John Robertson Quinn was born in Porterville, California, where he grew up and attended local schools.

In May of 1922, Quinn was listed among 20 local politicians and businessmen as a purported member of the Ku Klux Klan.

I was asked to aid and did attend a meeting in a public hall in the city of Bakersfield and signed a card, but did not perfect membership.

I have never considered myself a member of the Ku Klux Klan, and if it is responsible for the recent acts of lawlessness and stands for the un-American principles attributed to it by the press and by statements of the various attorneys of the state, I, in common with all law abiding citizens, must be opposed to it.” [2] He was a primary candidate for mayor of Los Angeles in 1929.

[1] He was appointed by Governor C. C. Young on May 12, 1930, to replace Reuben F. McClellan on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.