James Magill
James Magill,
business manager and senior proprietor of the Shelby Times, is a native of Ireland, where he was born April
4, 1839. He is the son of Edward and Mary (Cauthers) Magill.
He grew to manhood in his native country, receiving there a
national school education. In 1861, he emigrated to America, landing at New York, where he remained three months.
He then
came to Cincinnati, where he lived four years, thence removing to
Butler County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Martha Barnett.
In 1868, he came to Shelby County, and rented a farm east of
Shelbyville about two miles. Upon the election of Albert McCorkle
to the Sheriff's office, Mr. Magill was appointed Deputy, and at
the death of his chief he was advanced by the Commissioners to
the position of Sheriff. His term only lasted one month. From 1880 to
1882, he served as Deputy under James L. Brown. In 1884, he received the nomination of his party for Sheriff and was
elected. In 1886, his term expired, and he immediately took control of the
J[?]r Times, with which he has since been connected. In February, 1880, he suffered the bereavement of
losing his beloved wife. To their union seven children were born, of whom six
are now living, Mary, Martha, Ida B., James, Margaret J.
and Annie L. May 9, 1883, his and Belle
McDougal's nuptials were
celebrated. By his last wife he has two children, Katie and
Ethel. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics
he has always been an ardent Democrat, and has always worked
hard for the success of his party.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Brant & Fuller, 1887,
"Shelbyville Sketches," page 505.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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