My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Washington County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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John and Michael M. Flynn, dealers in general merchandise and mineral, of Richwoods, are sons of the late Michael Flynn, a man well known throughout Washington and adjoining counties. A native of Ireland, he was born in 1814, and lived in his native country until eighteen years of age. In 1834 he immigrated to this country and located at Old Mines, Washington Co., Mo., and for several years was engaged in mining and farming. He went to California in 1849, where he remained two years, and then returned to Washington County, where he followed farming and trading until his death, which occurred December 27, 1884. He married Miss Clarissa Wilkinson, of Jefferson County, Mo., who still survives him. In their family of nine children four are still living, viz.: John, Michael M., Mary C. (the wife of Dr. James), and William. John Flynn, the eldest child, was born in Washington County, June 4, 1843, where he resided until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the Third Missouri Cavalry, Confederate army, and after the war returned to his home. In 1865 he commenced selling goods, which business he has since continued. He is associated with his brother, and in connection with their store they conduct large farming interests and stock-raising. Mr. Flynn is also engaged in manufacturing lumber and lead smelting. September 24, 1868, he married Miss Harriet Vivian, a native of Jefferson County. Their family consists of seven children, viz.: Mary, Fannie, Michael, Agnes, Gertrude, Blanche and Maggie. Mr. Flynn served three years as postmaster of Richwoods post office, performing his duties to the satisfaction of all and his own credit. He is a stanch Democrat politically. Michael M. Flynn was born in Washington County, June 3, 1850, and, like his brother, was reared to the pursuit of farming, receiving his education in the common schools of his native county. He is engaged in business with his brother, and the firm carry a large and selected stock of goods, and enjoy a large patronage, well deserving the success that has attended them. Michael M. devotes his attention largely to the agricultural interests of the firm. The estate of the father contained about 3,000 acres of land, and that of the two brothers contains about 800 acres. Mr. Flynn was married October 23, 1878, to Miss Lavinia Vivian, of Jefferson County, Mo. They have four children, viz. Hattie, Clara, Lawrence and Maud.

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This family biography is one of 138 biographies included in The History of Washington County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: Washington County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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