Biographies of Kenoshans in the Wisconsin Blue
Book, 1901
Biography of JOSEPH VERY QUARLES
Contributed by Tina S. Vickery 4/23/01
This biography appears on page 421 in
Wisconsin Blue Book (1901)
Compiled and Published under the direction of Wm. H. Froehlich, Secretary of
State
JOSEPH VERY QUARLES (Rep.), of Milwaukee, was born at Kenosha, Wis. (then
Southport), Dec. 16, 1843. In 1862 he entered the University of Michigan, but
interrupted his course of study in the spring of 1864 to enter the army as
private in the 39th Wisconsin volunteers. He was mustered out as First
Lieutenant, Co. C, and returned to his studies, graduating in 1866. He then
studied law, and in 1868 formed at Kenosha a partnership with Mr. 0. S. Head,
one of the oldest and ablest practitioners of the state. Mr. Quarles was
district attorney for Kenosha county for six years, mayor of Kenosha In 1876,
member of the assembly in 1879, and state senator from 1880-1882. In the United
States senatorial contest of 1881 Mr. Quarles received a very flattering vote,
but insisted upon having his name withdrawn. At the expiration of his term of
office be moved to Racine, Wis., where he entered into partnership with the
present justice of the Supreme court, John B. Winslow. Six years later he made
Milwaukee his home, and there organized the law firm of Quarles, Spence &
Quarles, of which he is the senior member. Mr. Quarles was elected to the United
States senate and entered upon his duties March 4, 1899.