Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. p. 658-659.

JOHN W. QUICK, one of the early settlers of Lancaster Township, residing on section 31, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumberland County, in January, 1821, a son of James and Jane Quick, who were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. The mother died on the old homestead in Pennsylvania about fifty years ago, and the father died not many years ago at the home of his son Levi, in Missouri. Of their eight children who grew to maturity John W., our subject, was the eldest. Three sons and one daughter are still living. The youth of our subject was spent in working on the old homestead in his native State, attending the subscription school as opportunity afforded. When seventeen years old he went with his father's family to Franklin County, Indiana, and one year later removed to Henry County, and after remaining there one year the family located in Fayette County. There our subject helped his father to clear a farm in the wilderness, when he left the home roof and began working for himself. He was married in Union County, August 22, 1847, to Miss Cordelia Beeler, who was reared in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Quick lived in Madison County, Indiana, a few years, clearing a farm from the wilderness, which they sold, and came to Wells County, settling on their farm on section 31, Lancaster Township, in November, 1854. That year he occupied a log cabin, and the following year he settled in a more commodious log house on the site of his present fine residence, which was erected in 1873, and is one of the best in his neighborhood. February 23, 1863, his wife, who had helped him to build two pioneer homes, died. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church from her youth, and always lived a practical Christian life in all her relations as wife, mother and neighbor. She left three children-—Julia E., wife of Robert Reynolds; Emma R., living in Kansas, is the widow of E. A. Pattison, and Anna E., wife of Bruce W. Shoemaker. For his second wife Mr. Quick married Miss Nancy Reasor, in October, 1866. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 18, 1838, a daughter of John and Sarah Reasor, who came to Wells County, Indiana, in 1854, and are now living in Nottingham Township. By his second marriage Mr. Quick has six children-—Clara May, Ina V., Lina B., Charles C., John F. and James. Both Mr. and Mrs. Quick are members of the Baptist church. In early days Mr. Quick was a Whig in his political affiliations, later a Republican, but during the past few years be has been a pronounced Prohibitionist. As a citizen Mr. Quick is highly respected. Honorable and upright in all business transactions, kindly in intercourse with all, he is held in high esteem by all who know him. His home is provided with all the necessary comforts of life, the result of a life of frugality and industry.