Bernard J. McKenna


Bernard J. McKenna was the Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1893 to 1896.

Early life

McKenna was born in 1842 and served in the American Civil War. After returning home to Pittsburgh he worked in the iron industry, eventually becoming a labor union official. McKenna also was active in the volunteer and then professional Pittsburgh fire department.

Pittsburgh politics

In 1875, he was elected to the city council. From his home at 6325 Marchand Street he launched a successful bid to become Mayor in 1893. His administration oversaw the completion of the Highland Park Zoo, and the Carnegie Library's main branch was also completed during his time in office.
McKenna died in 1903 and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville.