Blair County PA Archives Biographies.....Flanigan, John June 29, 1840 - ???? ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Judy Banja http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00004.html#0000757 December 19, 2024, 8:17 am Source: Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair Co, PA: Philadelphia, 1892. Author: Samuel T. Wiley JOHN FLANIGAN, a contractor and builder of Altoona, whose skill and ability is seen in many of the substantial structures in this city, and who is otherwise identified with the business interests of the Mountain City, is a son of James and Mary (Deven) Flanigan, and was born June 29, 1840 in county Louth, Ireland. His father and mother were both natives of the Emerald Isle, and resided in their native land until 1853, when they emigrated to the United States, and in June of that year located at Altoona, Blair county, Pennsylvania. Her they lived until death closed their earthly career. James Flanigan (father) died at his home here, October 18, 1886, aged seventy-two years. H was a member of the Roman Catholic church, in politics a straight democrat, and a laborer by occupation. By his marriage to Mary Deven he had a family of seven children. She was a member of the Catholic church, and died May 1, 1880, aged sixty-seven years. John Flanigan came to Altoona with his parents in 1853, when about thirteen years of age. His education was obtained in the Catholic and night schools, and after leaving school he learned the carpenters' trade, and has continued to work at that trade ever since, except a short term of service as a soldier during the civil war. He served as first corporal in Co. E, 3d Pennsylvania infantry, enlisting in 1861, at the first call for troops. After returning from the army he secured a position in the shops of the Pennsylvania railroad, and was with the company until 1869. Since 1879 he has been engaged in contracting and building on his own account in Altoona, and during that time has erected many fine houses in this city, including several large brick edifices. He also superintended the building of the large brick structure known as the St. Joseph academy, at Greensburg, this State. For several years he was engaged in the lumber and coal business in this city, but now has his coal and lumber yards leased to other parties. On Mary 20, 1866, Mr. Flanigan was united in marriage with Mary, C. Rockett, a daughter of Michael Rockett, of Indiana county, this State, and to this union was born a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters: James F., Joseph C., William M., and Mary M. are living. Those dead are: Regina, Gertrude, Cecelia, Josephine, Nellie, George, and Harry. Politically Mr. Flanigan is a democrat, and has served in the common council of the city of Altoona. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and is highly respected as a citizen. Although starting in life with nothing but his trade, he has, by energy and steady application to business, acquired a handsome competency, and in addition to his other interests in this city, he owns considerable valuable real estate. He is courteous in address, and well liked by his neighbors and all who know him. Additional Comments: Originally submitted 2001. Transcribed by Donna Thomas. This file has been created by a form at http://www.usgwarchives.net/pafiles/ File size: 3.5 Kb