McGilton was born on February 10, 1858, in Eau Galle, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Menomonie High School and the University of Wisconsin, where he also obtained a law degree in 1885.

He served for a time as the Superintendent of Schools in Menomonie and then joined the legal department of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company.

In 1888, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and was active in the Republican Party.

[1] McGilton died on August 31, 1933, at Bishop Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.