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William McGilligan representing the firm of Smith & Porter, of Freeport, as purchaser of grain and live-stock, at Ridott, has been located at that point since the spring of 1866, where, with the exception of two or three years, he has been a continuous resident since that date. He has traveled considerably, having explored Dakota Territory, and for a time sojourned at Plainview, Minn. At the latter place he was engaged in buying grain for J. B. Canterbury, which position he occupied one year. He has been particularly successful in his present business, with transactions extending over an additional stretch of territory. The elevator of the firm has a capacity of 35,000 bushels, and they handle each year fully 250,000 bushels of grain. Their stock trade and shipments amount to about $10,000 annually. Our subject has the general management of their extensive trade, and has proved himself admirably adapted to the duties of his responsible position. Mr. McGilligan was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Oct. 9, 1845, and is the eldest son and child of George and Nancy (Myers) McGilligan, also natives of the Keystone State, whence they removed after their marriage and the birth of three children to Northern Illinois, taking up their residence on a farm in Florence Township, this county. The father of our subject departed this life at the homestead in Florence Township, in 1862. He had, in early manhood, learned the trade of wagon-making, which he followed mostly during his lifetime, although fond of a country residence. The mother survived her husband about twenty-five years, her death taking place in January, 1887, when sixty-six years of age. They were both members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father of our subject, politically, always advocated Republican principles. The subject of our sketch came to this county with his parents in 1854, when a lad nine years of age. He received a common-school education and remained with the family until the death of his father. Mr. McGilligan enlisted in Co. D, 46th Ill. Vol. Inf., in December, 1863, and was mustered out in February, 1866. He was in several engagements in Mississippi and Louisiana, but returned without a scratch. Upon his return from the army he engaged with the firm of Smith & Porter, at Ridott, and in 1866 was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Lincoln, who was born in Vermont in 1848, and came West with her parents. Her education was conducted in the district schools, and she remained a member of her father's household until her marriage. Her union with our subject resulted in the birth of four children, namely, Nellie, Emma D., Charles E. and Joseph H. Mrs. McGilligan departed this life at her home in Ridott, Dec. 25, 1883. Our subject was subsequently married in Burnett Junction, Wis., March 23, 1885, to Miss Emma Hill, a native of this county. She was reared and educated in this county, and became a resident of Wisconsin a short time before her marriage, her wedding taking place at the home of her sister-in-law. Mr. McG. is a Republican, politically, and has served as Village Trustee for several years. Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 609-610.
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