this class of society, particularly, that we would recommend him, because we know he heartily desires the promotion of their welfare, and has witnessed with feelings of honest indignation the attempts which have been made to destroy the labour and reduce the wages of those who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. Without entering into any stated eulogy of Mr. Quay, we would call upon the workingmen of both parties to concentrate their strength upon him, to give him their united support. Do you wish, fellow citizens, to vote for a candidate for State Senate whose honesty is unwavering? Then vot for Joseph F. Quay. Do you wish to support one whose qualifications, moral and intellectual are undisputed? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Do you with to support one whose principles are purely democratic, and who, in the State Legislature, would labor faithfully and sedulously for the advancement of your substantial interests? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. In short, do you with to vote for one who has honesty and capacity combined with a remarkable degree, and who is a democrat of the true Jeffersonian School? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Rally, farmers in his behalf, rally workmen from every hill, rally from every vale, rally from your workshops, rally from your fields, old men rally, young men rally, Harrison democrats, rally to the support of Joseph F. Quay, and honest man and genuine democrat.
PA Land Warrants
Jos F Quay, Aug. 27, 1840, 26 acres at Bald Eagle Twp.
Jos. F Quay, Oct. 1, 1852, 100 acres at Porter Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, July 7, 1855, 50 acres, Snow Shoe, Centre Cty.
Jos. F. Quay, Jan. 28, 1858, 62 acres at Lamar Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, Oct. 22, 1867, 50 acres, Salona/Grove Twp.
Joseph died on Sept. 23, 1877 at 82 years 11 months and 9 days old. He was buried at the Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Quay Joseph F, Hon., died 9-23-1877, age 82.11.9
Quay Molly, d 7-23-1862, aged 65.4.26, w/o Hon. Jos. F.
Quay Susanna F, born 1831, died 1898
Clinton County, PA Wills, Joseph F Quay, Salona, died 9-23-1877, File No. 873, Will Book B, p. 243, Admx. Susan F. Quay, written July 24, 1876, witnessed by S. F. Sigmund Jr and C. W. Rote.
Notes and Queries, Historical, Biographical and Genealogical, 1897m William Henry Engle, p. 199.
Mr. Quay was during life, a man of considerable prominence and influence. He was by profession a farmer and surveyor; was many years justice of the peace, and served as State Senator one term (1843-47) from the district composed of Clinton and Lycoming counties. He was elected associate judge in 1861 and served one term. Judge Quay was distinguished for frankness and bluntness of speech, sincerity and integrity. He was a relative of Unites States Senator Quay.
History of Centre and Clinton Counties, PA, John Blair Linn, 1883, p 635.
Hon. Joseph F. Quay.
Judge Quay was born in Nittany valley, Centre Co. (now Clinton County), Pa., where he resided all his life. His parents were descendants of the oldest settlers of Central Pennsylvania, and were of the Scotch-Irish race. He died at Salona, Nittany valley, on the 23d day of September, 1877, aged eighty-two years, eleven months, and nine days, after a lingering illness, literally worn out, though retaining his full senses in vigorous strength to the last moment.
Judge Quay was a farmer and surveyor, and followed both occupations all his mature life. He possessed a strong mind, a retentive memory, and a will that seldom yielded to persuasion or opposition. He read much, and was one of the most intelligent of his community. A lifelong Whig and Republican, he was constantly in a political minority in the county and districts of his residence, yet such was his personal strength and such the public confidence in his integrity that he was frequently elected to office over candidates of the majority party. In 1843 he was elected to the State Senate from the district composed of the counties of Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming. In 1846 he was elected a county com- missioner of Clinton County, and in 1861 an associate judge. He filled all these offices with ability, credit to himself, and to the advantage of the public. When not holding higher incompatible offices he held that of justice of the peace in his township for most of his life. He also almost constantly held various local offices, and frequently several at a time, and was a predecessor of ex-Governor Curtin in the colonelcy of a militia regiment in Nittany valley, and their services in that direction were about equally distinguished.
Judge Quay was tall and rugged in form, was distinguished for frankness and directness of expression, and was ever ready to extend the hand of kindness and charity to those in need of such offices, and at all times enjoyed the confidence and respect of those who knew him. Though not given to attention to religious duties during the greater part of his life, towards the end he followed the bent of his ancestry and became a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the full faith of which he died, full of honors as he was of years.
PA State Reports, Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of PA, 1872, Vol. 68, . 263-
Hays et al versus Quay.
This was an action of ejectment, commenced April 28th 1857, by Sarah Hayes and others against Joseph F Quay, for a tract of about 50 acres of land.
The legal title of the land was in the defendant; the plaintiffs claimed as heirs of their mother, Elizabeth Hays, a sister of the defendant, and they alleged that he had purchased it with money advanced by his father, Robert Quay, to be held in trust for Mrs. Hays.
On the 17th of February 1834, William Richards by articles of agreement to sell to the defendant a tract of land of which that in controversy was a part, describing it somewhat minutely by adjoiners and courses, supposed to contain 110 acres, for which the defendant was to pay $6 per acre, $300 to be paid May 15, 1835 and the remainder May 15, 1837.
The defendant afterwards delivered the following paper to his father:
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about one hundred acres of land, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, therefore I do this day acknowledge the receipt of one hundred dollars from my father, Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land. Witness my hand, June 8th, 1835, Jos. F. Quay.
(several paragraphs)
The defendant afterwards made another deed as follows:
"This indenture, made the seventeenth day of Dec. A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty-three, between Joseph F. Quay, &c., of the first part, and Joseph F. Q. Hays &c., of the other part, whereas my father, Robert Quay, did in his lifetime put into the hand of the said Joseph F. Quay the sum of $300 for the purpose of purchasing from and paying William Richards for 50 acres of land for the sole use and benefit of Elizabeth Hays, a daughter of said Robert and Sarah his wife, and the said Joseph did according purchase the land as aforesaid for the use of his sister the said Elizabeth, and at the same time he also purchased for his own use an adjoining lot of land from said Richards, and in making the title from said Richards to the said Joseph the whole of the purchase was included within the deed, and afterwards the said 50 acres of land were surveyed off for said Elizabeth, but she having died before any deed or release was executed to her for said land, therefore the same descended to her lawful heirs, to wit &c., and it being agreed upon by and between the heirs aforesaid that the title shall be made to Joseph F. Q. Hays aforesaid in trust for the use of his brothers and sisters, therefore this indenture witnesseth that the said Joseph F. Quay, for and in consideration of one dollar, &c.., has granted &c., unto the said Joseph F. Q. Hays, in trust for the sole use, benefit, and behoof of his brothers and sisters within named, all that certain lot or piece of land &c. containing 52 acres and 100 perches, neat, and which is a part of a tract of land which William Richards by deed dated Dec. 20th, A.D. 1844, &c., granted and confirmed to said Joseph F. Quay &c.
The cause was tried May 19th, 1869, before Elwell P. J. of the Twenty-sixth District, when the foregoing instruments were given in evidence. The plaintiffs called their father, Gilbert Hays, the husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that he took possession of the 100 acres, and occupied the tract till the death of Robert Quay the father, in 1836, without claim by the defendant till then; cut logs on the part (10 or 12 acres), which the defendant afterwards took; subsequently a line was run between the two parcels, leaving the 10 or 12 acres on defendants side; the line was marked in 1847, and both parties have farmed up to that line since.
(few paragraphs).
John Quay, a son of Robert Quay.
"I don't recollect being present at any agreement touching the land in question, but I heard much family conversation about the purchase from my father, brother Joseph, sister Elizabeth Hays, and her husband Gilbert Hays, and from those conversations I always understood that my sister Elizabeth was to have 50 acres only of the purchase from Richards, which was to adjoin the place she lived on; and as to paying for the 50 acres, Robert Quay had an agreement with Samuel Grimes, Jr. to sell him a claim to some land up the river for $300 which was to be applied to paying for the 50 acres for Elizabeth Hays."
(several pages)
The opinion of the court was delivered, May 8th, 1871.
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about 100 acres, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, there I do this day acknowledge the receipt of $100 from my father Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land." (few lines). That Joseph F Quay intended when he bought the land to give it to his sister Elizabeth, would had raised no trust for her. (few sentences). The plaintiffs then produced Gilbert Hays, the surviving husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that the defendant made no claim to any part of the land until his father's death; and also Mary Snyder, who testified that the defendant had told him that "he had bought 100 acres of Bill Richards, and that he had to give his sister $600 or half of it." (several paragraphs).
Upon this state of the evidence we think that the law was accurately and properly laid down by the learned judge below in his charge to the jury, and that the points of the plaintiffs were in substance truly answered. Certainly upon this evidence there could be no trust for Elizabeth beyond the quantity of land which her father had paid for her, and the burden of proving that it was greater than was admitted in the declaration by the defendant of Jan. 4th, 1845 was upon the plaintiffs.
Hon. Joseph Fearon Quay was born about Oct. 14, 1794 at Lamar, PA to Robert & Susan Quay.
Joseph was married to Mary "Molly" Fleming in Oct or Nov of 1827 by Rev. John Hays Grier, as noted in the Lycoming Gazette, Nov. 2 & 21st, 1827, p. 3.
The Luminary, Williamsport, PA, Sat., Oct. 8, 1842, p. 2.
Political Ad.
Democratic Candidate for Senator, Joseph F. Quay.
Joseph F. Quay.
If any of our friends doubt the qualifications of this gentleman, let them read the following, taken from the Lock Haven Whig, which proves that those who know him best speak only to his praise.
This gentleman has been placed in nomination for the State Senate by the Democratic Whit Conferees from the several counties comprising this Senatorial District. The nomination is truly an excellent one, combining, as Mr. Quay does, unswerving integrity, undoubted capacity and extensive popularity. He is well and favorably known throughout the district, and especially in the counties of Clinton and Centre, the citizens of which we are sure hail his nomination with joy and gratification.
Being himself, a farmer, and having been in close association all his life with the workingmen, the hard fisted, intelligent democracy, he consequently understands their real interests, and as their fast friend is ever ready, and willing, and able, to defend and maintain their rights. It is to this class of society, particularly, that we would recommend him, because we know he heartily desires the promotion of their welfare, and has witnessed with feelings of honest indignation the attempts which have been made to destroy the labour and reduce the wages of those who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. Without entering into any stated eulogy of Mr. Quay, we would call upon the workingmen of both parties to concentrate their strength upon him, to give him their united support. Do you wish, fellow citizens, to vote for a candidate for State Senate whose honesty is unwavering? Then vot for Joseph F. Quay. Do you wish to support one whose qualifications, moral and intellectual are undisputed? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Do you with to support one whose principles are purely democratic, and who, in the State Legislature, would labor faithfully and sedulously for the advancement of your substantial interests? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. In short, do you with to vote for one who has honesty and capacity combined with a remarkable degree, and who is a democrat of the true Jeffersonian School? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Rally, farmers in his behalf, rally workmen from every hill, rally from every vale, rally from your workshops, rally from your fields, old men rally, young men rally, Harrison democrats, rally to the support of Joseph F. Quay, and honest man and genuine democrat.
PA Land Warrants
Jos F Quay, Aug. 27, 1840, 26 acres at Bald Eagle Twp.
Jos. F Quay, Oct. 1, 1852, 100 acres at Porter Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, July 7, 1855, 50 acres, Snow Shoe, Centre Cty.
Jos. F. Quay, Jan. 28, 1858, 62 acres at Lamar Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, Oct. 22, 1867, 50 acres, Salona/Grove Twp.
Joseph died on Sept. 23, 1877 at 82 years 11 months and 9 days old. He was buried at the Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Quay Joseph F, Hon., died 9-23-1877, age 82.11.9
Quay Molly, d 7-23-1862, aged 65.4.26, w/o Hon. Jos. F.
Quay Susanna F, born 1831, died 1898
Clinton County, PA Wills, Joseph F Quay, Salona, died 9-23-1877, File No. 873, Will Book B, p. 243, Admx. Susan F. Quay, written July 24, 1876, witnessed by S. F. Sigmund Jr and C. W. Rote.
Notes and Queries, Historical, Biographical and Genealogical, 1897m William Henry Engle, p. 199.
Mr. Quay was during life, a man of considerable prominence and influence. He was by profession a farmer and surveyor; was many years justice of the peace, and served as State Senator one term (1843-47) from the district composed of Clinton and Lycoming counties. He was elected associate judge in 1861 and served one term. Judge Quay was distinguished for frankness and bluntness of speech, sincerity and integrity. He was a relative of Unites States Senator Quay.
History of Centre and Clinton Counties, PA, John Blair Linn, 1883, p 635.
Hon. Joseph F. Quay.
Judge Quay was born in Nittany valley, Centre Co. (now Clinton County), Pa., where he resided all his life. His parents were descendants of the oldest settlers of Central Pennsylvania, and were of the Scotch-Irish race. He died at Salona, Nittany valley, on the 23d day of September, 1877, aged eighty-two years, eleven months, and nine days, after a lingering illness, literally worn out, though retaining his full senses in vigorous strength to the last moment.
Judge Quay was a farmer and surveyor, and followed both occupations all his mature life. He possessed a strong mind, a retentive memory, and a will that seldom yielded to persuasion or opposition. He read much, and was one of the most intelligent of his community. A lifelong Whig and Republican, he was constantly in a political minority in the county and districts of his residence, yet such was his personal strength and such the public confidence in his integrity that he was frequently elected to office over candidates of the majority party. In 1843 he was elected to the State Senate from the district composed of the counties of Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming. In 1846 he was elected a county com- missioner of Clinton County, and in 1861 an associate judge. He filled all these offices with ability, credit to himself, and to the advantage of the public. When not holding higher incompatible offices he held that of justice of the peace in his township for most of his life. He also almost constantly held various local offices, and frequently several at a time, and was a predecessor of ex-Governor Curtin in the colonelcy of a militia regiment in Nittany valley, and their services in that direction were about equally distinguished.
Judge Quay was tall and rugged in form, was distinguished for frankness and directness of expression, and was ever ready to extend the hand of kindness and charity to those in need of such offices, and at all times enjoyed the confidence and respect of those who knew him. Though not given to attention to religious duties during the greater part of his life, towards the end he followed the bent of his ancestry and became a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the full faith of which he died, full of honors as he was of years.
PA State Reports, Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of PA, 1872, Vol. 68, . 263-
Hays et al versus Quay.
This was an action of ejectment, commenced April 28th 1857, by Sarah Hayes and others against Joseph F Quay, for a tract of about 50 acres of land.
The legal title of the land was in the defendant; the plaintiffs claimed as heirs of their mother, Elizabeth Hays, a sister of the defendant, and they alleged that he had purchased it with money advanced by his father, Robert Quay, to be held in trust for Mrs. Hays.
On the 17th of February 1834, William Richards by articles of agreement to sell to the defendant a tract of land of which that in controversy was a part, describing it somewhat minutely by adjoiners and courses, supposed to contain 110 acres, for which the defendant was to pay $6 per acre, $300 to be paid May 15, 1835 and the remainder May 15, 1837.
The defendant afterwards delivered the following paper to his father:
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about one hundred acres of land, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, therefore I do this day acknowledge the receipt of one hundred dollars from my father, Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land. Witness my hand, June 8th, 1835, Jos. F. Quay.
(several paragraphs)
The defendant afterwards made another deed as follows:
"This indenture, made the seventeenth day of Dec. A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty-three, between Joseph F. Quay, &c., of the first part, and Joseph F. Q. Hays &c., of the other part, whereas my father, Robert Quay, did in his lifetime put into the hand of the said Joseph F. Quay the sum of $300 for the purpose of purchasing from and paying William Richards for 50 acres of land for the sole use and benefit of Elizabeth Hays, a daughter of said Robert and Sarah his wife, and the said Joseph did according purchase the land as aforesaid for the use of his sister the said Elizabeth, and at the same time he also purchased for his own use an adjoining lot of land from said Richards, and in making the title from said Richards to the said Joseph the whole of the purchase was included within the deed, and afterwards the said 50 acres of land were surveyed off for said Elizabeth, but she having died before any deed or release was executed to her for said land, therefore the same descended to her lawful heirs, to wit &c., and it being agreed upon by and between the heirs aforesaid that the title shall be made to Joseph F. Q. Hays aforesaid in trust for the use of his brothers and sisters, therefore this indenture witnesseth that the said Joseph F. Quay, for and in consideration of one dollar, &c.., has granted &c., unto the said Joseph F. Q. Hays, in trust for the sole use, benefit, and behoof of his brothers and sisters within named, all that certain lot or piece of land &c. containing 52 acres and 100 perches, neat, and which is a part of a tract of land which William Richards by deed dated Dec. 20th, A.D. 1844, &c., granted and confirmed to said Joseph F. Quay &c.
The cause was tried May 19th, 1869, before Elwell P. J. of the Twenty-sixth District, when the foregoing instruments were given in evidence. The plaintiffs called their father, Gilbert Hays, the husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that he took possession of the 100 acres, and occupied the tract till the death of Robert Quay the father, in 1836, without claim by the defendant till then; cut logs on the part (10 or 12 acres), which the defendant afterwards took; subsequently a line was run between the two parcels, leaving the 10 or 12 acres on defendants side; the line was marked in 1847, and both parties have farmed up to that line since.
(few paragraphs).
John Quay, a son of Robert Quay.
"I don't recollect being present at any agreement touching the land in question, but I heard much family conversation about the purchase from my father, brother Joseph, sister Elizabeth Hays, and her husband Gilbert Hays, and from those conversations I always understood that my sister Elizabeth was to have 50 acres only of the purchase from Richards, which was to adjoin the place she lived on; and as to paying for the 50 acres, Robert Quay had an agreement with Samuel Grimes, Jr. to sell him a claim to some land up the river for $300 which was to be applied to paying for the 50 acres for Elizabeth Hays."
(several pages)
The opinion of the court was delivered, May 8th, 1871.
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about 100 acres, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, there I do this day acknowledge the receipt of $100 from my father Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land." (few lines). That Joseph F Quay intended when he bought the land to give it to his sister Elizabeth, would had raised no trust for her. (few sentences). The plaintiffs then produced Gilbert Hays, the surviving husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that the defendant made no claim to any part of the land until his father's death; and also Mary Snyder, who testified that the defendant had told him that "he had bought 100 acres of Bill Richards, and that he had to give his sister $600 or half of it." (several paragraphs).
Upon this state of the evidence we think that the law was accurately and properly laid down by the learned judge below in his charge to the jury, and that the points of the plaintiffs were in substance truly answered. Certainly upon this evidence there could be no trust for Elizabeth beyond the quantity of land which her father had paid for her, and the burden of proving that it was greater than was admitted in the declaration by the defendant of Jan. 4th, 1845 was upon the plaintiffs.
Joseph was married to Mary "Molly" Fleming in Oct or Nov of 1827 by Rev. John Hays Grier, as noted in the Lycoming Gazette, Nov. 2 & 21st, 1827, p. 3.
The Luminary, Williamsport, PA, Sat., Oct. 8, 1842, p. 2.
Political Ad.
Democratic Candidate for Senator, Joseph F. Quay.
Joseph F. Quay.
If any of our friends doubt the qualifications of this gentleman, let them read the following, taken from the Lock Haven Whig, which proves that those who know him best speak only to his praise.
This gentleman has been placed in nomination for the State Senate by the Democratic Whit Conferees from the several counties comprising this Senatorial District. The nomination is truly an excellent one, combining, as Mr. Quay does, unswerving integrity, undoubted capacity and extensive popularity. He is well and favorably known throughout the district, and especially in the counties of Clinton and Centre, the citizens of which we are sure hail his nomination with joy and gratification.
Being himself, a farmer, and having been in close association all his life with the workingmen, the hard fisted, intelligent democracy, he consequently understands their real interests, and as their fast friend is ever ready, and willing, and able, to defend and maintain their rights. It is to this class of society, particularly, that we would recommend him, because we know he heartily desires the promotion of their welfare, and has witnessed with feelings of honest indignation the attempts which have been made to destroy the labour and reduce the wages of those who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. Without entering into any stated eulogy of Mr. Quay, we would call upon the workingmen of both parties to concentrate their strength upon him, to give him their united support. Do you wish, fellow citizens, to vote for a candidate for State Senate whose honesty is unwavering? Then vot for Joseph F. Quay. Do you wish to support one whose qualifications, moral and intellectual are undisputed? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Do you with to support one whose principles are purely democratic, and who, in the State Legislature, would labor faithfully and sedulously for the advancement of your substantial interests? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. In short, do you with to vote for one who has honesty and capacity combined with a remarkable degree, and who is a democrat of the true Jeffersonian School? Then vote for Joseph F. Quay. Rally, farmers in his behalf, rally workmen from every hill, rally from every vale, rally from your workshops, rally from your fields, old men rally, young men rally, Harrison democrats, rally to the support of Joseph F. Quay, and honest man and genuine democrat.
PA Land Warrants
Jos F Quay, Aug. 27, 1840, 26 acres at Bald Eagle Twp.
Jos. F Quay, Oct. 1, 1852, 100 acres at Porter Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, July 7, 1855, 50 acres, Snow Shoe, Centre Cty.
Jos. F. Quay, Jan. 28, 1858, 62 acres at Lamar Twp.
Jos. F. Quay, Oct. 22, 1867, 50 acres, Salona/Grove Twp.
Joseph died on Sept. 23, 1877 at 82 years 11 months and 9 days old. He was buried at the Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Quay Joseph F, Hon., died 9-23-1877, age 82.11.9
Quay Molly, d 7-23-1862, aged 65.4.26, w/o Hon. Jos. F.
Quay Susanna F, born 1831, died 1898
Clinton County, PA Wills, Joseph F Quay, Salona, died 9-23-1877, File No. 873, Will Book B, p. 243, Admx. Susan F. Quay, written July 24, 1876, witnessed by S. F. Sigmund Jr and C. W. Rote.
Notes and Queries, Historical, Biographical and Genealogical, 1897m William Henry Engle, p. 199.
Mr. Quay was during life, a man of considerable prominence and influence. He was by profession a farmer and surveyor; was many years justice of the peace, and served as State Senator one term (1843-47) from the district composed of Clinton and Lycoming counties. He was elected associate judge in 1861 and served one term. Judge Quay was distinguished for frankness and bluntness of speech, sincerity and integrity. He was a relative of Unites States Senator Quay.
History of Centre and Clinton Counties, PA, John Blair Linn, 1883, p 635.
Hon. Joseph F. Quay.
Judge Quay was born in Nittany valley, Centre Co. (now Clinton County), Pa., where he resided all his life. His parents were descendants of the oldest settlers of Central Pennsylvania, and were of the Scotch-Irish race. He died at Salona, Nittany valley, on the 23d day of September, 1877, aged eighty-two years, eleven months, and nine days, after a lingering illness, literally worn out, though retaining his full senses in vigorous strength to the last moment.
Judge Quay was a farmer and surveyor, and followed both occupations all his mature life. He possessed a strong mind, a retentive memory, and a will that seldom yielded to persuasion or opposition. He read much, and was one of the most intelligent of his community. A lifelong Whig and Republican, he was constantly in a political minority in the county and districts of his residence, yet such was his personal strength and such the public confidence in his integrity that he was frequently elected to office over candidates of the majority party. In 1843 he was elected to the State Senate from the district composed of the counties of Centre, Clinton, and Lycoming. In 1846 he was elected a county com- missioner of Clinton County, and in 1861 an associate judge. He filled all these offices with ability, credit to himself, and to the advantage of the public. When not holding higher incompatible offices he held that of justice of the peace in his township for most of his life. He also almost constantly held various local offices, and frequently several at a time, and was a predecessor of ex-Governor Curtin in the colonelcy of a militia regiment in Nittany valley, and their services in that direction were about equally distinguished.
Judge Quay was tall and rugged in form, was distinguished for frankness and directness of expression, and was ever ready to extend the hand of kindness and charity to those in need of such offices, and at all times enjoyed the confidence and respect of those who knew him. Though not given to attention to religious duties during the greater part of his life, towards the end he followed the bent of his ancestry and became a member of the Presbyterian Church, in the full faith of which he died, full of honors as he was of years.
PA State Reports, Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of PA, 1872, Vol. 68, . 263-
Hays et al versus Quay.
This was an action of ejectment, commenced April 28th 1857, by Sarah Hayes and others against Joseph F Quay, for a tract of about 50 acres of land.
The legal title of the land was in the defendant; the plaintiffs claimed as heirs of their mother, Elizabeth Hays, a sister of the defendant, and they alleged that he had purchased it with money advanced by his father, Robert Quay, to be held in trust for Mrs. Hays.
On the 17th of February 1834, William Richards by articles of agreement to sell to the defendant a tract of land of which that in controversy was a part, describing it somewhat minutely by adjoiners and courses, supposed to contain 110 acres, for which the defendant was to pay $6 per acre, $300 to be paid May 15, 1835 and the remainder May 15, 1837.
The defendant afterwards delivered the following paper to his father:
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about one hundred acres of land, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, therefore I do this day acknowledge the receipt of one hundred dollars from my father, Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land. Witness my hand, June 8th, 1835, Jos. F. Quay.
(several paragraphs)
The defendant afterwards made another deed as follows:
"This indenture, made the seventeenth day of Dec. A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty-three, between Joseph F. Quay, &c., of the first part, and Joseph F. Q. Hays &c., of the other part, whereas my father, Robert Quay, did in his lifetime put into the hand of the said Joseph F. Quay the sum of $300 for the purpose of purchasing from and paying William Richards for 50 acres of land for the sole use and benefit of Elizabeth Hays, a daughter of said Robert and Sarah his wife, and the said Joseph did according purchase the land as aforesaid for the use of his sister the said Elizabeth, and at the same time he also purchased for his own use an adjoining lot of land from said Richards, and in making the title from said Richards to the said Joseph the whole of the purchase was included within the deed, and afterwards the said 50 acres of land were surveyed off for said Elizabeth, but she having died before any deed or release was executed to her for said land, therefore the same descended to her lawful heirs, to wit &c., and it being agreed upon by and between the heirs aforesaid that the title shall be made to Joseph F. Q. Hays aforesaid in trust for the use of his brothers and sisters, therefore this indenture witnesseth that the said Joseph F. Quay, for and in consideration of one dollar, &c.., has granted &c., unto the said Joseph F. Q. Hays, in trust for the sole use, benefit, and behoof of his brothers and sisters within named, all that certain lot or piece of land &c. containing 52 acres and 100 perches, neat, and which is a part of a tract of land which William Richards by deed dated Dec. 20th, A.D. 1844, &c., granted and confirmed to said Joseph F. Quay &c.
The cause was tried May 19th, 1869, before Elwell P. J. of the Twenty-sixth District, when the foregoing instruments were given in evidence. The plaintiffs called their father, Gilbert Hays, the husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that he took possession of the 100 acres, and occupied the tract till the death of Robert Quay the father, in 1836, without claim by the defendant till then; cut logs on the part (10 or 12 acres), which the defendant afterwards took; subsequently a line was run between the two parcels, leaving the 10 or 12 acres on defendants side; the line was marked in 1847, and both parties have farmed up to that line since.
(few paragraphs).
John Quay, a son of Robert Quay.
"I don't recollect being present at any agreement touching the land in question, but I heard much family conversation about the purchase from my father, brother Joseph, sister Elizabeth Hays, and her husband Gilbert Hays, and from those conversations I always understood that my sister Elizabeth was to have 50 acres only of the purchase from Richards, which was to adjoin the place she lived on; and as to paying for the 50 acres, Robert Quay had an agreement with Samuel Grimes, Jr. to sell him a claim to some land up the river for $300 which was to be applied to paying for the 50 acres for Elizabeth Hays."
(several pages)
The opinion of the court was delivered, May 8th, 1871.
"Whereas I have purchased from William Richards about 100 acres, which was intended for my sister Elizabeth Hays, there I do this day acknowledge the receipt of $100 from my father Robert Quay, to be paid to said Richards on account of said land." (few lines). That Joseph F Quay intended when he bought the land to give it to his sister Elizabeth, would had raised no trust for her. (few sentences). The plaintiffs then produced Gilbert Hays, the surviving husband of Elizabeth Hays, who testified that the defendant made no claim to any part of the land until his father's death; and also Mary Snyder, who testified that the defendant had told him that "he had bought 100 acres of Bill Richards, and that he had to give his sister $600 or half of it." (several paragraphs).
Upon this state of the evidence we think that the law was accurately and properly laid down by the learned judge below in his charge to the jury, and that the points of the plaintiffs were in substance truly answered. Certainly upon this evidence there could be no trust for Elizabeth beyond the quantity of land which her father had paid for her, and the burden of proving that it was greater than was admitted in the declaration by the defendant of Jan. 4th, 1845 was upon the plaintiffs.
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