Margaret “Maggie” Bell (MacKay) Flinn, born on April 27, 1873, near Wallace, Nova Scotia, Canada, was the daughter of Zebud and Margaret (Ross) MacKay. She married Dr. John W. Flinn in Wallace on March 14, 1894. She came to Kingman, Mohave County, Arizona Territory, with her husband in 1898, and to Prescott, Yavapai County, in January 1902. Dr. Flinn was an authority on tuberculosis, and she helped him to establish PAMSETGAAF (Pure Air Mountain Sunshine Equitable Temperature Good Accommodations Abundant Food) Sanatorium on Willow Street off W. Gurley Street. She was a "beloved administrator who managed the feeding and care of patients," according to Echoes of the Past, Volume II, by the Yavapai Cowbelles. By taking care of the patients’ dietary needs, Margaret contributed to the success of the sanatorium. She belonged to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The couple had five children: Margie (Flinn) Ensminger, born March 18, 1895; Robert, born July 19, 1897; John Sheridan, born December 12, 1907; Mary Elizabeth, born May 4, 1910; and Zebud Mackay, born May 8, 1899, who predeceased his mother. The Prescott Evening Courier reported on March 18, 1944, “Dr. and Mrs. John W. Flinn celebrated their 50th anniversary Tuesday, March 14, at their home, 102 West Gurley Street. The day was spent quietly at home, where they received the congratulations and best wishes of a host of friends. Many lovely floral tributes added to the enjoyment of the occasion. A typical old-fashioned Nova Scotia snow storm falling out doors reminded the couple of olden days in the native village.” Maggie’s husband John died November 21, 1944. According to the Prescott City Directory, after her husband’s death, Maggie lived at 102 S. Willow Street. Maggie passed October 13, 1950. The Prescott Evening Courier newspaper obituary, dated October 13, 1950, reported, “Mrs. Flinn shared her husband’s interest in his life’s work and had much to do with its success.” Both are buried in Mountain View Cemetery. The Flinn Foundation funded the Geriatrics Resource Center for Prescott. A building erected and dedicated on July 21, 1984, at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center bears their name. Donor: Margie Ensminger Photo Located: PB-4, F-77-169, Item 428 Updated: 11/25/2015, D. Sue Kissel
