Biographical Sketch of

Henry M. Shanahan

Transcribed by Robert Schieber

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, 
Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 727 - 728


Henry M. Shanahan, deceased, who was an influential and well-to-do farmer, who formerly resided on section 30, 
in Dell Prairie township, Adams county, is entitled to more than passing mention as a gentleman whose force 
of character placed him in the lead.  He pursued the calling of an agriculturist from his boyhood, and reached 
a degree of perfection which marked the prosperous man.  His estate, although not among the largest, was one 
of the best in this region and and is a testimonial to the painstaking care excercised by our subject while 
alive.

Mr. Shanahan was born in Milton, Michigan, October 2, 1843.  His father, Hon. Edward Shanahan, was born in 
Sussex county, Delaware, in 1806, and died October 24, 1891, at his home in Dell Prairie township, Adams county, 
Wisconsin.  He married Miss Rebecca M. Kimmey, in 1829, the daughter of James and Sarah Kimmey, of Quaker descent, 
who was born near Dover, Delaware, July 13, 1810, and died October 24, 1889.  Mr. and Mrs. Shanahan lived in 
Delaware until 1832, when they moved to the territory of Michigan, making the journey in a cart drawn by two 
horses, one hitched ahead of the other.  They resided in Michigan until 1883, when they again moved west and 
settled in the township of Dell Prairie, Adams county, Wisconsin, where they owned large landed interests until 
their death, respected and loved by all that knew them.  Mr. Shanahan was a farmer all his life, serving as 
overseer of a large farm for a number of years before leaving Delaware.  He purchased two hundred and forty 
acres of land at Milton, Michigan, which he improved, and later purchased five hundred and sixty acres of land 
at Jefferson, Michigan, where he also made valuable and substantial improvements.  He became the owner of a 
large tract of fertile land in Dell Prairie township, Adams county, and was a successful farmer, industrious 
and honest, and gained a comfortable competence.  He gained a good education, but had very restricted oppor-
tunities for attending any institutions of learning, and was decidedly a self-made man.  He represented Cass 
county, Michigan, in the house of representatives in the session of 1860-61, and took an active interest in 
public affairs wherever he resided.  He was a Republican in political sentiment and stood staunchly for the 
principles of his party.  Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shanahan, seven of whom are living.  
Three reside in Dell Prairie township as follows:  Julia, now Mrs. Raymond; Clifford; and Edward.

Henry M. Shanahan settled in Dell Prairie township, Adams county, in 1879.  He possessed at the time of his 
death seventy-two acres of land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation and his residence and beautiful, 
well-kept grounds bear evidence of his thrift and success. 

In 1861 Mr. Shanahan enlisted in Company M, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, remaining until the close of the war, and 
was mustered out August 11, 1865.  Mr. Shanahan was in one hundred and three engagements, the following hard 
fought battles among the number:  Ft. Donelson, Ft. Henry, Pittsburg Landing, Perryville, Nashville, Stone River, 
Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Peach Tree Creek, Dallas, Atlanta, Jonesville and in Kilpatrick's raid, and with 
General Wilson on his raid.  He was wounded at Chickamauga, and again on Kilpatrick's raid at Lovejoy Station, 
and the third time at Selma, Alabama.  He was one of the men chosen by Lieutenant-Colonel Prichard to go in 
pursuit of Jeff Davis, and was in the affray which occurred between the First Wisconsin and the Fourth Michigan 
Calvary, by mistake.  In the early morning just before dawn, at Irwinsville, the First Wisconsin supposed the 
Fourth Michigan Cavalry was Jeff Davis' body guard and charged them, when several were wounded and two killed.  
Our Subject had a remarkable military record, and was a brave and gallant soldier, and faithful to his duty.

Mr. Shanahan was married to Miss Mary E. West, October 2, 1866.  Mrs. Shanahan was the daughter of Edward and 
Rachel West, and was born near Dover, Delaware, July 18, 1843.  She is a lady of good education and taught several 
years in the public schools of Michigan.  Mr. and Mrs. Shanahan are the parents of the following children:  Willie, 
born February 23, 1872, died in infancy; Ina M., born December 25, 1877; Millie Belle, born September 22, 1879; and 
Earl M., born May 11, 1882.  Mr. Shanahan was a member of the G. A. R.  He held the office of supervisor of Dell 
Prairie township, and also served as township assessor.  He was deeply interested in the educational affairs of 
his district, and was a school officer many years.  He well merited the success and the high regard in which he 
was held by his associates.  Mr. Shanahan died July 7, 1900, and was buried in the Spring Grove cemetery at Kilbourn.  
His remains were accompanied to the grave by John Gillespie Post, G. A. R., and by a very large concourse of friends 
and relatives.


Transcribed by Robert Schieber






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