McClugage was born on August 26, 1880, in Tremont, Illinois to parents Robert and Anne McClugage. Beginning in his early adulthood, he became a prominent figure in Peoria, leading public works projects and later becoming an outspoken critic of Peoria's lacking public health.[2] By the time he ran for elected office, he had made a name for himself as an advocate for the people of Peoria. McClugage was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Leading up to his election in 1937, Peoria had experienced many leadership changes, exacerbated by the Great Depression.[3] There were no set rules regarding number of terms that could be served, though mayors typically served for four-year terms. One notable mayor, Edward Nelson Woodruff, served as mayor for 24 total years over multiple periods. He would serve immediately before (1935–1937) and after (1941–1945) McClugage.[4]
McClugage served a full term as mayor, focusing largely on policies related to public health, social welfare, and infrastructure.[2] He led multiple projects aimed at relieving the pressure felt by Peorians during the Depression.[5] During his service, Peoria would begin to revive their manufacturing sector and become hosts to a larger number of families.[6] In the years ending his term, he began to focus on infrastructure and Peoria's preparedness for the upcoming World War, which was growing larger and closer to the United States every day. His main service to Peoria includes development and early construction of the McClugage Bridge, a steel cantilever bridge that carries U.S. Route 150 from East Peoria, Illinois to Peoria.[2] Planning for what was at the times Peoria's main bridge began in 1939, and it would be completed in 1948.[2]
McClugage resumed his public works after he left office, focusing on municipal planning, but would not live to see the completion of his namesake bridge.[7] He died on December 31, 1944. He is buried at Springdale Cemetery and Mausoleum in Peoria.[5]