David Webster "Webster" Flanagan was an American politician and leader of the Republican party in Texas.
Background
David W. Flanagan was born on January 9, 1832, in Cloverport, Kentucky. His parents, James W. and Polly Miller Flanagan, placed their family and their goods in a flatboat, and by way of the Ohio, the Mississippi, and the Red rivers, removed to Texas where they settled on a plantation near Henderson in the spring of 1844.
The elder Flanagan, afterwards United States senator, took an active part in the politics of his day, and was prominent in the ranks of the Whigs. His son, who inherited his friendly manners and his genius for political manipulation, soon followed in his steps.
Education
Flanagan attended local private schools and Henderson College and read law in the office of his father.
Career
Flanagan was admitted to the bar in 1859, but from the beginning made his legal activities distinctly subordinate to his interests as a village merchant, a breeder of fine cattle, and a political leader. The two, father and son, were ardent supporters of Sam Houston in his bitterly contested campaigns for the governorship, and in 1860 canvassed their section of Texas in behalf of the Bell and Everett ticket. Both were strong Union men and opposed secession.
In spite of this position, David Flanagan joined the Confederate army in 1862 and served for the remainder of the war.
During Reconstruction both Flanagans took a prominent part in Texas politics as members of the moderate wing of the Republican party.
David Flanagan was a Texas senator and member of the Constitutional Convention of 1875. He served as collector of internal revenue from 1897 to 1913 and was a prominent figure in Republican national conventions for many decades. He also took an active part in the civic affairs of his hometown and helped to promote the building of the Henderson and Overton Branch Railroad, of which he was president. His love of fine cattle and horses led to great improvement in livestock breeding in Rusk County.
David Webster Flanagan died on May 5, 1924, in Henderson, Texas, and was buried in the nearby family cemetery.
Achievements
Politics
David W. Flanagan took a prominent part in Texas politics as member of the moderate wing of the Republican party.
Membership
In 1880, David Flanagan won a certain amount of fame as a member of the faithful group known as the "Grant Guard. "
Personality
David W. Flanagan was a man of medium height, well built and vigorous, and has been described as kindly, cheerful, and friendly. In addition, Flanagan was celebrated as a sportsman.
Connections
On December 20, 1853, David W. Flanagan married Elizabeth Graham. After her death in 1872 Flanagan married Sallie P. Ware.