From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Quarles, Alfred Nelson

(born: 1862 - died: 1944) Professor Alfred N. Quarles was a well-known musician and music director in Cincinnati, OH. He was born in Frankfort, KY, the son of Charleston and Mary E. Quarles. Alfred was a baby when the family moved to Cincinnati; they are listed in the 1870 U.S. Federal Census. Alfred Quarles was educated in Cincinnati schools, and he studied music at the College of Music - harmony, pipe organ, and voice and technique. He taught music in the Covington, KY, schools, and he gave private lessons. He was the organist and choir director at Allen Temple and was choir director at The St. John A. M. E. Zion Church. Quarles participated in and directed a number of performances at the Allen Temple church. He also performed at special events in and around Cincinnati. He was a member of the Orpheus Club, said to be the leading music organization in Cincinnati [source: "From the Queen City," Cleveland Gazette, 05/22/1886, p. 1]. In 1903, Alfred Quarles visited Maysville, KY, to assist with the closing exercises given at the opera house by the Maysville Colored High School. The cantata was a rendition of "Ruth the Moabitess," and Alfred Quarles had the role of Boaz [source: "Prof. A. N. Quarles of Cincinnati..."; and "Ruth the Moabitess," both in the Daily Public Ledger, 06/11/1903, p. 1]. For more see Cincinnati's Colored Citizens, by W. P. Dabney.