DE QUINCEY, PAUL FREDERICK (1828-94), the son of Thomas de Quincey, the English writer, was born at Grasmere, Westmoreland, and educated at the High School, Edinburgh, and at Lasswade School. In 1845 he gained his ensigncy in the 70th Regiment, with which he served in India (1846-60), being present at Sobraon and other battles as captain and major of brigade. He was on the permanent staff of the Bengal presidency, but rejoined his regiment for New Zealand (arriving here in May 1861). He commanded the 1st company of the Transport Corps.

When the regiment was about to return to India de Quincey sold out and commenced farming. On the outbreak of the Waikato war he was appointed to command the left wing of the 3rd battalion artillery, with which he served without pay. He was afterwards military secretary to Major-general Galloway (commanding the colonial forces) with the rank of major, being promoted later lieut-colonel. This appointment he held also under Haultain. After the war he lived in this country and represented Pensioner Settlements in Parliament (1866-67), and in the Provincial Council (1865-69). In 1889 he was appointed sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives. He was a justice of the peace and a visiting justice at the Auckland asylum. De Quincey died on 15 Apr 1894.

Parltry Record; J. Hogg, De Quincey and His Friends, 1895; N.Z. Herald, 20 Apr 1894. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 118

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