Mark Flanigan

Born in Ireland, Mark Flanigan was physically very imposing, being 6' 4" tall. His stature gave him the distinction of being the tallest man in the regiment. He was 37, years old in 1862, but was apparently healthy and "well developed"

At one time, Mark Flaingan was a professional butcher, although it not known when he gave up this business. His home was reportedly on the corner of John R. and High streets.

Very Civic minded, Mark Flanigan held a number of public positions both before and after the Civil War. In 1859 and 1860, he was an alderman for Detroit's 6th ward.

In 1861, he was elected sheriff of Wayne County. This position was quite lucrative the "sheriff has no salary, being paid by fees collected by the issuing and serving of various legal papers, and by the profits on the boarding of prisoners. The city paying for those confined in jail for violation of city ordinances, and the county for all others." By the 1880's, the position was estimated to be worth $8-10,000 per year! (Farmer p. 209). Mark continued to hold this position even after the regiment departed for the field. Finally, a successor was elected in the spring of 1863.

Mark Flanigan took an active part in the rally and riot that preceded the inception of the Regiment, and he entered service at the organization as Lieut. Colonel.

During the patriotic rally following the riot, Mark Flanigan, never noted for his "speechifying" made the following comments:

"Fellow Citizens - At a time like this it behooves every man to put forth his utmost energies in defense of the government. Every man who is loyal to his once happy land and abhors rebellion, should rise to a full sense of his duty in this hour of its adversity. Judge Morrow and myself are going to raise a regiment. I hope every man will respond to his country's call". (Curtis p. 32)

He was mustered into federal service as Lieutenant Colonel on August 15, 1862. The deputy sheriffs of Wayne County presented him a sword prior to the Regiment's departure for the front. One account of the Port Royal action indicated that he was armed with a Spencer rifle (presumably another presentation piece or his own personal property).

Flanigan's personal bravery was frequently commented upon, and he was generally well respected. Not everyone though so highly of him, however, perhaps because of his Irish birth (see the Alfred Noble Diary). In any event, the complexities of commanding a regimental drill seemed to have challenged Flanigan's abilities.

He was in command of the Regiment from Nov. 4 to 6, 1862; Feb. 9 to 16, March 24 to April 1, June 1 to 5 and 7, 1863. He was present on the Mud March, Port Royal and Westmoreland Expeditions.

Originally reported dead, he was wounded in the leg at early in the action with Archer's brigade at Gettysburg on July 1. His wartime diary ends abruptly with a scrawled entry on Friday, July 3, 1863: "leg taken off". He was officially discharged for wounds Nov. 21, 1863.

After a relatively brief recovery period, Flanigan was appointed State Provost Marshall, a position he held until at least the summer of 1865. He may have also been a collector of internal revenue.

Even after his discharge, Mark Flanigan was still very interested in the regiment. He was instrumental in acquiring this expensive Tiffany and Company state flag for the regiment, which was presented to Regiment in February 1865.

He continued his tradition of public service. From 1879-1886 he served on the Fire Department Society. He was on the board of education representing the 6th ward from 1867-1875, and was its president from 1875-1877.

He was very involved in veterans affairs, and was one of the founding members of the survivors association. He and Chaplain Way seem to have been given custody of the above mentioned state flag for use at regimental reunions and events. This flag's current whereabouts are unknown.

In recognition of his service, he was made a brevet Colonel of U. S. Vols., March 13, 1865 "for gallantry in action at Fredericksburg, Va.". Brevet Brig.-Gen'l, March 13, 1865 "for meritorious conduct in the campaign of Gettysburg Pa., and for services in that engagement".

Mark Flanigan died at Detroit, on October 4th, 1886.

Mark Flanigan

Excerpts From Mark Flanigan's Diary