Career
He represented Halifax County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1871 to 1874 as a Liberal-Conservative member. He was born in Halifax, the son of Richard Flinn, an Irish immigrant. Flinn married Ellen Hogan.
He served as warden for Melville Island prison near Halifax beginning in 1875.
After suffering an injury trying to prevent some prisoners from escaping, Flinn was partially paralysed and required the use of a wheelchair.
