John R. Flinn, merchant and miller of Evansville, is the son of Hugh and Martha A. (Cottrell) Flinn. The father was born in Ireland in 1803,, and the mother in Alabama in 1806. The father immigrated to America in 1835; had previously served a seven years' apprenticeship at the stone-cutter's trade, and was an excellent workman. He cut the columns for the Missouri State capitol, and did the carving on the seminary at the capital of the Indian Territory. Having found his way to Arkansas. he made this State his home until his death, which occurred in 1880. The mother grew to womanhood in her native State, and here married a man by the name of Thurston. She bore him two children, and after his death she moved to Arkansas, where she married Mr. Flinn, and bore him two sons. She is still living. The youngest son, John R., was born December 15, 1847, in'Crawford County, Ark., where be was reared and educated. In 1865 he married Miss Julia A. Snodgrass, a native of Franklin County, Ark., and to them were born nine children, six now living. After farming: until 1875 Mr. Flinn left Crawford County, and moved to W asbingt.on County. locating in Evansville, where be bought the Evansville Grist and Saw-mill .. This mill he has owned ever since, and bas just added a cotton-gin, in which Mr. J. M. Chandler is partner. Mr. Flinn is a member of the Masonic fraternity, is Democratic in his politics, and has been postmaster at Evansville for eight years. His wife, his mother and his eldest daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church.