Obit: McKenna, Frank (1845 - 1908)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: MCKENNA GRIBBEN BARKER MCMAHON MCMICHAEL GOEDEN UPTON

----Source: Greenwood Gleaner 1/14/1909

OLD PIONEER DEAD

The Abbotsford Clarion contained the following about an old pioneer of Clark County who was well known by many of the old settlers here. He was a brother of John McKenna of Eaton.

Frank McKenna, one of the pioneer settlers of this section passed away at his home in the western part of the city Thursday afternoon, Dec. 31, 1908, at 3:30 o'clock. Though Mr. McKenna had been in poor health for a number of years, his final illness was of short duration, lasting but three weeks. The cause of his death was a general breaking down of the nervous system. The funeral was held in the Catholic Church at Colby Sunday, Rev. Schramm officiating, and the body was laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. McKenna was born at Warwick, Ontario, March 8, 1845, being at the time of his death 63 years, 9 months and 23 days old. When a young man he came to Wisconsin, settling at Greenwood. On May 6, 1873 he was united in marriage to Mary Gribben. Three years later he purchased the farm located just west of Abbotsford, it being a wilderness at the time. This place was his home until his death.

Mr. McKenna was a fine specimen of the men who opened up this part of Wisconsin in the early 70 s. Rugged, sturdy and honest, they paved the way for the generations that have followed, and we today are enjoying the fruits of their labors and hardships. Mr. McKenna was a Past Master in the art of woodcraft and for a number of years in the later part of his life held a responsible position with the Owen Lumber Co. He was also an able bridge builder and for a number of years was employed by the Wisconsin Central in that capacity.

He was an upright and patriotic citizen, a true and loving husband and father and those who mourn have the consolation of knowing that the world is better for his having lived in it.

Besides his wife and daughter, Mrs. G. R. Barker of this place, there are one brother and five sisters living, John McKenna of Greenwood, Wis. Mrs. Thos. McMahon and Mrs. W. H. McMichael of Prescott, Ariz. Mrs. Ed Goeden, Mrs. Robt. Upton and Miss Mary McKenna of Newbury, Ontario.

The relatives and friends from out of town attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. D. T. McCarthy and Mrs. J. W. Taylor, Fond du Lac Mrs. J.P. White, Fifield John Mckenna and son John McKenna Jr., Greenwood Oscar Northrup and Mrs. Easter Northrup, Neillsville.