William Andrew Quarles

Biography

William Andrew Quarles was a lawyer, judge, Confederate officer, and railroad executive who played a pivotal role in the construction of the Memphis, Clarksville & Louisville Railroad.

A prominent Clarksville resident, Quarles succeeded William B. Munford as president of the railroad in 1858 and immediately accelerated work on the line connecting Clarksville with Louisville and Memphis. Under his leadership, the railroad placed the remainder of its route under contract, secured rails and locomotives, and brought portions of the line into operation. He frequently defended the project against critics and became one of its most vocal advocates.

Quarles recognized that the railroad’s success depended on creating a continuous transportation corridor between Memphis and Louisville. He worked to strengthen ties with neighboring railroads and championed the line as a vital commercial artery for Middle Tennessee and Kentucky.

Because of declining health and other business obligations, Quarles resigned as railroad president in October 1860. During the Civil War, he served as a Confederate officer and later became a circuit court judge. Although his tenure was brief, Quarles was among the most influential figures in the railroad’s development and helped guide the project through some of its most critical years.