Wilson Ellsworth McGonagle
1862-1933

Wilson E. McGonagle, a prosperous general farmer and stock raiser of Franklin Township, has brought his farm of 155 acres into a high state of cultivation, and through his enterprising methods set a dependable example to his neighbors. He was born in Franklin Township, Harrison County, Ohio, October 10, 1862, a son of Thompson and Asenith (Vickers) McGonagle, grandson of Thomas McGonagle, and a descendant of one of the sturdy families of Scotland.

Wilson E. McGonagle received his educational training in the public schools of Deersville, Ohio. Until 1887 when he was married, Mr. McGonagle remained at home, and during that period acquired a useful fund of knowledge relative to the best methods of carrying on agricultural operations. With the exception of three years when he was away, Mr. McGonagle has lived on his present farm since 1888, and is now recognized as one of the best farmers in his neighborhood.

On September 6, 1887, Mr. McGonagle was married to Alice White, a daughter of Joseph and Mahala (Johnson) White, and their children are as follows: Jesse, who married Ada Birney, a farmer of the State of Wyoming; Harry L., who married Gladys Eslick, is engaged in farming with his father, and Melvin, who is at home. Mr. McGonagle belongs to the Deersville Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. Since January, 1918, Mr. McGonagle has served as trustee of Franklin Township. For two years he was a member of the Township School Board, and four years he was assessor of Franklin Township, proving himself as capable in public office as he has always been when conducting his private affairs, and he stands very well in public esteem.

Wilson E. died Sunday evening, at 7:20 p.m., May 28, 1933 at his home of a complication of diseases, aged 70 years, 7 months and 18 days. He had been ill one year. He was a life long resident of the Deersville Vicinity. He is survived by his widow, Sarah, three sons, Jesse T. of Powell, Wyoming, Harry L. residing near Deersville, and Melvin, at home. He also leaves two granddaughters, Marie Mae and Esther Lee McGonagle, of Powell, Wyoming. Funeral services, in charge of The Clark Funeral Home, Uhrichsville, will be held at the Deersville M. E. Church (or were held at the home) on Wednesday at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Stewart of Dennison, assisted by Rev. Ickes, followed by burial in Deersville Cemetery.

Taken from sketch on Wilson E. McGonagle page 924, Histories of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio by Eckley and Perry pub 1921, and Newspaper Clipping's of obituary.
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Wilson's granddaughter Marie remembers him as being tall and thin. She remembers him being out of the house most of the day, except when Melvin was sick, and then they were in. Melvin had pneumonia really bad, they thought they were going to lose him. Jesse asked the Dr. if he was doing all he could do. And the Dr. thought he was doing all he would be allowed to do. Jesse asked what needed to be done. One thing they did was open the window and another was to get a nurse. Both things were not something they would have allowed to happen if Jesse had not been there. But Jesse was in charge, and he took over. He helped the nurse to nurse his brother back to health. The rumor went around when he opened the window that he had taken his brother out and put him in a snow drift and packed him in snow. When Marie and her family left Ohio Marie remembers Melvin as being very thin and white and wondering if he would make it.
Wilson loved to sing. Wilson's daughter-in-law, Gladys remembers playing hymns for him and his son Jesse once when Jesse and Ada were home on a visit.

Wilson was a member of the Methodist Church while Sarah Alice was a member of the Christian Church since early girlhood, but when they could they would attend either church. (Re Gladys McGonagle)