W.S. QUICK, one of the best and most favorably known citizens of Hardin Township was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, August 15, 1818, a son of William Quick, who served in the War of 1812, and Elizabeth (Trout) Quick. He was seven years old when his parents removed to Licking County, Ohio, in pioneer days. William and five brothers drew by hand a light wagon, loaded with household goods.

Mr. W.S. quick, our subject, saw the first shovel full of dirt thrown on beginning the construction of the Erie Canal by Governor Trumbull of Ohio. He was brought up on a pioneer farm, clearing ground in the forest. After his marriage in 1856 he came to Iowa, settling at Winterset, Madison County, for three years. Then he went to Pike's Peak with an ox team, in search of gold; next he was engaged in freighting from Des Moines and Plattsmouth to Denver; then conducted a hotel at Denver and also entered the mercantile trade; removed to Omaha and then to Council Bluffs, engaging in the livery business, in buying and shipping grain, and in general merchandise. One season (1865) he drove a herd of 600 cattle to Chicago. He settled upon his present farm in 1881, which he had purchased previously, in 1872. Here he has built two good houses, a barn 42 x 50, and other buildings, and planted a fine orchard and grove of ornamental trees. He and his son are partners in the farm and in the store, in which they carry a full line of general merchandise, and have an extensive trade. The farm at present comprises 280 acres of well-improved and well-stocked land. In his political views Mr. Quick is a Democrat. While in Council Bluffs he was Alderman three years. He was initiated as a Freemason in 1848, at Bellefontaine, Ohio.

When twenty-four years of age Mr. Quick married Miss Angeline Effinger, who was born at Newmarket, Virginia, and they have two children: Elias Jefferson, now in partnership with his father; and Cornelius S., a banker at Indianola, Red Willow County, Nebraska. Mrs. Quick died in October 1885 and on April 28, 1889 Mr. Quick married his present wife Miss Amelia Hampton and by this marriage there are two children - Gertrude and Howard.

Elias J. Quick, just mentioned, was born in Licking County, Ohio, and was eleven years of age when his parents came to this state, and fourteen years old when he went to Denver. He attended school in Ohio, in Iowa, at Denver and at Council Bluffs, and by actual practice obtained his business training. He married in February 1873 at Council Bluffs to Miss Elizabeth Thomas who was born in Wales, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Thomas. They have eight children, namely: Anna Caravena, George, Cornelius, Tilly, William T., Jay, Elizabeth and Mabel. Mr. Quick is a Democrat in his political sympathies. He was appointed Postmaster of Quick Post Office in 1884 under President Arthur.