My Genealogy Hound

Harris Flanagin was born in the village of Roadstown, near Bridgeton, the county seat of Cumberland County, N. J., November 3, 1817. At a very early age he manifested a decided liking for books, and frequently was found collecting old newspapers, cast-away books, etc., and placing them on file for further use. While quite young, as was the custom at that time he was sent to a common school. His father was an undertaker and furniture dealer by calling, and as his son grew older moved on a farm near Greenwich, a village some few miles distant from his former home. This change was not satisfactory to the feelings of Harris, either mentally or bodily, as the labors to which he devoted his attentions about the farm afforded only a school attendance of two or three months in the winter. Fortunately, however, he was favored with the assistance of superior instructors, who taught in the excellent schools of the sect known as Friends or Quakers, and these took quite an interest in young Flanagin. At the age of about eighteen years he was employed as an assistant teacher in a seminary in Clermont, Frankfort, Penn., where his ability and learning soon led to his promotion as professor in the English language and mathematics. In this capacity he did not remain long before removing to Illinois, where he assumed charge of a school of his own, and while thus connected also applied himself to the study of law. After a thorough preparation, he graduated in this profession and obtained license to practice at Paoli, Ill, in 1838. Early in the following year he removed to Arkansas, and located at what was then the county seat of Clark County, where, shortly after, he also was commissioned to practice. That his connection with the early bar of this State was an honorable one is shown by the frequent mention made of him in both public and private records. Besides, he taught school to some extent. During the Mexican War he raised a company for service, but before its arrival at the seat of hostilities the war was over. His genius and fitness for the position having become recognized, Mr. Flanagin was elected to the State Legislature prior to the Civil War. During that struggle, though opposed to secession, when Arkansas seceded he espoused the cause of the Confederacy, organized a company, entered the service as captain and was later promoted to colonel. In 1862 he was elected governor of Arkansas, with the occupation of Little Rock by the Federal forces, and while thus serving removed the seat of government to Washington, Hempstead County. Though subsequently disfranchised, in December, 1865, he obtained a pardon from the President of the United States, and as soon as permitted resumed the practice of law, in which he was very successful. Being a fine counselor, all persons had great confidence in his ability and integrity. Not until 1873 was he permitted to vote. In 1874 he was elected a member of the convention to frame a new constitution for the State, and by reason of efficiency and capability was chosen chairman of the judiciary committee. This convention was held during the summer, and owing to the heat and over work attendant upon his labors at that time, Col. Flanagin died on October 23 following. He was a man above the ordinary, having but few equals as a legal practitioner. His public record is one that has left no stain to his honorable posterity. It is said that his nomination as governor of the State was unknown to him until the day before his election, when a telegram announced to him the news in Knoxville, Tenn., where he was at that time. In July, 1851, Miss Martha E. Nash, of Hempstead County, became his wife, and still survives. Three children blessed this union: Duncan, Nash and Laura.