James Flanagan was a New York politician and businessman; he was active in the local Democratic Party, served as Supervisor for the town of Vienna and as Treasurer for Oneida County, and was Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for the Middle Division of the New York State Canals. The collection contains photographs (mostly personal in nature), correspondence, maps, and financial and legal documents relating primarily to his work with the town of Vienna and with the Canal system.

Incoming and outgoing correspondence with New York State lawyer, politican and legislator John Daniel McMahon. Much of it concerns Democratic Party politics and activities.