McGONAGLE, J. K. - 1914

MCGONAGLE, WILSON, KENNEDY, ARNOLD

Posted By: Colette Miles (email)
Date: 6/30/2009 at 08:58:48

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
By Thomas McCulla

J. K. McGONAGLE.

J. K. McGonagle, postmaster of Washta and prominently connected with commercial interests as a successful grain dealer, was born in Dahlgren, Illinois, February 24, 1868, a son of George T. and Susan M. (Wilson) McGonagle, natives of Ohio. The father went to southern Illinois in 1865 and there worked at the carpenters trade for some time, later engaging in farming until 1877, when he moved to Jasper county, Iowa, and there followed carpentering until 1878. In 1878 he came to Cherokee county and engaged in farming until 1884, when he moved to Nebraska. He died at Ireton, Iowa, in January, 1897. His wife survives him and makes her home at Rockwell City, Iowa. She is in her seventy fifth year.

J. K. McGonagle was reared in Cherokee county and acquired his education in the public schools, afterward attending Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana. Following the completion of his studies he taught in the Cherokee county district schools until 1901, when he moved to Washta, forming a partner ship with P. J. Kennedy in the grain business. Their ten years association was terminated by the accidental death of Mr. Kennedy in January, 1912, and since that time Mr. McGonagle has conducted the business alone, controlling today a large patronage.

On the i8th of October, 1901, Mr. McGonagle was united in marriage to Miss. Grace Kennedy, a daughter of T. D. and Marcy J. (Arnold) Kennedy, natives of New York state. The father came to Cherokee county, Iowa, in 1881 and engaged in farming during the remainder of his life, passing away in March, 1903. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review.

Mr. McGonagle is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, has served for two terms as assessor, for two terms as a member of the town council, and is now postmaster of Washta, discharging his duties in a capable, prompt and efficient manner. He is widely and favorably known in the community, holding the respect and confidence of all with whom he has business, social or official relations.