Richard Quinn was born in Hobart on 22 July 1853 to John Quinn and Catherine Nelson. He undertook two prospecting trips to the west coast of Tasmania in 1876 and 1878. At the age of 29 he joined the Police Service on 1 May 1883 and married Emily Agnes Webster on 30 June 1883. He served for 31 years, in Hobart, Trial Harbour, Strahan, Beaconsfield, Sheffield, Lilydale and George Town, retiring in 1914. Richard and Emily had five children: Archibald Richard (1884-1966); Ruby or Fanny Maud (1886-died young); Leslie Webster Nelson (1888-1889); Albert Reginald (1890); and Eulie Clarice (1893). Richard died aged 80 at West Kentish on 7 July 1933 and was buried at Ulverstone.