Qualley, Thomas J. 1866 –

QUALLEY, EGGE, BARLOW, BERGAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 4/25/2015 at 12:42:08

THOMAS J. QUALLEY.

Thomas J. Qualley is successfully engaged in business in Decorah as a dealer in automobiles, in partnership with C. S. Marsh, and has a well appointed garage in the Marsh building on West Water street. In early manhood he was actively identified with agricultural pursuits in Winneshiek county and prior to embarking in his present business held the office of sheriff for a number of years. His birth occurred in Decorah township, this county, on the 5th of March, 1866, his parents being J. T. and Julia (Egge) Qualley, both of whom were natives of Norway. In about 1853 the father emigrated to the United States, came direct to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and purchased land in Decorah township, clearing and improving the property and being successfully engaged in its cultivation until the time of his retirement in 1893. He now makes his home with our subject and is well and favorably known in the community where he settled six decades ago. His wife was called to her final rest October 19, 1910.

Thomas J. Qualley was here reared and educated, first attending the district schools and later pursuing a course of study in the Decorah Institute. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until the latter's retirement and in 1896 purchased the property, comprising two hundred acres, devoting his time and attention to its further cultivation and improvement until 1906. In that year he was elected sheriff of Winneshiek county and served until January, 1913, making a highly creditable and commendable record in that connection. On the 1st of March, 1913, in partnership with C. S. Marsh, he embarked in the automobile business and has since handled the Velie Maxwell, Page-Detroit and Ford (Tinner's Dream) cars. The firm also does a general repair business and has already built up a gratifying patronage.

On May 27, 1896, Mr. Qualley was united in marriage to Miss Lena Barlow, her parents being Swen and Anna Barlow, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Martin C. Bergan, brother-in-law of Mrs. Qualley. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Qualley have been born seven children, as follows: Arthur Roy, a youth of fifteen; Rudolph V., who is thirteen years old; Norman L., Loraine and Madrine, who are twelve, ten and seven years of age respectively; Janice, a little maiden of four years; and John, who died in 1898. The family home, owned by Mr. Qualley, is a handsome residence at the corner of Maple avenue and Pearl street.

Mr. Qualley exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Norske Selskab Club. A lifelong resident of Winneshiek county, he has become well known here and his is a creditable business and official record.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913