Hamilton County, Illinois Genealogy

	Hamilton County Odds & Ends

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Newspaper article on Killing of Mr. FLANEGAN
submitted by Misty Flannigan

The Golden Era, McLeansboro, IL, July 24, 1874
On the next day in the same portion of the county, a tragedy was enacted, the particular of which we have as follows from Esq. F.M. Hall.
After a day's threshing at Dick Flanegan's, Mr. Flanegan called upon his hands to assist in loading the machine, when Charles Carlisle, who was one of them, and who had seated himself in the shade, replied that he would come along when he got ready. Mr. Flanegan replied, "Yes, and you will sit there until you are ready." Mr. Carlisle then arose and went toward the machine, remarking to Mr. Flanegan "I can lift more then you can." Mr. Flanagen replied, "that may be true, but i am the best man." upon which the parties began to approach one another, Mr. Carlisle with his right hand in his pocket. Mr. Flanagen said for him to pull out his weapon if he wished to, upon which Carlisle said, "Stop, Dick; let's talk this matter over." Mr. Flanagen remarked, "there is nothing to talk over." and turned to go back to his machine. Mr. Carlisle then picked up a stout club and struck Mr. Flanagen a blow, from the effects of which he died in a very short time, never returning to consciousness. Carlisle's at once fled and is still at large; Esquire Hall summoned a jury and held an inquest, of course returning a verdict of murder. If there had been any previous dispute between the parties, mr. hall says he is not aware of it. Mr. Flanagen was a good farmer, a large stock dealer, and was very highly respected.

Old letter of Wilson BUTLER, 1895
submitted by Pamela Duprest

This letter was written by my greatgrandfather Wilson Butler. He had an office in Garrison, Hamilton Co., IL and Mayberry, Wayne Co., IL. He lived in Wayne Co.

Garrison, Hamilton Co., Ill feb 10, 1895
Dock [Dock Butler, his son, b. 1874 in Fairfield and moved to Stoddard Co., MO]
You gave me a great surprise I did not expect aletter from you but was glad to hear you was well. my health is very bad this winter I have had to hire my wood hauled and cut at the house and carried in the house I have not been able to cut wood to burn for 3 days this whole winter, I have not been to the mayberry office but twice since november. I go to garrisons once a week when i am able and some times 2 weeks, Riches folks have tride to have lots of dances but failed for the want of she males, but they did have one 2 girls came from snake islands, 5 boys, they that is riches folks came here and borrowed a pint of coal oil and a chimney and 3 teaspoonfils of soda to raise the dance and then had to go whare you moved from to get ???? Williamson to make out 1 set rich got $1 to play until 10 oclock that is all the dances I know of their having, i have not been to any dances ive not been able to go. Carl has not recd but 1 letter from you and that he answered, he is just as he always is, Zeke and Helen i dont know anything about them nor whare the are zeke is lazy as hell, they runaway and zeke and jo hutch swore out the licence at carmi they swore helen was 18 years of age and when zeke found out i had the paper he left that night zek worked enough to pay their fair back here just 1 week before last october but the paper i got sent him flying, they come back once but dont know whare they went, helens shoes was not fit to wear the sole was off from one of them and she is in the family way and no place to go or home. she greased her axs and slid out maby she will come to her senses in a few years. polly ann is selling out to get away from here, most every one is as well as usual. i shall have to close for this time for i can see to write so good by for this time Dr W. Butler
P.S. it may be 4 or 5 days befor i can get to the office

Submitter Notes - Wilson Butler m. Elizabeth Thomasson Haley. Elizabeth must be dead by this time as he does not mention her. I have no idea who Carl is? Polly Ann is Polly Ann Haley who was Elizabeth's dau. and Wilson's step-dau. She m. H.H. Hutchinson. Helen Butler is Wilson and Elizabeth's dau. who m. Ezekial Hunsinger and rumor has it that she died in child birth. I have never found her death or Wilson's. Carmi does have record of her marriage showing she did lie about her age. Jo Hutch must be related to the Hutchinson's.

Bio. of James Wallace FLANNIGAN
submitted by Misty Flannigan

The following sketch was taken from History of West Frankfort, published by the Frankfort Area Historical Society, West Frankfort, IL, pp. 103-104.

James Wallace Flannigan born Feb 08 1808, Mecklenburg Co., NC, married Jun 27 1829, Sarah Cantrell born 21 Apr 1811, probably Warren Co., TN, died 1891, Hamilton Co., IL, buried Church of Christ, Liberty, Ham. Co., IL.
     James died Jun 2 1873. James Wallace Flannigan first served in the Black Hawk War, enlisting from Franklin County and was enrolled Jun 16 1832 He served under Captain William Stephenson's Detachment, 2nd Regiment, Mounted Volunteers. His horse and saddle was lost in a skirmish with the Indians after his company fell into an aubush set by the wily Black Hawk and his savage red men.
     In the Mexican War, James Wallace Flannigan served with two of his brothers, David O. and Ewing G. Flannigan in Company I, under Captain Jeduthan P. Hardy, Third Regiuent of Foot Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Ferris Foreman.
     In Camarzo, Mexico, he came down with dysentery and scurvy and became so debilitated from the ravaging effects of diarrhea, he was given a surgeon's certificate so as to receive a medical discharge at Metamoras, Mexico, on Feb 05 1847. His brother, Ewing G. Flannigan was not so fortunate. He died in Metamoras on Dec 20 1846 from the same diseases. Camp conditions were deplorable, being highly unsanitary. Dysentery and scurvy ran rife among the men, causing severe illness and death.
     In the Civil War, James Wallace Flannigan, then in his fifties, raised a company of men mainly from Hamilton Co., IL and was elected Captain by the men he recruited. It was named Company C, 56th Illinois Infantry Regiment. Feeling he was too old and suffering from infinities contracted in the Mexican War, Captain James Wallace Flannigan declined to serve under that title and insisted on a younger, more active man to serve in his place. Later on, however, when a vacancy occurred, he was persuaded to serve as a First Lieutenant. Here again the rigors of marching and the unhealthful conditions of camp life proved to be too nuch and he was taken ill and hospitalized. Realizing his health was too frail to continue in the service as a soldier, he tendered his resignation which was accepted and he was honorably discharged after serving almost a year. Under the Conscription Act of 1864, he was appointed by Governor Yates as enrolling officer for Hamilton County, IL.

The following account of Sarah Cantrell Flannigan was offered by her granddaughter, Jennie (Hogan) Crawford.

Sarah (Cantrell) Flannigan, usually called Sallie, was a very winsone, talkative rather stout lady, not handsome, a somewhar of a flatterer. She was very smart for her day, well read especially along health lines. She became a skilled doctor for women, bringing hundreds of babies into the world and never lost but one patient when a child was born and that tragically was her lovely sister Irena Jordan. She raised up to have a drink of water after the baby came and sank back on the pillow dead.

Children:
1. Jane Flannigan, b. Nov 24, 1831.
2. Constance Alice Flannigan, b. Sep 1, 1833.
3. Nancy Flannigan, b. 1835, d. 1854 (age 19), Hamilton Co., IL, buried Little Springs Cem., Hamilton Co., IL, never narried.
4. Sanuel Ewing Flannigan, b. Feb 14, 1837.
5. Sarah M. Flannigan b. Dec 26, 1841, probably Williamson Co., IL, married Thomas David Ray, doctor, d. Feb 20, 1919, Hamilton Co., IL, buried Knight's Prairie Cem., Hamilton Co., IL.
6. Richard Cantrell Flannigan, b. Jun 7 1844.
7. James Wallace Flannigan, Jr., b. Jul 3 1846.
8. William Robert Flannigan, b. Jun 1 1851.

Obit. of Emma (CLARK) FREEMAN
submitted by Misty Flannigan

Mt.Vernon Register News, Mt.Vernon, IL (no date for the paper)
Emma Freeman was born in Hamilton County on December 29, 1870 the daughter of William Clark and Nancy Frazier Clark and departed this life on September 2, 1969 at Pontiac, Michigan, at the age of 98 years, 8 months and 27 days.
     She was united in marriage on July 7, 1894 with Newton Freeman who predeceased her in November ;1947. To this union four children were born, namely:
Champ Freeman, Goldia Harrington, John Freeman and Charlie Freeman. All have predeceased her except Goidia.
Mrs. Freeman spent her entire long life in Hamilton county Il, except
fot the past seven years she made her home with her daughter in Pontiac, Michigan.
     Mrs. Freeman professed faith in Christ early in life. Although she
never united with any church she was a Baptist by belief.
     She leaves to mourn the above named Goldia Harrington, her daughter, four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Obit. of Robert Harrison FLANNIGAN
submitted by Misty Flannigan

The McLeansboro's Times, Dec 14, 1882
R.H. Flannigan, who formerly lived in this county but moved to Missouri several years ago, died at his home in Rolla, Phelps Co., Mo. Mr. Flannigan was well known to our people, and was much esteemed and honored. He served as Justice of the Peace thirteen years in Flannigan Precinct, was associate Judge of this county, which office he resigned to remove to Missouri. He was soon afterward elected County Judge of Phelps County, Missouri, and being re-elected died while in the discharge of his duties. The Times extends it's symathies to his relatives and friends in this county.
(Died 22 Nov 1882)

Obit. of Mary Priscilla GRIFFITH THOMPSON REDMON GREEN
submitted by Scott Green + Homepage

[newspaper and date unknown]
     Mary Priscilla Griffith was born in Hamilton County, Illinois, Dec. 24, 1850. She was united in marriage to Albert Thompson, August 6, 1868, and to this union five children were born, three boys and two girls, all of whom are living.
     Her second marriage was with Geo. Washington Redmon in the year 1880, and to this union two sons were born, the youngest son preceded her in death in 1912.
     Her third marriage was with Richard Green in the year 1888, and to this union two children were born, one son and one daughter, both of whom are living.
     She has lived in Hamilton County all her life except the last eleven years, when she lived with her youngest daughter in Cropsey, Ill., where she peacefully passed away January 21, 1923.
     She professed christianity at the age of 12 years, and remained a member of the church until death, faithful to the cause of Christ.
     She leaves to mourn their loss, eight children, thirty-three grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
     Funeral services at the jome of Fred Mead, Wednesday, 11 a.m., conducted by Rev. W. D. Richardson.
(See picture on photo page.)

Obit. of John Henry UPTON, d. 10 Feb 1908
submitted by Scott Green + Homepage

The McLeansboro's Times, [date unknown]
     John H. Upton was born in Hamilton County, Ill. October 29, 1837. Died Feb. 10, 1908, age 70 years, 3 months, 11 days.
     He was educated in subscription schools and made his home with his parents until twenty-seven. August 17, 1862, he enlisted in Captain Milton Carpenter's Company E, Eighty-seventh Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and fought at Wilson Hill, Carroll Hill, Mark Hill, the fall of Vicksburg, Red River Expedition and numerous severe skirmishes. In September, 1864, he was captured near the mouth of Red River and imprisoned nine months and 11 days at Camp Ford, Tyler, Texas. June 16, 1865, he was discharged at Helena, Arkansas, and mustered out at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Ill. July 3, 1865.
     December 28, 1865, he married Ann E. Derrick, to this union were born fourteen children, all of whom survive except three who preceded him to the Glory World in infancy.
     He and his faithful wife succeeded in raising up a highly respectable and useful family of children. Besides his family he leaves three brothers, one sister, a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
     He united with the Christian chuch at White Oak about the year 1888 and lived a devout christian, a faithful attendant at chruch and did much to harmonize, civilize, and characterize the community in which he lived. His example is worthy of imitation, and though dead, he still lives in the hearts of all who knew him. In his death the community has lost a good citizen, the church an arduous worker, his wife a kind husband, and his children an affectionate father. He had a heart full of charity, and especially for those in distress, and was always being found aiding and assisting in the wants and needs of those in distress and affliction.
     He always told his family to live right, keep peace and obey the Golden Rule, "Whatsoever you would that men should do unto you, do you even to them."
     He was as well known as any citizen in Hamilon county and being a very active, energetic and one among Hamilton county's best of famers.
     About 5:30 a.m.. on January 15, 1908, "Uncle John H." as he was familiarly called by all who knew him, became seriously afflicted of paralysis, all medical aid and assistance was given him by his physicians, his family, neighbors and his comrade, John A. Helsley, and family that could be given, who earnestly and hopefully watched over him every minute of his suffering. His suffering was intense, his entire sickness was borne by him with great fortitude and patience, but on the 10th day of February , 1908, at 6 p.m. the death angel took his soul to that beautiful world above, where he shall live with God and his angels forever.
     Funeral services were held at New Hope church, conducted by Rev. Bart Kello, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Springer cemetery.
(See picture on photo page, and also see John H. Upton tribute page.)

Will of Larin B. FLANNIGAN
submitted by Misty Flannigan

Written 26 Aug 1909

I L.B. Flannigan of F1annigan Township Hamilton County Ill. being of the age of sixty eight years, and being of sound mind and memory, do hereby make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament in manner following, that is to say:

First - It is my will that all of my just debts and funeral expences be fully paid and discharged.

Second - I Give, Devise and bequeath to my wife Amanda Melvina Flannigan all of my property of every kind, both real and personal for and during her natural life, with full and complete power and authority to sell,transfer and convey the same or any part thereof, in any manner and at any time she may desire,during her said life; which conveyance when made is to have the same effect as though I had made the same in the same manner.

Third - At the death of my said wife it is my will that the then remaining portion of my estate, after the payment of her debts and funeral expences, go to my children and grand children according to the law of descent.

Lastly - I herebv nominate and appoint my wife Amanda Melvina Flannigan (without bond,) to be the Executrix of this my last will and
tetament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal, This 26 day of August in the year of our Lord one Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine.

______________________________________(Seal)

The above instrument was now here at his home, subscribed by L.B. Flannigan the testator, in the presence of each of us, and at the same time declared by him to be his Last Will and testament, and we at his request, sign our names hereto in his presence as attesting witnesses.

S.M. Burnett of Hamilton County Illinois.
J. W. Braden of Hamilton County Illinois.
Z. L. Gray of Hamilton County Illinois.

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