[1] The son of Jacob Quinton and Sarah Benger,[2] he was educated at Bishop Feild College, then worked as a school teacher from 1913 to 1914 and, afterwards, joined Sir William Coaker in the Fisherman's Union Trading Company managing various branches[2] before becoming dry goods superintendent.

[3] Quinton served with the Newfoundland Regiment during World War I[2] and saw action in France and Belgium, he achieved the rank of lieutenant in 1918.

[2] Quinton was elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 1928 representing Bonavista and was re-elected in 1932 defeating a young Joey Smallwood.

[2] He retired from provincial politics in 1950[2] and was appointed to the Senate of Canada on 24 January 1951 on the recommendation of Louis St-Laurent.

He represented the senatorial division of Burgeo-Lapoile, Newfoundland as a member of the Liberal Party of Canada until his death[1] in St. John's at the age of 55.