From History of Texas Published in 1896
BENJAMIN HARVEY FLINN is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Erath county and has made his home in central Texas during the greater part of the time since his early childhood days. He was born in Gilmer county, Georgia, January 9, 1856, a son of Enoch and Nancy (Searcy) Flinn. His father was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, January 6, 1822, and is a son of Paul Flinn, who was probably a native of South Carolina. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland and on emigrating to America took up his residence in South Carolina. Mrs. Flinn, the mother of our subject, as a native of North Carolina and a daughter of John Searcy, who was born in the same state. Her grandmother was of Holland descent.
Enoch Flinn accompanied his father on his removal to Rutherford county, North Carolina, where the latter spent his last days. Enoch afterward went to Georgia, where in 1853 he married Miss Searcy and then followed farming and carpentering in that state until 1859, when he emigrated to Texas, locating in Weatherford, Parker county. The following year he came to Erath county, settling on Berry’s creek, a mile and a half from where Bluff Dale now stands. He embarked in stock-dealing, but the Indians were so troublesome that many of the stockmen were forced to leave their homes and defend themselves and their cattle from the savages. For four years Mr. Flinn was with the frontier scouts, and in the summer of 1867 he sold his stock, removing to Carrollton, Arkansas, where he conducted a hotel and also engaged in business as a contractor. After a time he left his family and went to California, where he remained for a year and a half. He then returned to Texas, where he was joined by his wife and children. Purchasing an improved farm on Richardson creek, he has since carried on agricultural pursuits, and is recognized as one of the leading farmers of the community.
Mr. and Mrs. Flinn were the parents of eight children, of whom Benjamin is the eldest. The others are:
- Sarah Elizabeth, wife of J.L. Armstrong, of Hood county
- John P., of Bluff Dale
- Alice, who died at the age of three years
- Emma, who married George G. Gullage and is now deceased, as is her husband
- Nettie Ellen, wife of James Choate
- Frank P. and
- Lillie.
The mother was a member of the Christian church and in that faith died June 8, 1881, at the age of 47 years. Mr. Flinn belongs to the Masonic lodge of Bluff Dale. While in Arkansas he served as magistrate for four years and in Hood county held the same office [justice of the peace] for six years, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity.
Benjamin Flinn was reared in Texas and Arkansas and in the common schools acquired a good practical education. After attaining his majority he engaged in clerking and bookkeeping, and after coming to Texas followed farming and school-teaching, continuing in the latter profession until 1890, when he came to Bluff Dale. Here he has followed various pursuits and is now most acceptably filling the office of magistrate, to which position he was elected in 1888. He is impartial in his office and his career is alike creditable to himself and those who chose him for office. His political support is given the men and measures of the Democracy.
Mr. Flinn was married February 3, 1886, to Miss Belzora E. Keahey, a native of Erath county and a daughter of E.J. and M.O. (Hamilton) Keahey. They have three children, but Byron Herbert died at the age of 18 months. The others are Mabel O. and Ethel E. Mrs. Flinn is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Flinn is a valued and honored member of Bluff Dale Lodge, No. 724, F.&A.M., which he joined on its organization, and since that time he has held the office of secretary.
| Benjamin Harvey Flinn died December 6, 1897 and was buried in Rock Church Cemetery in Hood County, Texas |
SOURCE
History of Texas, 1896, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Co.