William Henry FLANIGAN was born to John FLANIGAN and Mary Caroline GRAY on October 25, 1856. He was one of nine children.

He married Nancy Ellen MODGLIN and in 1911 they moved to a farm located just off the Old Centralia Road in northern Shiloh Township. To this union were born three children:

1. Grover Eldridge. born October 8, 1888. married Halo CLARK in 1909. He died in July 1973.
2. Hattie Mae, born January 19, 1890, married Edward SORENSON in 1909. He died in August 1964. She died in March 1977.
3. Hershel Berthel. born January 21, 1892. He first married Sada PIERCY. After her death, he married Hazel BERNARD. He died in June 1974 and Hazel died in November 1976. They resided on the farm in Shiloh Township and farmed there.

   Hershel and Sada were parents of one daughter.

   1. Ida Leona, who married John WILSON and resides in St. Louis, Missouri.

   Hershel and Hazel were the parents of three children:

   1. Clifford Leroy, born March 20, 1934
   2. Norma Louise, born September 8,1935
   3. Edward Wayne, born in October 1938. He died at the age of 10 months.

   Norma married Kelley R. SETTLE of ma, and they live in Edwardsville, Illinois.

   Clifford married Reva E. REAMS of St. Louis, Missouri on May 12, 1956. They live at the old homeplace in Shiloh Township and are engaged in farming. They are the parents of four children:

   1. Reva Jeanne born February 11.1957, who married James C. PATTON of Mt. Vernon, Illinois on November 6, 1975. Thev reside in Rome Township.
   2. Nancy Sue, born March 13. 1960
   3. Sherri Lynne born November 25, 1963
   4. Michael Leroy. born February 20.1969.

   Source:Facts and Folks A History Of Jefferson County, Illinois, 1978

   Submitted by: Misty Flannigan