The father of these esteemed men, Michael Flanigan, was born in Ireland in 1814. In 1839 he came to the United States, and, in Maryland. New York, the next year he was married to Miss Mary Farrell, a native of County Longford, Ireland, where she was born in 1814. In 1842 he came to Jones county, Iowa, entering four hundred and forty acres of government land, where his son James Edward lives today. It was raw land at the time of purchase, but Mr. Flanigan broke it, prepared it for the reception of the seed, and lived thereon the remainder of his life, achieving no small distinction in his calling. After his advent here he entered into the spirit of the township, participated in its public affairs, rendering service of worth and value as assessor for several townships and became identified with the progress of the county. He was a democrat in his political views and a consistent member of the Catholic church, to which he gave liberal support. Three children were born to him and his wife: James Edward, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Catherine McQuillen, of Cascade; and Michael Bernard, the late mayor of Cascade.

James Edward Flanigan was born upon the farm which he now cultivates, April 25, 1845. On it he grew to manhood, being early initiated into the work that was carried on there and assisting his father even during the years he was a pupil at the district schools. He has always devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits, choosing that as his vocation when he started out in life for himself. He has tilled the soil with great profit but is also interested in the stock business, feeding annually about one hundred head of cattle, seventy-five hogs and a number of horses.

Spacious as is the homestead in Washington township, Mr. Flanigan also owns four hundred acres in Dubuque county. The hardihood of the early pioneers was the foundation upon which he has built his own success, which is the result of unswerving devotion to duty, even as it appeared in the guise of the small acts of daily life, of energy and hard work united with a capacity for seeing opportunities with a wonderful foresight. His has been a life of noble endeavor and of a well reserved requital, which has won the approbation of those who have watched his progress.

In February, 1876, Mr. Flanigan wedded Miss Ann Fagan, a daughter of Thomas Fagan. Ten children have been born to the couple, of whom the following are still living: Francis Bernard, born in February, 1877; Mary, in 1879; John J., in 1881: Thomas R., in 1883; James A., in 1885; Catherine A., in 1895; and Margaret L., born in 1898. The children were educated at the parochial school at Temple Hill, while two of the sons attended a Catholic college. John Joseph is a dentist in Illinois and Francis Bernard manages his father's farm in Dubuque county. He married Miss Ellen Laney, of Jackson county. Mary is the wife of Dr. Convery, of Temple Hill.

The family are members of the Catholic church, in whose support Mr. Flanigan is always liberal. He has consistently given his support in matters of politics to the democratic party, being convinced of the value of its principles, while he has himself played no inconsiderable part in the local government, for he has been township trustee, justice of the peace and a member of the school board, besides serving in other capacities of a minor character. In short he has proved himself to be a citizen in whom his fellowman may place the highest confidence.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 440.

Accordingly, in that year he sold his interest to his brother and removed to Cascade, where he opened a butcher shop. This he conducted for some time, but he also became interested in land speculation. Years proved that he was possessed of unusual keenness in forecasting the rise in value of different tracts, for at his death he owned six hundred and forty acres in western land, mostly in Nebraska, which if placed upon the market would command a high figure. His operations also enabled him to secure considerable stock in the Cascade State Bank, of which lie was a director and vice president. Having witnessed his success through a number of years and being convinced that his principles were of the highest order and that a progressive spirit inspired his actions, the citizens of Cascade became assured that they could confer no greater honor upon him in recognition of his achievements and at the same time place their destiny as a municipality in more able hands than by electing him mayor.

He assumed the duties of his new office in 1906 and was serving his third term when he was so rudely summoned by death. During that time he was a leader in fact as well as in name, his influence was ever given in support of the best interests of those who had placed reliance upon his judgment; no question was too troublesome to receive his best thought; and no worthy undertaking failed of receiving his support and advocacy. The sound business methods which had marked his private life, were conspicuous in his administration of public duties, so that it may truthfully be said that the community was better for his short residence in it and that it lost a valuable citizen when he was taken away. He had also served as councilman for several years.

On the 26th of May, 1896, Mr. Flanigan wedded Miss Julia Supple, who was born November 22, 1867. Two of the sons born to them, Clement and Lester, died within eleven days of each other as the result of a severe attack of scarlet fever. The child who survives, Carl Joseph, was born January 20, 1905.

Mr. Flanigan affiliated politically with the democratic party, while his religious adherence was given to the Catholic faith. He was a devout member of St. Martin's church, being one of the prominent members of its congregation, for he was among the first to assist in the erection of the edifice and was always liberal in donations to its support.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 441.

Harvey W. Flenniken spent the first nineteen or twenty years of his life on a farm in his native county, obtaining his preliminary education in the district schools, while subsequently he attended a graded school at Elkader. On leaving Clayton county he went to Rockford, Illinois, where he learned the machinist's trade, with which he was actively identified for twelve years. He remained in Rockford for but two years, however, and then removed to Springfield, where he secured employment in a watch factory as a builder of machinery. Later he made his way to Aurora, Illinois, and assisted in the installation of machinery in the watch factory there.

Afterward he worked at his trade in Chicago for two years and then went to Delmar, Clinton county, Iowa, there establishing the Bank of Delmar. After conducting the same for seven years he sold out to his partner and came to Olin, Jones county, in 1899, here establishing the Citizens Savings Bank, a state institution, to which he has since devoted his entire attention. He is thoroughly informed concerning the banking business and while he promotes a progressive policy he also holds to such conservative methods as merit the trust of the general public.

In 1898 Mr. Flenniken was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Donley, a native of Jackson county, Iowa, and a daughter of J. C. Donley. They are now the parents of two children, John Calvin and Donald Arthur.

In his political views Mr. Flenniken is a stanch republican and while living in Delmar served as mayor for five years and also as justice of the peace for one term. He is a member of Ancient Landmark Lodge, No. 200, A.F.&A.M., at Olin, likewise of the chapter at Aurora and of Olive Lodge of the Eastern Star. He is interested in all that pertains to the general welfare, and his cooperation is given to many measures calculated to promote the material, political and moral interests of the community.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 100.