25 Facts About Moses Quinby

Moses Quinby was an American beekeeper from the State of New York.

Moses Quinby is remembered as the father of practical beekeeping and the father of commercial beekeeping in America.

Moses Quinby is best known as the inventor of the bee smoker with bellows.

Moses Quinby was the author of numerous articles and several books on beekeeping.

Moses Quinby was born on April 15 or 16,1810, in a Quaker family to William and Hannah Sands Quinby in New Castle, NY.

Moses Quinby married Martha Powell Norbury on September 8,1832, at the Norbury homestead known as Grimeles where she was born.

Moses Quinby was born on December 18,1813, to John Norbury and Mary Norbury nee Fosdick.

Moses Quinby earned a living in the early years by doing turning-lathe and cabinet work as well as building hives and other bee equipment.

Moses Quinby remained true to his Quaker heritage and was part of the Temperance Movement and was anti-slavery.

Moses Quinby believed in God and that Moses Quinby had made all things possible.

Moses Quinby felt obligated to share what Moses Quinby had given him and therefore never patented his inventions or copyrighted his books or publications.

Moses Quinby started experimenting with bees such as drilling holes in the top of hives.

Moses Quinby found that bees would fill large boxes above the hives over those holes with honey, allowing harvesting it without damaging the hive.

Moses Quinby did not have much knowledge in the beginning but through careful scientific observation, an open mind, and time, he was able to become an expert beekeeper.

Moses Quinby moved to St Johnsville, NY with his family while in his 50s until his death, both for the vegetation, but because his sister-in-law has married John Underhill, a tanner.

Moses Quinby's homestead was on the site of the Battle of Klock's Field in 1780.

Moses Quinby had a turning mill, orchards, and his apiary.

Moses Quinby partnered with their son, Thomas Underwood who had become a beekeeper from 1853 to 1859 with up to 1200 colonies.

Moses Quinby reduced the number of hives in 1862, probably due to the shortage of labor caused by the Civil War and because his business partner Thomas in 1859 left for Williamsport, PA to develop his tanning business.

Moses Quinby focused on raising Italian bees, selling packages, and raising queens.

Moses Quinby still produced and shipped 11 tons of honey to New York City.

Moses Quinby was one of the first to raise this new stock.

Moses Quinby is responsible for the editing and almost all of the illustrations in the books published and was recognized internationally for them.

Moses Quinby was elected president for five years but refused re-election the year before his death in 1875.

Moses Quinby was the president of the North American Beekeepers' Association for one year starting in 1871.