Jesse Thompson McGonagle
1888-1970

This is the history of Jesse Thompson McGonagle written by his daughter Marie Mae McGonagle Grant. Jesse Thompson McGonagle told this first part to Marie and it is written in first person just as he told it.
I was born July 18, 1888 in the house my family lived in. When I was 5 I went to the country school on the end of the place. Later I went to Deersville School. When I was nine we moved about two miles away, when I was twelve Pap bought the place and we moved back. When I was twelve I started doing all of the farming and only went to school in the winter because of farming in the spring and fall.
Horses

Pap gave me old Maude, but I couldn't sell her. I pensioned her when she was 33; Pap shot her when she was 40. When I was seventeen I started dickering in horses. Pap sold one of Maude's colts, Bell, best all around horse I ever saw, to the army when she was twenty eight; she looked ten. In 1908, 1909, 1910 I worked for East Ohio Gas Co. putting in big gas lines 18, 20, 22 inch.
Pennsylvania trip with one horse buggy

In 1911 I went to Pennsylvania and did farm work. On July 19, 1911 I started from Saxonburg, Pa. to drive to Deersville, Ohio or "home". It was 150 miles, made 90 miles the first day. That night it rained and the next day made 60 miles with muddy roads. The roads for most part weren't paved or hard surface. I was driving one horse to a top buggy. A boy from where I was working was with me on the trip. I remember we got home before sundown and the little horse was looking around for more things to see. A few weeks later the horse got his back broken. He was one of the best horses I ever owned. I was going to start to train him a little later for a race horse.

A neighbor and I bid on and got a contract to put in a piece of pike. That was putting in a rock road covering, twelve feet wide, one foot thick; 8 inches, 6 inches and less than 4 inches broken fine. All this was done by hand, rock hauled with a wagon and broken up with a sledge. We hired one guy to help break stone
Cozad
After this was done I headed for (Cozad) Nebraska. That fall I husked corn in Nebraska and worked in a flour mill. I went to parties. My friend Jim Meldrum was living in Nebraska and I looked him up and stayed with him.
Oklahoma
Around January 1, 1912 I went to Oklahoma and fed cattle on a ranch there and worked until first cutting of alfalfa. (I worked for Great Uncle Bill McGonagle.)
Then I went to Kinsley, Kansas for the wheat harvest and for thrashing. I stayed there till after the wheat was seeded then bought a motor cycle and rode it to Nebraska to husk corn again. Then in 1913 I shipped the motor cycle to Ohio and went to Ohio. I worked in the timber most of the time that year then I went back to Nebraska about Dec. 15 of that year. Ada and I were married Dec. 24, 1912.
The end of what Jesse told Marie
Wedding
Dad and Mom were married on Mom's twentieth birthday at Mom's home in the same room where she was born. They were married at five thirty in the afternoon. Mom's family was there but none of Dad's family was able to be there; Ohio and Nebraska are just too far apart.
They had a family dinner after the wedding at their home. Those attending were Carrie Birney, Blanche and Joe McKelvey and their children: Hazel 13, Ray 10, Ted 9, Wesley 6, Ethel 4 and Esther 2, Lizzie and Ed Wedge and their son Fred 9, Lida and Dick Johnson and their daughter Carolyn 17 months and of course the Bride and Groom. I do not know for sure but I think that Jim Meldrum was there, he was a good friend of Dad's and he lived with the Birneys in Ohio before they moved to Nebraska.

An interesting story that Mother told about the dinner is that there nearly wasn't a dinner. Everyone was ready to sit down; everything was on the table when Esther started pulling on the table cloth. Someone was quick and no harm was done.
Family
Jesse Thompson McGonagle's parents were Wilson Ellsworth McGonagle and Sarah Alice White McGonagle. Wilson Ellsworth was 26 years old when Jesse was born and Sarah Alice was 29 years old. Jesse, his parents and both of his brothers were all born in Harrison County, Ohio. Jesse had two brothers, Harry Lee and Melvin. Jesse was 2 years older than Harry was and nine years older than Melvin was.
JobsGrandpa was a farmer; Dad learned farming from him. I think that Dad liked farming. The part of Ohio where McGonagles lived is very hilly. Compared to Wyo. it is very rainy there, they do not irrigate, there is plenty of rain. Trees, shrubs and grass grow very lush. Dad tells of having a hard time grubbing sumac out. He didn't want Mom to plant it because it would spread too much. Mom planted it in Wyo. But it didn't spread at all there.
Education
Dad thought that an education was very important and that everyone should take advantage of every opportunity to learn. I remember seeing a report card of Dad’s; his grades were mostly 100's and 99's. He was really quick at math. He had the equivalent of a University education. Dad had a teacher’s certificate, he tried teaching in a country school but the older boys only wanted to play pranks they didn't want to learn. Dad had no patience with them, he wanted to bang their heads together and make them learn. He realized he didn't have the patience to be a teacher. I believe that he taught for two weeks. When we knew Dad he was very patient.
Religion
When I knew my Dad he was very religious. He must have received his religious training at home when he was young. He called his father Pap and his mother Ma. I understand that when they went to church, Pap and Jesse went to one church and Ma and Melvin went to another church. Harry went first to one church and then to the other church. I think that they walked to church. One church was at one corner of the farm and the other church was at the opposite corner of the farm. Dad said that when he was a boy he didn't wear shoes in the summer time, he saved them to wear on Sunday.
Poor Health
Dad's diet seemed to consist of meat, bread and coffee. I don't think that he ate vegetables and fruit very much. They called the meat drippings "sop" and used them as gravy.
Dad had asthma really bad. He could not lie down and sleep. He slept sitting in a chair. The Dr. said his asthma was so bad that he wouldn't live very long. I think the Dr. said about six months if he stayed in Ohio. The Dr. told Dad to move from Ohio. The Dr. prescribed brandy as a medicine for Dad so that he could breathe.
One day Dad realized he was working all day, using too much brandy to keep going, he was going to dances at night and getting into lots of fights. He decided he couldn't keep on this way.
Travels
He went to Nebraska in 1911 and husked corn and worked in a flour mill. Around Jan 1, 1912 he went to Oklahoma and fed cattle on his Uncle Bill's ranch, he worked there until the first cutting of alfalfa. He then went to Kinsley, Kansas for wheat harvest and thrashing. He stayed in Kansas until after the wheat was seeded. Then he went to Nebraska to husk corn again. In 1911 when Dad left Ohio he went to Nebraska and visited his friend Jim Melbourne. John and Carrie Birney practically raised Jim Melbourne. When Birneys moved from Ohio Jim was married and they stayed in Ohio. When Jim's wife died he moved to Nebraska and stayed with Birneys for awhile. By 1911 he was living in a place of his own. It was through Jim Melbourne that Dad met Grandma and Mom.
CourtshipWhen Dad and Mom were dating they went to parties, buggy rides and at least once a motor cycle ride. Dad took Mom for a ride on the back of his motor cycle. The road became very, very rough and Mom slid off the back. Dad went several miles before he missed her. He was really embarrassed over this and was really teased. Mom thought it was funny.
Dad went back to Ohio in 1913 to tie up all loose ends. He wanted to break the news of his forthcoming marriage in person. His family could not accept the fact that he could not live in Ohio because of his asthma. They would have liked him to marry an Ohio girl and live in Ohio. Mom took this fact personal as if they didn't like her. Parents just like to have their children near them. Dad went back to Ohio twice before his Dad died.
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Jesse Thompson McGonagle
Written to Wilson Mac Grant, Tuesday 7/19/66
Fifty five years ago today I started from Saxonburg, Pa. to drive to Deersville Ohio or "home". It was 150 miles, made 90 the first day. That night it rained and the next day made 60 miles with muddy roads. The roads for most part weren't paved or hard surface. I was driving one horse to a top buggy. A boy where I was working was with me on the trip. I remember we got home before sundown and the little horse was looking around for more things to see. A few weeks later the horse got his back broke. He was on of the best horses I ever owned. I was going to start to train him and a little later for a race horse.
So a neighbor and I bid on and got a contract to put in a piece of pike. That was putting in a rock road covering 12 feet wide and 1 foot thick, 8 inches, 6 inches and less than the top 4 inches was broke bine. All this was done by hand. We hauled the rock with a wagon and broke it up with a sledge. We hired one guy to help break stone.
After this job was done I headed for Nebraska. This is a short part of my time that I don't suppose you ever heard of. That fall I husked corn in Nebr. Around January 1 or 1912 I went to Oklahoma and fed cattle on a ranch there that winter and worked there until first harvest and thrashing. Stayed there till after the wheat was seeded then back to Nebraska to husk corn again. Then in 1913 I went back to Ohio. Worked in the Timber most of the time that year then back to Nebr. about Dec. 15 of that year and we were married December 24 of that year.
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A song written by Jesse McGonagleMY WYOMING HOMEI've seen all the states in the nation,
Sailed over the world's seven seas,
Now in the evening
I long for the Wyoming breeze.
In the springtime of youth I was a rover
In the summer established my home
Now in the fall I'm contented
To remain in my Wyoming home.

When the children have all left the root tree
And started life’s journey alone
In the winter I know we'll be content
Wife and I in our Wyoming home
Chorus
Oh, my Wyoming home in the mountains
There's the odor of sage I adore.
The antelope play on the hillside
The deer scamper close by the door.
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Jesse McGonagle, Early Day Resident, Buried Saturday
Funeral services were conducted Saturday from the First Methodist Church for Jesse Thompson McGonagle, 81, who died May 13 of an apparent heart attack.
Mr. McGonagle was born July 19, 1888, in Deersville, Ohio, the son of Wilson and Sarah McGonagle. He was married to Ada Birney Dec. 24, 1913 at Cozad, Nebr. The couple came to the Powell area in 1916 and engaged in farming.
The irrigation district employed Mr. McGonagle before his retirement.
Survivors include the widow of Powell; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Grant of Big Piney and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Wollam of Heart Mountain; two brothers, Harry and Melvin, both of Tippecanoe, Ohio; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The deceased was a member of the Methodist Church and a former board president. He was a Past Noble Grand of the IOOF and a former Farm Bureau president.
He portrayed Major John Wesley Powell during Powell's 50th anniversary celebration, and for several years was the oldest participant in the Park County Parade.
The Rev. Evan Brian of First Methodist Church and the Rev. Aram Phillbosian, of First Baptist Church officiated at the services, with burial in Crown Hill Cemetery under the Direction of Easton's Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Chet Hunnicutt, Ernest Good, Clyde Reynolds, Clarence Reid, Ted Borcher, and Frank Pyle.
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Notes on the life of Jesse McGonagle
• Farmer,
• Dairyman,
• Ditch rider,
• Teacher-6 weeks,
• Boxer,
• Barber,
• Raised Horses,
• Played Harmonica,
• Sawed logs,
• at 12 years old was a farmer,
• loved horse raising,
• He followed the harvest,
• went to Oklahoma to Uncle Bill McGonagle's,
• farmed Nebraska 2 years,
• farmed Wyoming until 1929, rent,
• move-Ditch-Mom 13 years old,
• Rent Dairy in 1936,
• Farmed Riverside farm,
• worked Sugar Factory in Lovell,
• 2 winters in Utah at Navy Depot, retired Farming - rode ditch –
• rented his farm,
• vacationed in Arizona,
• Rode Ditch until 81 years old,
• honest, easy going, friendly,
• put things off,
• liked to sing & whistle,
• Sang at Sylvia's wedding, Helen accompanied at wedding on organ,
• loved horses
• had horse, road Powell Parade as Grand Marshall for many years,
• member of rifle club,
• member of Farm Bureau,
• active church leader,
• Deputy-sheriff—Cody—Caroline Lockhart
• Bow legged.
• Loved and admired by grandchildren

Ada Lee Birney McGonagle
1893-1976
Ada Birney was born December 24, 1893 to Carrie Lee and John Wesley Birney at their farm home near Cozad, Nebraska. She was lovingly welcomed into this Methodist home by her parents and three older sisters: Blanche, Lizzie and Lida.

Ada received her schooling in a one room school house near her home. When she was sixteen her Father died. Her sisters were married and had homes of their own. Ada and her mother continued to live on the farm. Ada loved the farm; she was good with horses and could really handle a horse and buggy.

On December 24, 1913 Jesse Thompson McGonagle and Ada Birney were married at her home. Jess and Ada lived with Ada's mother for two years and Jess farmed the home place.

In the spring of 1916 Ada and Jess moved in an immigrant car to the Powell Flat in Wyoming and rented a farm. Soon Mother, Carrie Birney came to Powell and lived with Ada and Jess.

Ada and Jess had two daughters, Marie and Esther.

Over the years Ada and Jess farmed, he rode ditch, they operated a dairy and in 1937 they moved to the Riverside Community where they were living when Jess died in May of 1970. Ada lived on the farm a year after Jess passed on. She moved into the Rocky Mt. Manor in June of 1971 where she lived until September of 1975 when she moved into the Nursing home.

Ada was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was constantly doing for others. Ada was a very good cook. She grew a good garden and beautiful flower garden. She shared her flowers with others, bouquets and perennial starts. She enjoyed taking her friends places with her. She was active in the Methodist Church, Rebecca Auxiliary and Farm Bureau.

In 1963 Ada and Jess celebrated their Golden Wedding with an Open House. All of the family and many friends attended.

Ada died March 3, 1976 of a heart attack.

Written by daughter, Marie Grant*****************

Ada Lee Birney McGonagle

Funeral services for Ada B. McGonagle, an early settler of the Powell Flat, will be Friday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Powell with Rev. Jarrell Tharp officiating.

Mrs. McGonagle died March 3 at the Powell Nursing Home of an apparent heart attack. She was 82.

She was born Dec. 24, 1893, on a farm near Cozad, Nebraska, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Wesley Birney. She received her schooling in a one-room school house near her home. When she was 16, her father died and she and her mother remained on the farm.

She married Jesse Thompson McGonagle Dec 24, 1913. The couple lived with her mother until 1916 when they moved in an emigrant car to the Powell Flat. They moved to the Riverside community in 1937 where they lived until his death in 1970. She remained on the farm until 1971when she moved into the Rocky Mountain Manor. In September 1975, she moved into the Powell Nursing Home. She was active in the Methodist Church, Rebekah Lodge and Farm Bureau.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Marie Grant of Big Piney and Mrs. Esther Wollam of Cody, 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Taken from the Powell Tribune, Powell, Wyoming
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Excepts of a letter written to Cindy Grant 3 July 1971 by Ada McGonagle.

My father John Wesley Birney was born in Harrison County Ohio My Mother Carrie Lee Birney was born in Carol Co Ohio My 3 sisters Blanche, Lizzie and Lida were born in Harrison Co. Not far from where your Grandfather was born but as far as I know the two families never met But the McGonagle family did know my father's sister Jane K Birney Pittis. In 1911 and 1912 Jesse decided he wanted to see the west. He knew James Meldrum when he (Mr. Meldrum) lived in Ohio. He was a very good friend of my Father and Mother. Your Grandfather worked for my sister Lizzie's Husband Edd Wedge, Shucking corn. My Father died August 27. 1910, and Mother and I lived on the farm 8 miles from town. Edd came to help dig a storm cellar and Jesse came too - a short time later I was at Edd's to get a load of corncobs that was what we used for fuel. Jess was shucking corn near the road. He left his team and wagon jumped the fence and asked me to go to church that night. We called it Revival Meetings. They lasted 2 weeks and I don't think we missed a night. I don’t think there were a dozen cars around there but a horse and buggy was much nicer any way Even if you could not go as far. We were engaged before Christmas and he went home to Ohio and came back in Dec 1913. Last night I got a box of his letters out and read some of them. Don’t have all of them. A few got lost and the mice got some before I put them in a little cedar chest. My father and mother and 3 sisters moved to Nebraska in 1890 or 1891 I hope this answers your question.


I was born and married in the same room. The home had 3 rooms. A new kitchen was later added. All of my sisters were born in Ohio. My sister Maggie lived about a year then she died of spinal meningitis.
My folks (Birney) practically raised James Meldrum. After his wife died he came to Nebraska and lived with us. Jesse McGonagle knew Jim in Ohio, he came to Nebraska to see the country and looked up his old friend and stayed with him.
I remember Jess walking away over the little hills when he went back to Ohio. I can still see him in my mind's eye, walking away. There was a cute little school teacher that set her cap for him, but she didn't make any headway.
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Ada played dominoes and blind man’s bluff with her children.

Many of the Grandchildren have fond memories of Sunday visits at Grandma’s House. She and Grandpa would also take some of the children home to stay for various periods of time.

Nelada remembers a time that she stayed during the holidays and got very sick. Grandma sat up all night nursing her. She bathed her feverish head and body with a sponge throughout the night. She cared for her so very lovingly. When she was finally feeling a little better Grandma asked if she wanted to go home to be with her mom while she was sick. She said no she liked how Grandma took care of her.

Strawberries were a favorite part of summer visits to grandma’s. Also, they had a “box” (a small shed) where boxes of old clothing and hats and things were kept. The children were allowed to play in there.

There was almost always some kind of cookie in the freezer when the grandchildren came to visit. It might just be graham crackers stuck together with frosting. Whatever it was; it was a very welcome treat.

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)

Sarah Alice White McGonagle
1859-1948

Taken from a Newspaper Clipping, and Family Bible
Mrs. Sarah Alice McGonagle was born in Franklin Township, Harrison County, Ohio, on the 5 April 1859, the daughter of Joseph and Mahala (Johnson) White and departed this life 14 Nov 1948, aged 89 years 7 months 11 days. She was the eldest of four children: Homer and Jesse, who preceded her in death and John of Cadiz.

She was married to Wilson E. McGonagle on 6 Sep 1887 at Rev. N. Cramblett’s; the Rev. N.W. Cramblett performed the wedding. Wilson E., her husband, preceded her in death and to this union three children were born, Jesse T. McGonagle of Powell, Wyo., who married Ada Birney on the 24th of Dec 1913 in Dawson County, Nebraska by Rev. Fowler; and Harry L. of Tippecanoe R. 1, who married Gladys Eslick on June 5, 1917 at Cadiz, Ohio by Rev. A.A. Sebastain; and Melvin of the home. Two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews together with a host of friends remain to mourn her loss.

She united with the Chapel Christian Church on Weavers Run when 13 years of age. Later she transferred her membership to the Christian Church at Tappan of which she remained a member.

She had been in poor health for the past 7 years. Even though she suffered great pain she was ever patient and kind to those who ministered to her needs.

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This information was given by Marie McGonagle Grant, her granddaughter.
Sarah Alice White McGonagle was called Allie. Allie was seventeen and living at home when her father died. She was very small with a very tiny waist. When Marie was nine years old, and she and her parents lived with Grandma Mc (Allie) for two months. Marie was taller than Allie at that time.

Marie remembers her Grandmother Mac as being a very sweet and loving lady. She remembers that her Grandmother used to make sugar cookies filled with boiled raisins. Still to this day this type of cookie is Marie's favorite cookie.

Marie remembers that her Grandmother didn't spill things, she didn't make messes, and she was very neat, nothing was out of its place. She didn't tell people to pick up shoes. She did it.
Marie remembers that her Grandmother felt sad that she would never see her Grandchildren again. Marie's little sister Esther had put fingerprints on the window on the front door and Grandma Mac (Allie) would not let any one wash them off.

She loved to make poems. Her daughter-in-law Gladys McGonagle said she had a Diary full of poems she had written. But we have been unable to find the Diary. Perhaps it was sold with some of the Photo Albums. Allie made beautiful quilts. She made one for each of her two granddaughters and was making one for her foster grandson but never got it finished.
Marie remembers her Grandparent’s house. It was on a hill. They lived in the hilly part of Ohio. You would walk in the front door into the living room on the main floor and you would walk out the basement door in back. There was a small upstairs.

She remembers there being a path from Uncle Harry and Aunt Gladys McGonagle’s to her grandparents. It was about a one mile away. But if you went by road it was more like 3 miles away.

When her grandfather, Wilson E. McGonagle died, Harry and Gladys sold their farm and moved in with Grandmother (Allie). She remembers her grandparents having two phones. One phone was just for Uncle Harry. They had put up the line themselves and they didn't have to pay for that phone. The other was for everyone else.

Marie's mother said that her father, Jess, grew up on coffee, meat and bread. They would dip the bread in sop (meat juices). They didn't eat fruit. They had apricot trees but didn't like Apricots. They had a grape arbor. They had raspberries. Ada picked some for her mother-in-law, Allie and her sons Melvin and Harry thought they would not be good for her, Allie. Marie doesn't remember Allie getting sick from them. Marie remembers going to a neighbor’s, the Vickers, and she must have stayed awhile. When she left, she had walked about 1/2 mile when a man asked her if she was the McGonagle girl and where she was going. She said she was and that she was going to her grandparent’s. He told her that she had better turn around and go back the other way because she was going the wrong way. Marie wasn't sure that she believed him but turned around and sure enough she had been going the wrong way.

Thompson McGonagle

1837-1908

Thompson McGonagle was born April 27, 1837 in Harrison County, Ohio. He is the son of Thomas and Mary Thompson McGonagle. He is the second of eight children and is their oldest son. Thompson was married to Asenath Vickers, daughter of John and Harriet Howard Vickers on June 4, 1857 in Harrison County, Ohio by Rev. George McKee. Thompson was 20 years old and Asenath was 22 years old.

They had two children. Sarah Agnes was their first born. She was born July 2, 1858 in Franklin Township, Harrison County, Ohio. She died April 13, 1885 when she was twenty seven years old. Their second child was Wilson Ellsworth who was born October 10, 1862. He married Sarah Alice White.

Thompson’s wife Asenath died February 8, 1885. Thompson was left a widower at the age of 48. After the death of his first wife, Thompson married Katherine Phillips, the daughter of Enoch and Jane Galbraith Phillips on June 8, 1887 in Harrison County, Ohio. They had no children of their own. Thompson and Katherine raised two of the three Brady children; Chester and Mertal. The third Brady child was Frank. He lived in a home.

For many years Thompson and Kate were active as members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Franklin Township.

Thompson McGonagle was a farmer of Franklin Township and continued to be engaged in this line of industry until his death. He died October 5, 1908 at his home near Deersville, Franklin Township, Harrison County, Ohio. He was 71 years old at the time of his death.

After the death of Thompson, Kate (Katherine) and Mertal moved to California.

(This history is a compilation of information taken from a sketch on “Wilson McGonagle” Page 926, Histories of Carroll and Harrison Counties, Ohio by Eckley and Perry Published 1921, knowledge of Gladys McGonagle, the family Bible, and Family Group records of Cindy Clark.)
Thompson McGonagle Obituary

Thompson McGonagle, a prominent citizen of Harrison County, died at his home in Franklin Township, on Monday night, October 5, 1908 of heart trouble. Although his health had been feeble of some time previous, his death was sudden and unexpected to his friends. He was a faithful and active member of the M.E. Church at Deersville, and his presence there, and among his neighbors and friends who esteemed him very highly, will be greatly missed. He was laid to rest in the church yard at Deersville. He is survived by his wife and one son.

Christina Asenath Vickers McGonagle
1834-1885
Asenath McGonagle daughter of John and Harriet Howard Vickers, was born August 28, 1834, in Franklin Township, Harrison county, Ohio. She is the fourth of six children. Her siblings are Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Cornelius, (Asenath), Isaac, and Ruth. At the age of eighteen years she gave her heart to God and united with the M.E. Church at Deersville. When she was 22 years old on 29 Sep 1856, her mother died.

On the 4th day of June, 1857, she became the wife of Thompson McGonagle, they had two children; Agnes born in 1858 and Wilson born in 1862, the result of this holy union.

In 1860 her father remarried a widow, Mrs. Anna Bridgeman Dawson, they had two children John and James. Asenath’s half brothers were the same age as her own children.

Asenath fell on the 8th day of February, 1885, a victim of that dreadful disease, consumption, which has relentlessly stricken down four adult members of the Vickers family, and has laid its fatal grasp on others in the direct line.

Asenath's sister Ruth had made her home with Asenath and Thompson since their father's death which occurred 20 Oct 1868. She was of feeble constitution and was predisposed to pulmonary disease. Asenath's family kindly cared for her in her protracted illness. Ruth died the 14 Apr 1884. These two affectionate sisters, Asenath and Ruth, in their companionship in suffering always maintained the cheerful and bright spirit, and they never failed to evidence their sensitive appreciation of the kindly offices of their loving friends who so faithfully ministered to their physical and spiritual demands, and the remembrance of their Christian virtues, and joyous testimonials rest as a refreshing benediction on the bereaved household whence they so recently took their heavenly flight. Jesus said unto each of them, "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he die, yet shall he live."

They each "believed with the heart unto righteousness and with the mouth made confession unto salvation."

Taken from newpaper clipping on Ruth and Asenath, obituraries, also Family Group Record of Cindy Clark.

Thomas McGonagle

1803-1860

Thomas McGonagle was born about 1803 in Pennsylvania. He appears to be the son of Thomas McGonagle and Elizabeth Moore. Positive proof of his parentage has not been found. Thomas is thought to be one of eight sons.

In 1815 Thomas’s presumed father Thomas McGonagle died and in the 1820 Census for Cadiz, Harrison County Ohio we find Elizabeth McGonagle with an older woman or daughter and eight boys in her family. The possible brothers are Robert (1800-1855), Alexander (1801-1878), John (1805-1859), James (1807-1857), Joseph (1809-1889), McCaslin (1811-1864), also a possible Charles (1806-1888). (In the will of John McGonagle he leaves $1 to each of his seven brothers.)

On Mar 19, 1830 or 1831 Samuel Meek of Brook County, Virginia sold 160 acres and all the buildings, in South west quarter, section 5, township 11, range 5, in Rumley Township, Harrison County, Ohio to Thomas McGonagle and Robert McGonagle of Harrison County, Ohio for $960. This transaction was recorded on December 3, 1832.

Thomas McGonagle married Mary Thompson on December 12, 1833 in Harrison County, Ohio. They were married by the Rev. John McArthur V.D.M. He was the pastor of the Ridge Presbyterian Church in Archer Township, Harrison County, Ohio. Mary Thompson had just arrived in the area in about 1831 or 32, with her widowed mother and her family from Armagh County, Ireland.

Thomas and Mary had eight children, three girls and five boys. They are as follows: Sarah Jane born 12 Oct 1835, Thompson born 27 Apr 1837, Wilson born 9 Aug 1838, Elizabeth born 12 Feb 1841, Mary Martha born 27 Oct 1843, Samuel Hitchcock born 28 Nov 1845, Infant son born 1848 died 28 Jan 1848 buried Deersville Cemetery, Deersville Harrison County, Ohio, William Carr born 22 Oct 1851.

Thomas McGonagle was listed as living in Rumley Township in 1840 Census, but in the 1850 Census he was as living in Franklin Township. I couldn’t find Thomas's possible brother Robert in the 1840 Census, but do find him in the 1850 Census in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio. The land is Rumley township is sold at Sheriffs auction. Their infant son is buried in Deersville which is in Franklin Township in 1848. Sometime before 1848 they moved to Franklin Township.

Their oldest daughter Sarah Jane died on 27 Jul 1851, She was 15 years 9 months 15 days old. She died but three months before their last child was born. She is buried in the Deersville Cemetery.

Their oldest son Thompson married Asenath Vickers in 1857 and settled in Franklin Township.

In September 1857 we find Thomas McGonagle listed as one of 13 male members of the Presbyterian Church of Deersville who do call the Rev. Samuel Patterson to be their pastor.

Thomas died on the 23 Jun 1860, and was buried in the Deersville Cemetery, Deersville, Harrison County, Ohio.

Their son Wilson served in the Civil War (the war began in April 1861) he was in the 30th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company 8 and was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor for being in the Volunteer Storming Party at the Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 22, 1863.

Thomas's widow Mary married Samuel Hitchcock a widower with 10 grown children, on September 2, 1862. Rev. Samuel Patterson preformed the ceremony. Samuel Hitchcock appears to have a long standing relationship with the family. He was married to Margaret Turner McGonagle, the widow of James McGonagle. This James McGonagle is the possible brother of Thomas McGonagle. Also they named a son Samuel Hitchcock.


Taken from Irish Creek Cousin's Newsletter 1983, census, land records, death records, marriage records, cemetery records.