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McGoughs and McGues in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1856–1906 by Hugh McGough

John McGough, my great-grandfather, was the patriarch of the first of several McGough families in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Here is my effort to make sense of what I know about my family and other McGoughs in Eau Claire.

For a good Internet reference, see: Eau Claire Co. Vital Records. See also: Ancestor Hunt—Obituary Search Engines and Indexes at Libraries, Universities and Societies States—Wisconsin, and the Eau Claire Obituary Search Engine.

John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick, my Great-grandparents

My great-grandfather John McGough was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, in 1824, according to family tradition. The 1860 federal census of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, however, shows his age as 29. He may have been born, therefore, in 1830 or 1831. His family was Catholic. He lived in county Monaghan, or Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, long enough to become a blacksmith and wagon maker—again according to family tradition. He may have served as an apprentice in Ireland. He probably came to the United States during the Great Famine of the late 1840s and early 1850s, although there is a possibility that he was a part of an emigration from county Monaghan to Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in the 1830s or early 1840s. He was married in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 1855. He was naturalized on December 23, 1857, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. To be naturalized in 1857, John McGough had to show that he had been a resident of the United States for five years and of Wisconsin for one year. The fact that he was naturalized means it is unlikely he came to the United States with his parents as a child. If a foreign-born father of a minor child was naturalized as a US citizen, a child (under the age of 21 in the 1800s) who was a lawful permanent resident automatically became a citizen.

John McGough's first residence in the United States was in or near Pottsville (Schuylkill county) Pennsylvania, and not in Pottstown (Montgomery county) Pennsylvania, as family tradition once had it. Pottsville is 93 miles northwest of Philadelphia and on the southern edge of the anthracite coal region in Schuylkill county. (Pottstown is 38 miles northwest of Philadelphia.) John McGough may have been invited to the Pottsville area by another McGough or by a related family from county Monaghan. The families of Terence and Andrew McGough (McGue) had been residents of Schuylkill county since the 1830s, and may have attracted John McGough to the area. Some of Terence and Andrew McGoughs' children followed John and Catherine McGough from the Pottsville area to Eau Claire. For more on the families of Terence and Andrew McGough, see McGoughs and McGues in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in the 1800s and the section on Schuylkill county in my web page: Inconsistent Census Reporting.

Five years after my great-grandmother, Catherine Fitzpatrick, accompanied her husband John on the journey from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin in 1856, her father, mother, brothers and sisters, made the same move—in 1861. Two obituaries in newspapers of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, quoted below, say that the Fitzpatricks came to Eau Claire from Pottsville, Pennsylvania. A check of the 1850 census records of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, unearthed no trace of John McGough or John McGue, my great-grandfather. The major industry in the Pottsville area in he 12850s was anthracite coal mining. There were iron furnaces in Pottsville in the early 1850s and, of course, many local blacksmiths. Because of his experience as a blacksmith, John may have worked in an iron-related job in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, after 1850 and before his move to Wisconsin in 1856. Both Terence and Andrew McGough spent their lives in St. Clair as laborers in the the coal industry.

Pennsylvania to Wisconsin

John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick were married in or near Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on May 20, 1855. They moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and arrived there no later than December of 1856. A Patrick Fitzpatrick, who, on the basis of no hard evidence, I assume to have been a cousin of Catherine's with the same name as her father and younger brother, also moved to Eau Claire before the end of 1856. He may have traveled with John and Catherine, or he may have moved to Eau Claire before 1856 and then encouraged his cousin Catherine and her new husband to join him.

Eau Claire is is in northwest Wisconsin, 82 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul, 122 miles north of La Crosse, 152 miles south of Duluth, and 314 miles northwest of Chicago. Eau Claire is about 45 miles upstream (northeast) on the Chippewa River from Pepin, Wisconsin (and Reads Landing on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi), where the Chippewa River joins the Mississippi, which junction is about 65 miles southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The US Census Bureau has published a map of the counties of Wisconsin, which will be helpful in interpreting some of the material in this section.

Why Eau Claire?

What caused my great-grandparents to select Eau Claire as their home and move there in 1855 or 1856? Wisconsin was a new state (1848) where land was cheap. There were only 100 people in Eau Claire in 1855, most of whom were engaged in lumbering. In 1852, the first farmer purchased 200 acres of land and ultimately produced marketable quantities of wheat.

"The first farmer to settle in Eau Claire County was the Rev. Thomas Barland who in 1852 purchased 200 acres of farm land along what became the Sparta Road. Two years later he brought his family from Illinois. In 1855 there were only about100 persons living in Eau Claire, most involved in lumbering. ...

"Randall reported that in 1857 only a few hundred bushels were shipped from Eau Claire. The shipment increased to 150,000 bushels in 1861 and by 1875 the total had passed 300,000 from the county alone. ... Wagon after wagon of grain was hauled to shipping points on the Chippewa River during these years." Wheat once 'king' of regions crops

Barland's letters to his wife in McLean county Illinois give a good picture of Eau Claire in 1851 and 1852. Barland letters reveal life of local pioneers.

One of the original settlers of Eau Claire was Stephen Smith McCann (October 4, 1811–November 1, 1880), one of three Irish McCann brothers who came to the Chippewa Valley from Marietta, Ohio, in the Spring of 1839. In 1846, Steve McCann, "a big good natured Irishman," who was born in Kentucky, built a cabin at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers and moved his family into it. His wife was the first white woman to remain in the Chippewa Valley. Stephen McCann became one of the two first supervisors of Chippewa county when it was first organized in December, 1854. Stephen's brother, Arthur, had earlier gained a measure of immortality by being the first white man to be murdered in the area. Arthur McCann was shot in 1843 by a man named Sawyer after a card game near Dunnville. Another source says that Arthur was murdered by "one of the workmen on the mill [which McCann was building in Dunnville], named Sawyer, [who] had a disagreement with Arthur McCann over wages, and shot him dead, running away and never being heard of afterward." A more complete version of the killing is found in McCann Brothers Were Symbolic of Valley published by the Chippewa Herald Telegram on October 26, 1959, as "Tales Of A River, Episode 94."

"Arthur McCann, youngest of the river brothers, did not live long in the valley. He and J. C. Thomas were partners in the old Blue Mills on the Chippewa river. He was married to Rosalie Demarie at the Falls in 1840. Thomas and McCann had hired a man by the name of Sawyer to work for them at Blue Mills. Sawyer came to the McCann place one night asking for his pay. He said he was leaving. McCann paid the man and offered him a drink. The first drink led to another and another. The two men sat down and began to play cards. 'Art figured he'd get those wages back.' brother Daniel McCann said, shaking his head. The cards led to an argument. McCann stood up and dropped Sawyer with his fists. Sawyer pulled himself to the door, swearing to get revenge. He went to the cabin of Philo Stone nearby, pulling a loaded rifle off the pegs above the door, and returned to McCann's place. Knocking on the door, Sawyer waited until McCann stood in the opening and then he pressed the trigger. McCann fell, mortally wounded, on his own doorstep. The waters of Spring Creek (now located in what is Eau Claire County) ran red for days, but the murderer of Arthur McCann was never apprehended."

Historical Accounts—Selected Text and Articles on the McCann Family. This is part of the McCann Family Web Site.

Eau Claire County was created on October 6, 1856, from Chippewa county. The village of Eau Claire was also first laid out in 1856. The Eau Claire House hotel and the town's first public school were also built in 1856. The Eau Claire Land Office opened on July 1, 1857, thus for the first time permitting homesteaders to buy their land. In 1856, this was undeveloped frontier country. There had been no means of communication from Eau Claire to the outside world except by water or private conveyance until 1850, when a mail route was ordered by Congress from Prairie du Chien, and a post office was established in Eau Claire. History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin—Past and Present, edited by Judge William F. Bailey (1914 C. F. Cooper & Co. Chicago), at page 354. Although the state of Wisconsin was advertising its general charms to the eastern states as early as 1854, I have found no such material specific to Eau Claire or the Chippewa Valley. The McGoughs were early settlers in the area, which was just beginning to develop in 1856.

For a brief early history of Eau Claire, see: History of the Chippewa Valley, by Thomas E. Randall (1875. Free Press Print. Eau Claire, Wisconsin). See also: Genealogical and Historical Resources for Eau Claire, Wisconsin, part of the Wisconsin GenWeb Project.

The year the McGough's may have arrived in Eau Claire, 1856, was the year when the village was first platted, and the year when the first school and the first hotel were built. In 1856, Eau Claire had 758 males and 674 females, which included 8 black men and 9 black women, but this was a notable increase from the 100 people, mostly mill workers, who lived there in 1855. At this time, Eau Claire consisted of two separate villages: the village of Eau Claire located south of the Eau Claire River and west of the Chippewa River, and the village of Eau Claire City located between the Chippewa River and Half Moon Lake. See Eau Claire: 1850. See also the map of The Chippewa Valley, with the names of the rivers indicated, and the Map of Eau Claire County. There is a good map of Eau Claire in 1919 in the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection of the University of Texas Library. The Tiger Map Server Browser of the US Census Bureau is a marvelous resource, and permits creating detailed maps of any area in the United States, including street names in Eau Claire. The American FactFinder Reference Maps of the US Census Bureau allows zooming in on any street address in the US.

Logging of the dense forest of white pine along the Chippewa River had started in the early 1850s. A short history of logging in the Chippewa Valley, and a current map of the area, will be found at Timber Trails in the Chippewa Valley. Beginning about 1856, Eau Claire grew into a lumbering and sawmill center. Here is an excerpt from History of Lumbering in the Chippewa Valley on the website of the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp of Eau Claire:

"Eau Claire—A River Crossroads

"Eau Claire, located at the junction of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, was a natural place for lumber mills to be built. Many lumberjacks and mill hands had their homes here, as well as the many businesses which served the lumbering industry.

"Half Moon Lake and Dells Pond were two important natural holding ponds. Dells Pond was further improved by the construction of a dam in the late 1870's; in 1880 the pond was connected by a log flume to Half Moon Lake. These remarkable natural reservoirs provided storage space for the logs which fed what might have been the largest number of sawmills in any one community in the world at that time. These mills gave Eau Claire the nickname of 'Saw Dust City.'

"A large percentage of the pine logs cut in the Chippewa Valley were made into lumber at Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire, the two major sawmill towns on the Chippewa River. As soon as the logs reached the booms or storage areas near the mills in the spring, sawing began. Two types of saws were used—the rotary saw and the large gang saw which cut an entire log at one time. In the mid 1880's, sawmills began using band saws which made less sawdust and were more efficient.

"The blowing of the 6:00 a.m. whistle, the buzz of the many saws and the hissing of the steam engines were familiar sounds in Eau Claire and vicinity. More than twenty sawmills operated here at one time. With the town's economy so closely tied to the lumber industry, nearly everyone suffered when low water prevented the logs from reaching the mills or general economic conditions affected the lumber industry.

"To supplement the natural flow of the rivers, Chippewa Valley lumbermen began about 1870 to use flooding dams to bring the logs to the mills. Their purpose was to hold back water which could be released as needed when low water was a threat. Millions of logs were floated beyond Eau Claire to the mouth of the Chippewa at Beef Slough where they were formed into rafts and brails and floated or towed to sawmill centers along the Mississippi River."

The supply of white pine, which at first seemed inexhaustible, was finally exhausted at about the turn of the century. The last lumber raft went down to Chippewa River from Eau Claire to the Mississippi River in 1901.

As late as 1862, the settlers around Eau Claire suffered "Indian scares." See No panic quite like '62 Indian scare, part of a treasure trove of early Chippewa Valley history in Selected Articles from Our Story 'The Chippewa Valley and Beyond' published by the Eau Claire Leader Telegram, 1976. One article says that pioneers were still arriving in the Eau Claire by oxen-drawn covered wagons or carts as late as 1855. Spirit greatest asset of area pioneer families. An essay entitled Immigrants flooded state upon invitation in Selected Articles from Our Story 'The Chippewa Valley and Beyond' published by the Eau Claire Leader Telegram, 1976, notes:

"Irish come to St. Croix County.  Also on June 4, 1855, a train of four covered wagons, each pulled by eight oxen, arrived on the east fork of the Minnickinnic River in St. Croix County at a place later called 'The Thicket.' Lawrence Hawkins, the leader, and 18 others had made their way from County Galway in Ireland in 1852, making stops in Connecticut and Madison en route. Chickens, pigs, household items and machinery were loaded in the wagons. The cows and young stock followed."

Planned railroad connections to various part of Wisconsin are described at pages 21–23 of the Hand Book of Wisconsin, second edition, by S. Chapman (1855), which has been published as part of the Upper Midwest Collection on the website of The Perseus Digital Library. At page 23, the handbook says that steamboat travel is available "on the Mississippi River, the whole of its length bounding the State" and "there are other streams navigable some distance from their mouths, where boats will pass as business requires." The handbook also says that "stages ...run with more or less frequency through all the principal villages not reached by Rail Road." Although Eau Claire county had been carved from Chippewa county in 1854, the handbook describes, beginning at page 52, only the undivided county:

"Chippewa

"One of the largest counties of the State, extending from the line between towns 24 and 25 north, to the line between 40 and 41, being 91 miles long, and averaging about 66 broad. Not one-half of the County is yet surveyed and brought into market. The County is watered by the Chippewa and Yellow Rivers, and their numerous branches, both large and small. It is, in its full sense, a well watered County. Our further description will apply only to the surveyed or Southern part of the County, which will undoubtedly soon be subdivided into several Smaller Counties.

[page 53] "The soil in the western part of the County is good, and great progress has been made in settlements for agricultural purposes. In the northeastern part, the soil is less valuable for farming purposes, but rich soil for the lumbering business, as it is covered with excellent pine.

"Chippewa County contains one of the best and most extensive pineries in the State. There are now in successful operation twelve saw mills on the Chippewa River, capable of cutting 40,000,000 feet of lumber annually. The largest of these mills is located at Chippewa Falls and is commonly known as Allen's Mills; Menomonee Mills; and at the month of the Eau Galla, is Carson and Eaton's. These mills average about 6,000,000 feet annually, and furnish employment for about 600 men.

"The most of the land in the county is still subject to entry. It affords inducements to the immigrant both agricultural and mechanical, as the resources of the county are such as to give permanency to business, and a sure market is always to be found for the products of the forest.

"Chippewa Falls, on Chippewa River, is the County seat. It is the principal depot of the lumbering operations on that River, the pines being above this village. Messrs. H. S. Allen & [page 54] Co. have an extensive sawmill at these falls, sawing daily about 60,000 feet, and giving employment to about 400 men in the business connected with it. A road from Steven's Point to Hudson, passing this place, is soon to be opened."

The short entry for the adjoining new county of Dunn, at page 68 of the handbook, points out that, although saw mills were then running, the resources of this county had not yet begun to be developed. "Most of the land is yet in the hands of Government, and affords rare chance to the immigrant for investment. ... Kansas, a new village on Lake Pepin, is the largest place, and already contains a population of 300."

A Preliminary Railroad Survey in Wisconsin, 1857, by Andrew McFarland Davis, at page 170, is part of the Upper Midwest Collection of the Perseus Tufts Digital Library. (On the website, type in the page number in the box after "Go to.") Davis describes his experiences in 1857 as a member of a crew surveying a projected line of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad from Portage, Wisconsin, to Lake Pepin. There is a map of the route of the railroad survey, north from Portage, Wisconsin, then northwest through Chippewa Falls. At the end of his four-month trip, he traveled by keelboat from Eau Claire down the Chippewa River to Reads Landing on the Mississippi River:

"Camp No. 45 was on the banks of Elk Creek, whence we reached the headwaters of Red Cedar River, and made connections with a surveying party under charge of Mr. Brewer, who had been working from the other end of the line to meet us.

"Tuesday, August 4 [1857], all hands walked to Eau Claire, dined, and started in a keelboat down the Chippewa. At night I slept wrapped up in my blanket, in imminent danger of rolling off into the water, on the ledge of the boat where men stood to pole. About four o'clock the next afternoon we reached Reed's Landing, on the Mississippi. ... Thence, having embarked on a steamer, we arrived at Prairie du Chien in the morning of August 7, and took the train for Milwaukee, whence we had set out fifteen weeks before."

A variety of routes and modes of transportation that may have been used by my great-grandparents on their trip from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to Eau Claire, are explored on a separate web page: Move of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

A comment in Historical Sketches of Wabasha County, Minnesota, from the book History of Wabasha County (1884) (Chapter 10), indicates that before the connection of Eau Claire with the railroad in 1870, the primary route of transport to Eau Claire was up the Chippewa River from its confluence with the Mississippi. With regard to Reads Landing, Minnesota, the village immediately across the Mississippi from the mouth of the Chippewa, the book says:

"The first setback Reads received was on the completion of the Western Wisconsin railway to Eau Claire in 1870. By this opening of railway communication to the lumber camps and mills the necessity of Read's Landing as a center for supplies and distributing depot was abolished. Supplies came direct by rail to the very heart of the lumber districts; consignments of goods, mails, etc., were more readily made by rail than by water, with this added advantage: the communication was not closed by the incoming of winter, but remained open the year around. Less capital was accordingly locked up in transit, returns being made more readily and the accumulation of winter supplies being no longer indispensable. The commission and trading houses were the ones to feel this curtailment ... "Chapter 10, Pepin Township, pages 647–670.

For more on travel to Eau Claire in 1855 and 1856, see my page: Move of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

John McGough in Eau Claire

My great-grandfather, John McGough, was naturalized in Eau Claire on December 23, 1857. In the court proceedings, Patrick Fitzpatrick was a citizen witness affirming John's residence in the United States for at least five years and in Wisconsin for at least one year. The records and indexes of the court of naturalization mistakenly show John's surname as McGrough. In checking records in Eau Claire county, I was surprised to see the number of times that McGough was spelled McGue in city directories, censuses, and legal records. No member of our family seems to have adopted McGue as a permanent spelling of the surname, and spellings of the same name in directories by the same person often alternate between McGough and McGue from year to year. Other McGough families have permanently changed their surname to McGue. See Spelling of McGough and Distribution of McGoughs in the United States.

The 1860 federal census shows my great-grandfather, John McGue, his wife Catherine, and sons James and John, in the township of North Eau Claire (page 147). My cousin, Rosemary McGough Dolmage, sent me a copy of a receipt dated June 14, 1867, from the United States Internal Revenue. The receipt acknowledges payment of $10 by John McGough of a special tax upon the business or occupation of "retail dealer" to be carried on in the village of Eau Claire for the year ending May 1, 1868. My cousin says that this Special tax was paid so that John McGough could continue "his trade as a wagon and furniture maker to support his family."

Children of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick

The five children of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough were all born in Eau Claire. The oldest, James H. McGough, was born in 1857 (or possibly in 1856). Next was John F. McGough, born in 1859. John and Catherine McGough's third child, and first daughter, Rose, was born in 1861. Their fourth child and second daughter, Margaret (Maggie), was born in 1863. My grandfather Hugh McGough, their fifth child and third son, was born on June 16, 1865, two months and one day after the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865.

Many Irish families named their first son after the father of the father, the second son after the father of the mother, and the third son after the father. I, therefore, give a hard look at James McGoughs in Ireland because that may have been the name of John McGough's father. But I'm continuing to look at John McGoughs, since Patrick, not John, was the first name of the father of Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough, my great-grandmother. James, John and Hugh, are prime candidates for traditional family given names.

The 1860 federal census of Wisconsin shows this McGough family in the town of North Eau Claire, county of Eau Claire (page 147):

John McGough died in an accident on Christmas eve, 1869. The 1870 federal census lists Catherine McGue as the head of this household in the town of Eau Claire (page 259):

The 1880 census shows in Eau Claire: Catharine McGough, age 40, born in Pennsylvania (?), whose mother and father were born in Ireland, "keeping house," living with her five children, all of whom were born in Wisconsin, and whose father was born in Ireland, and whose mother was born in Pennsylvania: son, James H. McGough, age 23, a carpenter; son, John F. McGough, age 20, marble cutter; daughter, Rosa McGough, age 19, "at home"; daughter, Maggie, age 17, "at school"; and son, Hugh McGough, age 15, "at school."

Land Transactions in Eau Claire

Records of Eau Claire county show that John McGough took possession of land there on June 15, 1858. A grant of land to John McGough from the United States is dated August 1, 1860, and was recorded with the county Register Office in Eau Claire on December 29, 1860 (Volume 2 of Deeds, pages 572 and 573). The purchase was of 149.26 acres in the NE ¼ of Section 5, Township 27 [-N], Range 7-W, in the District of Sands. The title document recites: as to 120 acres of this purchase, the original land warrant was issued by the United States under an 1855 Act of Congress granting bounty land to officers and soldiers of the United States; the original grant was to William Sadler, a Private in Captain Wirts’ Company of the Virginia Militia in the War of 1812; warrant number 68,591 had been deposited in the General Land Office in favor of Sadler; and Sadler had assigned his rights to N. Byron Boyden, who assigned them to John McGough.

Eau Claire county records show that John and Catherine McGough sold this land to Patrick Fitzpatrick on December 12, 1861, for $300. The purchaser of this land was probably the father of Catherine Fitzpatrick, who had moved from Pottsville to Eau Claire earlier in 1861. At one time, I speculated that the grantee of this land might have been the same "Pat Fitzpatrick" who, with a 28 year-old John McGough, arrived in New York from Liverpool aboard the ship David Cannon on May 16, 1851. This is unlikely. Eau Claire county records show that an adjoining 147.41 acres of land had been acquired by Patrick Fitzpatrick. This land was immediately east of the land described above. The description of that property was the NW ¼ of Section 4, Township 27 [N], Range 7-W in the District of Sands. Patrick Fitzpatrick, and wife Margaret Fitzpatrick, deeded the east 100 acres of that property to Catherine McGough on the same date as the transaction described above, December 12, 1861. The Patrick and Margaret Fitzpatrick who conveyed this property were almost certainly the parents of Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough.

The title document of the purchase in section 4, which is east of section 5, recites: as to 120 acres of this purchase, the original land warrant was issued by the United States under an 1855 Act of Congress granting bounty land to officers and soldiers of the United States; the original grant was to Sally Cox, widow of Thomas Cox, a Private in Captain Adams Company of the New York Militia in the War of 1812; warrant number 45,818 had been deposited in the General Land Office in favor of Sallie Cox; Sallie Cox had assigned her rights to Daniel Hopkins; and Hopkins had assigned his rights William B. Marfield. Eau Claire county records show that Marfield entered onto the land on April 6, 1858. Marfield recorded the United States Land Grant, which was dated August 3, 1860, in the Eau Claire County Register’s office on December 13, 1861 (Volume 3 of Deeds, pages 111 and 112).

None of the persons named in connection with these land transactions shows up as a patentee in a computer search of Wisconsin land records in the General Land Office reports of the Bureau of Land Management. An email message of August 13, 1898, from Lamar McCown of the Bureau of Land Management explains: "The website includes patents that were issued mostly under the Cash and Homestead Acts. Automation of Military Warrants will be a future project." If the original basis of the title, therefore, is a military warrant, neither the original nor the subsequent transactions will be found in the GLO reports.

Mooney and McManus Connections

On November 30, 1863, Catherine McGough and her husband John McGough, my great-grandparents, sold to William T. Mooney for $200 the 100 acres of section 4 that had been deeded to Catherine by her parents on December 12, 1861. The grantee was probably the William Mooney who married Catherine Fitzpatrick's sister, Rosannah Fitzpatrick, who had been born about 1840 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and was to die on March 5, 1868, in Eau Claire. The marriage of William T. Mooney and Rosanah Fitzpatrick probably took place about the time of the conveying of the property to William T. Mooney.

Despite her marriage to William T. Mooney, Rosanah appears to have used the surname name Fitzpatrick throughout her life. Joe Flynn, a native of Eau Claire, tells me that the record of the marriage in 1866 of Andrew Conley and Mary McKernan, his great-grandparents, shows that one of the witnesses to the marriage was "Rose Anna Fitzpatrick, daughter of Patrick & Margaret Fitzpatrick." (At the time of the marriage, the Conley and McKernan families were both living in the township of Pleasant Valley, south of Eau Claire.) That wedding took place at St. Patrick's parish church on May 1, 1866, 4 years after Rosanah Fitzpatrick's marriage to William T. Mooney. Rosanah Fitzpatrick's obituary identifies her as "Rosanah Fitz Patrick, wife of Wm. Mooney." (See below.)

I have found no evidence that William T. Mooney and Rosanah Fitzpatrick had any children or, indeed, lived together. On March 5, 1868, Rosanah fell into a well and died. A few years after the death of his first wife, in 1875 or earlier, William T. Mooney may have married Roseanne McManus (born in Pennsylvania in October, 1858), the oldest daughter of Daniel McManus and Anna McGough McManus. Records show that Roseanne McManus married a man named Mooney and gave birth to a son, William F. Mooney, in October of 1875. William F. Mooney, the son, apparently never married. The 1900–1930 censuses show him as a farmer in Union and single. He died in 1939 in Wisconsin.

By an email of March 31, 2003, Teresa McKelvey informs me that she is a descendant of Rosanna McManus Mooney, the mother of William F. Mooney who was born in October of 1875, that Rosanna later married John Gormley on October 11, 1880, in St. Patrick's Church, Eau Claire, and that she had seven more children by John Gormley before her death in Eau Claire in 1900. Their marriage and children are shown in the family tree on Teresa McKelvey's website: We Are The McKelvey Family From Ireland To Quebec & The U.S. Teresa McKelvey is a descendant of John Gormley. See also: McKelvey`s & Families Of Ireland - Quebec - U.S.

The 1860 federal census of Pennsylvania shows Daniel McMannus, age 28, in the borough of St. Clair, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. His occupation is listed as coal miner, and the value of real estate held as $250. He was born in Ireland. Residing with him was his wife, Ann, 19, born in Pennsylvania, and daughter Roseanna, age 1, born in Pennsylvania. (An index to the 1860 census of Schuylkill county Pennsylvania compiled by Marjorie Wylam Bleidner (Book 974.817 X2b 1860, film 6048738, LDS Family History Centers) shows the family of Daniel McManus, age 28, born in Ireland, in the East and West Ward of Minersville, house 1833, page 250, IDND 772, line 27. The residence shown by the census is St. Clair Borough (North Ward).) The age of Daniel's wife Anne in this census corresponds with that of the 10 year old Anne McGue who, ten years earlier in the 1850 census, was shown living with her parents, Andrew and Elizabeth McGue, in New Castle township (page 156), Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. Anne McGue's parents were living in St. Claire Borough (North Ward) (page 743) in 1860. Anne had left their home before 1860. This is almost certainly the Ann McGough who married Daniel McManus. Andrew McGue and Andrew McGough was the same person, as was Anne McGue and Ann McGough. (Irish McGoughs sometimes adopted the phonetic spelling McGue upon emigrating to the United States. See, for example, the entries under Schuylkill county in my page Inconsistent Census Reporting.)

My guess is that Daniel and Ann McGough McManus moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin shortly after the end of the Civil War, in late 1865 or1866. Ann's brother, Andrew McGough, born in 1844, may have accompanied her from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin. On February 1, 1866, Andrew McGough was a sponsor at the baptism in Eau Claire of John Murray, son of Michael and Rosa Murray. The church record says that Andrew McGough was of the family of Andrew and Elizabeth McGough; a description that best fits the younger brother of Ann McGough McManus. Her father, also Andrew, would have been 61 at the time, a little long in tooth to take on responsibility for the life-time spiritual welfare of a new-born child. The sacramental records of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire also show that on May 7, 1867, Patrick Devine and Rose Murray were sponsors at the baptism of James (Iacobus) McManus, the son of Daniel and Ann (McGough) McManus. (Michael Murry, age 30, a farmer, born in Ireland, is listed in the 1870 census of North Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Living with him was his wife, Rose, age 30, also born in Ireland, who could neither read nor write, and their 5 children, all born in Wisconsin: James, 8, Bridget, 6, John, 4, Hugh, 2, and Michael, 3 months.)

The 1870 federal census of Wisconsin shows the Daniel McManus family residing in Oak Grove township (page 303) of Eau Claire. The family name is spelled McMannus. Daniel is listed as a 40 year old farmer, born in Ireland. Ann is listed as 35 years old, "at home," and born in the United States (Pennsylvania in the 1880 census). The children are Rosina, age 11, born in Pennsylvania; Dennis (Daniel in the 1880 census), age 5, born in Pennsylvania; James, age 4, born in Wisconsin; and Elizabeth, age 2, born in Wisconsin. Rosina is listed as Roseanne in the 1880 Wisconsin census, and Rosanna (age 1) in the 1860 census of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania (below). Elizabeth, age 2 in 1870, apparently died between 1870 and 1880.

The 1880 federal census of Wisconsin shows Daniel McManus (spelled McManes in the electronic version), a farmer, age 48, living with his wife Ann (McGough), age 40, in the town of Union in Eau Claire county. The McManus family was living next door to the family of John Joseph McGough and his wife Rosanna (Mooney) McGough. See Michael McGough and Rosanna Halton of Lindsay, Ontario; Connections with Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The census shows that Daniel was born in Ireland, as were his parents; that Ann was born in Pennsylvania, and her parents were born in Ireland. Living with them were their children and one grandson: their daughter Roseanne McManus Mooney, age 21, born in Pennsylvania, and her son William F. Mooney, age 4, listed as the grandson of Daniel and Ann McManus; and their other children, Daniel McManus, age 16, born in Pennsylvania; James McManus, age 13, born in Wisconsin; Mary McManus, age 11, born in Wisconsin; John McManus, age 8, born in Wisconsin; Andrew, age 6, born in Wisconsin; Catherine, age 4, born in Wisconsin; and Hugh, age 2, born in Wisconsin. The place of birth of the two older children, Roseanne and Daniel, is shown as Pennsylvania. The other children, and the grandson, are all shown as having been born in Wisconsin. This means that Daniel and Ann McGough McManus moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin about 1865 or 1866. Joe Flynn tells me that Mary "Molly" McManus, daughter of Daniel McManus and Ann McGough McManus, married his great uncle, Matthew Flynn, brother of John Flynn. Wisconsin Marriages, pre-1907, volume 4, page 10, shows a marriage of a Daniel McManus on April 16, 1901, in Eau Claire. This may be the marriage of the oldest son of Daniel and Ann McGough McManus, who is shown as 16 years of age in the 1880 census.

The Pre 1907 Death Index for Eau Claire Co., WI lists the death of Daniel McMannus on June 5, 1905.

Ann McGough McManus was born in Pennsylvania to a father named McGough who had been born in Ireland. Ann McGough (Mrs. Daniel) McManus was the same person as the Anne McGue, shown by the Pennsylvania federal census of New Castle township (page 456) in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, as the 10 year old daughter, born in Pennsylvania, of Andrew (age 41) and Elizabeth (age 32) McGue, both born in Ireland. Living with the Andrew McGues in Pennsylvania in 1850 was 20 year old Catharine Devine, born in Ireland. Perhaps she was a relative of the Patrick Devine who was a sponsor at the baptism in Eau Claire in 1867 of James McManus, son of Daniel and Ann (McGough) McManus. See McGoughs and McGues in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, in the 1800s.

Here is a message from Mark McManus posted on February 26, 2000, on The McManus Surname Message Board of FamilyHistory.com:

"I am looking for any relatives who may have information on my gggrandfather who came to America in the early 1850's, worked in the coal mines in Pennsylvania and ultimately moved to the town of Union in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin about 1865-66. I am specifically attempting to find anyone who may have information on one of his sons, my grandfather, Andrew Martin McManus born in 1874. He had a daughter, Marie McManus from a first marriage. He was then remarried to my grandmother, Herma Wiltse, lived in Pittsburgh at the turn of the century until about 1925 after their divorce in 1915. There is no record of his whereabouts after this date. His ex-wife Herma McManus moved to Freeland, Michigan where she remarried into the Vasold family."

See also a May 4, 1998, message on "McManus Interest Page (Postings)—1998 Rannsachadh Sloinn MacMaghnusa (Clár Fógraí)—Bliain 1998." See also the entry for Ann McGough on the website: McKelvey`s & Families Of Ireland - Quebec - U.S.

Living next to Daniel McManus and Ann McGough McManus in the town of Union, next to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, at the time of the 1880 federal census was another farmer, John Joseph McGough, age 30; his wife Roseanne Mooney McGough, age 30; his mother-in-law Mary Mooney, age 70; and four children of John Joseph McGough and Roseanne Mooney, all of whom were born in Wisconsin: John E. McGough, age 7; Hugh F. McGough, age 5; Roseanne McGough, age 3; and Elizabeth McGough, age 1. The birth place of the John McGough who was the head of this family is shown as Canada, and his parents' birthplace as Ireland. Roseanne's birthplace is shown as Wisconsin, and her parents' birthplace as Ireland. The birthplaces of Mary Mooney, the mother-in-law, and her parents, are listed as Ireland. Mary Mooney, therefore, was born in Ireland about 1810. Mary Mooney, by virtue of being the mother of William T. Mooney, who was the father of William F. Mooney; and Ann McGough McManus, by virtue of being the mother of Roseanne McManus Mooney, the mother of William F. Mooney, were both grandmothers of four-year-old William F. Mooney at the time they lived on adjoining farms in Eau Claire county.

The parents of my great-grandmother, Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough, and several of her brothers and sisters moved to Eau Claire in 1861. The family of Daniel and Ann McGough McManus moved from Pennsylvania to Eau Claire four or five years later, probably in 1866. Since Daniel McManus and his wife, Ann McGough, came from the same area in Pennsylvania as did the Fitzpatricks, the relationship between Ann McGough's parents in Pennsylvania, Andrew and Elizabeth McGough, to the family of my great-grandfather, John McGough, may help determine the place of origin of our McGough family in Ireland.

Thomas McGough

Thomas McGough, was born in 1843 or 1844, in the parish of Magheracloone, county Monaghan, Ireland. He was the son of Michael McGough and Rose Halton, whose story is told on a separate page of this site, Michael McGough and Rosanna Halton of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada; Connections with Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Thomas was one year old at the time of the family's emigration from Ireland to Lindsay, Ontario. Thomas emigrated from Canada to the US, through New York, in 1861, moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, probably shortly after 1861, and filed a declaration of intent to become a US citizen on October 31, 1872, in Eau Claire. The declaration says say he was born in 1844. His first born son, John McGough, was born in Eau Claire on May 1, 1866.

Thomas McGough was married to Ellen (Helen?) Kidd (or Kitt) (1842–1892), who was also born in Ireland. That the first born son of Thomas and Ellen McGough was named John McGough, and my great-grandmother, Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough, was the godmother at his baptism on May 1, 1866, supports a hypothesis that Thomas McGough was related to my great-grandfather, John McGough. Interment records of Thomas McGough at St. Patrick's cemetery in Eau Claire shows the span of his life as 1825–1897, but 1844 appears to be his correct year of birth. The cemetery records show that Thomas and Ellen are interred in the McGue lot and the names are spelled as Thomas McGue and Ellen McGue. The Pre 1907 Death Index for Eau Claire Co., WI lists the death of Thomas McGaugh on July 4, 1897. This is doubtless a reference to Thomas McGough. The death of Mrs. Thomas McGough is recorded on October 11, 1897.

The 1870 census of Eau Claire lists the family this way:

(1870) Thomas McGue, age 36, laborer, with real estate worth $500, born in Ireland, who could neither read nor write. (roll 1712, page 251b)

Helen McGue, age 20, keeping house, born in Ireland, who could neither read nor write. [Perhaps this age should be 28; first name should probably be Ellen; my information is that Thomas McGough was married to Ellen Kidd (or Kitt) (1842–1892) who was born in Ireland.]

John McGue, age 4, at home, born in Wisconsin. [born in Eau Claire on May 1, 1866. My grandmother, Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough, was a sponsor of this John McGough at his baptism. John McGough married Murtie Morehouse on October 6, 1889.]

Jane McGue, age 2, born in Wisconsin. [Mary Ann McGough, or perhaps Maggie J. McGough, in the 1880 census.]

Helen McGue, age 1, born in Wisconsin. [Maggie J. McGough in the 1880 census ?]

Here is the family as listed in the 1880 census of Eau Claire:

(1880) Thomas McGough, age 40, laborer, born in Ireland. (roll 1424, page 359C)

Emma McGough. age 39, keeping house, born in Ireland. [Probably should be Ellen]

John McGough, age 15, boot black, born in Wisconsin.

Mary Ann McGough, age 12, at home, born in Wisconsin.

Maggie J. McGough, age 11, at home, born in Wisconsin.

Rosa McGough, age 10, at home, born in Wisconsin.

Sarah McGough, age 6, born in Wisconsin.

Thomas McGough, age 4, born in Wisconsin.

Ellen McGough, age 1, born in Wisconsin.

There was also a later child, born about 1884: Kate McGough.

John Joseph McGough

The John Joseph McGough who was living in Eau Claire county with his mother-in-law, Mary Mooney, in 1880, was the son of Michael McGough and Rosanna Halton of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada. John Joseph McGough moved to Eau Claire from Canada in 1866 when he was about 17 years old and raised two large families in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. His father, Michael McGough, was born in the townland of Crumlin, parish of Magheracloone, county Monaghan, Ireland, in 1803 and died in Lindsay, Ontario, at the age of 78, on December 30, 1881. Michael's wife, and John's mother, Rosanna (sometimes Rose or Rose Ann) Halton, was also born in Ireland. Michael and Rosanna were married in Ireland. They received assisted emigration from the Shirley estate and emigrated from the port of Cork, Ireland to Canada in 1845. Griffith's Valuation in 1857 shows a Thomas Halton in county Cavan, parish of Enniskeen, township of Lisanisky, and the Tithe Applotment Books show a McGeough family in the same parish in 1827. See McGoughs, McGeoughs, and McGeoghs in Ireland in the 1820–30s and 1850–60s: By County, Parish, and Townland, line 69. Because of the good possibility of a relationship between John Joseph McGough and my great-grandfather John McGough, who had moved to Eau Claire from Pennsylvania in 1856, about 10 years before John Joseph McGough made the move from Canada, the story of John Joseph McGough's family may shed some light on the Irish roots of our family. The information I have about the family of John Joseph McGough is set out in a separate page on this website, Michael McGough and Rosanna Halton of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada; Connections with Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Margaret Ellen McGeough

A third child of Michael McGough and Rosanna Halton moved from Lindsay, Ontario, to Eau Claire. A sister of Thomas and John McGough, Margaret Ellen McGeough, was born in Ireland in 1838; moved from Ireland with her parents to Lindsay, Ontario, in 1845; was confirmed in Lindsay, Ontario, at age 20, on November 10, 1858; and married Bartholomew Fitzsimmons on September 8, 1861, in Lindsay, Ontario. Bartholomew and Margaret McGeough Fitzsimmons moved to Eau Claire sometime before 1870. The 1870 Wisconsin federal census shows Bart. Fitzsimmons, age 42, a farm laborer, living with his wife, Margaret, age 31, who "keeps house." She divorced Bartholomew in Eau Claire County Circuit Court in 1880—because of his habitual drunkenness and failure to support her. She and Bartholomew had no living children. On February 12, 1881, she was married a second time in Eau Claire to Michael Keane, a laborer, in a civil ceremony in Flanagan’s restaurant in Eau Claire. (Eau Claire County Register of Deeds-Marriages, volume 1, page 420, #1722) The marriage is listed in the Wisconsin Pre-1907 Marriage Index. See: Brides and Grooms Index. See Michael McGough and Rosanna Halton of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada; Connections with Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Sad Accident—The Untimely Death of John McGough

My great-grandfather John McGough drowned while crossing the Eau Claire River on ice-covered log booms on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1869—according to family history. The records of St. Patrick's Cemetery in Eau Claire give the date of death as December 24. The article reporting his death in the Eau Claire Free Press of January 6, 1870, makes no mention of a log boom, and gives the date of death as December 23, 1869, but otherwise confirms family history:

SAD ACCIDENT. —Thursday the 23d ult. John McGue, an old and well known citizen of Eau Claire, came to his death while attempting to cross the Eau Claire River below the bridge. We understand that he was under the influence of liquor at the time and it appears that he was of the impression that the river was safely frozen over at that point, and unconsciously walked directly into an air hole, where the water was too deep to allow him to regain his footing, but not of sufficient depth to strangle him, and there with his head barely above the water's edge he remained crying for help, which finally came, but too late, and when found life was extinct, the excessive cold having chilled him to death. He was a hard working man, and leaves a large family with limited means of support. His funeral on the following Sunday was attended by a very large gathering of citizens who deeply sympathized with the family in their bereavement.

 

Widowed Catherine McGough and her Five Children

The 1870 federal census shows the widowed Catherine McGough, listed as McGue, living in the home of Alvah Dewey, age 36, an agent for a sewing machine manufacturer, with real estate worth $1000 and personal property worth $1000, who was born in New York, and his wife, Clarissa Dewey, age 28, who was born in Vermont. No children of the Dewey's are listed. Here are the McGues in the household:

Catherine McGue, age 32, keeping house, with real estate worth $2500 and personal property worth $200, born in New York. (Roll 1712 Book 1, Page 259a)

James McGue, age 13, at home, born in Wisconsin. Attended school within year.

John McGue, age 11, at home, born in Wisconsin. Attended school within year.

Rosina McGue, age 10, at home, born in Wisconsin. Attended school within year.

Margaret McGue, age 7, at home, born in Wisconsin. Attended school within year.

Hugh McGue, age 5, at home, born in Wisconsin. [my grandfather].

The 1880 federal census and the 1880 Eau Claire City Directory show Catherine McGough, age 40 (44 would have been more accurate) as residing on the northeast corner of Jones and Barstow Street (519 South Barstow Street) in Eau Claire with her five children: James H. McGough, age 23, a carpenter; John F. McGough, age 20, a marble cutter for W. F. Cook (a next door neighbor); Rosa McGough, age 19, at home; Maggie McGough, age 17, at school; Hugh McGough, age 15, at school. Patrick Fitzpatrick, a laborer and Catherine's brother, is listed as a boarder in the house. Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough continued to live in this house at 519 South Barstow Street until her death on July 16, 1891.

The Eau Claire Directory, 1887–88, shows Kate McGough (widow James H) as residing at 519 South Barstow. Surely this should have been "widow of John." (See also: Directories: 1884 Eau Claire City Directory, Eau Claire Co., WI—Surnames M - O.)

Death of Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough

Catherine McGough died on July 16, 1891. The Eau Claire Weekly Free Press for that day reported:

Death of an Old Resident

Mrs. John McGough died at 5 o'clock this morning at her home, 519 South Barstow Street, aged 56. The cause of death was paralysis. The funeral will take place at 8 o'clock Saturday morning, at St. Patrick's church, Rev. Father Kelly officiating. The deceased was one of the oldest residents of this city and came to Eau Claire about the year 1856. Her husband died in this city twenty years ago.

In the Eau Claire City Directory, 1893–94, Hugh McGough and Patrick Fitzpatrick, a paperhanger, are shown as living in Catherine's old family home at 519 South Barstow Street.

James H. McGough, son of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick

James H. McGough (1856 or 1857–May 26,1909) spent his adult life as a mail carrier in Eau Claire. The Eau Claire Directory, 1887–88, shows James H. McGough, a mail carrier for the Post Office, residing at 502 Jones. He married Hannora Cusick (1859–21 April 1892) who died at age 33. Hannora's obituary says there were two surviving children. The Eau Claire Evening Free Press of Saturday, April 16, 1892 reported:

Life's Journey O'er

Ms. James McGue died at her home, 1001 South Barstow street, early this morning after a brief illness. She was the wife of James McGue, the mail carrier. Two children survive. The deceased was highly esteemed by a large circle of relatives and friends in this city. Mrs. McGue was 33 years of age and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Cusick, of Pleasant Valley. The funeral will take place Monday morning at 8 o'clock from St. Patrick's church. Two sisters of the deceased from Burlington, Iowa, and two sisters from Chicago and Shell Lake respectively, will attend the funeral.

On the following Tuesday, April 19, 1892, this note was published in the Eau Claire Evening Free Press:

Card of Thanks

Jas. H. McGue desires to hereby return to the kind friends who extended their sympathy during the illness of his late wife his sincere and heartfelt thanks and to assure them that their kindness will be remembered and appreciated.

The report of the funeral in the Eau Claire Weekly Free Press of the following Thursday, April 21, 1892, was almost the same as the Evening Free Press article of April 16, quoted above, except that the surname McGough was used instead of McGue. The decedent was identified as Mrs. Hannora McGough and the surviving husband was identified as James H. McGough.

The Eau Claire City Directory, 1893–94 shows James H. McGough, mail carrier, as residing at 1001 South Barstow Street.

James H. McGough then married Elizabeth. Here is this family's listing from the 1900 census of the 4th ward of Eau Claire:

(1900) James H, McGue, age 41, born in June, 1858, in Wisconsin, to parents born in Ireland, married 16 years, mail carrier (roll 1787, page 93). [Son of my great grandparents, John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick. See my page: McGoughs and McGues in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1856–1906.]

Lizzie B. McGue, age 38, born in August, 1861, in Canada, mother of 4 children, all 4 of whom were living.

Ada C. McGue, age 12, born in December, 1887, in Wisconsin, at school.

Ethel C. McGue, age 11, born in March, 1889, in Minnesota, at school.

Marshall McGue, age 8, born in October, 1891, in Wisconsin, at school. [Marshall McGough, age 20, single, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, was listed in the 1910 census of Ada, Boise county, Idaho, as a soldier in the United States Army stastioned at Fort Boise (T-624, roll 221, page 2A, line 46). Marshall H. McGough, age 27, born on August 4, 1889, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and residing at 611 Pine Street, Waterloo Iowa, registered for the WWI draft on June 5, 1917, in Waterloo, Black Hawk county, Iowa. He was married and employed as a travelling salesman for George A. Morrell Company of Austin, Minnesota. He stated that he had three years service as a non-commissioned member of the regular army (calvary). World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918, on Ancestry.com. Marshal H. McGough, age 29, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Wisconsin (sic), is listed in the 1920 census of Minneapolis (5th Ward), Hennepin county, Minnesota, employed as a commercial trader; with his wife, Frances McGough, age 36, born in Wisconsin. to parents born in New York, and no children (roll 834, page 108). The 1930 census of Seattle, King county, Washington, lists Marshall McGough, age 39, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, married at age 30, salesman for a fertilizer (factory ?), with his wife, Elsie McGough, age 29, married at age 20, born in Iowa to a father born in Missouri and a mother born in Illinois, renting a unit at 411 North 63rd Street (roll 2492, page 27A, line 48).]

Hanora McGue, age 7, born in April, 1892, in Wisconsin.

The 1905 state census shows James H. McGue, age 47, a mail carrier who was renting a house. This census says that the parents of James H. McGue were born in Pennsylvania, but the census reporting form leaves only enough space for one short entry for both parents. James' mother, Catherine Fitzpatrick, was sometimes reported to have been born near Pottsville Pennsylvania (although she was more likely born in New York), but his father, John McGough, was born in Ireland. The census further reports that James was married to Elizabeth (1862–), age 43, that she was born in New Brunswick, Canada, and that her parents were born in Ireland and Canada. Children, as listed in the census, who were living with James H. and Elizabeth McGough in 1905 were:

Ada C. McGue (1888–), age 17, a student, born in Wisconsin.

Ethel K. McGue (1890–), age 15, born in Minnesota.

Marshall McGue (1891–), age 14, born in Wisconsin.

Hanora McGue (1892–), age 13, born in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Birth Index shows only one McGough born in Eau Claire in 1892, a child with no first name listed, whose birth date is shown as August 13, 1892. Since this date is five months after the death of her mother, this may not be a reference to Hanora McGough. April 13, however, may have been mistakenly recorded as August 13. This is a good possibility and would mean that the death of Hannora Cusick McGough on April 16, 1892, was three days after the birth of her daughter Hanora.

Although the 1905 state census shows the surnames of all the children as McGue, my guess is that Ada and Ethel were Elizabeth's children by a previous marriage, and that Marshall and Hanora were the children born of the marriage of James McGough and Hannora Cusick. Hanora Cusick's obituary says she was survived by two children. There is no indication that James H. McGough ever lived in Minnesota. Also, James H. McGough was born and died as a McGough and I have no evidence other than these censuses that he ever used the name McGue.

James H. McGough died on May 26, 1909. A note in the Directory of Eau Claire for 1910 said he was 56 years old, but in fact he was probably only 51 or 52—based on the birth date of June, 1858, given in the 1900 census. The interment records of St. Patrick's church in Eau Claire show that James McGough died of diabetes on May 27, 1909, at the age of 52.

John Francis McGough, son of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick

John Francis McGough (1859–before 1900) was the second son of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough. John McGue, a marble cutter for W. F. Cook, is shown as residing at the northeast corner of Barstow and Jones, at the same address as Catherine McGough, in the Eau Claire City Directory 1880. Presumably, they were mother and son but the difference in the spelling of their surnames in the same directory is a puzzlement: McGough for the mother and McGue for the son. The Eau Claire Directory, 1887–88 shows John F. McGough, a driver for American Express Co., as residing at 519 South Barstow Street with a "Kate" McGough, surely his mother. In February of 1888, J. F. McGue signed as a witness to the signature of Margaret McGue, presumably his sister, in the probate in Eau Claire of the estate of Margaret Fitzpatrick, Catherine's mother and John Francis' great-grandmother. The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Marriage Index shows that a John McGough was married in Eau Claire on May 21, 1890. John Francis McGough married Margaret R. Naughtin about this time, but perhaps earlier. Their daughter Helen was born in 1893, and son Paul J. McGough on June 13, 1895. I am not sure whether their marriage was in Eau Claire or St. Paul, Minnesota. John Francis McGough and Margaret Naughtin McGough raised their family in St. Paul (Ramsey county) Minnesota.

John McGough died sometime before 1900. His widow was living with her brother, John Naughtin, a Catholic priest, in Madison, Wisconsin, when the 1900 census was taken. The listing is under McGue:

WI - Dane County

Madison City, 4th Ward

(1900) Mrs. Margaret McGue, age 34 (sister of John Naughtin), born in December, 1835, in Wisconsin, to parents born in Ireland, a widow, mother of 2 children, 2 children living, housekeeper, living in the home of her brother, John Naughtin, age 45, born in June, 1854, in Ohio, to parents born in Ireland, a Catholic priest (roll 1783, page 56).

Helen McGue, age 7 (niece of John Naughtin), born in October, 1892, in Minnesota, to parents born in Wisconsin.

Paul McGue, age 5 (nephew of John Naughtin), born in June, 1894, in Minnesota, to parents born in Wisconsin. [Born in St. Paul on June 13, 1895; died on October 30, 1980, in Minneapolis, Hennepin county, Minnesota]

Margaret E. McGough, age 44, a widow, mother of 4 children, three of whom were living, born in Wisconsin, owner of her home free of a mortgage, is shown by the 1910 census of precinct 9 of the city of St. Paul, Ramsey county, Minnesota (roll 718, page 225), living on Genesee Street with her daughter, Helen M. McGough, age 17, born in Minnesota to a father born in Scotland (?) and a mother born in Wisconsin; and son Paul McGough, age 15. A Lenora McGough, age 14, born in Wisconsin, and whose father and mother were both born in Wisconsin, was living on Colorado Street in the 7th Ward of St. Paul with John and Margaret McCarthy, ages 49 and 47, and listed as a niece. John McCarthy was born in Illinois; Margaret in Wisconsin. John McCarthy was a mail clerk (?) for the US government. They had been married 20 years and had had one child who was also living with them, Frederick McCarthy, age 19, born in Minnesota (roll 719, page 85). Margaret McCarthy was Margaret (Maggie) Evelyn McGough, the fourth child and second daughter of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough. Lenora McGough was probably the daughter of Margaret McGough's older brother, John McGough, and Margaret Naughtin.

Margaret McGough, age 54, a widow, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Ireland, is shown by the 1920 census of precinct 14 of the city of St. Paul, Ramsey county, Minnesota (roll 854, page 182), living with her son, Paul J. McGough, age 25, born in Minnesota, a claims agent for the street railway, and her daughter, Helen McGough, age 27, born in Minnesota, a teacher in the public schools.

Their son, Paul John McGough (christened as Paul Naughtin McGough) was born in St. Paul on June 13, 1895 and died on October 20, 1980, in Minneapolis, Hennepin county, Minnesota. His death certificate gives his mother's maiden name as Naughton. Paul's wife, Alice McGough, was born on June 19, 1899, and died in Minneapolis in September 7, 1984. Her death certificate gives her mother's maiden name as Lyons. Paul McGough became a noted lawyer, a partner in the prominent Minneapolis law firm of Faegre and Benson, and served as president of the International Association of Insurance Counsel in 1946 and 1947. He introduced me to that organization, now known as the International Association of Defense Counsel, in 1969. Paul John McGough, with a birth date of June 13, 1896, and an address of 1255 Goodrich, is on The Honor Roll of Ramsey County Minnesota—A Record of Ramsey County's Contribution To the Winning of the Great War by J. K. Jennings.

The 1930 census of St. Paul city, Ramsey county, Minnesota, lists Paul McGough, age 34, married at age 27, born in Minnesota, to parents born in Wisconsin an attorney and a general partner in a law firm, with his wife, Alice [Rickert] McGough, age 30, born in Minnesota, to a father born in Minnesota and a mother born in Wisconsin, and two children: Mary Alice McGough, age 6, born in Minnesota, and Paul J. McGough, age 3 years and 4 months, born in Minnesota. The son, Paul J. McGough, was born on March 9, 1927, and died on December 31, 1992, in Hennepin county, Minnesota.

Rose McGough, daughter of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick

Rose McGough (1861–1883), the third child and first daughter of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough, was married in Eau Claire on October 11, 1880, to John Quigg, a blacksmith born in Canada. She died about three years after her marriage. The Latin version of Rose, Rosa, would be the name shown in the church records of her baptism, and she is sometimes shown as Rosa in family records. The marriage records refer to her as Rose McGough. She appears as Rose McGough in the Wisconsin Pre-1907 Marriage Index and Brides of Eau Claire Co., Wis., 1854–1929 (Genealogical Research Society of Eau Claire, 1995). She died in 1883 at the age of 22.

Margaret Evelyn McGough, daughter of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick

Margaret (Maggie) Evelyn McGough (1863–) was the fourth child and second daughter of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough. The Eau Claire Directory, 1887–88 shows Maggie J. McGue, a clerk for Alfred Kahn, as residing at 519 South Barstow Street, with her mother "Kate." Margaret McGue, the granddaughter of Margaret Fitzpatrick, and the daughter of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough, was left $100.00 by her grandmother in a will signed on June 3, 1884. After Margaret Fitzpatrick died, her will was probated. Margaret McGue signed documents in the estate as Margaret McGue. The receipt for $100.00 was signed in February 1888. She married John McCarthy, a US mail agent residing in St. Paul, in a Catholic ceremony in Eau Claire on September 11, 1889. The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Marriage Index shows the marriage of Margaret McGue in Eau Claire on September 11, 1889. The bride's name is recorded in Brides of Eau Claire Co., Wis., 1854–1928 (Eau Claire Genealogical Research Society) as Margaret Evelyn McGough. (The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Marriage Index also shows the marriage of a Margaret E. McGough in Eau Claire on February 12, 1881, but this is a different Margaret E. McGough, the daughter of Michael McGough and Roseanna (Rose) Halton of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada. That family is covered in a separate section of this website.)

The 1900 census of the 6th Ward of the city of St. Paul, Ramsey county, Minnesota (roll 784, page 34) lists J. (John) McCarthy, age 39, born in June, 1860, in Illinois, to parents born in Ireland, mail clerk, who owned his home free of a mortgage; living with his wife of 12 years, Margaret McCarthy, age 36, born in Wisconsin in March of 1864, mother of one son who was living with them, (Frederick) whose name is not legible on the census return, age 9, born in December, 1889 (?), in Minnesota, at school.

Lenora McGough, the 14 year old daughter of Margaret's older brother, John, was living with Margaret and her husband, John McCarthy, in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1910. See above.

Hugh McGough, son of John McGough and Catherine Fitzpatrick, my grandfather

Hugh McGough (June 16, 1865–November 28, 1952) was my grandfather and the last of the children of John and Catherine Fitzpatrick McGough. The Eau Claire Directory, 1887–88 shows J. Hugh McGue, a machinist for the Eau Claire Lumber Co., as residing at 519 South Barstow Street, with his mother "Kate." Hugh McGough was mustered into Company E of the Wisconsin 3rd Infantry, a state militia unit known as "Griffin Rifles," as a private on April 20, 1888. History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin—Past and Present, edited by Judge William F. Bailey (1914 C. F. Cooper & Co. Chicago) at page209. The Eau Claire City Directory of 1888 and 1889 listed Hugh McGue as a machine hand at Eau Claire Sash & Door Company, who boarded at 519 South Barstow Street. The saem directory listed Hugh McGough, a laborer, residing at "n s Jones 1 e of Barstow. The Eau Claire City of Directory of 1891–1892 listed Hugh McGough, a clerk at A. Frederickson, with the note: "boards 625 Union." The Eau Claire City Directory, 1893–94 shows Hugh McGough, a carpenter at McDonough Manufacturing Company, residing at 519 South Barstow. The roster of employees at McDonough Manufacturing Company shows Hugh McGough as a machinist in 1891 and 1892, and a carpenter in 1893. The Directory of Eau Claire for 1910 shows Hugh McGough, a superintendent at McDonough Manufacturing Company, residing at 202 Randall Street.

My grandfather Hugh McGough spent his working life with McDonough Manufacturing Company. The company is noted in Selected Articles from Our Story 'The Chippewa Valley and Beyond' published by the Eau Claire Leader Telegram, 1976, under the title First industries here based on wood products:

"In 1863 Frank McDonough who had learned the trade of blacksmith and carpentry became a millwright and later superintendent of the Eau Claire Lumber Co.

"Within a few years he started a plant above the Eau Claire River for the purpose of manufacturing of sawmill machinery. He later brought in Emmett Horan and Peter John Holm as associates and by 1888 they were producing products that were sold in all sections of the country and abroad. In 1892 the firm employed 60 men.     It is still in operation today and produces sawmill equipment and grinders."

My grandfather apparently followed Frank McDonough from Eau Claire Lumber Company to McDonough's new business. McDonough Manufacturing Company remains in business today and has a website.

Hugh McGough married Mary Ann Campbell in Eau Claire on July 2, 1890. Here is the listing for this family in the 1900 census of Eau Claire:

(1900) Hugh McGue, age 34, born in June, 1865, in Wisconsin, to parents born in Ireland, married 9 years, carpenter, at 519 South Barstow street (roll 1787, page 79). [This is my grandfather, Hugh McGough.]

Mary McGue, age 29, born in January, 1871, in Canada, to a father born in Canada and mother born in Ireland, mother of 5 children, 5 of whom were living. [This is my grandmother, Mary Ann Campbell McGough.]

Charles McGue, age 9, in April, 1891, born in Wisconsin at school. [Charles John McGough, age 26, who was born in Eau Claire on April 26, 1891, registered for the WWI draft in Eau Claire on June 5, 1917. He was single and employed as a travelling auditor by P. B. Poole, 1513 Merchant Bank Building, St. Paul, Minnesota. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918, on Ancestry.com.]

Grace McGue, age 7, born in October, 1893, in Wisconsin at school.

Edmund McGue, age 5, born in August, 1894, in Wisconsin in August, 1894, at school.

Justin McGue, age 3, born in September, 1896, in Wisconsin.

Elizabeth M. McGue, age 1, born in August, 1898, in Wisconsin.

[Coming attraction: Thomas Richard McGough, my father, was born on January 3, 1901.]

Hugh McGough, age 44, born in Wisconsin, is listed in the Wisconsin census of 1910 as living at 202 Randall Street in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. His father was born in Ireland his mother in Pennsylvania. He was living with Mary, his wife of 19 years, mother of 9 children, 8 of whom were living, whose father was born in Canada and whose mother was born in Ireland. Living with them were eight children, all of whom were born in Wisconsin: Charles J., 18; Grace, 17; Edmund, 15; Justin, 13; Elizabeth, 11; Richard, 9; Rose, 5; and Francis Eugene (erroneously listed as female). Hugh's employment is listed as a superintendent at a manufacturing plant. Hugh, Mary, and their children Charles, Grace, Edmund, Justin, and Elizabeth M., are all listed as McGues in the 1900 census and as living at 509 South Barstow Street. In the 1900 census, Hugh's occupation is shown as "carpenter."

Here is the listing in the 1930 census of Eau Claire:

(1930) Hugh McGough, age 62, married at age 22, owner of a home worth $3000 at 202 Randall Street, born in Wisconsin, to a father born in Ireland and a mother born in New York, a superintendent in the machinery business (roll 2571, page 2B)

Mary McGough, age 59, married at age 19, born in Canada (English) to a father born in Canada (English) and a mother born in Ireland, naturalized.

George McGough (son), age 18, single, born in Wisconsin to a father born in Wisconsin to a father born in Wisconsin and a mother born in Canada (English), a clerk in a drug store.

My cousin, Rosemary Dolmage, tells me that Hugh McGough was "forced into early retirement (from McDonough Manufacturing Company) due to blindness caused by cataracts on his eyes. It was only after total blindness, and at the age of 65, that that one of my grandfather's eyes was operated on and part of his vision restored."

Mary Ann Campbell, my grandmother

On July 2, 1890, in Eau Claire, Hugh McGough married Mary Ann Campbell, who was born in Levis, Quebec, Canada, on January 4, 1871, and died in Eau Claire on July 16, 1946. See: Brides and Grooms Index and Eau Claire Obituary Search Engine.

Charles Campbell and Elizabeth Mahar, parents of my grandmother, Mary Ann Campbell

My grandmother's father was Charles Campbell, born on June 1, 1842 in Liverpool, Quebec. (Census data of Eau Claire indicates he was born in January of 1844.) He died in Eau Claire on May 15, 1922. His gravestone in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Eau Claire shows his life span as 1840–1922. Mary Ann Campbell's mother was Elizabeth Mahar Campbell who was born in county Tipperary, Ireland in 1845. (Census date of Eau Claire indicates she was born in August, 1849.) She died in Eau Claire on June 15, 1928. Her gravestone in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire, shows a life span of 1845–1928. Charles and Elizabeth Campbell moved from Levis, Quebec to Eau Claire in about 1883, with their children, Mary Ann Campbell, 10; Margaret Campbell, 8 (who married Joseph Reilly in Eau Claire on January 23, 1893, according to the Brides and Grooms Index to Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Marriages 1854–1928); Ellen Campbell, 6; Michael Campbell, 4; and Anne Campbell, 1. Some sources say that their youngest child, Charles Campbell, was born in Eau Claire, but the 1900 census of Eau Claire says that he was born in Canada in February of 1883. Buried next to Charles and Betty Campbell in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Eau Claire is their youngest daughter, Anne Campbell, 1880–1972.

The Charles Campbell family is listed in the 1900 census of Eau Claire (9th ward) as follows:

(1900) Charles Campbell, age 56, born in January, 1844, in Canada, to parents born in Ireland (?), married 32 years, emigrated in 1883, 17 years in the US, day laborer, owned his home free of a mortgage, at 405 Mappa Street. [The 1920 census data indicates that the year of emigration from Canada was 1886.]

Elizabeth Campbell (wife), age 51, born in August, 1849, in Ireland, married 32 years, mother of 7 children, 7 living, emigrated in 1855, 45 years in the US. [The year of emigration is probably the year Elizabeth moved from Ireland to Canada. The data in the 1920 census indicates she came from Canada to the US with her husband in 1886.]

Thomas Campbell (son), age 29, single, born in January, 1871, in Canada, to a father born in Canada and mother born in Ireland, cook.

Nellie Campbell (daughter), age 24, single, born in July, 1875, in Canada, to a father born in Canada and mother born in Ireland, school teacher. [Ellen Campbell married John McKinnon in Eau Claire on June 30, 1903, according to the Brides and Grooms Index to Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Marriages 1854–1928.]

Mike Campbell (son), age 21, single, born in December, 1878, in Canada, to a father born in Canada and mother born in Ireland, day laborer. [A Michael Campbell married Signa Jacobson in Eau Claire on January 13, 1913, according to the Brides and Grooms Index to Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Marriages 1854–1928.]

Anne Campbell (daughter), age 18, single, born in July, 1880, in Canada, to a father born in Canada and mother born in Ireland.

Charles Campbell (son), age 17, single, born in February, 1883, in Canada, to a father born in Canada and mother born in Ireland, at school.

In the 1920 census of Eau Claire, Charles and Elizabeth Campbell, still on Mappa Street, are listed next to their son-in-law, Hugh McGough, and daughter Mary Ann Campbell McGough, who were at 202 Randall Street. Charles is listed as age 76, born in Canada to Irish parents, who emigrated in 1886 and was naturalized in 1888. Elizabeth is listed as age 73, born in Ireland, who emigrated in 1886. With them is their single daughter, Anna Campbell, age 35, who emigrated in 1886. No occupation was listed for Anna. The house on Mappa Street is unnumbered in the census, but the next house (occupied by Carl W. Shogren and his family) was numbered 406, and the next two houses 410 and 412. In the 1900 census, Charles Campbell was given as 405 Mappa Street.

Children of Hugh McGough and Mary Ann Campbell

All of the ten children of Hugh and Mary Ann Campbell McGough were born in Eau Claire and spent their early years at the family home at 202 Randall Street. Their children were:

Charles John McGough (April 26, 1891–February 13, 1963), who married Ruth Arlene Whitman in Duluth, Minnesota in March, 1919, and died in St. Paul, Minnesota. Charles and Ruth had two daughters, Elizabeth (Bette) McGough (Cummins) and Mary Jane McGough (Jenness). Charles was named after his mother's, Mary Ann Campbell's, father Charles Campbell—a break with the supposed traditional Irish pattern of naming the first son after his father's father. Charles McGough was an executive with the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company and his recollections of the company's history are part of the business archives of the company published by Columbia University. Some of his correspondence in the Papers of George Frederick Jewett Sr., a collection of manuscript materials in the University of Idaho Library. Charles McGough is listed in the 1920 census of Sherman precinct, town of Couer d'Alene (on Forest Street), Kootenai county, Idaho (roll 291, page 197), as age 26 (?), born in Wisconsin to a father born in Wisconsin and a mother born in Canada, a bookkeeper in a saw mill, who owned his home free and clear, with his wife, Ruth McGough, age 23, born in Wisconsin to a father born in New York and a mother born in Wisconsin, with one child: Mary Jane McGough, age 4 months, born in Minnesota to parents born in Wisconsin.

Grace Catherine McGough (October 25, 1892–October 1, 1972), who married James Francis Burns in Eau Claire on March 3, 1919, and died in Milwaukee on October 1, 1972. James and Grace had four children, James Francis Burns Jr., Mary Louise Burns (Conley), Patricia Burns (Fay) and Paul Richard Burns. (The 1900 census lists the month of her birth as October, 1893.) See: Brides and Grooms Index.

Edmund Patrick McGough (August 25, 1894–May, 1935), who married Jensene Adeline Johnson in Carlton, Minnesota, on January 5, 1919, and died in Cloquet, Minnesota. Edmund and Jensene had one daughter, Elizabeth J. McGough. The Cloquet City Directory 1927–1928 lists "McGough Edmund P acct N W Paper Co h 619 Chestnut." Edmund Patrick McGough, single, age 22, born on August 24, 1894, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, residing at 422 Avenue D, Cloquet, Minnesota (with his younger brother Justin), registered for the WWI draft in Cloquet, Carlton county, Minnesota, on June 5, 1917. He was employeed as a bookeeper by Northern Lumber Company in Cloquet. Edmond P. McGough is listed in the 1920 census of Cloquet, Carlton county, Minnesota (roll 824, page 228) as age 25. single, a bookkeeper in a paper mill office, living in a rooming house on Avenue D.

Justin Hugh McGough (September 24 (or 26), 1896–April 12, 1959), who married Ruth Downs Brownell in Cloquet, Minnesota, on November 24, 1922, and died in Seattle, Washington. One family record shows Justin's birth date as September 24, 1897. The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Birth Index shows the birth date of Justin H. McGough, born in Eau Claire, as September 26, 1896, which fits better with the birth dates of his older brother Edmund and younger sister Mary Elizabeth. Justin Hugh McGough, single, age 21, born on September 24, 1896, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, residing at 422 Avenue D, Cloquet, Minnesota (with his older brother Edmund), registered for the WWI draft in Cloquet, Carlton county, Minnesota, on June 5, 1918. He was employed by Northwest Paper Company in Cloquet. He listed as his nearest relative Hugh McGough of Eau Claire. Justin and Ruth had five children, Patricia Ruth McGough (O'Brien), Mary Helen (Molly) McGough (Sister Mary Charles McGough OSB, St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN., who died at the age of 82 on September 2, 2007), Nancy Theresa McGough, John Hugh McGough (McKinnon), and Charles Brownell McGough. John Hugh (Jack) McGough changed his legal name to John Hugh McKinnon in 1972 "… not out of disrespect for the name McGough but because I got so tired of people asking me how to pronounce it, spell it, etc. I think I was a bit oversensitive." Justyn McGough, age 23 (on January 1, 1920), single, born in Wisconsin to a father born in Canada and a mother born in Wisconsin (sic), a supply clerk in a paper company office, is listed in the 1920 census of Cloquet, Carlton county, Minnesota (roll 824, page 233).

Mary Elizabeth McGough (August 28, 1898–December 6, 1966), who never married, and died in Eau Claire. Her birth is shown in the Wisconsin Pre-1907 Birth Index where her name appears as Mary E. McGough. She is buried, under the name Elizabeth McGough, 1898–1966, next to her parents, Hugh McGough and Mary McGough, her brother John, and her grandfather, Charles Campbell, in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Thomas Richard McGough (January 3, 1901–August 17, 1958), my father, who married Dorothy Magdalene Welsh of Eau Claire in Seattle, Washington, on September 11, 1930. The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Birth Index records Thomas' birth in Eau Claire under the name Thomas R. McGue and gives a birth date, surely erroneous, of January 3, 1900. He always gave his birth day as January 3, 1901. In his adult life, Thomas used Richard as his primary first name. The Thomas was dropped before3 his 9th birthday. The 1910, 1920, and 1930 censuses list his name as Richard McGough. He graduated from St. Paul College of Law in 1922. He moved to Seattle, Washington, around 1929. The 1930 census of Seattle lists him as Richard McGough, age 29, a lawyer in general practice, born in Wisconsin. He was the "guest," probably a boarder, in the home of Samuel and Sady Henderson. Richard and Dorothy McGough, my parents, had four children, all born in Seattle: Hugh Richard McGough (me), born June 9, 1931; Eileen Dorothy McGough (Orse), born July 26, 1932; James Howard McGough, born March 5, 1935; and George Alan McGough, born July 5, 1936. My father was buried on August 19, 1958 in Holyrood Cemetery in Seattle, in Grave 6, Lot 928, Section G.

John James McGough (June 15, 1903–May 1907) died just before his 4th birthday. The interment records of St. Patrick's Church in Eau Claire show that "Jno. Jas McGough" died of pneumonia at the age of 4 and was buried sometime between May 4 and May 19, 1907.

Rose Geraldine McGough (March 2, 1905–September 2, 1954), who married William Edwin Erickson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in March of 1939, and died in Madison, Dane county, Wisconsin. William and Rose had one child, William Patrick Erickson.

Hugh McGough died at birth in Eau Claire on December 6, 1906. The Wisconsin Pre-1907 Death Index shows the death of Hugh McGue on that date. The interment records of St. Patrick's Church in Eau Claire show that, on December 6, 1906, the "Child of Hough McGue" was stillborn.

Francis Eugene McGough (August 14, 1908–November 27 1993), who married in Eau Claire Mary Elizabeth Seemann (daughter of Dr. William Otto "Will" Seemann, who was born on 6 Aug 1870 in Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa, and who practiced medicine in Eau Claire) on November 17, 1934, and who died in Sun City, Maricopa county, Arizona. Francis Eugene was my "Uncle Gene." Gene and Mary had seven children: Mary Linn McGough, who died as an infant; Katherine Elizabeth McGough (Schuff), Patrick Michael McGough, William Francis McGough, Rosemary Ellen McGough (Dolmage), Janet Anne McGough, and Thomas Eugene McGough. Gene's daughter (and my cousin), Rosemary (Mrs. John) Dolmage, writes of her father:

"My father tells wonderful stories of his childhood adventures. The large two-story house that was his home was located two blocks from the Eau Claire River on one side and two blocks from Half Moon Lake on the other. Summertime was filled with lots of swimming.

"At the age of five, my father began his academic career in first grade at St. Patrick's grade school. He remembers the end of World War I, November of 1918, when three of his brothers came home from the armed services; two had been in the Army and one in the Marines.

"After school at the age of fourteen, my father worked at McDonough Manufacturing (where his father was employed) in the mailroom. At sixteen, he was promoted to working the drill press.

"At the age of fifteen, Dad took second prize in an essay contest. That same year he was captain of the football team.

"Upon graduation from high school in 1925, and entered St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a year, he decided not to return there, but to go to St. Paul, Minnesota and enter the St. Paul College of Law. (An alumnus who was to rise to national prominence on the U. S. Supreme Court was Warren Burger.) Dad lived with his brother Dick who was a newly graduated young lawyer. Dad worked in a law office during the day, serving papers, doing 'Court calls, researching legal descriptions with a salary of $40 a month — and going to school at night. At this time, he was 18 years old.

"My father had been plagued with ear infections most of his life. In 1930, it became evident that surgery was inescapable. Dad went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the surgery. Without the aid of penicillin or sulfa drugs, recuperation from this ordeal took a year.

"In 1931, Dad entered Eau Claire State College to get his education credits. He graduated in January of 1932, the depth of the Great Depression that affected all walks of life. He briefly taught commercial law, history and coached the debating team at Eau Claire High School. (Dad remembers that of his graduating class of 85 students, only 3 got jobs.)

"In late 1932, he landed a job with Standard Brands to supplement his teaching income. Later he was offered the job of route salesman with a salary of $90 a month. Dad recalls that at this time in the depression era this was considered a great salary and it was certainly 'big news' when anybody got a job.

"This job led to my Dad traveling throughout the area. On one of the trips to Rice Lake, Wisconsin he was told the Joyce Baking Co. was up for sale and was a good buy for a young man who was interested. He purchased this bakery.

"Later that same year he was married to my mother, Mary Elizabeth Seemann."

George Arthur McGough (December 24, 1911–June 27, 1974), who married Irene Marie Anderson in Eau Claire on May 4, 1940, and died in Dumas, Moore county, Texas. George and Irene had seven children: Mary Ann McGough (Ormson), Richard George McGough, John Stephen McGough, Patricia Jeanne McGough (Trask-1971) (Nulman-1980), Paul Francis McGough, Elizabeth Kay McGough (Yarish), and Kathleen Joan McGough (Betstone).

Here is the listing of the family at 202 Randall Street in the 1920 census of Eau Claire:

(1920) Hugh McGough, age 53, born in Wisconsin to a father born in Ireland and a mother born in Pennsylvania,

Mary McGough (wife), age 48, superintendent, owner of home free of a mortgage.

Elizabeth McGough (daughter), age 20, single, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, teacher, public school.

Richard McGough (son), age 18, single, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, drug store.

Rose McGough (daughter), age 14, single, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, no occupation.

Eugene McGough (son), age 11, single, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, no occupation.

George McGough (son), age 8, single, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Wisconsin, no occupation.

The next dwelling house listed lists the parents and a sister of Mrs. Hugh McGough in an unnumbered houses on Mappa Street: Mappa Street intersects Randall Street at right angles. Randall Street runs east and west. Mappa Street runs north and south.]

(1920) Charles Campbell, age 76, born in Canada to parents born in Ireland, emigrated in 1886, naturalized in 1888, no occupation.

Elizabeth Campbell, age 73, born in Ireland to parents born in Ireland, emigrated in 1886, no occupation.

Anna Campbell, age 35, born in Canada, to a father born in Canada and a mother born in Ireland, emigrated in 1886, no occupation.

Deaths of Hugh McGough and Mary Ann Campbell

My grandfather, Hugh McGough, died in Eau Claire at the age of 87 on or about November 18, 1952. He is buried in St. Patrick's cemetery in Eau Claire, as Hugh McGough (1865–1952). Buried in the same plot (block 77, lot 1) are his wife, Mary McGough (January 4, 1871–July 16, 1946), their daughter Elizabeth (1898–1966), their son John McGough (1903–1907), Mary Ann McGough's father, Charles Campbell (1840–1922), her sister Anne Campbell (1880–1972), her brother Charles Campbell (1840–1922), her sister Betty Campbell (1845–1928), Thomas Groundwater (1866–1949) and Margaret Groundwater (1876–1944). Thomas Groundwater and Mary Campbell were married in Eau Claire on November 22, 1896, according to the Brides and Grooms Index to Eau Claire County, Wisconsin Marriages 1854–1928. Mary J. Groundwater was a witness to the marriage of John Joseph. McGough to Rosanna Ferrigan in Eau Claire on May 21, 1890, providing a link between two of the McGough families in Eau Claire. The other witness was James Ferrigan, probably the son of William Ferrigan and Rosannah McCormack. A James Ferrigan died in Eau Claire on April 26, 1925, at the age of 58, and may well have been Rosanna Ferrigan's brother. A Mrs. James Ferrigan, who was born in Canada, died of consumption in Eau Claire on January 6, 1905 at the age of 30. (The death of Mrs. James Ferregan on January 8, 1903, is listed in the Pre 1907 Death Index for Eau Claire Co., WI.

Destruction of the Old McGough Family Home

Hugh McGough and Mary Ann Campbell raised their family at 202 Randall Street on the west side of Eau Claire, and Hugh McGough apparently continued to live there until his death at age 87 in 1952. Sue Halvorson of Eau Claire sent me a a copy of the front page of the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram of October 21, 1989, where the blaze that destroyed the old McGough home home was the lead article on page 1 under the headline: Blaze destroys west side homes. The article said that the 132-year old house had been owned by Jean Lorentz for 33 years. Jean Lorentz was Sue Halvorson's mother. Sue says that, in the early 1900s, her family had settled in the area, the ninth ward, "a charming neighborhood." She lists many of her family who lived within a few blocks of the house. She sent me the warranty deed of the property from Glen Stai and Carol Stai to her parents, Allan L. Lorentz and Jeanne M. Lorentz, dated September 21, 1956. The Stais apparently bought the property shortly after the death of Hugh McGough, at the age of 87, on November 30, 1952.

Sue also sent me some old title documents, one of which, dated December 28, 1952, was a legal opinion that George A. McGough had a good and marketable title to the premises: "Lots One (1) and Two (2) of Block Eight (8), Whipple and Bellinger Addition to the city of Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin." I assume that my uncle, George Arthur McGough, youngest child of Hugh McGough, sold the property as executor of his father's estate.

Dorothy Magdalene Welsh, My Mother

My mother, Dorothy Magdalene Welsh, was born in Eau Claire on February 15, 1901. She married my father, Thomas Richard McGough, in Seattle, Washington, on September 11, 1930. I am the oldest of their four children, all of whom were born in Seattle: Hugh Richard McGough (me), born June 9, 1931; Eileen Dorothy McGough (Orse), born July 26, 1932; James Howard McGough, born March 5, 1934; and George Allen McGough born July 4, 1935. George died on April 9, 1974, and was buried on April 16, 1974, in Holyrood Cemetery in Seattle. My mother died on September 13, 1979, in Seattle, and is also buried in Holyrood Cemetery.

Dorothy's mother, Evelyn Van Strattum, had a younger sister named Magdalena, and she is probably the origin of my mother's middle name.

James Patrick Welsh and Evelyn Van Strattum, my mother's parents

The parents of my mother, Dorothy Magdalene Welsh, were James Patrick Welsh (March 22, 1865–October 11, 1948), who was born and died in Eau Claire, and Evelyn Van Strattum (July 1, 1869–January 28, 1961), who lived in Appleton, Outagamie county, Wisconsin, at the time of her marriage, and died in Eau Claire. James Patrick Welsh and Evelyn Van Strattum were married on May 27, 1890, and had five children.

The biography of my grandfather was published in the History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin—Past and Present, edited by Judge William F. Bailey (1914 C. F. Cooper & Co. Chicago), at pages 894–5:

"James P. Welsh, chief of the fire department of Eau Claire, was born in Eau Claire on March 22, 1865. His father, James Welsh, was born on Prince Edward Island in the year 1838 and was a lumberman by trade. He came to Eau Claire in 1857, being one of the very early settlers, and was employed by various companies for a time, then became connected with the Eau Claire Lumber Company, with whom he remained for about forty years, during that time being in charge of sorting works on the Eau Claire river. His death occurred on June 14, 1897, at the age of fifty-nine years. Mrs. Welsh, mother of our subject, was Miss Mariah Beckwith, who was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, February 22, 1841. [Both the 1870 and the 1880 censuses say she was born in New York.] They had a family of eleven children, viz: James P., our subject, John, William, Edward, Kattie, Peter, Arthur, who are all deceased; Frederick is connected with the Eau Claire fire department; Ella is married to Charles Halblieb, a conductor on the Omaha railroad; Albert is a gas fitter in Eau Claire, and Frank is a railroad conductor. Mr. Welsh was a staunch Democrat in politics and a member of the Catholic church. He was buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire.

"James P. obtained a good common school education and his first employment was with Charles Alber, of Eau Claire, where he went to learn the trade of furrier, but remained at this work only about six months, then went to work in the grocery store of Bonnell and McGraw, and later in the store of N. J. McIntyre, remaining in this latter position about two years. From 1881 to 1889 he worked at the lumbering business in its various branches, and on September 1, 1889, he became connected with the Eau Claire fire department in the capacity of pipeman; on November 1, 1891, he was made superintendent of firm [fire?] alarm; on May 4, 1899, he was appointed city electrician; May 4, 1901, was appointed fire warden; May 4, 1905, was appointed assistant chief, filling all four positions at one and the same time; November 2, 1906, he was appointed chief, at which time he resigned the above four offices and has since been at the head of the department, where he has proven himself a most worthy official. At this date he has given more than twenty-five years unbroken service in the fire department.

"Mr. Welsh is independent in his politics, is a member of the Catholic church and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He was married on May 27, 1890, to Miss Evelyn Van Strattum, daughter of A. H. Van Strattum, of Appleton, Wis., and five children have been born to them as follows: Vernona E., Evelyn, William W., Dorothy and Patricia who died in infancy."

My grandmother, Evelyn Van Strattum, was the daughter of Arthur H. Van Strattum and Mary S. Van Strattum, both of whom were born in Holland. The family is listed in the 1880 census of Appleton (6th ward), Outagamie county, Wisconsin, as Van Strattum (but the name more often appears with a single t):

(1880) Arthur H. Van Strattum, age 45, married, clerk in store, born in Holland to parents born in Holland, living on Durkee Street.

Mary Van Strattum (wife), age 43, married, keeping house, born in Holland to parents born in Holland.

Fred Van Strattum (son), age 21, dentist, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland. [Frederick in the 1870 census.]

William Van Strattum (son), age 19, carpenter, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland. [Willie in the 1870 census.]

Mary Van Strattum (daughter), age 14, at home, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland, attended school within the year.

Henry Van Strattum (son), age 12, at home, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland, attended school within the year.

Evalina Van Strattum (daughter), age 10, at home, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland, attended school within the year. [In the 1870 census, the youngest child was Eveline Van Stratum, 11 months old, born in Wisconsin in August, 1889.]

Laura Van Strattum (daughter), age 8, at home, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland, attended school within the year.

Lucy Van Strattum, age 4, at home, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland. [In the 1870 census, her name is listed as Lucia T. Vanstratum, where her birth date is listed as October 11, 1875.]

Magdalena Van Strattum, age 3, at home, born in Wisconsin, to parents born in Holland, attended school within the year. [Her name appears as Magdalene Vanstratum in Wisconsin Births, 1820–1907 on Ancestry.com, where her birth date is listed as May 9, 1877.]

In the 1870 census of Appleton (ward 2), Outagamie county, Wisconsin, the surname of the head of this family is listed as A. H. Van Stratum, and indexed by Ancestry.com as Van Stralum. He was a clerk in a dry goods store, 37 years old, and born in Holland. His wife, Mary, is shown as age 32.

Here is the listing of the family in the 1860 census of Appleton (2nd ward), Outagamie county, Wisconsin:

(1860) A. Van Stratum age 28, saloon keeper, value of personal property $1000, born in Holland.

Maria S. Van Stratum, age 23, housewife, born in Holland.

Frank Van Stratum, age 2, born in Wisconsin.

Sarah Skeel (maid), age 20, born in Holland.

Fred Skeel, age 19, cooper, born in Holland.

Peter Van Leshoute, age 24, slave (?) factor, born in Holland.

 

James Patrick Welsh and Henrietta Beckwith Slaughter, parents of my grandfather, James Patrick Welsh

The father of my grandfather was also named James Patrick Welsh (August 1, 1839–June 14, 1897). He married my great grandmother, Mrs. Henrietta (Maria) Beckwith Slaughter (February 22, 1842–July 3, 1931), in Eau Claire on March 19, 1864. Henrietta was called "Marie" in the 1870 federal census of Wisconsin, "Marie" in the 1880 census, and "Mariah" in a biography of my grandfather James Patrick Welsh, quoted above. She was a widow with one child when she married my great grandfather, and they proceeded to have 11 children of their own, the oldest of whom was my grandfather on my mother's side, James Patrick Welsh, born on March 22, 1865, less than three months before the birth of my grandfather on my father's side, Hugh McGough, on June 16, 1865. According to information posted by Dawn Walton on Queries Chippewa County on May 12, 2002, Henrietta Beckwith had married Stokely C. Slaughter on January 1, 1867, in Sextonville, Richland county, Wisconsin. They had one child, Mary Jane Slaughter, who married Peter Lenfesty of Eau Claire county. Stokely served in the Civil War from May 20, 1861, to February 27, 1863, when he was discharged due to disability. He died, probably of war wounds, in May, 1863, and is buried in Bloomer, Wisconsin.

Henrietta Beckwith was the third child and first daughter of Alfred Beckwith,, who was born in New York in 1904; and Arvilla Shea, who was born in New York in 1818. The 1850 census of Montrose, Dane county, Wisconsin, shows this family:

(1850) Alfred Beckwith, age 46, farmer. real estate $500, born in New York.

Arvilla Beckwith, age 32, born in New York. [Possibly the daughter of George and Mary Fuller, below.]

Alfred Beckwith, age 11, born in New York.

Henrietta Beckwith, age 8, born in New York.

Robert Beckwith, age 3, born in Wisconsin.

Martha T. Beckwith, age 7 months, born in Wisconsin.

George Fuller, age 55, farmer, born in New York.

Mary Fuller, age 55, born in New York.

A son, Andrew Beckwith, who was born in 1837, is not listed.

The 1870 federal census of Wisconsin, town of Eau Claire (page 247), lists this family: James Welsh, age 31, works in saw mill, born on Prince Edward Island; Maria, age 28, keeping house, born in New York; Mary, age 9, born in Wisconsin; James, age 5, born in Wisconsin; William, age 2, born in Wisconsin; Edward, age 4 months, born in Wisconsin. Mary was Maria's child by a previous marriage. James was the first born child of this marriage and my grandfather. The family genealogy lists the son named "William" in the census as "Stephen W.," probably Stephen William, born on February 1, 1868; and Edward as born on March 9, 1870.

The 1880 census of Eau Claire lists James Welsh, age 40, laborer, born in Ireland (?); with his wife, Maria, age 38, born in New York; and children: James P., age 15, works in grocery store, born in Wisconsin; Wilfred M., age 6, at school, born in Wisconsin; and Margaret E., age 4, born in Wisconsin.

The listing of the birth place of this James Welsh in the 1860 census as Prince Edward Island confirms that he was my great-grandfather. His father was also James Welsh, who came from Ireland to Prince Edward Island, Canada, and his mother was Ann Brennan who married James Welsh about 1838. In addition to their son James Patrick Welsh, who was born on August 1, 1839, they had another son, Patrick James Welsh, who died as a boy. The