My Genealogy Hound

R. M. Flinn, farmer, was born on Mountain Fork, Crawford Co., Ark., in 1844, and is the oldest son of Hugh and Martha (Cottrell) Flinn. The mother was born in Virginia in 1806. The father was born in Ireland in 1802, and when young learned the stone-mason’s trade. After coming to America, in 1837, he worked at his trade several years in Arkansas, Indian Nation and Missouri, and finally, in 1841, settled in Crawford County, Ark., with Alexander Graham and James Gregg. In 1875 he removed to Washington County, where he died February 14, 1881. Of his children, but two are living: our subject and J. R. Flinn (merchant and postmaster, of Evansville). R. N. Flinn received a common-school education during his youth, while living under the paternal roof. In 1869 he married Sarah Barker, daughter of John and Sarah (McFarland) Barker. Mr. Barker was reared in Missouri, where he afterward practiced medicine. In 1847 he came to Crawford County, and here died the same year; the mother survived him but four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Flinn four sons and four daughters have been born. In March, 1862, Mr. Flinn enlisted in Company B, Third Missouri Regiment, under Capt. Clark, Gen. Sterling Price’s regiment, and participated in the battles of Elkhorn, Mo., Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, siege of Charleston, siege of Petersburg, Va., and others. He was wounded seven times: at Elkhorn, through the bowels; at Corinth, in the limb; at Grand Gulf, Miss., in the knee; at Vicksburg, had his thigh broken; at Charleston, in 1864, had his arm broken; and subsequently his thigh was again broken in the same place. He was taken prisoner first at Elkhorn, but was soon released; at Corinth he was captured, and taken to Alton, Ill., where he was kept until exchanged in 1864, and the third time was taken prisoner, and held until paroled at the close of the war. He then returned to Crawford County, where he has since lived engaged in farming. In politics he is a Democrat.