William F. Quinn, formally William Francis Quinn (born July 31, 1919), was the Governor of the Territory of Hawai'i from 1957 to 1959 and Governor of the State of Hawai'i from 1959 to 1962. Originally appointed to the office by President of the United States Dwight Eisenhower, Quinn was the last executive of an era of Republican rule over the Hawaiian Islands which began during the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893.

Early Years

Quinn was born in Rochester, New York on July 31, 1919. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge from service, he settled permanently in Honolulu, Hawai'i.

Political Career

Quinn involved himself in territorial politics and was elected to the territorial senate in 1956. It is from the legislature that he was appointed to the governorship by the White House. Quinn worked closely with Congressional Delegate John A. Burns in obtaining statehood for Hawai'i. They succeeded and Quinn won an election to become the first state governor.

Retirement

In 1976, Quinn ran for the United States Senate. Defeated, he retired from public service. Today, Quinn lectures, travels to do public speaking circuits and spends time with his family in Hawai'i.