Meeker County MN Archives Biographies.....Flynn, Michael J. 1840 - 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 January 8, 2020, 9:04 pm

Source: Alden, Ogle & Co.
Author: See Below

 HON. MICHAEL J. FLYNN. Among the honored citizens of the village of Litchfield
there are very few that hold the place in the esteem and respect of the community to
the degree that Mr. Flynn does. Closely connected with the business and social life
of the place, an honored and representative pioneer citizen of Meeker county,, and
the talented and worthy recipient of legislative laurels bestowed by this people, he
occupies a prominent place in its annals.

    Mr. Flynn is a native of Kane county, Ill., born August 15, 1840, and is the son
of John and Ann (Lynch) Flynn, natives of Ireland. His parents came to America about
1836, and were married at Chicago, Ill. From there they moved to Kane county, Ill.,
where they resided many years. In 1856, he came to Meeker county with his, parents
who settled in Forest City township. In 1859 the father died and Michael, although
but nineteen years of age, took upon himself the management of the farm and
the-support of the family, but being endowed with a strong will and excellent
judgment, felt competent to grapple with the responsibilities of the situation.
During the dreadful days of the Indian massacre in 1862, he found his hands full in
endeavoring to protect his charge, and the stock, from the red fiends who were
wasting the border with tomahawk, rifle and torch. His home duties prevented his
joining “Whitcomb’s Irregulars,” hut when the occasion offered he was not backward
in volunteering to assist in helping those more exposed than themselves, and
incurred many perils in the discharge of his duty. On one occasion, when out with a
party who left the stockade at Forest City on one of their many errands of mercy,
the little band was assaulted by a host of the ruthless, red-handed, murdering
Sioux, and forced to flee for their lives. This was the famous expedition that was
driven back by over 300 Indians to the fortifications they had erected, with the
loss of one horse and wagon that had stuck fast in the mud of a slough. In November,
1863, Mr. Flynn’s domestic arrangements permitting his absence, he enlisted in
Company D, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and joined General Sully’s column on the
Missouri river, and participated with the regiment in all the engagements upon the
frontier, the regiment having been assigned for that duty on account of being
cavalry. He remained in the service until November or December, 1865, when, being
honorably discharged, he returned to the farm, where hie made his home, engaged in
agricultural pursuits until 1870, when he came to Litchfield and took charge of the
lumber yard belonging to Chauncey Butler. Three years he remained in that position,
but in 1873 purchased the lumber yard of J. H. Morris, which he carried on alone
until 1874, when his brother Daniel joined him and the present firm was formed. They
added the sale of agricultural implements to their business, a branch which they
still pursue, having disposed of their lumber interests in 1878, but still carry
everything in the way of farm machinery. In 1880 the brothers purchased the Butler
elevator and do about the heaviest grain trade in Litchfield, handling about 175,000
bushels of wheat per annum. In addition to his mercantile  engagements, Mr. Flynn
has a farm of 480 acres of fine land in Harvey township, where he carries on, quite
extensively, the raising of stock.

  Our subject has always held a prominent place in the official history of Meeker
county, and taken a deep interest in the welfare of its people. In 1867 he served
upon the board of county commissioners, and, appreciating his worth in 1884, he was
elected to the State Legislature and served in the House during the session of the
Twenty-fourth Assembly. When the city of Litchfield came under its new charter in
1887, he was chosen its first mayor. He has large interests in the woolen mill, and
is the president of the board of directors of the same; is a member of the Frank
Daggett Post, G. A. R.; of Father Mathew’s Total Abstinence Society, and a leading
and influential member of the Roman Catholic Church.

  Mr. Flynn and Miss Frances Campbell were united in marriage February 8, 1869. The
lady is a native of Kane county, Ill., and sister of Hon. William M. Campbell, the
United States Marshal of this district. By this union there have been born six
children— John, who is a student at the college at Notre Dame, Ind.; Louise,
Elizabeth, Mary, Frances and Edward William.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Illustrated Album of Biography
Meeker and McLeod Counties, Minnesota
1888


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