John J. Flinn dies: nationally known journalist, lecturer and Christian Science leader was resident of Glencoe

John J. Flinn, nationally known essayist, lecturer, former newspaperman and chief editorial writer of the Christian Science Monitor, and a former resident of Evanston, died Wednesday at his home at 845 Vernon avenue, Glencoe. Mr. Flinn with his wife, the late Mary Talbot Cole Flinn, came to Evanston in the early eighties and for more than 20 years made their home at 814 Michigan avenue. During their residence here both Mr. and Mrs. Flinn were active in social, charitable and civic circles, and in the Christian Science church of which they were members.

Mr. Flinn was born in Ireland in 1851 and came to this country in his early youth, living in Boston where he received his education. He entered the newspaper field in St. Joseph, Mo., and married Mary Talbot Cole there October 9, 1877. The couple moved to St. Louis where he became managing editor of the Globe-Democrat. He later moved to Chicago with his family where he became a leading newspaper man. For a number of years he was employed as associate editor of the Chicago Daily News, which position he resigned in 1882 to accept the post of U. S. consul in Chemnitz, Germany.

When he returned he became managing editor of the Chicago Mail and the Chicago Times, and later was chief editorial writer for the Chicago Inter Ocean until 1908, when he went to Boston to accept a similar position on the Christian Science Monitor.

When a resident of Evanston Mr. Flinn served as alderman from the third ward for two terms. He was the author of many songs, poems and essays which appeared in current periodicals. He was also author and publisher of the Standard Guide to Chicago and of the Official Guide to the World’s Fair there in 1893. He was a charter member of the Press Club and served as its president for two years in 1906 and 1907.

Funeral services were held at the Graceland cemetery chapel Friday, interment being private.

Mr. Flinn is survived by six children, three son, James Miller Flinn; Melville Stone Flinn, of Highland Park, and John Cunningham Flinn of Yonkers, M. Y., three daughters, Mrs. Daniel W. Roche, 2329 Ridge avenue; Miss Clara Cole Flinn, of Glencoe, and Mrs. Lucius Smith of Winchester, Mass.