John Irwin Flynn

Who was Mr John Irwin Flynn?

Mr John Irwin Flynn was a Canadian-American first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1875, Flynn was a successful department store buyer who made a remarkable journey from his birthplace in Ontario, Canada, to become a prominent figure in the American retail industry. His experience on the Titanic and his subsequent life offer a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century commerce and society.

Early Life and Family

John Irwin Flynn was born on June 26, 1875, in London, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada. His parents were James Flynn and Catherine Broadwood. Flynn often went by his middle name, Irwin, a detail that would later appear on the Titanic’s passenger list.

Physical Appearance

As an adult, Flynn cut an impressive figure:

• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Weight: 200 pounds
• Complexion: Fair
• Hair color: Brown
• Eye color: Blue

These physical characteristics paint a picture of a man who likely stood out in a crowd, embodying the robust image of a successful businessman of his era.

Journey to America and Career

Immigration and Early Work

In 1892, at the age of 17, Flynn embarked on a life-changing journey. He emigrated from Canada to the United States, traveling through Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan, aboard the Grand Trunk Railroad. This move would set the stage for his future success in the American retail industry.

Rise in the Retail World

Flynn’s career in retail began to flourish in the early 1900s. By 1905, he was working as a floor manager for a dry goods store in Manhattan, New York City. His career continued to advance, and by 1910, he had become a buyer for a dry goods house in Brooklyn.

Gimbel Brothers and the Titanic

In April 1912, Flynn was working as a buyer for Gimbel Brothers, a prominent department store in New York City. It was in this capacity that he boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England, for what was supposed to be a routine business trip back to the United States.

The Titanic Experience

Boarding and Accommodation

Flynn boarded the Titanic as a first-class passenger, holding ticket number PC 14474. He shared cabin E25 on the starboard side of the ship with fellow Gimbel Brothers employee James McGough.

The Night of the Sinking

On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Flynn was in bed when the Titanic struck the iceberg. His actions in the following hours demonstrate both the confusion and the quick thinking that characterized many survivors’ experiences:

1. After the collision, Flynn woke Edward Calderhead in the adjoining cabin.
2. They inquired about the danger from Steward George Dodd, who initially advised them to return to bed.
3. The men then woke a woman across the hall from them.
4. They went to A deck, where after about ten minutes, they were instructed to put on their lifebelts.
5. After retrieving their lifebelts from their stateroom, they returned to find that lifeboats were being launched.
6. Flynn and his companions boarded Lifeboat 5, securing their survival.

Rescue and Arrival in New York

Flynn was listed as “J. Irwin Flynn” on the manifest of Titanic survivors who arrived in New York aboard the Carpathia. This experience would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on his life and career.

Life After the Titanic

Return to Europe and Business

Remarkably, Flynn’s Titanic experience did not deter him from sea travel. Just a year after the disaster, in April 1913, he and his wife Alberta sailed from Cherbourg to New York on the S.S. Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse.

Career Progression and Family Life

Flynn’s career continued to flourish after the Titanic incident:

• Between 1917 and 1921, he worked as a merchant for the Kauffmann Big Store in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• By 1920, he was working as a department store buyer.
• Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, Flynn maintained his career in retail while also frequently traveling to Europe.

Citizenship and Family Matters

In December 1923, John became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Interestingly, his wife Alberta had lost her U.S. citizenship when she married Flynn due to a law that revoked citizenship from women who married foreign-born men. She regained her citizenship in January 1927.

Later Years and Legacy

Flynn continued to work as a department store buyer well into the 1930s. He and his wife Alberta lived a comfortable life, owning a home valued at $22,000 in Pittsburgh by 1930 - a significant sum for the time.

John Irwin Flynn passed away on November 23, 1951, in North Harmony, Chautauqua, New York, at the age of 76 (seventy-six). He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Ashville, New York.

Flynn’s life story, from his birth in Canada to his survival of the Titanic and his successful career in American retail, encapsulates the spirit of early 20th-century entrepreneurship and resilience. His experiences offer valuable insights into the social and economic landscape of his time, making him a fascinating figure in both Titanic history and the annals of American business.