----Source: Clark County Republican & Press (Neillsville, Wis.) 11/11/1915

Flynn, James (24 DEC 1841 - 3 NOV 1915)

James Flynn, for many years a resident of Neillsville, Clark County, and one of the oldest locomotive engineers of the state, died Nov. 3rd, 1915 at Rochester, Minn., where he had gone for a surgical treatment. He was born Dec. 24, 1841 at Great Barrington, Mass., and came to Janesville, Wis., with his parents when a boy. He went to work on the railroad as an engineer when 18 years old, and remained in that occupation 54 years. He drove the engine which pulled the first train over the Rocky Mountains on the Santa Fe route in 1861, and during all his years on the road was considered one of the safest and most efficient engineers in all the country.

He was married to Miss Ruane Allison at Afton, Wis., Nov. 10, 1869. To them were born six children, four of who survive: Mrs. C.R. Sturdevant and Mrs. Guy C. Youmans of this city, Floyd of Eau Claire and Arthur of Sioux Falls, S.D. A daughter, Alma, died when three years old, and another, Grace (Mrs. F.O. Balch) died in 1806. The wife died Sept. 26, 1897. In 1899 he was married to Miss Jennie Budge, who survives him. He leaves also two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rourke of Dever and Mrs. H. Darlington, La Grange, Ill.

He retired from active service on the road three years ago. He was for many years an honored member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and as a man and citizen stood high in the esteem of all who knew him. His remains were brought here for burial in the family lot in Neillsville Cemetery, funeral services being held Sunday at four o’clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.R. Sturdevant, Rev. L.B. Colman officiating and the Brotherhood service being give by Albert McKay; 115 trainmen attended the services, among them Asst. Supt. Nash and Div. Supt. C.D. Stockwell. Among the friends and relatives from away were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Budge of Minneapolis, F.O. Balch and son Cleon of Milwaukee, Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Erickson of Sioux Falls, S.D., J.R. Welsh of St. James, Minn. and Chas. McDonald of St. Paul.