William S. Flynn

William Smith Flynn (August 14, 1885 – April 13, 1966) of Providence, Rhode Island, was the 54th governor of Rhode Island from 1923 to 1925. He was a progressive Democrat.

Personal life Flynn was born August 14, 1885, in South Providence to James A. and Elizabeth C. (Kelly) Flynn, He graduated Classical High School in 1903.

Conflict in the State Senate Flynn's term was marked by extreme partisan conflict within the Rhode Island state senate, which was controlled by a Republican majority. A group of young Democratic legislators including Lt. Governor Felix A. Toupin and future Governor Robert E. Quinn staged filibusters for much of 1923-1924, attempting to get older Republicans to pass a resolution putting a constitutional convention up to a popular vote.

Later life, death After his elective political life, Flynn remained active in politics and in his legal firm. He was involved in several prominent legal cases. He represented the Shoup Voting Machine Corporation when Rhode Island switched from paper ballots to voting machines in 1935.