Lanaham - Michael
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 18 March, 1898
Postmaster Bonnell on yesterday received a letter from his brother, George, of St. Louis, which is of great interest to the friends of Michael Lanahan, who disappeared so mysteriously from this city three years ago. It develops that he was one of the victims of the Maine disaster in Havana Harbor. George Bonnell married a sister of Lanahan, and through her anxious inquiries the facts were ascertained. Mrs. Bonnell has received a letter from the private secretary of Captain Sigsbee which confirms her worst suspicions. Lanahan was enrolled for the navy as a sailor at Louisville eighteen months ago and was assigned to the Maine. He was one of those who perished on the ill fated battleship. Lanahan was at one time a prosperous young farmer in Ripley Township and married a sister of Oath Catterlin. He did well, and finally coming to this city purchased a feed yard on Market Street. He made bad investments, became financially embarrassed, and finally disappeared. For a while it was thought he had committed suicide and Sugar Creek was dragged in hopes of recovering his body. Lanahan was well and popularly known and his friends will regret to hear of his tragic death. – thanks to S for this one
Source: Covington Republican Friday, March 25, 1898
The relatives of Michael Lanahan of Crawfordsville have received information that he was on the Maine as a sailor and perished. A letter from Captain Sigsbee’s private secretary is to this effect. Lanahan was at one time a prosperous young farmer, here, but having business reverses, disappeared three years, ago. His wife did not hear from him again until last week. He was enrolled for the navy at Louisville two years ago. – thanks S for this one