A native of Ireland and a butcher by trade, Mark Flanigan emigrated
to Canada in 1833 and to Detroit in 1845. He married Sarah P. Saunders
in 1847 and they had six children. Flanigan held Detroit civil offices
of Alderman for the 6th Ward, Sheriff, Secretary of the Detroit
Fireman’s Society and member and president of the Detroit
Board of Education. He also served as U. S. Tax Collector for Detroit.
Flanigan entered service on July 15, 1862 at the age of 37. He joined
the 24th Michigan Infantry at its organization and was made Lt.
Colonel of Michigan’s Iron Brigade. Flanigan and the 24th
had a distinguished service record. Flanigan lost a leg during the
Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. He was discharged for disability
on November 21, 1863. Mark Flanigan was brevetted the rank of Brigadier
General for gallant service at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.
After returning to Detroit, Mark Flanigan continued a life of public
service to the community. He died at his home at the age of 61.
Born: 1825
Died: October 4, 1886
Buried: Section D, Lot 66
