Quincy, Josiah, 1859-1919

Biographical note

Mayor of Boston, 1896-1899

Biography

Josiah Quincy, the last of Boston's famous Quincys, was born October 15, 1859, in Quincy, Massachusetts, the son of Josiah Phillips Quincy and Helen F. Quincy. Graduating from Harvard in 1880, he was admitted to the bar in 1884. He became a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1887, and served in 1888, 1890, and 1891. He was chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 1891-92 and again in 1906. In 1893 he was first assistant secretary of state under Grover Cleveland. Quincy, who had become an effective speaker in the state campaign of 1895, was elected mayor in that year and served the first two-year term, the election to that office having previously been annually. In 1897, he was reelected, and served until January, 1900. He appointed an advisory board of leading businessmen to act with him in business matters, taxes, and finance affecting the municipality. His administration was marked by the building of the South Union Station, uniting the terminals of the various railroads entering the city from the south and west. Mr. Quincy was especially interested in the system of public baths, gymnasia, and playgrounds, which were growing to large dimensions in Boston, and in other progressive measures for the benefit of the masses of the people.

Mr. Quincy was a member of the Union Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, Loyal Legion, the City Clubs of Boston and New York, and various other organizations. In 1906 he also served as a member of the Boston Transit Commission.

Taken from "Boston's 45 Mayors from John Phillips to Kevin H. White," City Record, Boston, 1979.

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