Description
“Abe Quarles Is Dead” - - Abe Quarles is dead. The faithful colored steward of the Commercial club, who assumed his post the day the club rooms were opened, 17 years ago, and who never was absent except when sick, succumbed to a long siege with Bright's disease, Friday night at 10:40 o’clock, at his home, 617 Lincoln street. He was 47 years old (born ~1861) and had lived 42 years of his 43 years residence in St. Joseph in the house where he died. From there were buried his father, mother and Anderson Quarles, for 10 years a mail carrier. Abe Quarles was regarded as one of St. Joseph's best colored citizens. He ever was identified with the movements to uplift his race, and he was prominent in lodge, church and political work. Every businessman knew him, at least by sight. He was an invaluable assistant to F. W. Maxwell, commissioner of the Commercial club, who often remarked. "Abe knows how to receive visitors and look after business men who call here, better than I do.” In his well brushed Prince Albert coat, or snowy white jacket he donned for state occasions, it was difficult to imagine a better factotum to assume the duties which Abe discharged so easily. His wife, a daughter. Marie, one brother, Fremont, and 4 sisters survive. Fremont Quarles, who acted as steward for his brother after Abe became ill, formerly was a member of the police force. Abe Quarles' death came after a long fight against the disease which finally brought about his end. Kidney trouble is chronic in the family, and Fremont Quarles' life was given up several years ago by physicians. That fact encouraged Abe, but the disease became worse than ever after he submitted to an operation for another trouble several years ago, and when he left his post about ten days ago, it was believed he would never return. The funeral will be at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from the Francis Street Baptist church, with interment in Mount Mora cemetery. The obsequies will lie under the auspices of Wilkinson Lodge No. 26 A. F. and A. M., and the Knights of Tabor. Abe Quarles was a member of the negro Knights Templar. Royal Arch Masons and Shriners. Abe Quarles’ full name was Abraham Lincoln Quarles, and he told an interesting story about the facts surrounding his christening. “I was born in Platte County, on a farm where my mother and father worked for a Southern family. The farmer's wife wasn’t very popular with the colored folks, she was so mean, and after I was born my mother met her one day. “What are you going to name the baby?” she asked. "That was in 1861, when Lincoln was being talked about by everyone, and my mother just flared up and said, 'I'm going to name him Abraham Lincoln.' “And she did too.” Addressed to Abe Quarles, a postal card was delivered this morning at the Commercial club. It was from F. W. Maxwell commissioner, who left last Tuesday for Washington, and Commissioner Maxwell wrote that he would return Wednesday. A telegram was sent to him, in Chicago, telling of his steward's death, and he is expected home tomorrow. St. Joseph News-Press.Date(s) of Creation
12/25/1908
