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James McDonough

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James McDonough

Birth
Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, USA
Death
21 Mar 1892 (aged 76)
Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, USA
Burial
Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, USA Add to Map
Plot
Block 74, Lot 241, Grave Number 1, Regular Depth, Casket Only
Memorial ID
View Source
In 1861, control of the Police Department was assumed by a police board appointed by the governor of the State of Missouri. During this period, other large cities had switched to the same system with success, as it removed a level of politics and favoritism from the police department. There has probably been no single decision in the history of the Department which has caused as much controversy among citizens, politicians and the police. To this day the argument is still heard that the Department should be under home rule. Due to this reorganization and change in state statute, 1861 is considered to be the inception of the Saint Louis Police Department as we know it today.

James McDonough came to St. Louis in 1839 and worked as a city guard. In 1846, he retired and started a detective agency. He was named county treasurer in 1856 and drafted an authorization bill for the police force.

In 1861, James McDonough was sworn in as the Department's first Police Chief by Governor Jackson. Interestingly, he neither sought nor expected the position, but was considered by most to be the best qualified for the job. During his tenure, Chief McDonough would resign twice and serve three separate times as the Chief of Police.

Chief McDonough died at 2601 Chestnut Avenue of complications from cirrhosis of the liver.

Interment took place on 03/22/1892.

In 1907 Chief McDonough was reinterned to his present gravesite in Block 74, Lot 241, Grave Number 1.
In 1861, control of the Police Department was assumed by a police board appointed by the governor of the State of Missouri. During this period, other large cities had switched to the same system with success, as it removed a level of politics and favoritism from the police department. There has probably been no single decision in the history of the Department which has caused as much controversy among citizens, politicians and the police. To this day the argument is still heard that the Department should be under home rule. Due to this reorganization and change in state statute, 1861 is considered to be the inception of the Saint Louis Police Department as we know it today.

James McDonough came to St. Louis in 1839 and worked as a city guard. In 1846, he retired and started a detective agency. He was named county treasurer in 1856 and drafted an authorization bill for the police force.

In 1861, James McDonough was sworn in as the Department's first Police Chief by Governor Jackson. Interestingly, he neither sought nor expected the position, but was considered by most to be the best qualified for the job. During his tenure, Chief McDonough would resign twice and serve three separate times as the Chief of Police.

Chief McDonough died at 2601 Chestnut Avenue of complications from cirrhosis of the liver.

Interment took place on 03/22/1892.

In 1907 Chief McDonough was reinterned to his present gravesite in Block 74, Lot 241, Grave Number 1.

Inscription

Buried in an unmarked grave.



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