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JOHN E. MCGOUGHEY,
prominent in the practice of his profession,— that of the law,—in Lawrenceville since 1890, is recognized in his community as one of the solid and substantial business men who have contributed much to the prosperity and advancement of this city. A successful lawyer, a wise business man, a capable one in any public official position, and an admirable citizen and a man of family, Lawrenceville recognizes no finer example of citizenship than is represented by this worthy gentleman.
Born in Jackson county, Indiana, on March 31, 1862, John E. McGoughey is the son of John McGoughey and Harriet E. (Meyers) McGoughey. The father was a native of Kentucky, born there on July 27, 1809. He was a farmer by occupation, and he came to Illinois on the 11th of April, 1870, locating in Lawrence county. His marriage to Harriet Meyers took place in Jackson county, Indiana, and in that state they made their home for a number of years. They became the parents of four children, of which number John E. is the third born. Previous to his marriage with Harriet Meyers, Mr. McGoughey had been married, and was the father of eight children. He was a Democrat in politics, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterians, in which he was reared by his Scotch parents. He was a man of fine intellect, generous and kindly instincts, quiet in his manner of life, and in every way an admirable and estimable citizen. He died February 14, 1873. His widow still lives, and on the 14th of October, 1911, she celebrated the seventy-sixth anniversary of her birth.
John E. MeGoughey lived in Indiana with his parents until he had reached the age of eight years, when the family home was moved to Lawrence county, Illinois, destined thereafter to be his home and the field of his business activities through life. He attended the public schools of the village where they lived, and having finished the common schools himself earned the money to make possible his attendance at a normal school in Mitchell, Indiana, conducted by Professor Lugenbeal, now president of Winona Lake College. Following his course of study in this private school, which was most thorough and calculated to fit him for entrance at any college, he took up the study of law under the preceptorship of E. B. Green, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and so well did he progress with his studies that on February 24, 1890, he was admitted to the bar of Illinois. He began the practice of his profession on March 1, 1890, making but little delay in becoming established in a business way, and immediately formed a partnership with one W. F. Foster, which association continued until two years later, after which he remained alone until 1895. In that year he formed a partnership with J. D. Madding, the arrangement enduring for four years and on the dissolution of that partnership Mr. McGoughey conducted an independent practice until 1909, when he became associated with N. M. Tohill.
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Mr. McGoughey is a Democrat, but is not a politician nor an aspirant for political honors. He has held various offices since he became connected with the business and professional life of Lawrenceville, and was state's attorney between 1892 and 1896. One line of business industry which has particularly attracted his attention is the oil business, in which he has been active for some time. He has been the legal representative of practically every independent oil producer in this section of the country, including the Indian Refining Company, and the Central Refining Company. Mr. McGoughey is a member of the Christian church, and in a fraternal way is affiliated with the Masonic order, in which he holds the Knight Templar degree, and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On September 24, 1890, Mr. McGoughey was united in marriage with Bessie A. Ennis, of Mitchell, Indiana, a daughter of Charles Ennis, formerly in the railroad business at that place, but now retired from active service. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McGoughey,—Guy, John and Helen.