Crawfordsville Weekly Review, April 9, 1881
ELEANOR FLANNIGAN
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 brother of 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 presence
of all her children but one, her son, Samuel of Illinois 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 sumptuous 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 conferring 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, C'ville In 47933 and they would, I'm
sure be happy to send it to you. Sorry)
Submitted by: Karen Zach
County Coordinator: Suzy
Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net