Herbert Quick

Biography

John Herbert Quick, a figure of diverse talents and significant impact, first drew breath on October 23, 1861, on a farm nestled near Steamboat Rock in Grundy County, Iowa. He was the son of Martin (1816-1891) and Margaret Coleman Quick (1832-1912). Quick's early career saw him as a school teacher in Mason City, Iowa, before he successfully passed his bar exam. This pivotal moment launched him into a new chapter, establishing a law practice in Sioux City where his acumen quickly shone. He flourished not only as a successful businessman but also as a dedicated public servant, notably as a counselor for a citizens' committee actively prosecuting 'boodlers' – officials who engaged in bribery – and eventually serving as mayor. In 1909, he transitioned away from civic administration, embarking on a seven-year tenure as the editor of *Farm and Fireside* magazine. His commitment to public service resurfaced in 1916 with his appointment to the Federal Farm Loan Bureau in Washington D.C. His organizational prowess was such that upon his departure in 1919, President Wilson personally commended him for his invaluable contributions. The following year, Quick embraced a new challenge, becoming a Colonel in the Red Cross and overseeing the intricate process of winding down their operations in Siberia. Yet, it is through his literary endeavors that Herbert Quick is perhaps most vividly remembered. He crafted a compelling trilogy of historical novels—*Vandemark's Folly* (1922), *The Hawkeye* (1923), and *The Invisible Woman* (1924)—each masterfully depicting nineteenth-century Iowa amidst the transformative era of westward expansion. Beyond fiction, he was a prolific writer on agricultural and political subjects. His own life story found its voice in his autobiography, *One Man's Life* (1925), a work completed just prior to his passing. John Herbert Quick's remarkable journey concluded on May 10, 1925. He suffered a fatal heart attack at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, having fallen ill while addressing a group of students. He was survived by his wife of thirty-five years, the former Ella D. Corey.