Quinby, who was an early benefactor and a founder of Monmouth College, also helped the city of Monmouth become the transportation center it is today, by bringing the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad through town in the early 1850s.

The National Register of Historic Places property has been owned by Monmouth College since 1965.

In 1862, Quinby set aside a plot of land on the corner of East Euclid Avenue and 6th Street, which was located on a large section of property he had donated to the city for the purpose of expansion and improvement.

[3] A large two-story front porch and bay window was added in the early 1890s.

Since the mansion was becoming increasingly unlivable, funds were raised by the college, and the home was completely renovated from 1996 to 1997.