[1][2][3] After graduating from Central High School Magilton won a appointment at the United States Military Academy in 1842 after a personal request from Alexander Dallas Bache, (who had been a former President of Central High) himself before graduating in July 1846, ranking 16th at the Class of 1846.

[2][4] Due to his participation at the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, he was promoted to Brevet First Lieutenant.

He would briefly be in the fuel industry back at Philadelphia with his father before returning to military service on the outbreak at the American Civil War.

[1][3] Magilton was initially a Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment in June 1861 before being assigned to the 4th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment on October 4 of the same year after Robert G. March was forced to resign due to his illness.

[3] He also became a Deputy Collector of the US Internal Revenue from 1864 until his death from liver disease on December 28, 1875.