11 Facts About Matthew Keenan

Matthew Keenan was an American businessman, politician, and Wisconsin pioneer.

Matthew Keenan was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the lower east side of the city of Milwaukee during the 1871 session.

Matthew Keenan received his early education in New York, but came west to the Wisconsin Territory with his parents in 1837.

Matthew Keenan was elected clerk of the Wisconsin circuit court for Milwaukee County in the fall of 1852, and was re-elected three times, serving until January 1861.

Matthew Keenan served six years as Milwaukee tax commissioner through the 1860s, and was elected to the city council from Milwaukee's seventh ward in 1869.

Matthew Keenan represented Milwaukee County's 7th Assembly district, which at that time was identical to his previous city council district, covering what's known as the lower east side of the city.

Matthew Keenan was selected as secretary of the new city water commission and superintendent of the waterworks.

Matthew Keenan remained in that role until the construction was finished and the works were operational.

Matthew Keenan rose quickly, serving several years as superintendent of the company's agencies, then as head of their real estate department.

Matthew Keenan was vice president of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, delegate to the National Board of Trade, regent of the University of Wisconsin, and trustee of the Milwaukee Public Library.

Matthew Keenan died of a stroke at his home in Milwaukee, on August 20,1898.