Martin and Ellen Flynn were penniless Irish immigrants who made Des Moines their home. He began his life in Iowa by carrying water to railroad construction crews. By his thirtieth birthday, he had become a wealthy entrepreneur. In 1867, Martin Flynn purchased 600 acres of farmland to the northwest of Des Moines. In 1870, Martin and Ellen built their dream home, a 14-room Italianate country home, which had several amenities that most houses of the time did not. The house still stands to this day atop Walnut Hill and is the centerpiece of Living History Farms.
Martin Flynn, who started out in Iowa so humbly carrying water to railroad workers, would end up making his fortune from that same industry. At this time, thousands of Irish men and women were migrating here and finding jobs with the railroad. Due to his talents however, Martin became one of the most sought after contractors. Flynn eventually owned 1700 acres of farmland, one of the largest farms in the Midwest. On this farm, he raised some of the finest shorthorn cattle in the country. Flynn was a catalyst in setting up other businesses in Iowa as well. These included the Flynn Dairy and Peoples Savings Bank (now Bankers Trust).
Ellen Flynn made her home a well-known social gathering place. Martin and Ellen raised a large family and many of their children went on to have successful careers of their own. In 1916, the Flynn farm was sold to the state of Iowa as a prison farm. This purpose caused extensive damage to the home. Once the organization Living History Farms was established, the home went through major renovation. Thanks to the dream of the Flynn’s, we all today can enjoy the hands-on history lesson that is called Living History Farms.
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