Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

torn at that time for the young boys to
start to work early, many being only nine
years of age, as was Mr. Rayner. Until
he was sixteen years old he spent his
time learning the trades of weaving and
spinning. In 1882 he went into a paper
mill in Franklin, New Hampshire, and
there learned paper making. For many
years Mr. Rayner remained at this occu-
pation, and through his diligence and at-
tention to his duties rose through various
grades until in 1908 he was made foreman
of the mill. In 1914 he came to Norwalk
and as machine tender at first en-
tered the employ of the mill of which he
is now superintendent. He has not been
with the St. George Paper Mill consecu-
tively, part of the time having been spent
in Fitzdale, Vermont, and later, in 1886, he
went to Berlin, New Hampshire, remain-
ing there until 1887, when he went to
Bellows Falls, Vermont, and in 1900 lo-
cated in Niagara Falls, New York. In
1915 he became superintendent of the
Norwalk mill, which position he now fills
in a capable manner. Mr. Rayner is a
Republican in politics, and while a resi-
dent of Franklin served two years as a
member of the Council. He is a member
of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 21, Knights
of Pythias, Franklin, New Hampshire,
and of uniformed rank there ; member of
the Improved Order of Red Men, Monemac
Tribe, of Franklin.
Mr. Rayner married (first) Mary Cockarton,
of Berry, England, and they were
the parents of a daughter, Jennie Elizabeth,
who became the wife of Harry Huntoon,
and mother of Walter and Gwendolyn
Huntoon. Mr. Rayner married
(second) Mrs. Sophie Stather. Mrs. Rayner
attends Grace Episcopal Church, and
Mr. Rayner the Methodist Episcopal
church.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
370
FLYNN, James E.,
Business Man.
The Flynn family derived their name
from Flann, who was a celebrated annalist,
poet, and professor at Monaster-
boice, and who died A. D. 1056. It is
found in the early records with the spell-
ing, O'Flainn, and without the prefix.
The name is Gaelic and signifies flame.
James E. Flynn, one of the leading business
men of South Norwalk, was born
in Danbury, Connecticut, July 24, 1875, a
son of James and Catherine (McGurke)
Flynn. His father, James Flynn, was a
native of Ireland, and as a young man
came to America, locating in Danbury,
Connecticut. There he learned the trade
of hatter, which he followed in different
shops throughout his lifetime. He was a
thrifty man and an upright citizen, and
was always interested in public matters.
Mr. Flynn married Catherine McGurke,
a native of County Monaghan, Ireland,
and their children were: John, of East
Norwalk; George W., of Norwalk; James
E., of further mention, and Mary.
James E. Flynn, son of James and Cath-
erine (McGurke) Flynn, received his education
in the public schools of Danbury.
At an early age he entered a hat shop
and learned the hatter's trade, which he
worked at for about three years. Leaving
his work, he enlisted in the United
States Army, January 7, 1895, and was
discharged January 6, 1898. He reen-
listed the next day and was discharged
from his second term, in February. 1899.
Mr. Flynn was assigned to the 9th In-
fantry, and during the period of his first
enlistment was stationed in the United
States during the entire time. During his
second enlistment, he was connected with
the same regiment and was sent to
Tampa, Florida, and thence to Cuba. He
was discharged for disability, and after