Josephn Quinby (1715-1776) was born in Massachusetts and settled in Falmouth (later Portland), Me. He was a ship builder and owned considerable property in the Portland area. His son, John Quinby (1760-1806) served as a captain in the Massachusetts militia. His business was building and fitting out ships and he owned a shop in connection with this enterprise. He owned several ships, two of which were captured by the French in the late 1790s. Joseph Quinby, Jr. (1746-1777), Thomas Quinby (1752-1781), and Levi Quinby (1761-1786?) were also sons of Joseph Quinby whose names appear in these accounts. Joseph and John Quinby operated a general merchandise business. The goods were probably acquired in connection with their shipping interests.
From the description of Account books, 1743-1805. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259667
