Citation: The Indiana GenWeb Project, Copyright ©1997-2007, Montgomery County Website http://ingenweb.org/inmontgomery/

Montgomery County, Indiana USGenWeb Project

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BIOGRAPHY

Eleanor Flannigan

Crawfordsville Weekly Review, April 9, 1881

Birthday celebration

This was a surprise given Eleanor FLANNIGAN, of Franklin Township, widow of Samuel Flannigan, one of the pioneers by her children, relatives and friends, who induced her to visit her brother-in-law Archibald Flannigan, one of the pioneers and only surviving brothe rof her husband. She went on the visit on Saturday evening. Early Monday morning the children and friends took possession of her old home and began to prepare for her reception on her return. They arranged with their uncle to return with her at 12 o'clock on Tuesday the 5th of APril, that being her 78th birthday. On her arrival she was greeted with the presentce of all her children but one, her son, Samuel of Illionois and about 70 guests, including grandchildren and friends. The five married daughters, Mrs. LB Castner of Ill; Mrs. ELP Needham, Mrs. John F. Harris, Mrs. T.E. McDaniel, Mrs. Alex Harper and her daughters-in-law, Rebecca and Sarah, wives of her deceased sons, all of this County, were present. Seeing so many of her relatives and friends and the sumptious dinner, spread in her honor she was almost overcome with joy. Elder Johnson made a very appropriate and pretty reception speech. The table almost groaned under the heavy weight of luxuriant victuals which was prepared by her daughters and friends. Such a dinner is rarely met with and almost too inviting for the insatiable appetite. about one o'clock she was seated at the head of the table, where she had presided for the last 56 years. After all had satisfied their appetites the next thing in order was confering the presents which were as follows: Caroline Harris, dress and trimmings; Crone McDaniel, ditto; Elizabeth Needham, maple molasses. Mr. Harper, combs; Sade Flannigan, pair kid gloves. Eleanor Deck, of Ill, pair slippers and many other presents from her children and friends, among which was a fine swinging rocking chair by her daughters, Mary e. Castner, Caroline Harris and granddaughter, Eleanor Deck and a $20 gold piece, by her son-in-law, IB Castner, and many other presents from her various friends. Among the number present, were 30 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. The subject of this sketch was born in Bartley Co, Va April 5,1 803 and removed with her parents to Ross Co, Ohio in 1808, then known as the "far West" where she remained with her parents until 1825. in Sept. of the same years, she was married to Samuel Flanningan and emigrated the following October to where she now lives. Her husband had been through this country some two or three years before and located and entered his land under the administration of James Monroe and cleared about 10 acres of ground and built a cabin, which was situated near the old Indiana trail, leading from Crawfordsville No. east to the upper Wabash. Many time she has fed the red man, her hand was always open to the wants of others. They lived happily together until the year 1849, when her husband died leaving her with 9 small children to care for, which she has successfully done as all of them are occupying honorable positions in life. She has been a consistent member of the Christian Church for 50 years. When they first settled in this County, there was (sorry, but I failed to get the complete article, but you could send a $1 or $2 to the Crawfordsville Public Library, 222 S. Washington St, Crawfordsville In 47933 and they would, I'm sure be happy to send it to you. Sorry)

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