Charles 'Buck' McGovern

Soldier, Law Enforcer, Statesman, Politician

Information and photos provided by Dave Craig

Charles McGovern was born March 6, 1873 in 6th Ward of Pittsburgh. His father Charles Sr., was the first detective in the Pittsburgh P.D.

Buck joined the National Guard as a teenager he was part of the relief effort in Johnstown PA, after that city was destroyed by flood and fire in 1889.

He graduated from Holy Ghost College in 1889, and landed his first job with the transit department as a trolley man. He then joined the police department.

With the outbreak of the Spanish American War Buck volunteered and saw action in Cuba. At wars end he was a first sergeant and a close personal friend of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. When Teddy ran under the Bull Moose Ticket Buck served as his personal bodyguard.

In 1901 Buck was instrumental in the capture of the Biddle Gang known also as the 'Chloroform Gang' (see story below).

1902 saw Buck launch his long career in politics - serving the city of Pittsburgh until 1939. He served on the Board of Education, headed the State Board of Registration Commissioners, County Controller, County Commissioner and County Treasurer.

He served with General Pershings troops in Mexico, he served as Captain of the Pittsburgh Troop of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry,

When the US got involved in WWI Buck once again answered the call serving with the Army in the infantry, artillery and intelligence. At wars end he had risen to the rank of Colonel.

Buck McGovern also had a very successful detective agency for 20 years.

Buck died in his home in 1962 at the age of 89. He was a man who had lived life to its fullest, served his fellow man and was loved by thousands of people.