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