He was born in Albany, New York, where he was educated at a private school and the Boys' Academy. Early in life entered the brewery business with his father and subsequently became a senior member of the firm.

Civil War edit

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Company B, Twenty-fifth Regiment, New York State Militia Volunteers which was ordered to the defense of Washington, D.C. in April 1861. He was assigned to duty at Arlington Heights.

Political career edit

Quinn was a member of the common council of Albany 1869-1872. He was elected a member of the State assembly in 1873.

Congress edit

He was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-fifth (45th) Congress and served from March 4, 1877, until his death in Albany in 1878, aged 41.

Burial edit

He was buried in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, New York.

• List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)

• United States Congress. "Terence J. Quinn (id: Q000020)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.