Iowa Families:

The Myths and Legends

River Rescuer and Movie Stars

By Mary Lanigan

My father was James Lanigan and I remember when he jumped into the Mississippi River in Davenport at the end of Brady Street and saved a little girl who was drowning. I also have 2 family members that went on to play in Movies. Michael Whalen and Gary Grimes. (Summer of ‘42) Gary Grimes lived in Ottumwa as did the Whalens. Michael Whalen played in over 40 movies, a lot of them with Shirley Temple. (1930's) He played her father in a few films. He died in California.