Robert E. Monaghan

Robert Emmet Monaghan (July 24, 1822 – June 29, 1895) was an American politician from Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing Chester County in 1853.

Early life Robert Emmet Monaghan was born on July 24, 1822, on the family farm in West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, to Catharine (née Streeper) and James Monaghan. His father emigrated from Fermanagh, Ireland, and was involved in the revolution led by Robert Emmet. His father worked as a clerk, farmer, and was justice of the peace and a Democratic candidate of the state legislature. Monaghan studied in local schools and attended the Unionville Academy and the New London Academy in Chester County and the Strasburg Academy in Lancaster County. He was chairman of the Democratic state conventions of 1876 and 1880. He was elector-at-large in 1880. He was a delegate to two national conventions, including the 1876 Democratic National Convention. He was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee. He was a member of the 34-person delegation in February 1861 sent from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C., to prevent the Civil War. He ran for Pennsylvania Senate, but lost to William Preston Snyder.

Personal life Monaghan married Rebecca Darlington Smith, daughter of Persifor Frazer Smith. They had two daughters and one son, including Frances Smith and Frazer Smith. He lived at 413 West Miner Street in West Chester.

Monaghan died on June 29, 1895, at his Pine Croft home in West Chester. He was buried at Oaklands Cemetery.