Biographical Sketch of Rev. John FLINT (1893); Chester County, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by John Morris . *********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: Printing this file within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** Source: "Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Chester County, Pennsyl- vania, comprising a historical sketch of the county," by Samuel T. Wiley and edited by Winfield Scott Garner, Gresham Publishing Company, Phila- delphia, PA, 1893, pp. 353-5. "REV. JOHN FLINT, a prominent local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, and general superintendent of the works owned by Grander Stove Company, at Royer's Ford, of which corporation he is also a member, is of English nativity, having been born in the town of Derby, Derbyshire, Eng- land, on August 27, 1848. His parents were John and Emma (Jones) Flint, natives of the same place. His mother died when he was only two years old, and in 1862 young Flint accompanied his father to America. The latter was a rope maker by trade, and worked at that occupation for a time in the city of Philadelphia, but finally returned to England. John remained in this country when his father recrossed the Atlantic, and for a time was employed in Elizabeth City, New Jersey. Later he made his way to Philadelphia, where he became acquainted with a number of young men about to enlist in the Federal army, to take part in the civil war then opening. He determined to become one of the number, and was greatly dis- appointed when upon the regular examination he was rejected, because of his frail physical organization. Being left alone after his friends had all entered the army, he decided upon a seafaring life. He accordingly engaged in the merchant marine service of the country, where in different capacities he spent some time. Leaving the water after the war had closed, he located in Philadelphia, and at the age of eighteen started in to learn the trade of stove molder. That occupation he followed continuously in the city of Philadelphia until 1875, when he removed to Spring City, this county, where he worked at his trade as a journeyman for a period of nearly five years. In connection with others he then organized the firm of Grander, Springer & Co., and commenced the manufacture of stoves in Royer's Ford. Mr. Springer withdrew in a short time, and the firm then became Grander, Rogers & Co., which existed and did business until 1889, when Mr. Rogers sold out his interest, and a stock company was organized under the name of Grander Stove Company, most of the stock being held by the original members of the firm. When the business was first started it was conducted under many disadvantages, and considerable difficulty was encountered in getting it upon a paying basis. During this time for nearly six years Mr. Flint worked on the floor with the other men, but for the last five years he has been general superintendent of the works. Their factory is located at Royer's Ford, opposite Spring City, and is a fine brick structure. It is conceded to be one of the best arranged factories in the valley, and is amply supplied with every convenience for turning out a superior product. The company gives regular employment to nearly one hundred men, and its business now ranks among the most impor- tant industries in this part of Chester county. "While Rev. Mr. Flint has been an industrious and successful business man, he is still more widely known as an earnest and eloquent local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church. His title has been well earned, and his career contains many unusual incidents. While unconverted and associating on the high seas with men whose conduct and conversation was not exactly calculated to lead the mind toward things sacred, he was constantly vis- ited by a 'still small voice,' which on divers occasions, and under di- verse circumstances, kept saying to him, 'You ought to preach the gospel.' Finally, after quitting the sea and locating in Philadelphia, he was con- verted and joined the Front Street Methodist Episcopal church. There his ability and devout life commended him to the church authorities, and he was urged to become an exhorter. He declined, however, but at the same time felt a strong desire to comply, and at once set about the study of theology and began preparing himself as best he could for the work he deemed it his duty to do - though he let no one know of his intentions. After coming to Spring City he persistently applied himself to theology, working during the day and studying at night. In 1885 he passed an exam- ination (standing highest in his class of fourteen), and was ordained a deacon in the Philadelphia conference, by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss. He was again examined in 1889, by Bishop Merrill, and at that time ordained an elder of the Methodist Episcopal church. Since his ordination he has been continually in the service of his Divine Master, having served var- ious charges throughout Chester county. He now has charge of the church at Evensburg, Montgomery county, where he preaches twice every Sunday. He also has charge of the bible class in the Sabbath school. Rev. Mr. Flint has always been a great reader and an earnest student, and has accumulated a fine library, containing many rare and valuable works. In the lines of theology and history it is probably the most complete to be found in this part of the State. He lives in a nicely arranged and comfortable home on Broad street, overlooking the city of his adoption, and affording a fine view of the beautiful Schuylkill river, and the many elegant residences of Royer's Ford that dot its winding banks toward the east. In politics the reverend gentleman is an ardent prohibitionist, and is a member of Apollo Lodge, No. 9, Knights of Pythias. "On November 25, 1869, Rev. John Flint was united in marriage to Mary A. Newell, a daughter of William and Mary Newell of Philadelphia. To them has been born a family of three children - one son and two daughters, the former of whom died in infancy, while the daughters are both living."