E. McGILTON, lawyer, Clay City, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, January 6, 1838, and is a son of Philip and Hannah (Perkins) McGilton. The father was born in Ohio, and died when subject was but four years of age. The mother was a native of Belmont County, that State, her father having come from Scotland in an early day. To her were born three children, of whom subject was the second, and the only one now living. Jehu, one of the children, died in Andersonville Prison in 1864. Mr. McGilton's education was obtained in both the free and subscription schools of his native county. At the age of fifteen, he commenced to learn the shoe-maker's trade, and followed it until 1859. In that year he commenced to read law with Mr. Eli Headlay, of Cameron, Monroe Co., Ohio. He studied with that gentleman until October, 1861, when he was admitted to practice in the courts of Ohio. He soon after came to Clay City, Ill., where he has since resided. He is the only resident attorney at this point, and practices in Justices', County and State Courts. Mr. McGilton has been married three times. The first marriage took place in Monroe County, Ohio, in January, 1860. The bride was Miss Mary Jane Cathell, a daughter of Putnam Cathell, a native of New Jersey. To this lady were born three children, two of whom are now living — Charles A. and Laura B. She died in November, 1870. On December 15, 1872, he was married the second time to Miss Rachel Brummet, a daughter of Lewis Brummet, of Indiana. This union resulted in two children, both of whom are now dead, and the mother also died in the fall of 1876. Mr. McGilton was married the third time, in Clay City Township, on August 10, 1878, to Miss Phoebe Chaney, a daughter of Abel and Christina Chaney. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Two children blessed this marriage, one of whom, Leonidas L., is now living. This child was born on August 20, 1882. Subject has been identified with the Democratic party through life. He has not been a seeker for office, but has given his attention principally to his own affairs. He has however served a number of terms as Town Clerk and is also Notary Public. He is connected with the Southern Methodist Church, and is also a member of Clay City Lodge, No. 384, I. O. O. F.; is at present serving as Noble Grand of the lodge.
Extracted 26 Jan 2020 by Norma Hass from 1884 History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois, Part IV, pages 181-182.
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