Biographies: Frank McDONOUGH, Eau Claire, Eau Claire Co., WI ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, or the legal representative of the contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Tim Dowling on 30 May 2003 ==================================================================== Frank McDonough, deceased, was one of that worthy class of strudy men who wrought faithfully and well, and to whose work the county of Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley owe much to their development. Coming to Eau Claire in 1863 without means, he worked his way to the top of the ladder, eventually realizing the fulfillment of his brightest hopes... His education was received in the common schools of his native country, and at the age of fifteen years, he was apprenticed to learn both the blacksmith and carpenter trade. For several years after his arrival in Eau Claire, he followed the occupation of millwright and finally became identified with the Eau Claire Lumber Company, of which he was superintendent for many years, and in 1880 became a stockholder and director in the company. Mr. McDonough was in the best sense a thorough and practical business man whose clear-cut, honorable methodsm skillful management of affairs and sterling manliness in all his varied relations, made him a leader among his associates and a force for good in the community and city in which he lived. His life was clean, his motives pure, and no one could come within the range and sphere of his influence without recognizing the force of his strong personality and inherent manliness, elements of character which had much to do in securing to him the high place he held in business and commercial circles, as well as in his social and other relations. On January 1, 1888, he incorporated what became known as the McDonough Manufacturing Company. The factory was enlarged from time to time until it assumed large proportions, and the company manufactured all kinds of mill machinery. The demand for its well known goods came from all parts of the northwest, west and south. The success of the institution was largely due to his untiring efforts to build up this large establishment which employed many skilled workmen and was a benefit to the entire Chippewa Valley. He was its president and treasurer and the moving spirit in the concern. He was also a stockholder in the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company, and the Eau Claire Street Railway Company. He was in truth a captain of industry and when times were adverse and misfortune seemed ready to crush him, his strong will and determination piloted him through the dangerous places and put him on a solid foundation. His memory is cherished and kept in grateful remembrance for the important part he played in the commercial and material growth and development both of the institution with which he was so closely connected, and the city in which he lived... Politically, Mr. McDonough affiliated with the Republican party. He was a member of the Eau Claire common council for many years, was a member of several business men's associations and belonged to a number of benevolent and fraternal orders including the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He represented his district in the general assembly of the state, and at the time of his death... was serving as state senator from the 24th senatorial district. --Transcribed from "The History of Eau Claire County, 1914, Past & Present", page 787-788.