H. W. Flickinger

Henry W. Flickinger, the noted penman and author, seventh in the family of Peter Flickinger, was born Aug. 30, 1845. He was a native of Ickesburg, Saville township, Perry County, Pa. Here he was reared and in his boyhood enlisted as a soldier in the Civil war. After attending the public and some select schools of his native county, on July 18, 1864, at Camp Curtis, Harrisburg, he was enrolled a member of Co. D., 1st Bat., to serve 100 days. He was appointed fifer of the company and clerk for the captain, Samuel R. Faber. Among his associates in this company were his brother, Martin Flickinger; Corporal A. J. Kochenderfer, and a mess-mate and sergeant, George Flickinger. He was discharged by the general order at the close of the war, July 20, 1865.

On Oct. 20, 1865, he entered Eastman Business college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and on Jan. 1, 1866, became a teacher of practical and ornamental penmanship at that institution. He taught in Crittenden Commercial college, Philadelphia, Pa., 1867-1869, and during 1870-1871 assisted the author to revise the Spencerian System of Penmanship in Washington, D. C. In 1871-1873 he taught in Pierce's Bus. Col., Philadelphia. He was then employed by Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Co., publishers, N. Y.; and in 1875 was associated with Lyman P. Spencer in Washington, D. C., in the preparation of a large and elaborate collection of penwork displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, as an advertisement of the Spencerian System of Penmanship.

After 1876 he was engaged as a teacher and author in Philadelphia. He wrote the Barnes Copy books, published by A. S. Barnes and later by the American Book Co., New York. He published a series of copy slips, entitled, "One Hundred Writing Lessons"; wrote a series of copy books in French for a publisher in Montreal, Canada, and another series of copy books for B. D. Berry & Co., Chicago, Ill.

Marriage.--Dec. 23, 1869, at Newport, Pa., Prof. H. W. Flickinger was married to Martha Milligan, b Apr. 30, 1846, second daughter of James and Eleanor Linn Milligan of Ickesburg; Rev. J. L. Milligan, chaplain of the Western penitentiary, Allegheny, Pa., officiating.

Henry and Martha were lovers almost from childhood. They attended the same school and sat side by side in the same classes. She was the offspring of pious parents, was carefully reared as a child of the covenant and proved a dutiful daughter. She was a member of the Presbyterian church from her youth, a sincere Christian and gave much of her time and strength to Sabbath school and church work. She was a devoted wife and mother, and her sweet disposition won for her the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends. Nothing was too difficult or self-sacrificing for her, if by its accomplishment, she could increase the happiness of the members of her family.

About two years previous to her decease (1877) she took a severe cold that developed into pneumonia. Consumption followed as quickly as a cheerful mind and strong will would permit its ruthless advance. During this period she as well as her friends realized, that death had set its seal upon her. On the occasion of her last annual mid-summer visit to friends at Newport, a few months previous to her decease, all were affected with a heartfelt sympathy that was oft-expressed.

One son was born to this union.

Prof. Henry W. Flickinger, on June 27, 1888, md, as his second wife, Annie Margaret Caldwell, b Philadelphia, Pa., June 12, 1841; dr of Andrew D. and Elizabeth (Morrow) Caldwell. She died at 69, Feb. 8, 1910, and was buried in West Laurel Hill cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa. She died very suddenly from uremic poisoning, following a severe attack of indigestion.

Author of Hymns.--During his later years Prof. Flickinger became the author of a number of gospel hymns, in the hope they would serve to extend and perpetuate his influence for the moral and spiritual uplift of others. Poetry is the "music of human speech." A real poem is a work of art in which the noblest and best ideas are expressed in beautiful and fitting language. In utilizing his time and talents to write evangelistic poetry, he has been endeavoring to express the comforting and great saving truths of the gospel, in a form so attractive that every one who hears them sung will be thrilled with joy and gladness. All of them are issued with the fervent prayer, that they may be sung by many and win multitudes into the kingdom. "If the Master through the Holy Spirit will use my poor lines to save souls, I shall feel greatly blessed and comforted."

Five of these hymns entitled "Blessed Jesus," "Christ Likeness," "None but Jesus," "When Jesus Calls You, Come," and "Arouse! Arouse!", all set to new and beautiful music, in 1916, appeared in the "Gospel Echo," published by the Echo Publishing Co., Wilmington, Del. Others will appear in the next song books compiled by Charles Alexander, the noted evangelistic singer. Among them the following:

"He washed my sins away," "Open your heart," "Keep the fire on the Home Altar burning," "Give your heart to Jesus," and others.

There is something in the sentiment of a true song or hymn, that keeps the heart young that listens. It is like a breeze from the eternal hills, or the gentle west wind of spring. These are never less balmy and clear, though they have infused life, beauty and fruitfulness into the former generations of the earth for thousands of years. A true hymn has a living charm, a moral and spiritual freshness that abides, while the fleeting years are swiftly passing. Our familiar hymns are the devout expression of the greatest religious singers of the ages; and are meant to soothe, uplift and inspire the souls of worshipers.

Mr. Flickinger early showed a musical tendency, a talent he cultivated to a marked degree on the flute, fife and violin. During the Civil war he enlisted as a musician in the drum corps, but on account of his good penmanship was soon detailed to do clerical work.

He is a master teacher as well as penman. He has had a long and wide experience as a teacher in public and private schools and in business colleges. He has been a member of the faculty of a great private school in Philadelphia and has executed a vast amount of engrossing and pen art work.

Prof. H. W. Flickinger, in recent years, especially since his 75th birthday, has frequently expressed the desire and ambition to continue in service as a teacher of penmanship in the business colleges of Philadelphia, if his health permits, until he has passed his 80th birthday. This is a very creditable ambition.

In Apr., 1924, after the foregoing notes had been completed, when his fellow teachers of penmanship in the business colleges of the eastern part of this country had learned of the decision of Prof. H. W. Flickinger to retire on reaching his 80th birthday, after more than a half century of high grade professional service, they voluntarily united in the publication of an appreciative number of the Business Educator of Zaner-Bloser Co., Columbus, O. This artistic magazine for April, 1924, had on the first page of its cover this inscription:

"His skill as a penman, his ability as a teacher, his lovable traits of character and sterling qualities of manhood make others feel proud to be in the same profession with him. See specimens of his work and read the numerous words of appreciation from some of his many friends."

--familytreemaker.genealogy.com/ (excerpts)