Paul F. Donahue

Paul Francis “Pat” Donahue was a World War I veteran, longtime Stoughton businessman and civic leader whose involvement with Otis Sampson Post No. 59 spanned many years during the early development of the American Legion in Stoughton.

Donahue was born January 16, 1894, in Chicago, Illinois. He came to Stoughton with his parents at about six years of age and spent most of the remainder of his life in the community.

During World War I, Donahue entered the United States Army on June 14, 1917. Military records identify him as serving with Army Field Hospital Company No. 127. He was discharged May 16, 1919, following nearly two years of service.

After the war, Donahue became active in the American Legion and Otis Sampson Post No. 59. By the mid-1920s, he had emerged as one of the Post's leaders. He was elected commander in October 1925 for the coming Legion year and was reelected in 1926, giving him consecutive terms as commander during 1926 and 1927.

His leadership extended beyond Stoughton. Contemporary newspaper accounts note that Donahue also served as a county commander of the American Legion.

He later returned to the Post's top position. In September 1931, Donahue was again elected commander, succeeding Oscar S. Smithback and beginning another term of leadership that included 1932. A newspaper photograph from the period identifies Donahue as the Post's new commander alongside Smithback, the outgoing commander.

The records provide an interesting picture of Post 59 during Donahue's leadership. By 1927, the Post had nearly 150 members. Its activities included assistance to disabled veterans and their families, improvements to the Yahara Park swimming pool, participation in Stoughton's Fall Festival, improvements at a public drinking fountain and presentation of a medal to an outstanding high school student-athlete.

Donahue's later term also came during a period when the Legion was emphasizing community involvement and membership growth. Post 59 worked with local Boy Scouts, planned Armistice Day programs and participated in community activities. The surviving membership records list Donahue as an insurance man with an office at 120 Seventh Street in Stoughton and identify him as a member of the 40 & 8, the American Legion's affiliated veterans organization.

Outside the Legion, Donahue built a long career in the insurance business. His World War II registration listed his place of employment in the First National Bank Building in Stoughton. He ultimately spent approximately 30 years in the insurance profession.

His community service reached well beyond the American Legion. Donahue served as a municipal justice of the peace for 42 years, was a director of the local country club for 35 years and served as chairman of its greens committee for 30 years. He also formerly worked with the Dane County Sheriff's Department and was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Donahue married Florence Klienert of Portage in August 1928. The couple made their home in Stoughton.

Paul F. “Pat” Donahue died October 13, 1966, at a Madison hospital at the age of 72. He was laid to rest at St. Ann Cemetery in Stoughton.

Donahue's record with Post 59 stands out not simply because he served as commander three times, but because his service occurred during the Post's formative years. As a World War I veteran, Legion leader, businessman and longtime public servant, he helped establish the tradition of community involvement that Otis Sampson Post 59 continues today.