SOURCE: Portrait and biographical album of Johnson and Pawnee counties, Nebraska
http://archive.org/stream/portraitbiographjpc00chap#page/548/mode/2up

"JOHN FLANAGIN. There are those in every community who will be leaders in spite of circumstances, drawbacks and difficulties. The gentleman whose name heads this biographical sketch may be most properly mentioned as one of this class, as through his own unaided efforts he has arisen to a high position, socially and financially. He owns and occupies a valuable farm property in Clay Precinct, and is widely and favorably known throughout this section of country.
The man of intelligence, whenever possible, preserves the record of his ancestry, as having no little bearing upon his own life and the estimation in which he is held by his fellowmen. There have, in various, instances, been circumstances which prevented this, and in such a case it is always a matter of regret to the thoughtful and observant individual. We gather from the record of the Flanagin family that our subject's father and paternal grandfather were each given the name of James, and both were born in New Jersey. Upon reaching manhood the latter was married to a Miss Mary Harris, and they reared a family of eight children, namely: James, Jr., the father of our subject; Noah, Thomas, John, Gideon, Harris; Sarah, who married Joseph Shepherd, and Mary Ann, who became the wife of Joseph Guest. Grandfather Flanagin was a farmer by occupation, and reared his soils and daughters in love of agricultural pursuits, which they followed until called from earth's duties.
James Flanagin, Jr., was reared on the home farm with his parents, in New Jersey, but when approaching manhood learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked a period of ten years. After this, however, he fell into the habits of his ancestors, and taking up agriculture, was thus occupied until his earthly labors were ended. He was married in Cumberland County, N. J., to Miss Mary Harris. They lived in that county until their decease, the father passing away in 1859, and the mother twelve years later, in 1871. They also were the parents of eight children, all of whom lived to mature years, having been named respectively; James, Harris, Jacob, John; Rachel, who became the wife of James Glaspey; Elizabeth, Mrs. William Dare; Mary A., the wife of Alford Mumford, and Hannah.
John Flanagin, our subject, was reared and educated in New Jersey, of which he, like his father and grandfather, was a native, having been born there Feb. 12, 1835. Ambitious and thoughtful beyond his years, he started for the West in the fall of 1858. his objective point being Nebraska Territory. Upon coming to this county he pre-empted 160 acres of land, which is included in his present farm. His first dwelling was a structure sixteen feet square, built of round logs, with clapboard roof and floor of cottonwood lumber. The cracks were covered by nailing boards over them and between the logs. This served as a shelter during the summer months which followed, but in the fall Mr. Flanagin dug a cellar, walled it up firmly, and built over it a plank roof. He occupied this something over a year, then removing the roof, built a house over it, this latter being now one of the most substantial and attractive dwellings in the precinct. The farm embraces 520 acres, thoroughly improved, the greater part devoted to grain-raising, and the balance to pasture.
It is nearly twenty-eight years since was celebrated the marriage of John Flanagin and Miss Sarah J. Rogers, May 9, 1861 being the date. This lady comes from an excellent family being the daughter of Hon. and Rev. P. M. Rogers, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also a member of the Nebraska Legislature. A record of his earnest and useful life will be found on another page in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagin commenced the journey of life together in this State, and they now have a family of six children, namely: James, Seward, Marcus, Lewis, Mary and Sadie. In giving a proper supervision to his extensive farming interests, Mr. Flanagin has naturally had little time to devote to politics, but he keeps himself well informed, and independent of political parties, aims to support the men best qualified to serve the interests of the people. He has never been an office-seeker, although serving as Assessor of Clay Precinct two terms. He has watched with warm interest the growth and development of Pawnee County, and in the construction of one of its most valuable homesteads has contributed this much to its importance. He is a man whose opinions are held in respect, and one who exerts no small influence in social and business circles. His accumulations are the result of downright hard work, together with good management, and he has little use for the drones in the world's great hive.
Portraits of this prominent and leading citizen of Clay Precinct and his estimable wife are printed on an adjoining page. "

John Flanagin's great grandson (Art Flanagin) and great, great grandson (Doug Flanagin).

Photo taken April 21, 2012