Bernard M. McMahon Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: McMahon, Keating. Bernard M. McMahon, street commissioner of Davenport, belongs, doubly to the city by birth as well as by choice. He was born here, July 17, 1861, his parents being James and Mary (Keating) McMahon, and is of Irish extraction on both sides of his house. His father, who was a native of County Clare, Ireland, had already received his education when he decided to try his fortune in the land to which so many of his countrymen had come. Upon arriving in America he did not tarry long on the eastern coast, but became one of Davenport's earliest settlers. He was an active, dauntless, man, or as his son is fond of designating him, a "hustler," who tinctured every situation with flashes of keen wit and an abundance of good humor. He reared a large family of children, his home being situated at No. 418 Division street, where the subject of the sketch still resides. His death occurred in 1902. Bernard M. McMahon was prepared for life in St. Anthony's School, from which in due time he was graduated. He crossed the threshold of his business career as an assistant to his father in the contracting business and since then no other occupation has appealed to him sufficiently to cause him to deviate from the path entered by him at that time. Like his father he has been very successful in his special line of endeavor. It was his distinction to lay the first brick pavement in the state of Iowa, this being in Clinton about twenty-two years ago, and the never varying excellence of his work and honesty of his dealings has given him an enviable reputation throughout Davenport. Three years ago the city council appointed Mr. McMahon to his present office as street commissioner, and since taking charge he has made several changes advantageous to the city in the management of its affairs. He is recognized to be a man who has the best interests of the public at heart and the estee! m of all those who know either him or his work follows as a matter of course. He is a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic church, and his fraternal relations extend to the Knights of Columbus and the Stone Masons Union. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES