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John and Peter McGough—Two Brothers in Jo Daviess County, Illinois by Hugh McGough

John and Peter McGough were brothers. John moved to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, no later than 1846. Peter may have accompanied him, but Peter's family arrived there no earlier than 1847, and no later than 1850. Jo Daviess county is on the Mississippi River and forms the northwest corner of Illinois. The county seat is the shipping port of Galena, the main source of supplies for Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in the early 1850s.

My great-grandfather, John McGough, moved from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, to Eau Claire in 1855 or 1856. The last part of his probable route was up the Mississippi River from Galena to the mouth of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin, and up the Chippewa to Eau Claire. What may have brought him to the Mississippi Valley was the presence of John and Peter McGoughs in Jo Daviess county, or the presence of the families of Bernard and Francis McGough about fifty miles up the Mississippi, on the opposite side of the river, in Allamakee county, Iowa; or both. See McGoughs and McGues in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 1856–1906, and Bernard McGough and Catherine Kernaghan of Lindsay, Ontario, and Allamakee County, Iowa.

Another probably related family in the area was that of Bernard Gough whose family is discussed under my page on McGoughs and McGues in the 1860 Census of the United States under Lafayette county, Wisconsin. Bernard Gough was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, with the name of Bernard McGough. He dropped the Mc from his name either at the time of the 1860 census or earlier, and his descendants have since used the surname Gough. Bernard and his oldest son, Peter, migrated to Darlington (then called Centre), Lafayette county, Wisconsin in 1855 or 1856 — in advance of the rest of their family. Darlington, Wisconsin, is about 35 road miles northeast of Galena, Illinois.

In the hope of finding connections with the family of John and Catherine McGough of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I have included in this page census information from 1850 through 1900 on the McGough families in Illinois that have come to my attention.

Illinois Maps and Resources

The Illinois History Resource Page, established by Mark W. Sorensen, is a good source. See also: Jo Daviess County Historical Records and Jo Daviess County Genealogy.

The 1895 Atlas of Illinois provides a good map of the state of Illinois. For the boundaries of the counties, see the Map of Illinois Counties. For a zoomable map of Illinois, showing the county boundaries, see the map published in 1866 by the United States General Land Office in Maps of Illinois. Watson's new township and sectional map of Illinois—1872— by Gaylord Watson, is a zoomable map that shows the townships within each county. Use the highest magnification and largest image to read the township names. For a township map of Jo Daviess county, go to Jo Daviess County — Illinois —Map of its Townships.

D. B. Cooke & Co's railway guide for Illinois showing all the stations with their respective distances connecting with Chicago (1855) shows the connection of Galena with Rockford and Chicago via the Galena and Chicago Rail Road. According to the map, the railroad extended west and north of Galena through Menomonee and to Dunleith, on the Mississippi River, across from Dubuque, Iowa, and on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. The map is number 2 in the list of Illinois Railroad Maps of the Transportation and Communication Maps of the American Memory Historical Collections for the National Digital Library of the Library of Congress. See also the 1855 Map of the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Railroad by W. Endicott & Co. and the Rail road and county map of Illinois showing its internal improvements 1854 by Ensign, Bridgman & Fanning.

To locate cemeteries in Illinois, go to Illinois Cemetery Locations on the website of the Illinois State Genealogical Society. See also Jo Daviess County Cemeteries.

Hard copies of maps of Illinois back to 1818 may be ordered from the National Archives and Records Administration. See: Special List No. 29— List of Selected Maps of States and Territories—Illinois.

Illinois Statewide Vital Records Databases on the website of the Illinois State Archives is a good resource for finding deaths and marriages.

Phyllis McGeough Devereux' Book

The surname of Bernard and Francis varies between McGough and McGeough in public records— moving toward McGeough in later years. Bernard is buried in Cherry Mound Cemetery under the name McGough. Francis is buried in the same cemetery under the name McGeough. In US records, I found no use of the spelling of the surname of John and Peter other than McGough. Devereux, nonetheless, uses the surname McGeough throughout her book. After pointing out the confusion caused by the various spellings of the surname within the same family, she tells a story that sounds apocryphal:

"As the family increased in number and many had the same first and last names, it became confusing in a legal sense. It is said that an attorney suggested some should change the spelling, so those living on the one side of the river dropped the 'e' from the McGeough name. (For the purposes of this book, I have not tried to determine family spellings of the name, and have spelled them all with an 'e')." (Devereux, page 49).

Whether the story is apocryphal or not, the public records show the surnames of Bernard and Francis usually as McGough before and immediately after their original settlement in Allamakee county, Iowa. Only later did McGeough become the more common spelling of the surname for this family.

On these web pages, I try to use the name as it appears in any public record I am citing— which has give rise to occasional discombobulation.

Four McGough Brothers?

Phyllis McGeough Devereux demonstrates that two brothers, Bernard and Francis McGough, migrated together from county Monaghan, Ireland, to Lindsay, Ontario, in 1833. She concludes that they migrated to Lindsay with their widowed mother, Bridget McGough.

Devereux also concludes, probably correctly, that the John and Peter McGough who migrated to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, were brothers who farmed land together near Bridget, Bernard and Francis McGough. The widowed Bridget McGeough (#320) is shown by the Tithe Applotment Books as residing in 1830 in the townland of Drumbeo, parish of Clontibret, county Monaghan; with her sons, Bryan McGeough (#321), and Francis McGeough (#322). In the nearby townland of Dromore were John McGeough (#314) and Peter McGeough (#315), jointly farming the same piece of property. (The numbers refer to lines in my table McGoughs, McGeoughs, and McGeoghs in Ireland in the 1820–30s and 1850–60s: By County, Parish, and Townland.)

John and Peter may have migrated to Canada. Devereux believes that the four brothers all ended up in the vicinity of Lindsay, Ontario. But to me it seems more likely that John and Peter emigrated directly to Illinois. There is no track of them in any records in Ontario. Peter's youngest child was born in Ireland no earlier than 1846, if 1850 US census data is to be accepted. By 1846, John McGough was in Jo Daviess county. Early in 1847 he was buying land there. By 1850, John was living with Peter's large family in Jo Daviess county. This scenario leaves no time for a stop in Lindsay, Ontario, on the was from Ireland.

Purchases of Land by John McGough in Jo Daviess County in 1847

John McGough was in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, in 1846. A Felix McPhilips, age 50, died at Irish Hollow in Jo Daviess county on July 2nd, 1846. The estate notice was published by John McGough on July 10, 1846. See Vital Statistics from Galena Newspapers, July 22, 1828 - November 19, 1850. The gravestone of Felix McPhilips shows he was born in county Monaghan in 1804. Here is the index entry for St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, East Galena Township: "McPhilips, Felix, d July 2, 1846, 42y, b Co. Monaghan, Ireland; Elizabeth, wife, Nov 9, 1862, 51y". The IGI says that Felix McPhilips was born in 1796 in Kilmore, Monaghan, Ireland, and died on July 2, 1846. The 1850 census of Illinois shows the widow of Felix McPhilips, Elizabeth McPhillips, age 40, born in Ireland, in Irish Hollow township, Jo Daviess county, owner of real estate worth $1700, with four children, ages 14 through 4 (M-432, roll 111, page 206, line 6). In the same household was William Spier, age 25, a farmer, born in Ireland. Next door was the family of Michael Smith, age 45, a farmer, born in Ireland.

As did the surname McGough, the surname McPhillip originated primarily in county Monaghan, Ireland. A Felix McPhillip, age 25, a weaver, of Ballabea (also spelled Ballibea and Ballybea on the same manifest, which are variations of Ballybay) Ireland, is listed on the manifest of the Mulgrave Castle, which arrived in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 1, 1833, from Londonderry (and probably Belfast). He apparently was traveling with the family of James Spier, age 52, also a weaver from Ballabea. Next to him on the roster was Eliza Rogers, age 22, also a weaver from Ballabea, whose age matches Elizabeth McPhilip, the wife of Felix McPhilip. There is also a Jane Rogers, age 22, from Ballabea on he manifest from Ballabea—perhaps a twin sister of Eliza. For a typed transcript of the manifest, go to: Immigrant Ships Transcribers Guild—Brig Mulgrave Castle; a reproduction of the original hand-written manifest is available on Ancestry.com.

James Spier, age 71, a farmer, born in Ireland, is listed in the 1850 census of Irish Hollow precinct, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, with his wife, Mary, age 52, born in Ireland, and these children born in Ireland: Margaret, age 24; John, age 22; and James, age 19. Other children were James, age 16, born in Pennsylvania; and Charles, age 8, born in Illinois (M-432, roll 111, page 209, line 17). On the manifest of the Mulgrave Castle in 1833 with James Spier, age 53, were Mary Spier, age 34, spinster (?), Margaret Spier, age 7; John Spier, age 4; and James Spier, age 1. This is the same family. The Spier family is dwelling house number 1715 on the page of the census return that immediately follows the page upon which John and Peter McGough is listed, where the McGough (indexed as Goughs) are in dwelling house number 1711. In the 1870 census of Jo Daviess county, the same family is listed under James Speer in Elizabeth township, age 82, a farmer born in Ireland, with his wife, Mary, age 62, born in Ireland, and these children: Margaret, age 33, born in Ireland; William, age 25, a farmer, born in Pennsylvania; Charles, age 18, a farm hand born in Illinois; Eliza I., age 11, (adopted ?), born in Illinois (M-653, roll 189, page 934. line 35). They are in dwelling number 4377, on the same page and three houses removed from dwelling number 4373 occupied by the children of John McGough, and four houses removed from dwelling number 4372 occupied by Elizabeth McPhillips and her children.

In April, May and June of 1847, John McGough purchased a large tract of land in Jo Daviess county. James Spier purchased three tracts of land there at the same time. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales. For explanatory material, go to Land Sales in Illinois, a collection of information to assist genealogists and historians in studies of land ownership in Illinois. The Illinois History Resource Page established by Mark W. Sorensen, an invaluable reference source. In the table below are the acquisitions of John McGough in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, in 1847. To interpret the descriptions of the tracts acquired, go to Finding Public Land Sales in Illinois:

1850 Census of Jo Daviess County

The 1850 federal census of Illinois shows John McGough (listed on the census return as John M Gough and indexed by Ancestry.com as John M. Gough), age 39, living with his brother Peter McGough ( also indexed as Gough), age 48, in Irish Hollow precinct (page 416), Jo Daviess county, Illinois. Peter is listed with real estate worth $1900. In the same household are Peter's wife, Elizabeth, age 40, and eight children of Peter and Elizabeth. All residents of the household are shown as having been born in Ireland. The children (all indexed as Gough) were: John, 16; James, 15; Philip, 14; Eleanor, 13; Edward, 9; Catherine, 8; Elizabeth, 6; and Mary, 3. Mary's age and birth in Ireland are confirmed by the 1860 census. She must, therefore, have been born in Ireland in the latter part of 1846 or the first part of 1847. Since John McGough was in Jo Daviess county by 1846, the two brothers may well have emigrated at different times.

The 1855 Personal Property Tax for Jo Daviess County shows Peter McGough in Elizabeth township with personal property of a value of $497.

The will of Michael Smith, dated April 27, 1855, proved April 3, 1858, was witnessed as follows: John (his X mark) McGough, Peter McGough. Jo Daviess County, Illinois—Will Book A, 1850–1863. The testator was probably the Michael Smith who was living in Irish Hollow, Joe Daviess county, in 1850 (see above).

Death of John McGough in 1860

Peter's brother, John McGough, died in a fall on February 7, 1860, and is listed in the mortality schedules of the 1860 census. A gravestone in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in East Galena Township says:

"McGough, John, d Feb 7, 1860, 52y, b Co. Monaghan, Ire. [d Irish Hollow from a fall]"

For the location of the cemetery, immediately southeast of Galena, see the map of Galena.

The 1860 census Schedule 3 for Elizabeth township, Jo Daviess county, Illinois—Persons who Died during the Year ending 1 June 1880—lists John McGough, age 52, born in Ireland, a farmer, apparently not married, who died in March, 1860, one day after he was accidentally thrown from a wagon. U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850–1885, on Ancestry.com, line 3, roll T1133_58.]

Peter McGough Family in 1860 and Later

The 1860 census of Joe Daviess county, Elizabeth township (916), shows Peter McGough, age 58, with real estate worth $2000, and personal estate of $800, residing with his wife Elizabeth, 42 (?); son James, 22, a farm hand; son Edward, 18, a farm hand; daughter Elizabeth, 15; and daughter Mary, 13. As in the 1850 census, all member of the family are shown as having been born in Ireland. With them was a farm hand named Patrick McAunefs (?), 22, also born in Ireland.

Between 1850 and 1860, two sons of Peter and Elizabeth McGough, John and Philip, and two of their daughters, Catharine and Eleanor, apparently moved to a separate farm in Elizabeth township (934) of Jo Daviess county. The 1860 census shows these five McGoughs living together in 1860: John McGough, 27, farmer; Philip McGough, 25, farmer; Elen (who I assume is Eleanor), 22, domestic; and Catharine, 18, domestic. With them is a farm laborer, Michael McGough, age 21. All residents of this household are shown as having been born in Ireland.

John McGough, doubtless the oldest son of Peter and Elizabeth McGough, married Margaret Hammill on April 27, 1862, according to the Jo Daviess Co., IL Marriage Records Book B 1855–1865. The 1870 census of Elizabeth township (234–102), Jo Daviess county, shows John McGough, age 35, a farmer with real estate valued at $5900, born in Ireland; his wife, Margaret, age 30, "keeps house," born in Illinois; their son John J. McGough, age 5; and their daughter, Margaret McGough, age 4. The 1865 state census of Elizabeth township, Jo Daviess county, lists John McGough, over 20 but not over 30, in a residence of 4; with his wife, also over 20 but not over 30 a son, age 10 or under, and another male resident, age over 30 but not over 40. Illinois State Census Collection, 1825–1865, on Ancestry.com. Roll ILSC_2177, line 31.

The 1865 state census of Elizabeth township lists another John McGough, age over 30 and under 40, in a family of 6; with his wife, also over 30 and under 40, and 2 sons and 2 daughters, all 10 and under. Illinois State Census Collection, 1825–1865, on Ancestry.com. Roll: ILSC_2177, line 26.

James McGough, the second son of Peter and Elizabeth McGough, married Bridget Keeler in Jo Daviess county on October 18, 1871. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900.

Buried in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in East Galena Township (erroneously indexed under the surname McGouch) are "Bertha, d/o Jas & Bridget, d May 14, 1924" and Clara [no information]. The 1916–1944 Death Index— Chicago, Illinois shows the name as McGough: "McGough, Bertha Elisabeth; age unknown; 1924-05-14; Jo Daviess/Elisabeth Twp; file date, 24-05-15." A Bertha McGaugh is listed in the 1900 census of Elizabeth township, Jo Daviess county, Illinois: age 21, single, born in Illinois to parents born in Ireland, no occupation listed. Here is the listing of the entire household:

(1900) Ellen McGaugh (head), age 49, single, born in September, 1850, in Ireland, immigrated in 1856, 44 years in the US, farmer, owner of the farm.

Edward McGaugh (brother), age 47, single, born in September, 1852, in Ireland, year of immigration unknown.

Catherine McGaugh (sister), age 44, single, born in October, 1855, in Ireland, Avery postmaster.

Eliza McGaugh (sister), age 44, single, born in January, 1856, in Ireland.

Clare McGaugh (niece) age 23, single, born in September, 1876, in Illinois, school teacher.

Bertha McGaugh (niece), age 21, single, born in June, 1878, in Illinois.

James McGaugh (brother), age 52, single, born in October, 1847, in Ireland, farm laborer. [A James McGough of Illinois joined the Union Army on June 13, 1861. Civil War Enrollment List (1861–1865).James McGough married Bridget Keeler in Jo Daviess county on October 18, 1871. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. James and Bridget McGough were probably the parents of Clare and Bertha, who are listed immediately above. Bridget Keeler may well have been the daughter of James and Catherine Keeler, who are listed in the 1860 census of Council Hill township, Jo Daviess county, and in the 1870 census of the adjoining East Galena township. In the 1860 census, they are listed James Keeler, age 50, farmer, born in Ireland; Catherine Keeler, age 40, born in Ireland; and Bridget Keeler, age 12, the 3rd of 6 children born in Illinois (roll M653_189, page 653; Family History Library Film: 803189). In the 1870 census, they are listed as James Keeler, age 64, farmer, born in Ireland; Kate Keeler, age 50, born in Ireland; and Bridget Keeler, age 21, born in Illinois (roll M593_234, page 88A; Family History Library Film 5457330. In the 1880 census of East Galena township, the father is listed as James Keeleher, age 75, widower, farmer (roll 216, page 238C; Family History Film 1254216).]

Philip D. McGough, the third son of Peter and Elizabeth McGough (born about 1835), married Mary S. Roberts in Jo Daviess county on June 26, 1873. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. He is probably the Philip McGoff listed in the 1870 census of the city of Galena in Jo Daviess county, age 35, living in a boarding house and working in a grocery. In 1883, he was granted 520 acres of land in Beaverhead county, Montana, and his widow and several of his children were there in the 1900 census of Montana.

A directory in "The History of Jo Daviess county Illinois" by H. F. Kett & Co., 1878 lists Edward McGough, Sec. 4; P.O. Avery; and Peter McGough, farmer, Sec. 4; P.O. Avery.

By 1880, Eleanor and Catherine had moved back with their parents. The 1880 federal census of Elizabeth Township (311B), Jo Daviess county, shows Peter McGough, age 75, a retired farmer born in Ireland, and Bessie W. (Elizabeth?) McGough, age 65 and born in Ireland. Four of their children are listed in the house: Eleanor, 33, "at home"; Edward, 31, a farmer; Kate, 29, "at home"; and Elizabeth, age 27, a school teacher; along with two grandchildren, Clara McGough, age 7; and Bertha McGough, age 5.

Peter McGough died on April 25, 1883. His gravestone in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in East Galena Township has a mysterious entry: "b Ireland, immigrated May 4, 1854." His wife, Elizabeth, died on April 23, 1881, and is buried in the same grave. The same entry appears after her name. Both Peter and Elizabeth are listed in the 1850 census of Irish Hollow precinct, Jo Daviess county, Illinois. Buried in the same grave is their daughter Mary, who died on October 15, 1876; and their sons Philip, who died on October 18, 1903, and James, who died on October 14, 1911.

Other McGoughs buried in the same cemetery: "Eleanor, d/o Peter & Elizabeth, May 4, 1854 - May 26, 1913, Immigrated from Ireland" (?); Elizabeth (Elisabeth Mary), who died on January 29, 1922; Edward, who died on June 21, 1923; and Catherine, who died on April 16, 1926.

Other McGoughs in Jo Daviess County

The 1855 state census of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, lists an M. McGough, age 30 to 40, living alone. Illinois State Census Collection, 1825–1865, on Ancestry.com. Roll ILSC_2492, line 13.

The 1860 census of Illinois shows Terrance McGough (indexed by Ancestry.com as Ferran), age 34, a merchant with a personal estate of $500, born in Ireland, living in the 4th ward of the city of Galena (435) in Jo Daviess county. Living with him is his sister, Rosanna McGough, age 28, also born in Ireland. Living with them are James McGuire, 32, a miner, born in Ireland; Thomas McGuire, age 31, born in Ireland, a merchant with a personal estate of $500, born in Ireland; Patrick McGuire, 3, born in Illinois; John McGuire, 3, born in Illinois; and Mary Maloy, 50, born in Ireland, a house servant. (Roll M653_189 page 435;  Family History Library Film 803189.) An email of November 2, 2005, from Timothy Hansmann of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, says that the twin boys listed in the 1860 census, Patrick and John McGuire, were children of Rosanna McGough, a widow, and her deceased husband whose name was Carroll. "A few years later [after 1860] she married James McGuire and they all (including Terrance) moved to Fayette in Lafayette County, Wisconsin where they ran a mill." Fayette is a little less than 35 miles northeast of Galena. Fayette was a stop in the Monroe-Mineral Point stagecoach line and is one of the earliest settlements in Lafayette County. I was not able to find this family in the 1870 or 1880 censuses of Lafayette county, Wisconsin.

James McGuire and Rosanna McGough did marry. Rosanna gave birth to a daughter, Rose McGuire, in Wisconsin in 1868, and a son, James McGuire, in 1877, also in Wisconsin. Barry T. Johnson Family Trees on Ancestry.com says that James McGuire and Rosanna McGough were the parents of James McGuire (1877–1938), who is shown by the 1900 census of Darlington, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, to be 23 years old and single, to have been born in Wisconsin in February, 1877, to parents born in Ireland, and employed as a painter. In the 1900 census, James is living with his sister, Rose (indexed by Ancestry.com as Ron) McGuire, age 32, born in January, 1868, in Wisconsin (roll 1796, page 11B;  FHL microfilm 1241796). In the 1905 Wisconsin state census of Darlington (2nd ward), James McGuire, age 34, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Ireland, a painter, is shown as living with his wife Rose (Cavanaugh), age 28, born in Wisconsin to parents born in Ireland, with their daughter, Mary McGuire, age 1 (roll CSUSAWI1905_16). In the 1910 census of Darlington, James McGuire is listed as age 40, a house painter, married for 6 years, and his wife Rose, age 28, is the mother of three children, all living with the family (roll T624_1717, page 13B; FHL microfilm 1375730). The 1920 census of Darlington lists James McGuire, age 48, a painter of house and barns, with an expanding family - 7 children at home. The 1930 census of Darlington lists Rose McGuire as a widow, age 44, with 8 children ranging in age from 24 (Mercedes) to 3 (Donald J.). Rose Cavanaugh McGough died at the age of 89 in Darlington, Lafayette county, Wisconsin in April, 1971 Wisconsin Death Index, 1959–1997, on Ancestry.com).

The 1870 census of Stockton township (234-299), Jo Daviess county, shows a Peter McGough, age 9, born in Illinois, living with Patrick Keagan, age 34, a farmer, born in Ireland; Elizabeth Keagan, age 23, born in Canada; and Garret Keagan, age 1.

The 1880 census lists John McGough, age 60, in Galena (272A). The FamilySearch 1880 United States census on CD-ROM indexes the name under McHaugh. His occupation is listed as a saloon keeper. Living with him was his wife, Mary, age 40, born in Ireland, and their children, all of whom were born in Illinois: Mary, age 9; John, age 7; Hannah, age 6; Kittie, age 4; and Anna, age 1 month. John was naturalized on January 30, 1877.

McGoughs in Winnebago County, Illinois

The family of Bernard McGough was in or near the city of Rockford in Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1852, and possibly for part of 1853. The family of Bernard's brother, Francis McGough, was there from 1852 to 1856. Both families had moved to Winnebago county from Lindsay, Ontario, and moved on to Allamakee county, Iowa. Some records in Allamakee county indicate Bernard arrived there as early as 1852. Their story is told on a separate page on this website: Bernard McGough and Catherine Kernaghan of Lindsay, Ontario, and Allamakee County, Iowa.

The 1860 census of the town of Rockford, Winnebago county, Illinois, shows John McGue (or McCue), age 29, a farm laborer born in Canada, with real estate worth $2000. and personal property worth $500. Living in the same household was Catharine Phena (Feeney?), age 29, born in Ireland.

McGoughs in Kane County, Illinois

Kane, DeKalb and LaSalle counties are contiguous counties in northeast central Illinois. The northwest corner of DeKalb county touches the southeast corner of Winnebago county which is in the center of the Illinois/Wisconsin border to the north. To the immediate east of DeKalb county is Kane county. To the immediate south of Kane county is LaSalle county. Marshall county adjoins LaSalle county on the southwest. McHenry county is immediately north of Kane county. See the map of Illinois Counties.

Kane County. Hugh McGough married Bridget Riley in Kane county on October 17, 1863. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. The 1870 census of Illinois shows a Hugh McGough and his family in the township of Rutland (237–438), Kane county. Hugh McGough is listed as a farmer, age 40, born in Ireland, who cannot read or write, with $1500 worth of real estate and $400 in personal property. Living with him is his wife, Bridget, age 24, keeping house, born in Ireland; and three children, all born in Illinois: Mary A., age 4; Bridget, age 3; and Hugh, age 1. (The township of Rutland is about 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, where Interstate 90 and Highway 47 intersect today. Rutland township is in the northeastern quadrant of Kane county, and includes the communities of Huntley, Gilberts, Pingree Grove, and parts of unincorporated Hampshire.)

The 1865 state census of the township of Rutland, Kane county, Illinois, lists Hugh McGoff in the township of Rutland, Kane county, age 40 and under 50, in a family of 2, with a wife, age 20 and under 30, and no children. (Illinois Illinois State Census Collection, 1825–1865, on Ancestry.com. Roll ILSC_2179 , line 3).

Here is a biography from The Past and Present of Kane County, Illinois, by Henry B. Pierce, et al (1878), page 728: "McGough, Hugh, farmer and stock raiser; Sec. 14; P. O. Gilbert's Station; was born at Tyrone, Ireland, March, 1830; came to America in 1849; settled in Kane County in 1863; owns 60 acres; Dem.; Cath.; married Miss Bridget Reilly at Elgin in 1863; she died Feb. 28, 1871; in 1873 married Miss Helen O'Brien at Elgin; children by first marriage—Mary, Bridget, Hugh and Peter; by second marriage, Rosa and John."

Perhaps he was the Hugh McGeough who arrived in New York on May 10, 1849, aboard the James from Newry. Records of the New York Emigrant Savings Bank show that he was a native of Pomeroy, county Tyrone. See my page: Famine Immigrants, 1846–1851.

The same Hugh McGough is shown in the 1880 federal census of Rutland township, Kane County, Illinois, as a farmer, age 60, born in Ireland in 1820. Living with him was his wife Ellen, age 30, born in Illinois, whose parents were born in Ireland, and the following children, all born in Illinois: Mary, age 14; Bridget, age 12; Hugh, age 11; Peter, age 10; Rosana, age 5; John, age 3; and Margaret, age 1. The fact that the names and ages of the older three children correspond with those in the 1870 census leads me to conclude that this is the same Hugh McGough described in the previous paragraph. My guess is that Bridget died after the birth of their fourth child, Peter, in 1860, and that Hugh married Ellen O'Brien in about 1874, who was the mother of Rosana, John and Margaret, and several additional children.

An inquiry of October 8, 2000, from "Judithen," published on the McGeough Message Board at ancestry.com, makes it likely that the second wife was Ellen O'Brien:

"Hugh McGeough > County Mayo > Gilberts, IL Author: Judithen

"Hi, My ggrandfather was Hugh McGeough who embarked from County Mayo. He married Ellen O'Brien from Iowa and settled in Gilberts, IL. They had at least 3 children: Margaret, Catherine and Alice. I'm looking for any information. Thanks."

Gilberts is a town on the border of Rutland and Dundee townships in Kane County, Illinois.

Here is a posting by Cass on July 19, 2003, on Ancestry.com: "My Great Grandfather was Hugh McGeough. He arrived in the US through the Port of New Orleans. He moved to Gilberts, IL, which is just outside of Schaumberg, and is now a suburb of Chicago, IL. 1. Hugh McGeough m. Ellen O'Brien (of Iowa possibly) children: 2. Margaret Josephine (my grandmother) m. John Slobig: 2. Catherine m. Sam Ross: 2. Alice m. Art Stevens 2. son."

There was a notice of the death of Hugh McGough on November 9, 1899, in the Index to Death Notices in the Nunda (Crystal Lake) Herald (1880–1900) — with no stated date of death . Crystal Lake is 50 miles northwest of Chicago, in McHenry county, which is immediately north of Kane county.

The same Hugh McGough and Ellen O'Brien, whose children were born in Gilberts, Illinois, are in World Family Tree Volume 59, Tree 2102, under the name Hugh McGeough, but that source shows, I think erroneously, that they both died in 1881.

Ellen (O'Brien) McGough married August Redenske in Kane county on August 16, 1900. This was doubtless the August Redensky, age 47, a farm laborer born in Germany in April, 1853, who is shown by the 1900 census as a boarder with Ellen McGough in Rutland township, Kane county. Ellen McGough is shown as age 55 (probably should be 45), born in Illinois to Irish parents in April, 1855, the mother of 10 children, 8 of whom were living. Two of Ellen's children were living with her: Kathryn McGough, age 12, born in March, 1888, in Illinois, whose father was born in Ireland and whose mother was born in Illinois; and James, age 9, born in Illinois in February, 1891, whose father was born in Ireland and whose mother was born in Illinois.

The 1918 Prairie Farmer's Directory for Kane County, Illinois says that John McGough, of Maple Park, became a resident of Kane county, Illinois, in 1860. He, or a descendant of his, is a likely origin of the name of today's McGough Road in Maple Park, Illinois.

The 1860 census of Illinois shows three McGoughs living together in St. Charles township (269), Kane county, Illinois, in the home of P. G. Jennings, age 45, a shoemaker born in Ireland, with Jennings' wife (Sarah McGough Jennings) and seven children. The McGoughs listed in the Jennings household are John McGough, age 24, a laborer born in England; Christopher McGough, age 16, a farmer born in Canada; and Bernard McGough, age 14 (? obscured), born in England. This is doubtless the Patrick G. Jennings who married Sarah McGough, daughter of Bernard and Margaret McGough, in February 28, 1848, in St. Jean Chrysostome in the old county of Châteauguay in the southwest corner of the Province of Quebec, south of the city of Montreal, and immediately north of Hemmingford. [See Genealogy Forum NEWS of December, 1998 under "Nova Scotia Chat Members And Their N. S. Surnames."] Patrick G. Jennings of Kane county, Illinois, served as a Captain in the 8th Calvary, Union Army, during the Civil War. Kane County, IL in the Civil War. On September 18, 1861, his nephews, Bernard and Chris McGough, enlisted together as privates in Company A, 8th Illinois Calvary.

Holographic Wills Probated in the Montreal Court District 1658–1875, by Gina Smith, lists: 18) Bernard McGough of Hemmingford, Quebec, who died on June 26, 1856, leaving his wife Margaret McGough; sons John, Christopher, James and Bernard McGough; daughter, Sarah McGough, wife of Mr. Jennings. This Sarah McGough was the wife of Patrick G. Jennings who is mentioned in the preceding paragraph. The John, Christopher, and Bernard McGough living with the Jennings in Kane county in 1860 were her brothers.

The Quebec Directory for 1851, The Genealogical Research Library, Toronto, 1984, shows that Patrick G. Jennings was living in Hemmingford, Huntingdon county, Quebec, in 1851. Kane county, Illinois Naturalization Records, 1857-1906. (Kane County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 504, Geneva, IL 60134, 1988) shows that Patrick G. Jennings was naturalized in 1860.

A great-granddaughter of Patrick G. Jennings and Sarah McGough, who resides in Elgin, Illinois, was kind enough to furnish me with the following information in an email of November 11, 2002:

"Patrick was born March 11, 1812 in Dublin, Ireland and Sarah McGough was born February 28, 1827 in Dunbar, Scotland. Patrick was son of Redmond Jennings and Frances Ellis. Sarah was daughter of Bernard McGough and Margaret Moscropes. They were married Feb. 28, 1848 in St. Jean Chrysostome in Co. of Chateauguay, Province of Quebec, Canada. They had 7 children: Frances Margaret b. 2//5/1849; Margaret Terease b. 7/28/1850: and Mary E. b. 6/27/1852; all 3 born in Hemmingford; Bernard Redmond b. 0/11/1854 (my grandfather); James Edward b. 2/5/1858; George Patrick b. 3/13/186—all those born in St. Charles, IL ... Patrick and Sarah and children came to St. Charles in 1854."

Christopher and Bernard McGough, of Lodi, Illinois, enlisted together as privates in Company A, 8th Illinois Cavalry, on September 18, 1861. Christopher McGough of Illinois reenlisted as a corporal on September 30, 1863. The town that was originally platted as Lodi in 1854 in Virgil township, Kane County, became the town of Maple Park about 1879. A history of Elburn in Kane County tells us:

"Then, we come to 1861 when men were enlisting in the army. A list of volunteers credited to the sub-district of Blackberry between November 30, 1861 and July 1, 1864 [includes]: ... Chris McGough . ... Many veterans came here to live after the war but these left from Blackberry."

(Early Elburn—"Interesting History Elburn Community" as told by Mrs. Dean Reeves, published in The Elburn Herald on Thursday, May 31, 1928. See: The Sidewalks of Elburn Illinois by Marilyn Gertrude Robinson (Village of Elburn Illinois, 2005)).

Corporal Christopher McGough of Blackberry was discharged from the Union Army on October 23, 1865. History of Kane County, Illinois by R. Waite Joslyn, page 420 (Pioneer Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908, 1786 pages).

Christopher McGough filed a suit in assumpsit (contract) against Hezekiah Ford in Kane county in May of 1869. In May of 1869, the National Bank of New York City filed case number 9615—possibly a real estate foreclosure suit—in the chancery court of Kane county against Christopher McGough and others. That suit may have grown out of case number 9520, an assumpsit action filed by Christopher McGough against Hezekiah Ford in May 1869. Kane County Circuit Court Case Files Index, 1836-1870. Hezekiah Ford (1815–1822) was a litigious cattle broker and stock dealer who was born in New York and lived in Cortland, DeKalb county, Illinois, in the 1870s and 1880s, and died there at the age of 91 in 1906. Find A Grave Memorial# 109875072.

Christopher McGough, who had served as a corporal in Company C, 17th Illinois Cavalry, died on April 24, 1904, and was buried on April 27, 1904, in plot 14 16, in Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Bernard McGough married Jane Kendall in Kane county on July 3, 1867. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. On December 5, 1893, an application for a civil war pension was filed on behalf of Bernard McGough describing M. B. Stevens & Co. as his attorney, saying Bernard was an invalid, and describing his service as: "A. 8. Ill. Cav." The "state from which filed" was Illinois.

James McGough, the son of Andrew McGough, married Mary Walker in Kane county on June 30, 1858. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. According to Gretchen Lent, James' great-great granddaughter, James and his father Andrew arrived in New York from Dublin aboard the Coronet on November 20, 1851. The ship's manifest shows James as age 17, and Andrew as age 36. Both are described as farm laborers. See Ann McGeough Harney's McGeough & Variations: Irish Emigrant Ships Including affiliated families. This is the James McGough shown by the 1860 census in DeKalb county (see below) and by the 1900 census in Burlington township, Kane county. Here is a biography of their son, John McGough, from History of Kane County, Illinois, by R. Waite Joslyn, page 744 (Pioneer Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908, 1786 pages):

"John McGough—This energetic and successful farmer and dairyman of Burlington township has exemplified in his career the versatility and resourcefulness of the Irish race, which he inherits from his father, and the all-conquering spirit of the American, to which he was born himself. He is a native of DeKalb county, Illinois, where his life began on September 10, 1860.

"His father James McGough was born in Dublin, Ireland, and when he was seventeen year old came to this county with his parents. The family located first in Canada, but two years afterward moved into the United States, taking up a residence in DeKalb county of this state. The father bought a farm, and for some years carried on the manufacture of brick in connection with his farming operations. He married May (sic) Walker, who was born in Canada, but when a small girl came to Illinois with her parents. Six children were born in the McGough household: John; Henry, a real-estate agent living at home; Fred, who is farming in Nebraska; Ida, who married John R. Ward (John Reed Ward, Jr.), now deceased; Harry, who lives in Genoa, Illinois; and Charles, who died some years ago.

"John McGough pursued his education in the Middleton schoolhouse, attending school at intervals until he was twenty years old. He then yielded to a longing for life in the west, and going to the plains far beyond the Mississippi, found employment for a time as a cowboy. Afterward, he lived for short periods in Kansas and Nebraska, and then learned the art of buttermaking in all its branches, at which he worked for fourteen years. At the end of that period he returned to the parental homestead, on which he has ever since resided. He is now in active control of the farm and is working it with skill and industry, farming with judgment and carrying on a prosperous dairy business in connection, with eighteen excellent cows as a source of supply.

"The farm contains two hundred and twenty acres and is located one mile and a quarter from the railroad station, the same distance from the nearest schoolhouse and one mile and a half from a butter factory which gives him a ready market for his dairy products. He has put improvements value at ten thousand dollars on the farm, making it one of the attractive country homes of the township, and has brought the land to a high state of development and productiveness. While taking no very active interest or part in political affairs, he supports the republican part at national elections. In local matters, he looks to the good of the township and its people, with an eye single to their welfare and the promotion of their best interests, to which he is locally and practically devoted. He is a good and progressive citizen and universally esteemed as such.".

The 1860 census of DeKalb county, Pampas township (163): James McGough, age 25, brick maker, born in Ireland, with a $200 personal estate; his wife, Mary McGough, housekeeper, born in Canada; their son, John McGough, ten months old, born in Illinois; and James's father, Andrew McGough, age 52, farm laborer, born in Ireland. (If the age of 36 on the manifest of the Coronet in 1851 had been correct, he would have been 45.) The 1900 census of Kane county shows James as a farmer, age 65 and born in Ireland in January, 1835; married 45 years, who immigrated in 1854 and had been in the United States for 46 years. The 1900 census shows that, living with James McGough was his wife, Mary McGough, age 55, born in Canada (England) in May, 1845, who immigrated to the United States in 1854, whose father was born in Scotland and mother in Canada (England), who was the mother of 4 children, all four of whom were living. With James and Mary were three of their four children: Henry, age 32 , born in Illinois in February, 1868, "Treasurer of Kane county;" Fred, age 30, born in Illinois in March, 1870, farm laborer; and Harry (James Harrison McGough), age 22, born in Illinois in January, 1878, farm laborer. Also living with them, with a relationship to James McGough described as "servant," was Thomas Walker, age 20, born in Illinois in January, 1880, a farm laborer. His father was born in Canada (England), where Mary McGough was born, so I assume that Thomas Walker was Mary's nephew.

The Tulare County Great Register of 1898 lists, in the precinct of Goshen, a John McGough, age 36, who was born in Illinois. This may be the oldest son of James McGough and Mary Walker McGough, who was shown as ten months old in the census of 1860. Find A Grave Memorial# 14629905.

Mrs. Mary McGough, whose maiden name is shown as Mary Walker, who established residence in Kane county in 1855, and whose children were John, Henry, Fred, Ida, and Harry, is shown residing in Maple Rock, Illinois, by the 1918 Farmer's Directory for Kane County, Illinois—M Surnames. Mary McGough died in Burlington township, Kane county, on March 23, 1918. Her daughter Ida E. McGough was born on January 23, 1870; married John Reed Ward Jr., was living on the Ward homestead, on April 25, 1894, in Burlington, Illinois; and gave birth to at least four children. Genealogy of the Fotheringill Family. John Reed Ward Jr. was born March 11, 1856, in Burlington, Illinois, and died on January 2, 1908, in Burlington. He is buried in a small family cemetery. but Ida is not with him. (Posting by Forrest Fothergill on the McGough Family Genealogy Forum on Genealogy.com on March 14, 1999.)

Henry McGough was the treasurer of Kane county in 1898. Kane County, Illinois, Public Servants. See also History of Kane County, Illinois by R. Waite Joslyn, page 450 (Pioneer Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908, 1786 pages). He apparently was double counted in the 1900 census of Illinois. In addition to his living with his parents, James McGough and Mary Walker McGough, the census report for Geneva township, Kane county, shows Henry McGough as a boarder with Beckford (?) and Agnes Richardson. Henry is shown as age 37, born in Illinois in September, 1862, whose father was born in Ireland and whose mother born in Canada. His occupation is shown as county treasurer.

Gretchen Lent of Naperville, Illinois, is the great-great-granddaughter of James McGough and Mary E. Walker. She says that her great-great grandparents owned a farm on McGough Road (Maple Park, Illinois) and that the road was named after them. She says that James McGough died in 1907 and Mary Walker McGough died in 1918. There is a McGough cemetery just off McGough Road where she believes they are buried. Gretchen's great-grandfather was James Harrison McGough (1873–1962), who was the Harry McGough listed above, who, according to the 1900 census, was born in January of 1878. See Gretchen's email published under McGough Road on my Odds and Ends page.

James McGough (1931–1907), father of Ida Elizabeth McGough Ward (1870-1944) is buried in the South Burlington Cemetery, Kane county, Illinois. Find A Grave Memorial# 14629920. His wife Mary McGough (1839–1944) is buried in the same gravesite.

Gretchen sent me the birth dates for James and Mary's children as handwritten in their family bible:

John "Jack" C. - B. 9/10/1860 D. 1/25/1944

Henry Agustis - B. 9/28/1862 D. 1947

Frederick - B. 1/2/1865 D. 5/13/1945

Ida E. - B. 1/23/1870 D. 1/2/1944 [married John Reed Ward, Jr., on April 25, 1894, in Burlington, Illinois; died on January 2, 1944, and is buried in Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, Illinois. Find A Grave Memorial# 104341964.]

James Harrison "Harry" - B. 3/2/1873 D. 5/31/1962 (Gretchen's great-great-grandfather.)

These dates are probably more accurate than the dates given in the censuses. She says that James Harrison McGough and his wife, Elizabeth Neil McGough, are buried in the Bluff City Cemetery, Elgin, Illinois.

Here is part of an email of September 27, 2006, from Janet Velma McGough Finley Schlapp of Aurora, Illinois. (I have made minor changes in format and added the material within brackets.):

"The following refers to Kane county McGoughs—James Mc Gough and Mary Walker McGough descendents.

"James Harrison McGough, (3-21-1873/5-31-1962), youngest child of James & Mary Walker McGough. James married Elizabeth Neil of Elgin and produced two sons, fraternal twins, Harry (no middle name) McGough and Donald (no middle name) McGough, both born in 1912. Donald died in 1992. Elizabeth died about 18 months after childbirth of complications. James Harrison never remarried; last address 1110 Lacey Avenue, Lisle, Illinois. [The 1920 census of Chicago (ward 13), Cook county, Illinois, lists James McGough, age 46, single, a widower, born in Illinois to a father born in Ireland and a mother born in Canada, a salesman for a life (insurer?) with his sons, Donald and Harry, both age 8 and both born in Illinois, living as boarders in the home of Iona Smith Slater on Wilcox Street (T-625, roll 321, page 3A, line 38). The 1930 census of Lisle township, DuPage county, Illinois, lists James McGough, age 53, a widower, who had first married at age 33, born in Illinois to a father born in Ireland and mother born in Canada, a carpenter working for a contractor, owner of a house valued at $6000, with his sons, Donald and Harry, both age 18, and both working as laborers at Western Electric. Living in the same household is Ona Smith, a widow, age 65, who was the McGoughs' landlady in Chicago in 1920. She is described as a servant. (roll 512, page 19A, line 34). A posting on Genealogy.com by Erin McGough Tucker says that the fraternal twins, Donald and Harry McGough, were born on January 1, 1912. Harry McGough was her grandfather. The Social Security Death Index shows that Harry McGough, whose last residence was Lisle, DuPage county, Illinois, was born on January 1, 1912, and died on August 23, 2002.]

"Donald married Ruth Josephine Pierce McGough of Elgin and produced three children in this order: Elizabeth Ruth McGough Hodel, Janet Velma Mc Gough Finley Schlapp (1934- ), Donald Ermin McGough. [The Social Security Death Index shows that Donald M. McGough, whose last residence was Oswego, Kendall county, Illinois, was born on January 1, 1912, and died on March 6, 1992. There was an obituary of this Donald McGough in the Chicago Tribune of March 11, 1992. In a follow-up email, Janet Schlapp says: Neither Donald nor Harry had a middle name. "A middle initial "M" for donald is not correct. Donald never lived in Oswego, Kendall county, Illinois. That was my residence. His last residence was 2900 Hobson Road, Woodridge, Illinois." ]

"Harry married Marge ____ of Streator, Illinois, and produced five children in this order: Jack, Roger, Jerry (Gerald), James, and Bonnie McGough Lyman.

"James Harrison McGough, Janet's paternal grandfather, had an older brother Fred. In his later years Fred operated a fishing lodge in Wisconsin. Fred's son James lived in Elgin.

"James Harrison McGough's sister Ida married into the Ward family and produced several daughters, one of which was Garnet Ward Moline, who was Kane county treasurer in the 1950's."

The 1870 census also shows another McGough family in Virgil township (237–487), Kane county: James McGough, age 40, blacksmith, born in England, with $400 in real estate and $100 in personal property; Bridget, age 28, keeping house, born in Ireland; Margaret, age 3; and Mary, age 1.

The 1900 census of Geneva Township in Kane county shows John McGough as an "inmate" in what is apparently an institution for the mentally ill. Several of the inmates are described as "insane." John McGough, age 60, born in Ireland, is described merely as an "idiot."

McGoughs in DeKalb and McHenry Counties, Illinois

DeKalb County. DeKalb county is immediately west of Kane county, southeast of Winnebago county, and southwest of McHenry county. The 1860 census shows this family in DeKalb county, Pampas township (163): James McGough, age 25, brick maker, born in Ireland, with a $200 personal estate; his wife, Mary McGough, housekeeper, born in Canada; their son, John McGough, ten months old, born in Illinois; and Andrew McGough, age 52, farm laborer, born in Ireland, and probably James' father. In the 1870 census, Andrew McGough, age 65, a laborer with real estate holdings of $100, is shown as living alone in Cortland township, Kane county. This is the same James and Mary McGough shown in the 1900 census of Kane county (above).

Nearby, also in Pampas township (137), was Barney McGough, age 20, farm laborer born in England, living with the family of Peter Young, age 47, a farmer born in Scotland, with real estate of the value of $2000.

A James McGough served during the Civil War in Company E of the 9th Illinois Calvary, and Company M of the 20th Illinois Infantry, and is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in DeKalb county. Illinois Roll of Honor. Find A Grave Memorial# 57732208. The 1865 state census of Sycamore township, DeKalb county, lists a J. McGough, over 30 and not over 40, in a family of 5, with a wife over 20 and not over 30, and 3 sons, all 10 or under. (Illinois State Census Collection, 1825–1865, on Ancestry.com. Roll ILSC_2175, line: 26).

The 1870 census shows Vernard (Bernard?) McGough, age 29, a stockbroker born in England, with real estate worth $500 and a personal estate worth $1000, living with Sarah Jane McGough, age 23, keeping house, born in Illinois, in Cortland township (253–267) of DeKalb county.

The 1860 census shows Barry (or Barney) McGough, a 20 year old farm laborer, born in England, living in Pampas township of DeKalb county with the family of Peter Young, a moderately wealthy ($16,400 in real estate) farmer.

McHenry County. McHenry county lies on the Wisconsin line, and is the second county to the east of Winnebago county. (Boone county intervenes.) There was a notice of the death of Hugh McGough on November 9, 1899, in the Index to Death Notices in the Nunda (Crystal Lake) Herald (1880–1900).  Crystal Lake is 50 miles northwest of Chicago, in McHenry county, which is immediately north of Kane county.

These persons are listed in the 1880 census of McHenry county, Nunda township: Edward McGue, Katie McGue, Lawrence McGue, Mary McGue, Patrick McGue, and Sarah McGue. Every-Name Index to the1880 Federal Census of McHenry County, Illinois. Katie McGue married George Hammond in McHenry county about October 21 1887. Frances McGue married William M. Price in McHenry county about October 3, 1901. Brides Index to Marriages in the Nunda (Crystal Lake) Herald, July 1880–May 1908. Lawrence McGue died, at the age of 86, on January 15, 1917, and is buried in the Union Cemetery, Crystal Lake. Civil War Veterans of McHenry County.

His death notice appears in the Crystal Lake Herald of January 18, 1917. Here is an obituary from the Barrington (Illinois) Review of Thursday January 18, 1917 (page 1):

"Lawrence McGue. died at his home at Crystal Lake, Monday, January 15. He was born in County Monahan (sic), Ireland, in 1830 and came to America in 1848. He married Mary Trainor in 1852. Mr. McGue was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in the Third Michigan Cavalry. The funeral services were held from his late residence yesterday, and interment was in the Union cemetery, Crystal Lake."

See: Barrington Courier-Review Index, Deaths 1910–1919, and the entry for Lawrence McGue under Webster township, Washtenaw county, Michigan in my page on the 1860 census. Mrs. Lawrence McGue died, at the age of 83, on November 11, 1921, and her death notice appears in the Crystal Lake Herald of November 17, 1921. A notice of the 55th wedding anniversary of Lawrence McGue and Mary Trainor appeared on page 1 of the August 19, 1907, edition of the Crystal Lake Herald — indexed under Mary Trainor.. See my page: McGough, McGeough, and McGue Soldiers in U.S. Civil War, 1861–1865 under Michigan.

McGoughs in LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam and Woodford Counties, Illinois

LaSalle County. LaSalle county is immediately south of DeKalb county. In addition to Rutland township in Kane county, Illinois, there is also a Rutland township (234A) in LaSalle county, Illinois, about 60 miles south of Rockford.

Philip McGough bought 640 acres of land in land in LaSalle county on September 30, 1868. Samuel McGough bought 480 acres on August 31, 1868, and 800 acres on November 30, 1869. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database.

Margaret McGough married David Charles Horner in LaSalle county in 1859. David Charles Horner was born to John Horner and Jane Spear in about 1837 in Ireland, and probably came to the United States with his parents.

Norman McGough married Mary Avery in LaSalle county on September 28, 1864. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. Catharine McGough married Marcus Ward in LaSalle county on December 10, 1866. Sarah McGough married Michael Peyton in LaSalle county on April 9, 1872. Ellen McGue married Warren Jacobs in LaSalle county on December 15, 1863. John P. McGough married E. Elizabeth Ingersoll in LaSalle county on August 24, 1898.

In this township, the 1880 census shows Patrick McGough, age 73, born in Pennsylvania in 1807, a weaver; his wife Ellen McGough, age 68, born in Pennsylvania in 1812; and their grandson, John F. White, age 18, born in Illinois, and an apprentice to a carpenter. (He may have been the son of James White and Drucilla McGough.)

Here is an inquiry from Candace King in LaSalle county Illinois Queries (January—June 1997) on Rootsweb:

"McGough or Bowman: Looking for information about ancestor Philip McGough, owned land in LaSalle County 1868 and his wife, Sarah Jane Bowman, who were married in Illinois December 11, 1853. Any info? Children were apparently born in Winona Illinois: Ellen Nora, Henry Wilson, etc."]

The same Candace McCarthy King, of Glen Ellyn Illinois, submitted information to the Kansas Pioneers List (K-N) showing Philip McGough, born in 1830, and his wife, Sarah Bowman, in Neosha (Neosho) county, Kansas, in 1868. The county seat of Neosha (Neosho) county is Erie. Sandra Dunavan and Stephen Zak's Genealogy shows Sarah Jane Bowman, born October 10, 1835, in Allen county, Ohio; and died February 12, 1907, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; married to Phillip McGough. Her parents were Charles Wesley Boman (sic) and Sarah Jane Johnson.

The 1900 census shows Patrick H. McGough, 39 years old, born in Illinois in December of 1860, a farmer, living in Groveland township, LaSalle county. Living with him were his wife of 8 years, Lena McGough, age 27, born in Germany in April, 1873; and their children, all born in Illinois: Clara D., age 6, born in November, 1893; Annie, age 5, born in May, 1895; Leon, age 3, born in January, 1897; and Thomas, age 1, born in October, 1898. Ancestry World Tree includes an entry for Patrick Henry McGough, born about 1860, died about 1921, who is buried in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery at Minonk, Woodford county, Illinois. His father is listed as Samuel Thomas McGough, born on August 18, 1837, at Mt Vernon, Knox county, Ohio; his mother as Margarette Patten, born in December 18, 1836. Samuel Thomas McGough died in Bennington township of Marshall county, Illinois, on February 13, 1917. (See the entry under Marshall county, below.) Patrick was married to Lena J. Miller was was born in about 1872 in Germany. According to the pedigree, Patrick and Lena had a daughter, Mary McGough, who married a man named Paris. Samuel McGough bought 480 acres on August 31, 1868, and 800 acres on November 30, 1869, in LaSalle county. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database. Here is an entry from the Prairie Farmer's Directory of LaSalle County, Illinois, 1917:

"MCGOUGH, Patrick (Lena MILLER) Ch - Clara, Anna, Leo, Thomas, Mary, Seal, Raymond;  Dana R9  Groveland Sec30  O142a (1860) Independent Tel. Rutland."

The same directory has this entry:

"PATTEN, W. P. Rutland R10 Groveland Sec19 T130a John MCGOUGH (1904) Independent Tel. Rutland"

This means that W. P. Patten was a tenant on 130 acres owned by John McGough, and that Patten became a resident of the county in 1904. Since Patrick McGough's mother was Margaret Patten, there is a good chance that this John McGough was a brother or cousin.

A Hugh McGough, who married Catherine Kennedy, was born to Philip McGough and Clara J. Bowman (or Boman) about 1860. Philip McGough was born in Ohio about 1830. His parents were John McGough and Hannora (Hannah) Grace. John McGough was born on February 23, 1803, in Harford county, Maryland, married Hannah Grace on September 24, 1825, in Perry county, Ohio, and died on July 27, 1892, in Rutland, LaSalle county, Illinois. Burial was in Riley Cemetery, Rutland, LaSalle county. His gravestone inscription says he died on August 3, 1892, at the age of 89 years, 5 months, and 10 days. The 1870 census of LaSalle county lists John McGough, age 67, a farmer, born in Maryland, and his wife Hanna, age 65, born in Ireland. There is a good genealogy of this family on Ancestry.com.

The parents of Hugh McGough's grandfather, John McGough, were Thomas and Sarah McGough (sometimes spelled McGeaugh in Harford county, Maryland, real estate records). Thomas was born about 1765 in Harford county, Maryland, and died after 1850 in Miami county, Ohio. Thomas was on the tax lists for 1803 and 1815 in Cambria county, Conemaugh Township, Pennsylvania. Thomas McGough was the son of Miles McGough (sometimes spelled McGaugh or McGeaugh). Miles was born in Ireland about 1730 and died in 1784 in Deer Creek Upper Hundred, Harford county, Maryland. Miles was married to Elizabeth Spencer. See my page: McGoughs in Pre-Revolutionary America: Miles and Elizabeth Spencer McGough.

A grandson of Miles McGough, born in Maryland on February 23, 1803, to Miles' son Thomas McGough and his wife Sarah, married Hannorah Grace on September 24, 1825, in Perry county, Ohio, had several children in Ohio, and ultimately moved to Illinois. An inquiry printed in the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, volume 19, number 1, Winter 1978, Queries and Answers, page 71, says that a Miles McGough landed in Baltimore in 1640 [must be 1740], and that John McGough, who was born in Maryland, was a descendant. Miles McGough who died in Harford county, Maryland, in 1784, according to volume 33, number 4, Fall 1992, The Family Exchange, page 810; volume 34, number 4, Fall 1993, The Family Exchange, page 474, and volume 35, number 4, Fall 1994, The Family Exchange, page 585, in the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin, available on Genealogy.com. As mentioned above, the 1870 census of LaSalle county lists John McGough, age 67, a farmer, born in Maryland, and his wife Hanna, age 65, born in Ireland. There is a good genealogy of this family on Ancestry.com.

Marshall County. Marshall county lies to the immediate west of the southwest corner of LaSalle county, and immediately south of Putnam county. Samuel Thomas McGough died in Bennington township of Marshall county on February 13, 1917. He was probably the father of Patrick Henry McGough discussed under LaSalle county. The township of Bennington is at the southeast corner of Marshall county.

Putnam County. Putnam county is a small county that lies to the immediate west of the of LaSalle county, and to the immediate north of Marshall county. The 1860 census of Magnolia township, Putnam county, lists: Thomas McGough, age 33, day laborer, born in Ireland; his wife Mary McGough, age 33, born in Pennsylvania; Catharine N. McGough, age 11, born in Ohio; and Thomas McGough, age 6, born in Ohio. This is probably the same Thomas McGough listed in the 1870 census in McLean county, below, although the ages don't match exactly. The 1855 state census of Illinois lists a Thomas McGough in township 21 of Putnam county, Illinois: age 20 to 30, in a family of 5; with a wife, age 20 to 30, and a son and 2 daughters, all under.10. Illinois State Census Collection, 1825–1865, on Ancestry.com. Roll ILSC_2194, line 9.

Woodford County. Woodford county is immediately south of Marshall county. The township of Minonk is at the northeast corner of Woodford county. Adjoining Minonk to the immediate northwest is the township of Bennington, which lies at the southeast corner of Marshall county. At the south edge of LaSalle county, which adjoins the northeast corner of Woodford county (and the township of Minonk) to the north, is the township of Groveland, which includes most of the town of Rutland (also known as New Rutland). The townships of Bennington in Marshall county, and Groveland in LaSalle county adjoin the township of Minonk in Woodford county. (The townships will be found on Watson's new township and sectional map of Illinois—1872— by Gaylord Watson, cited above.) Many of the McGoughs from these townships are buried in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in the town of Minonk, and are listed in the following table. These McGoughs include Samuel Thomas McGough (1837–1917), his wife, Margaret Patten (1836–1915), and several of their descendants.

Samuel Thomas McGough was born to Patrick McGough and Ellen Durbin on August 18, 1837, in Mt Vernon, Knox county, Ohio. He married Margarette Patten on October 24, 1858, in El Paso, Woodford County, Illinois. He died on February 13, 1917, in Pennington township, Marshall county, Illinois, and is buried in St Patrick's Cemetery, Minonk, Woodford County, Illinois. Patrick McGough, Samuel's father, was a son of Thomas and Sarah McGough, and a grandson of Miles McGough and Elizabeth Spencer. See: McGoughs in Pre-Revolutionary America: Miles and Elizabeth Spencer McGough. " Here is an excerpt from Historical Sketches of Early Rutland, Illinois (donated by Jim Flynn) taken from the Rutland Record Centennial Edition (1955):

"Samuel T. McGough was a descendant of Miles McGough, who came to America in 1640. He was one of the colony under Lord Calvert, and landed at Baltimore. Samuel, born in Ohio, married Margarette Patten. In 1857 he came to Illinois, later acquiring land south of Rutland, residing there the remainder of his life, and his son John spent his lifetime there. John's son, Jerome, and his daughter-in-law Ethel, reside on their farms south of Rutland."

Not all the information in the table is from cemetery records. Here are the McGoughs buried in St. Patrick Cemetery in Minonk:

See these websites: St. Patrick Cemetery and St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery—Minonk—Woodford County—A-M.

McGoughs in McLean, Ford, Tazewell, Champaign, and Logan Counties, Illinois

McLean, Ford, Logan and Sangamon counties are in central Illinois. Ford county shares its western boundary with the eastern boundary of McLean county. Champaign county is immediately south of Ford county and shares its northwest border with McLean county. McLean county is south of LaSalle county. Livingston county lies between the two. Logan county abuts the southwest corner of McLean county, and Sangamon county adjoins Logan county to the southwest. See the map of Illinois Counties.

A John F. McGough married Maggie Luby in McLean county on January 7, 1896. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900.

In 1834, a Reverend McGeogh became the second minister of a Presbyterian church in Bloomington, McLean county. He is remembered as a "man of great learning." The History of McLean County, Illinois, page 293 (W. LeBaron Jr. & Co., Chicago, 1879, 1050 pages).

Ford County. Ford county is immediately east of McLean county. Thomas J. McGough married Elizabeth Ranson in Ford county on February 14, 1882. This may have been the Thomas McGough who, in 1870, resided in McLean county with Thomas and Mary McGough. Mary A. McGough married Russ Hanson in Ford county on February 25, 1885. Thomas J. McGough married Nellie Gilbertson in Ford county on January 24, 1900. John McGough married Martha B. Gilbertson in Ford county on September 3, 1896. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900.

The 1900 census of Ford county, Drummer township third ward of Gibson City), shows Thomas McGough, age 73, born in Pennsylvania in September of 1826, whose parents were both born in Maryland, and who had been married 40 years, a retired farmer; and his wife Mary J. McGough, age 71, who was born in Pennsylvania in June of 1828, whose father was born in Maryland and whose mother was born in Pennsylvania, mother of 5 children, 3 of whom were living.

Tazewell County. Tazewell county is immediately west of McLean county and immediately north of Logan county. The 1900 census in Delaware township, Tazewell county, shows the family of Eugene McGough, age 32, born in Illinois in September, 1867, both of whose parents were born in Ireland, married 3 years; and a "painter (houses)." With him were his wife, Bertha, age 21, born in Illinois to German parents in April, 1879; and their daughter, Catherine, age 1, born in Illinois in January, 1899. This is the Eugene A. McGough who married Bertha M. Will in Logan county on September 10, 1897, and he was the Eugene shown as two years old in the 1870 census of Prairie Creek township, Logan county. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. Bill Detmers, who is a volunteer with the Logan county, Illinois, Genealogical & Historical Society, sent me more information on this family. Eugene A. McGough was born in 1867 in Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois. Eugene's father was Andrew McGough, born in Ireland on November 29, 1830, who died on November 13, 1904, in Prairie Creek township, Illinois, and who is buried in Prairie Rest cemetery, Delavan, Illinois. His mother was Catherine Clark, who was born in Ireland on September 25, 1833, who died on August 27, 1902, at Prairie Creek Township, Illinois, and who is buried at St. Mary's Cemetery, Delavan, Illinois. (Prairie Creek township is the northwest corner of Logan county, and abuts the southern border of Tazewell county.) Eugene's older brothers were: Hubert McGough (see H. B. McGough, born in Illinois in October, 1861, under Logan county, below); Edward (Edwin?) McGough (see Edward A. McGough, born in Illinois in February, 1864, under Logan county, below), and Andrew J. McGough (1865– February 16, 1920) (see Logan county, below). Here is a short write-up (sent by Bill Detmers) done in 1971 by Johanna McGough Payne Barry, granddaughter of Andrew and Catherine Clark McGough:

"Andrew and Catherine Clark McGough, immigrants from Ireland, first settled in Boston, Mass., where they met and were married. In the year of 1860 they became early settlers in Prairie Creek Township (Logan Co.) on a farm west of Delavan, which at that time was a wild waste of low swampy land, selling for $15 an acre. Mr. McGough lived long enough to see the price of land reach $150 an acre. There were six sons in the family, and the youngest, Eugene, was my father. He married Bertha Will, daughter of August and Johanna Seefeldt Will, who came to America from Germany, and were farmers west of Hartsburg. I (Johanna) was the last of the family of three: a sister, Mrs. Catherine Taylor, and a brother, Andrew J. McGough. Catherine's two children were Lawrence Taylor, Hartsburg; married June Aper, and Blanche Taylor, Lincoln, married to Raymond Hitchcock. They have one son, Allen Ray Hitchcock. (all are still living but Blanche)."

Eugene A. McGough died on September 21, 1911, in Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois, and is buried in Prairie Rest cemetery, Delavan, Illinois. Find A Grave Memorial# 97528864. Eugene married Bertha Wilhelmine Ulrike Will, who was born on April 18, 1879, in New Holland, Logan county, Illinois. After Eugene died in 1911, she remarried Bert Morgan who was eleven years younger. She died of heart disease on October 8, 1953, at Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois, and is buried in Union Cemetery, Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois. Bertha Will McGough and Bert Morgan had four children: Earl (Curly) Morgan, Edgar (Nike) Morgan, Eleanor Morgan, and George (Porky) Morgan.

Eugene and Bertha McGough had three children. Their daughter Catherine McGough was born on January 31, 1899, in Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois, and died on July 13, 1923, at Springfield, Sangamon county, Illinois. She married George W. Taylor (February 1, 1894–May 12, 1959). They had two children. Eugene and Bertha also had a son, Andrew Charles McGough, who was born on April 24, 1902, in Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois, and died on June 3, 1968, at Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois. Andrew married Clara Emaline Carnahan (1902–1984) who is buried at the Union Cemetery, Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois. They had no children.

"'Andy' was the local rural mailman around Hartsburg, IL for years. He also was the telephone lineman, and repairman for the local telephone service when Hartsburg still had the old drop switchboard system. His wife, Emaline ran the switchboard, and they lived in the telephone office, which was actually located in a small house. Served in the US Army in WWII. Andy was also a local trucker, hauling livestock, grain, plus whatever else people need hauling in the area. He had "straight" trucks, not semi trucks, which were single axle, with a capacity of about 300 bushels of corn."

Eugene and Bertha also had a second daughter and third child, Johanna Mary McGough, who was born on July 17, 1905, and who died on July 6, 1985, at Normal, Illinois. She is buried in the Union Cemetery, Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois. She married Noah E. Payne (1882–May 17, 1944), who died at Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois, and is buried at the Union Cemetery, Hartsburg, Logan county, Illinois.

"Johanna was the postmistress in Hartsburg, starting in the 1940's. During WWII, she worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company, assembling vehicles for the war. Johanna was the most giving, caring person most people ever knew, with both her time, and money. She never asked anyone for anything, but quietly helped everyone she could. Johanna never had children of her own, but her nieces and nephews, and George's grandchildren were the 'apple of her eye'. She continued in this light until her death."

Champaign County. Champaign county is immediately south of Ford county and shares its northwest border with McLean county. Maggie McGough married Edward Simmers in Champaign county on December 29, 1982.

Logan County. Logan county adjoins the southwest part of McLean county. The 1870 census of Illinois shows this family in Prairie Creek township (248–240) of Logan county: Andy McGough, age 40, farmer, born in Ireland, with real estate worth $6000 and personal property worth $500; his wife, Catherine, age 30, housekeeper, born in Ireland; and four children, all born in Illinois: Hubert, age 8; Edwin A., age 6; Andrew, age 4; and Eugene, age 2. John Casey, age 35, born in Ireland, and William Brodway, age 13, born in Illinois, are listed as working on the farm. Andrew Jackson McGough of Prairie Creek township, Logan county, was born in county Louth, Ireland, and died on February 16, 1920, in Logan county. "McGough, Andrew, farmer, Sec. 15, P.O. Delavan; Cath., from Ireland" is an entry under Prairie Creek Township in History of Logan County, Illinois, page 547 (Donnelley, Lloyd & Co., Chicago, 1878, 565 pages).

Edward A. McGough married Barbara Ames in Logan county on February 27, 1889. This is probably the Edwin A. McGough listed as the six year old son of Andy and Catherine McGough in the 1870 census. This is certainly the Ed McGough, a farmer, shown in the 1900 census of Logan county, in Prairie Creek township, age 36, born in Illinois in February, 1864, both of whose parents were born in Ireland, who had been married for 11 years. With him were his wife, Barbara L., age 36, born in Illinois in June, 1863 (or 2), both of whose parents were born in Germany, mother of three children, two of whom were living; and their two children, both of whom were born in Illinois: Edward W., age 8, born in February, 1892; and Flora L., age 6, born in July, 1893. Edward McGough, age unknown, of Lincoln township, Logan county, died on November 13, 1929. The son, Edward, is probably the same Edward McGough who died in Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois, in June of 1969. The social security death index shows his birth date as February 19 1892, and the original issuance of a social security card in Illinois. In September of 1924, an Edward McGough was charged with contempt of court in Logan County Circuit Court (Criminal Case Files Index (1857-1945).

H. B. McGough married Mary A. Hicker (should be Hickey) in Logan county on December 30, 1891. This is Hubert McGough, who was shown as 8 years old in the census of 1870. The 1900 census shows this family in West Lincoln township of Logan county: H. B., McGough, age 38, a farmer born in Illinois in October, 1861, whose parents were both born in Ireland, married for 9 years; his wife Mary, age 39, born Illinois in 1860, both of whose parents were born in Ireland, mother of 2 children, both of whom were living; and their two children, Catherine, age 7, born in Illinois in October, 1892; and Ellen, age 6, born in Illinois in May, 1894.

Eugene D. McGough married Bertha M. Will in Logan county on September 10, 1897, and he was the Eugene shown as two years old in the 1870 census. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. See the discussion under Tazewell county, above.

McGoughs in Sangamon and Marcoupin Counties, Illinois

Sangamon County. Sangamon county adjoins the southwest part of Logan county.

Patrick McGough married Tillie Morgan in Sangamon county on October 8, 1878. Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900. The 1900 census shows Patrick McGough, age 42, born in Ireland in December, 1858, in Springfield township, Sangamon county. Living with him was his wife, Matilda McGough (obviously the Tillie referred to above), age 40, born in Ireland in March 1860, and these children, all born in Illinois: William, age 20, born in July of 1879: Maggie M., age 18, born in February of 1882; John B., age 15, born in June, 1885; Frank, age 12, born in August, 1887; Lizzie, age 9, born in March, 1890; Ella, age 8, born in February, 1892; and Edward, age 6, born in May, 1894.

Two McGoughs are buried in the Jeremiah Maloney Family Plot in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield Illinois: McGough, Mary A. 1880–1943, mother (Find A Grave Memorial# 21254944); McGough, William 1910–1941 (Find A Grave Memorial# 21255130).

Bernard James McGough and Margaret Baker were married in Sangamon county (Springfield), Illinois, on October 18, 1881. (Some records show October 8, 1878 (Jordan Dodd and Liahona Research, comp.. Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005) but I believe 1881 is the correct year.) Shortly after their marriage, Bernard and Margaret moved to Faulk county, South Dakota. Margaret's father, Thomas Baker, moved with them. Faulk County is to the right and above the center of the state on the County Map of South Dakota published by the US Census Bureau—about 75 miles northeast of Pierre. The county seat, Faulkton. Hyde County, to where some of the McGoughs later moved, adjoins the western part of the southern border of Faulk county.

Coincidentally, William McGeough, the father of Phyllis McGeough Devereux, and the descendant of another Bernard McGough, moved from Allamakee county, Iowa, to Willow Lake, South Dakota, in about 1907, when he was twenty years old, and raised a large family of McGeoughs there. Willow Lake is in Clark county, only one county (Spink) removed to the east from Faulk county. The distance, as the crow flies, from Faulkton, the county seat of Faulk county, to Willow Lake, is about 85 miles. See: Bernard McGough and Catherine Kernaghan of Lindsay, Ontario, and Allamakee County, Iowa.

Bernard James McGough was born in the townland of Drumcarrow, parish of Magheracloone, barony of Farney, county Monaghan, Ireland, in 1859. His parents were Myles McGough and Ann Finegan, who were married on October 19, 1842. See: McGoughs, McGeoughs, and McGeoghs in the Civil Parish of Donaghmoyne and the Barony of Farney and look under Magheracloone—Aghinillard, Drumcarrow, Ballaghnagearn—Drumcarrow.

Bernard McGough, age 23, filed a declaration of intent to become a citizen in 1883 in Springfield, Illinois. Naturalizations and Declarations of Intent filed in Sangamon county, Illinois (published by the Sangamon county Genealogical Society in 1986, page 41).This is the Bernard McGough who was born in Drumcarrow in 1859 and who married Margaret Baker in 1878. This is probably the Bernard McGough who immigrated to the United States through Philadelphia in 1875.  Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations of Intention and/or Oaths of Allegiance, 1789-1880, in United States Circuit Court, United States District Court, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Quarter Sessions Court, Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia (compiled by W.P.A., Project No. 20837. [Harrisburg:] Pennsylvania Historical Commission, [1940]. 25 volumes in 11. volume 7. Letter M, pp. 1-350; at page 319). See also:  Sangamon county Genealogical Society. Naturalizations, Declarations of Intent, Sangamon county, Illinois. Springfield, Ill. (1986).

An 1885 state census of Faulk county, South Dakota, shows Bernard McGough had moved there by 1885. "Page 004 Range 68 & 69 ... SD2908335." The data base is described on ancestry.com as "SD 1885 Federal Census Index."

On September 26, 1890, Bernard McGough obtained a patent of 160 acres of homestead land in Faulk county on the 5th meridian, T 120 N, R 068 W, section 26; patent document identification number 3648. See: South Dakota Land Patents Database, and the SDGENWEB Archives — especially the page for Faulk county, letters M-O (Bernard McGough): SDGENWEB File -- Fall River Co. SD -- Federal Land Records -- Names "M" - "O" (Fall River in this title is a mistake, as the URL will show.) Thomas Baker obtained two 160 acre sites on February 13, 1896, and May 18, 1888, and an 80 acre site on October 27, 1904, in sections 014, 026, and 031. SDGENWEB File -- Faulk Co. SD -- Federal Land Records -- Names "A" - "B". The acquisition of land by Thomas Baker in 1888 in section 26 was in the same section in which Bernard McGough acquired his land in 1890.

Ruth McGough Ray of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a granddaughter of Bernard and Margaret Baker McGough. She was kind enough to provide me with this information about her great-grandfather, Thomas Baker. Thomas Baker was born on November 6, 1821, in Laxton, Nottinghamshire, England. He was ba–ptized in the Episcopal church there on November 29, 1822. He came to the United States as a young man, perhaps twenty-one years old. He spent six months in St Louis, Missouri, where he was employed at the boat landing, unloading freight from the boats. He spent time in Springfield, Illinois, and then in Lockport, Will county, Illinois, where he spent three years working as a laborer in a distiller. He was married to Margaret Maria Delahenty in Lockport on December 22, 1859. Margaret was born in Ireland, was a Catholic, and died on January 14, 1877, in Springfield. Their daughter Margaret Maria Baker, was born in Springfield in 1861. In Springfield, Thomas Baker worked as a day laborer and miner. He served in the Civil War, Company B, 130th Illinois Infantry, and was mustered out of the service as a private on October 25, 18623, at Camp Butler, Illinois. He was discharged on March 5, 1863, at Memphis Tennessee, due to ill health.

The daughter of Thomas Baker and Margaret Delahenty Baker married Bernard McGough. They had eleven children, one of whom was John McGough, the grandfather of Ruth McGough Ray. (See my page on the 1900 census of Emerson township. Faulk county, South Dakota.) Ruth McGough Ray has published web pages with photographs of Thomas Baker (1831–1909), Bernard McGough (1859–1929), Margaret Baker McGough (1861–1899), and later generations of this family.

Ruth McGough Ray died on July 27, 2012, at her home in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The links to her valuable web pages have gone dead: Photo Albums by ruthmcgoughray [http://community.webshots.com/user/ruthmcgoughray] — which may be available through the WayBack Machine. Her web pages trace the family back to the McGeough Homestead in townland of Drumcarrow, parish of Magheracloone, barony of Farney, county Monaghan, Ireland. [http://community.webshots.com/photo/46902560/46992674ubrMjd] (See my page: McGoughs, McGeoughs, and McGeoghs in the Civil Parish of Donaghmoyne and the Barony of Farney.)

The 1880 federal census of Illinois shows, in the city of Springfield, Sangamon county, Thomas Baker, age 46, a coal miner, born in England, whose parents were both born in England. Living with him was his unmarried daughter, Margaret Baker, age 18, whose father was born in England and whose mother was born in Ireland, "keeping house." There was no one else living in the household.

The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900 (citing volume 5, page 358, of the records) shows a marriage of Barnard McCongh and Margaret M. Baker in Sangamon county on October 8, 1881. Both names are misspelled. Barnard McCongh should be shown as Bernard McGough. Margaret should be Margaret. The marriage is indexed under the correct names in Illinois Marriage Records, 1851–1900 on Ancestry.com, but the date of the marriage is given as October 8, 1878. In 1880, Margaret Baker was 18 years old, single, and still living with her father in Springfield, and October 8, 1881, is probably the correct date of the marriage.

Bernard and Margaret Baker McGough had a son, Thomas Miles McGough, (February 20, 1883–1949) born in Illinois before they moved to South Dakota. The Birth Record Search Site For South Dakota Birth Records With Birth Dates Over 100 Years shows three sons were born to Bernard James McGough and Margaret M. Baker in Faulk county, South Dakota: Bernard J. McGough, on June 23, 1886 (State File Number: 775492); John Edward McGough, on June 10, 1892 (State File Number: 775492); and Joseph Peter McGough on December 26, 1893 (State File Number: 779752). The 1900 census of South Dakota, cited below, shows that a daughter, Anna M. Gough, was also born in December of 1889. The John McGough born in Faulk county, South Dakota, on June 10, 1892, was the father of Ruth Marie McGough Ray of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Social Security Death Index shows that John McGough, social security number 504-38-1776, born in South Dakota on June 10, 1892, died at age 92 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in September, 1984.

The 1900 census of Orient township (stamped page number 184, written number 67) in Faulk county, South Dakota, shows Thomas Baker as the head of a family. Baker is shown a widower, a farmer, age 68, born in England in November of 1831, whose mother and father were both also born in England. He is shown as living on a farm he owned free and clear. The only other members of the household are two grandchildren: Anna M. McGoff, a granddaughter, age 10, born in South Dakota in December (should be June) 1889; and Joseph R. McGoff, a grandson, age 6, born in South Dakota in December, 1893. The father of both of the grandchildren is shown as having been born in Ireland, and their mother as having been born in Illinois. The birth records set out above show that the correct name of Joseph R. McGoff was Joseph Peter McGough. Margaret Baker McGough, mother of thee grandchildren, had died in 1899. The children are also listed in the 1900 census, under the names Anne and Joe McGough, as living with their father, Bernard McGough (mistakenly indexed as McLough.) See my page on the 1900 census of Emerson township, Faulk county, South Dakota.

The 1910 census of Banner township, Hyde county (which is immediately south of the western part of Faulk county), South Dakota, lists Thomas M. McGough, age 27, born in Illinois, whose father was born in Ireland and whose mother was born in Illinois, single, doing general farm work, and living with his brothers, Bernard J. McGough, age 23, also doing general farm work, and John E. McGough, "working out," both single. (Roll 1482 Book 2, page 4a.)

Thomas Baker died at the home of his grandson, Thomas Miles McGough, in Banner township, Hyde county, South Dakota, early in September of 1909, and was buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Orient, Faulk county, South Dakota, on September 6, 1909.

Bernard J. McGough, who was born on June 23, 1886, died in 1960 and is buried in All Souls Cemetery at Long Beach, California. John Edward McGough married Catherine Vopat on October 17, 1916. Their daughter Ruth Marie McGough graduated from high school in 1946, and was born about 1929. She married Hal Ausman Ray on February 20, 1950. Anna (Anne) M. McGough, who was born in December of 1889, married Ralph Shoop and their son, Donovan Shoop, was born on April 17, 1916.

The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index 1763–1900 shows the marriage of Thomas Baker and Sarah Ann Baker in Sangamon county on July 29, 1860. The 1880 census also shows Thomas Baker living with his wife, Sarah A. Baker, in Burlington, Kane county, Illinois. Thomas was a 48 year old farm laborer, born in England, whose parents were both born in England. Sarah is shown as 29 years old, born in England, whose parents were both born in England. If Sarah's age is correctly stated in the 1880 census, she would have been 9 years old in 1860, and too young to be the Sarah shown in the marriage of that year. The census should probably have reported Sarah's age as 39. In any event, this seems to be a different Thomas Baker than the one who married Margaret Marie Delahenty in Lockport, Will county, on December 22, 1859

Rose McGough married Joseph Haller in Sangamon county on November 30, 1898.

The 1900 census of Sangamon county shows a Thomas McGough, Auburn township (Auburn village), age 36, born in Ireland in March, 1864, a coal miner, living as a boarder with Thomas and Johana Radigan.

Macoupin County. Macoupin county adjoins Sangamon county to the southwest (and is the second county north of St. Clair county). Urbin McGough died on November 24, 1924, in Gillespie township in Macoupin county.

McGoughs in Cook County

Cook County. Cook county includes the city of Chicago. It lies on the eastern boundary of northern Illinois. Kane county shares part of its eastern boundary with the western boundary of Cook county.

The 1880 census of Chicago lists Bernard McGough, age 35, employed in a liquor store, born in Ireland (roll 192, age 423C). With him was his wife, Bridget, age 22, keeping house, born in Ireland; their son, Thomas McGough, age 1, born in Illinois; and a relative, probably Bernard's brother: Arthur McGough, age 29 (other), bar tender, born in Ireland.

According to information posted on the Internet, Bernard McGough was born in 1845 in Armagh, Ireland. He was the son of Bernard McGough and Miriam Purcell. Possibly, he is the Bernard McGeough shown by Griffith's Valuation as possessing land in 1864 in the town of Lurgan, civil parish of Shankill, county Armagh. See #61 in my table in McGoughs, McGeoughs, and McGeoghs in Ireland in the 1820–30s and 1850–60s: By County, Parish, and Townland. See also the entry under North Armagh—Civil Parishes of Seagoe and Shankill on my page: McGoughs, McGeoughs, and McGeoghs in County Armagh. Bernard emigrated to the United States between 1865 and 1870. He is the Bernard McGough, a U.S. Citizen, who, at age 62, returned to the United States through Ellis Island aboard the Lucania from Liverpool, arriving in New York on August 17, 1907. The ship's manifest shows that he was a salesman residing at 2106 West 12th Street, Chicago. (In 1907, the address appeared in the Chicago Tribune's obituary of his son, John, as 2206 West 12th street. Other sources give a later address of 4001 West 12th Street.) He died on September 19, 1909, in Chicago. In Cook county on August 16, 1877, he married Bridget Casey, who was born in July, 1847, in Ireland; who died on March 23, 1884, in Chicago; and who was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Cook county, Illinois. Here is her obituary from the Chicago Tribune of March 24, 1884:

"Bridget CASEY 23 Mar 1884

"McGOUGH--March 23, 1884, Bridget, beloved wife of Bernard McGough, aged 26 years and 8 months. Funeral from late residence, No. 29 West Randolph-st., Thursday, March 25, at 9:30 a. m., to St. Patrick's Church, where a solemn high-mass will be celebrated, thence by carriages to Calvary cemetery. Friends of the family are invited to attend."

Their sons, Thomas McGough and Bernard McGough Jr. were born in Chicago on November 15, 1878, and November 11, 1880, respectively; and a daughter, Mary J. McGough, was born in Chicago on August 8, 1882.

A Bernard McGough served during the Civil War in Company A, 8th Illinois Cavalry, and is buried in the Forest Home Cemetery, Cook county. 1929 Illinois Roll of Honor.

After his wife, Bridget, died on March 23, 1884, Bernard McGough married Mary McDonnell (1867–October 15, 1913), daughter of Felix McDonnell, in Cook county on July 28, 1885. This family is shown in the 28th ward of Cook county by the 1900 census: Bernard McGough, age 55, born in March, 1845 in Ireland, married 23 years, immigrated to the United States in 1868, saloon; his wife, Mary, age 33, born in Ireland in May, 1867, married 23 years, mother of ten children, 8 of whom were living, immigrated to the United States in 1884. Eight children were living at home at the time of the census, all of whom were born in Illinois: Tom, age 21, born November, 1878, a bank clerk; Barney, age 18, born in November 1880, bartender; John, 14, born May, 1886 (John Francis McGough died in Chicago on March 16, 1907, and thus predeceased his father. Obituary Chicago Tribune); Mary (Ellen), age 11, born August, 1889; James, age 9, born January, 1891; Joseph, age 7, born January, 1893 (Joseph S. McGough died in Chicago on February 15, 1915. Obituary Chicago Tribune); Arthur, age 3, born November, 1896; and Rose, age 1, born November, 1898. (Another Rose had apparently been born on April 17, 1895, and died before this Rose.) Mary McDonell McGough was not the mother of Tom and Barney, even though the 1900 census return seems to indicate otherwise. Bernard died in Chicago on September 19, 1909, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery. His second wife, Mary, died in Chicago of typhoid fever on October 15, 1913, and is also buried in Calvary Cemetery.

Here is Bernard McGough's obituary from the Chicago Tribune of September 20, 1909:

"Bernard McGOUGH 19 Sep 1909

"M'COUGH--Bernard McGough, beloved husband of Mary McGough, nee McDonnell, fond father of Thomas, Bernard, Mae, James, Joseph, Rose, Arthur, Anna, and the late John McGough, at residence, 4001 W 12th-st., corner 40th-av. Funeral notice later."

Bridget McDonnell, sister of Bernard's second wife, Mary O'Donnell, was living with Bernard and Mary when Bridget died on August 4, 1887. Here is an obituary from the Chicago Tribune of August 6, 1887:

"Bridget McDONNELL 4 Aug 1887

"McDONNELL--Aug. 4, 11 p. m., at residence of B. McGough, 224 Forty-seventh-st., Bridget McDonnell, age 20 years. Funeral notice hereafter."

Here is Mary McDonnell McGoughs obituary from the Chicago Tribune of October 17, 1913:

"Mary McDONNELL McGough bur. 18 Oct 1913

"McGOUGH--Mary McGough, beloved wife of the late Bernard McGough, fond mother of Thomas, Bernard, James, Joseph, Rose, Arthur, Anna, Mrs. J. Rafferty, and the late John McGough, at her residence, 4001 W. 12th-st. Funeral Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9 a. m., to St. Finbar's church, where solemn high mass will be celebrated, thence by autos to Calvary cemetery."

Here is part of an email from of February 17, 2007, Tom McDonnell

"Mary McDonnell, who was Bernard's second wife, and Bridget McDonnell, were great-aunts of mine. They were the daughters of Felix McDonnell and Rose Anne Magee. Mary and her sister were born in County Armagh, Barony of the Lower Fews (Orior Upper ?), Parish of Loughgilly, District of Belleek, townland of Carrowmannan. Mary was a very typical women in keeping age secret. She was baptized in the Catholic Church in Belleek, Loughgilly Parish on May 20th, 1860. Bridget McDonnell was baptized on February 11, 1866, and her birth recorded at Mount Norris as required by law.

"There is a McGough family in the Lower Fews who owned an estate. I have always wondered if Mary knew Bernard McGough in Ireland before their emigration."

(James M'Donnell of the parish of Loughgilly was on the Flax Growers Roster for County Armagh 1796.)

Carrowmannan is in the Poor Law Union of Newry.

Bernard's son by his first marriage, listed as "Barney" in the census of 1900, married Julia Moore, who died on November 30, 1906. Here is her obituary and death notice from the Chicago Tribune of December 2 and 4, 1906:

"Julia MOORE McGough 30 Nov 1906

"McGOUGH--Julia McGough, nee Moore, Nov. 30,1906, beloved wife of Barney McGough Jr., mother of Florence and Marie, daughter of Patrick and Mary Moore, sister of Mrs. John A. Tumney, Helen, Sadie, Lauretta, and Henry Moore. Funeral from late residence, 2110 Grenshaw-st., Monday, Dec. 3, 1906, to Presentation church, where high mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m., thence by carriages to Calvary."

"Chicago Tribune, Tue 4 Dec 1906 13:2

"OFFICIAL DEATH RECORD.

"The following burial permits were issued by the health department yesterday:

"McCaugh, Julia, 22; 2110 Grenshaw-av., Nov. 30.

The Cook County Coroner's Inquest Record Index, 1872–1911 shows that Patrick McGough died on October 14, 1892; John McGough died on February 5, 1906; and George J. McGough died on June 27, 1909. Patrick McGough may be the Patrick McGeough who was the son of James McGeough (b.1825 - died about 1902 in Edengilrevy) and Elisabeth Keenan (b.1833 - died December 1, 1914) who were married in 1853 at St. Patrick's Church, Donaghmoyne Parish, county Monaghan. Michelle McGoff, in her now-inactive IrishMcGoff website, listed "Patrick McGeough (b.1854 -d.? --last known living in Chicago, Illinois)." Michelle McGoff lists a brother of this Patrick as also living in Chicago: "James McGeough (b. November 10, 1866 - d.? ) --last known living in Chicago, Illinois."

The 1900 census shows, in Hyde Park township, Cook county, Frank McGough, age 40, born in Ireland in October, 1859, a laborer who had immigrated in 1880 and been in the United States for 20 years, a boarder with Martin and Anna Patten, both born in Ireland, and their two young sons.

The 1900 census of Cook county, South Town township, shows John McGough, age 52, born in Ireland in March 1848, married for 29 years, who immigrated to the United States in 1860, whose occupation was "turning" (a lathe operator?): his wife, Catherine, age 45, born in Illinois in February, 1865, whose parents were Irish, mother of 8 children, 6 of whom were living, who had also been married 29 years. and their children, all of whom were born in Illinois: Frank, age 28, born in May, 1872, a butcher; Worthey (a son), age 28, born in April, 1875, whose occupation was "turning"; George, age 18, born January, 1882, whose occupation was "turning"; Kittie, age 11, born September, 1888; William, age 10, born November, 1889. The birthplace of the father of each of the children is shown as Ireland, and of the mother, Ireland, which is inconsistent with the entry for Catherine that shows her own place of birth as Illinois.

The 1900 census of Cook county, West Town township, shows Merton McGough, age 28, born in Illinois in November 1871, whose father was born in England, and whose mother was born in Illinois; and Frank McGough, age 24, born in Illinois in June, 1875, "collector, U.S. Exp.," whose father was born in England and whose mother was born in Illinois. They are shown as sons of Sarah Cork, age 53, born in Illinois in April, 1847, the mother of two children, both or whom are living. A single fine line is drawn through the Mc in McGough on the census return, so the surname of the two sons may have been Gough, although they are indexed as McGough.

The 1900 census of Cook county, North Town, shows Patrick McGough, a 50, born in Ireland in December, 1849, who immigrated to the United States in 1860, had been in the country 40 years, and had been naturalized, a lodger in a large boarding house, whose occupation was a watchman.

Annie McGough married Charles H. Whelan in Cook county on March 20, 1889. Mary McGough married Richard Shields in Cook county on January 3, 1894.

Michael J. McGough, who was a member of the Chicago Police Department, died on December 7, 1917. According to the Chicago Police Department Homicide Record, 1870–1930, Michael McGough (doubtless the same person) was killed by Charles Markino on December 7, 1917.

The 1860 census of the 1st ward of the city of Chicago lists a Lizzie McGue, age 24, born in Ireland, as one of two servants in the home of J. L. and Mary E. Scrips. J. L. Scrips' occupation is listed as "editor." This was probably the John L. Scripps who purchased a one third interest in the Chicago Tribune in 1848 and became the senior editor. History of Newspaper Publishing In Illinois.

Other McGoughs in Illinois from 1850 to 1900

De Witt County. James McGough, a private in the Union Army, was discharged on June 13, 1864, according to History of De Witt County, Illinois : with biographical sketches of prominent representative citizens of the county, page 166 (Chicago: Pioneer Publishing Co., 1910, 845 pages.)

Will County. Will county is immediately south of Cook county. Caroline McGough married Albert Marsh in Will county on October 7, 1869.

Randolph County. Hugh McGough, age 42, born in Kentucky, is listed in the 1920 census of Coulterville, Randolph county, Illinois. His mother and father were born in Kentucky. He was working as a coal miner. He was living with his wife, Olive, age 40, born in Kentucky, and son Doyce, age 16, born in Kentucky; and five other children born in Illinois: Thelma, 14; Marlin, 12; Carl, 10; Kenneth, 7; and Wilma, 3.

St. Clair County. St. Clair county lies on the southern part of the western boundary of Illinois. Patrick McGough, a native of Ireland, filed a declaration of intent to become a US citizen on May 28, 1886, and was naturalized on March 31, 1893, in the East St. Louis City Court in St. Clair county. In 1910, there were two Hugh McGoughs living in Marissa township, St. Clair county, Illinois. Both were worn in Fredonia, Caldwell county, Kentucky, to Larkin Washington McGough and Nancy Jane Hillyard. Hugh (John William) McGough was born on July 26, 1866. Hugh Byrd McGough was born October 28, 1876. The brothers married sisters, Florence and Olive Calvert. Judgin by the place of birth of their children, they both moved from Caldwell county to St. Clair county, Illinois, in about 1904. (For more detail, see my page: Hugh McGoughs in History under [1866] and [1876]. Hugh McGough (baptized as John William McGough), is listed in the 1910 census of Marissa township, St. Clair county, Illinois. as age 43, born in Kentucky. He was a coal miner. His parents were born in Kentucky (T-624, roll 323, page 16A, line 20). He was living with his wife of seventeen years, Florence (Calvert), age 35, also born in Kentucky, and mother of six children, all of whom were living. Children living with them in 1910 were Ina (Lora?), age 16; Homer, age 14; Maria, age 12; Ada, age 10; Elton, age 7; and Esther, age 4. All the children were born in Kentucky except Esther, who was born in Illinois.

Hugh McGough, age 33, married 14 years, born in Kentucky to parents born in Kentucky, a coal miner, living on Bell Avenue (T-624, roll 323, page 18B, line 85). In the same household was Hugh's wife, Ollie McGough, age 31, born in Kentucky to parents born in Kentucky, mother of 6 children, all living; and their children: Guy McGough, age 12, born in Kentucky; Lortmie McGough (son), age 10, born in Kentucky; Doice McGough, age 7, born in Kentucky; Thelma McGough, age 5, born in Illinois; Marlen McGough (son), age 3, born in Illinois; and Carl McGough, age 3 months, born in Illinois. Also living with them was Hugh's brother-in-law, Carl Calvert, age 24, single, born in Kentucky, a coal miner.

Florence McGough, a widow, is listed in the 1920 census of Marissa township, St. Clair county, Illinois (T-625, roll 405, page 12B, line 3). She is listed as age 45, born in Kentucky to parents born in Kentucky, living at 119 Georgia Street. Her two older daughters at home, Maria, age 22, and Ada, age 20, both born in Kentucky, were employed as teachers in a public school. She had an 8 month old daughter, Florence W. McGough, born in Illinois. Nancy Jane McGough, age unknown, died on October 10, 1917; John William McGough, age unknown, died on March 7, 1919; and Emma Olive McGough died on May 31, 1920, all in Marissa township, St. Clair county. People with the surname McGough are buried in a Marissa Cemetery in St. Clair county. St. Clair County, Il Tombstone Surname Index. There are two references to McGough in the SCCGS Quarterly Surname Index, Volumes 11–20, 1988–1997: volume 18, issue number 2, page 96; and volume 20, issue number 2, page 80. Olive L. McGough died in Marissa Village, St. Clair, on June 26, 1944. Illinois Death Certificates, 1916–1950.

Richland County. Richland county is in southeastern Illinois. Olney is the county seat. Thomas McGough of Illinois joined the Union Army as a private on October 28, 1863. (Michelle McGoff's Civil War Enrollment List (1861- 1865).) Thomas McGough is listed as from Olney and in Co. E, 6 Cav, Illinois Civil War Database for "Olney".

Wabash County. Wabash county is in southeastern Illinois, to the southeast of Richland county, and on the eastern boundary of Illinois. The 1900 census shows, in the city of Mount Carmel, Wabash county, Lulu McGough, age 19, born in Illinois in November, 1880, who father was born in Virginia and whose mother was born in Indiana, a servant for James E. and Lizzie Inskeep and their three children.

Adams County. Adams county is on the western boundary of Illinois, about half way between the north and south boundaries. The county seat is Quincy, Illinois, which is today connected by a bridge to West Quincy (Marion county), Missouri. Quincy was first settled in 1819, and Adams county was formed in 1824. Patrick McGough bought land in Adams county on January 1, 1818. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database.

James McGough, born about 1840 in Ireland, age 40, widowed, a cattle buyer, both of whose parents were born in Ireland, is listed in the 1880 census of "Coloma, Whiteside, Illinois." Could this be Colona near Rock Island?

John and Peter McGough—Two Brothers in Jo Daviess County, Illinois <http://www.magoo.com/hugh/illinois.html> Updated June 28, 2013		Feedback » Site Search & Directory » © 1999–2013 Hugh McGough »