----Source: Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin published by The Lewis Publishing Co, 1891 page 190:

WILLIAM J. FLANAGAN, superintendent of the Bright farm, one section 19, Green Grove Township, Clark County, was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, December 25, 1853, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Smith) Flanagan, natives of Ireland. The father came to the State of New York when fifteen years of age, and has ever since resided in St. Lawrence County. He is a blacksmith by trade, but is now retired formal active business. The parents had ten children: Eliza, Maria, Edward, Louise, Mary, Emily, William, Charles, Frances and Lillie.

William J., our subject, was reared to farm life and received a common school education in his native State, where he was also engaged in farming. He came to Jackson County, Wisconsin, in 1877, where he ran a ferryboat at Irving for three years next he was engaged in farming and working in the pineries for three years of William T. Price he then farmed for himself two years. In the spring of 1865 he came to this county, and soon afterward became superintendent of his present farm. The place consists of 250 acres of cleared land, and 1, 700 acres of hardwood timber land. His residence is a fine, large frame, two stories, containing seven rooms. There are also two large frame barns, one is 46 x 64 feet, with twenty-two-feet posts, and the other is 46 x 80 feet. There are two large warehouses, an office, a blacksmith shop, with sleeping apartments overhead for the hired men. There is also a fine large windmill, milk-house, and a hog-house 24 x 24 feet, which is supplied with water by underground lead pipes. Mr. Flanagan and one other man take care of 200 head of stock, all of which are of a high grade. He also owns a farm near Melrose, in Jackson County, Wisconsin.

Mr. Flanagan was married December 25, 1882, to Ella Brewer, who was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, November 6, 1853, the daughter of Harvey Brewer, of Jackson County, Wisconsin. They have had two children, only one of whom survives: Alta L., born September 12, 1887 the other died in infancy. Mr. Flanagan now holds the office of School Treasurer. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., at Greenwood.