Patrick McDonough was born July 4, 1824 in County Galway, Ireland and arrived in the United States when he was thirteen, in 1837. Though he would be known for his career in public service, McDonough’s first employment in the country was working as an apprentice at a cooperage (barrel making) firm in Philadelphia.
Newspaper articles celebrating his life indicate that he remained an apprentice until he “came of age.” After leaving this line of work, McDonough became the manager of a store owned by J.H. Michener, a prominent banker in Philadelphia. Though the store in question is unnamed, McDonough likely worked at one of Michener’s meatpacking and smoking locations based on records from The Library Company of Philadelphia.
McDonough was prominent in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania politics and is described as a staunch democrat who actively participated in the debates of the period, which would have included issues such as industrialization, immigration, and changing societal roles of women and African-Americans. McDonough began his foray into public service through his role as a collector of water rents for two years, and a subsequent appointment as supervisor of the Moyamensing District of Philadelphia. He also served as tipstaff (baliff) for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In 1859, McDonough was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing Philadelphia’s 3rd district. McDonough resigned in 1861 at the outbreak of the American Civil War.
McDonough enlisted in the 2nd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps and was immediately elected captain of Company B. He rose through the ranks quickly, being promoted to major on August 1, 1862, and later to lieutenant colonel on October 28, 1863. With his regiment, McDonough was mustered out on June 16, 1864. He received the honorary rank of brevet colonel on March 13, 1865, which is often awarded to signify outstanding service. McDonough participated in all of the major battles with his regiment, notably the Siege of Yorktown and the Battle of Bethesda Church. Though McDonough was mustered out near the end of the war, he became a member of the Pennsylvania Reserve Post 191, G.A.R., in December 1883. He remained immersed in military and veterans’ history, most notably concerning his service as president of the Pennsylvania Reserve Association. In the spirit of service, McDonough was also active with local fire companies, notably the Hibernia Engine Company, No. 1, and the Volunteer and Veteran Fire Associations.
McDonough never married or had children. For a period, he lived with his brother, Thomas, and sister, Bridget, as well as his nieces and nephews. He outlived everyone in his family except Bridget, who appears to be the sole name listed in his will. McDonough died at 74 on March 3, 1899, and is buried in a family plot in the Old Cathedral Cemetery of Philadelphia.
Written by Emily Leibley, intern spring 2020.
On Second Consideration 