Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-Robert McLaughlin


Portrait and Biographical Album
of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890




ROBERT McLAUGHLIN. In the career of this representative citizen of Blaine Township, is illustrated that of the self-made man who began in life dependent upon his own resources and who has by his own industry and perseverance arisen to an enviable position among his fellow-men. We find him comfortably situated on a well improved farm, embracing a portion of section 33 and which, with its well-tilled fields and substantial buildings does credit to the good judgment and forethought of the proprietor. Blaine Township has been fortunate in the men who came at an early date within its limits, and among its most worthy citizens may be mentioned him with whose name we introduce this sketch.

A native of County Antrim, Ireland, Mr. Mc- Laughlin was born July 14, 1825, and is the son of James and Jane McLaughlin, who were likewise natives of Ireland and of Scotch descent. Robert was the eldest son of his parents and was reared to manhood in his native county, acquiring his education in the common schools and becoming familiar with agricultural pursuits as carried on in that part of the world, he also learned linen weaving which he followed in the winter seasons and at other times when not engaged in work on the farm. What he lacked in school advantages, he has made up by reading and observation and is well posted upon the general topics of the day.

A lad ambitious beyond his years, Mr. McLaughlin began laying his plans for the future early in life and after a few years discovered that he was not likely to realize his hopes upon his native soil. Accordingly, soon after reaching his majority he decided upon emigrating to America. After bidding adieu to the friends and associates of his childhood he repaired to the city of Liverpool, England, and secured passage on a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of five weeks and three days, lauded him in the city of Quebec, Canada. Thence he proceeded to Montreal, where he remained about three months. We next find him in Philadelphia, Pa., where he procured employment as a weaver of ingrain carpeting. He sojourned in the City of Brotherly Love for a period of ten years, and a part of the time was in business for himself. Subsequently for over thirty years he followed draying and general teaming, having sometimes two wagons and a cart in operation.

In the meantime, in Philadelphia Mr. McLaughlin was married, in November, 1847, to Miss Rose A. Donaghy. This lady is likewise a native of the North of Ireland and the daughter of Alexander and Jane Donaghy. Of this union there were born five children, only two of whom are living, viz: Jennie, the wife of Rev. G. W. Brownell, a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania; and Margaret the wife of Alexander Coryballe, a Notary Public and conveyancer in Philadelphia. The deceased children were named respectively, James A., Mary E. and Robert S.

Leaving Pennsylvania with his family in 1879, Mr. McLaughlin sought the Far West, coming to Clay County, this State, and decided to turn his attention to agriculture. He purchased 160 acres of land, which is included in his present farm and which lay at that time in its primitive state. He labored in true pioneer style in the improvement and cultivation of his farm, and in due time his labors met with their legitimate reward. He has made many friends during his sojourn in Kansas and is looked upon as a liberal-minded and public spirited gentleman�one who has ever been willing to contribute his quota to the general welfare of the community. He is an active member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in whose prosperity he has always maintained a warm interest. Politically, he affiliated with the old Whig party until its abandonment, but is now practically independent, aiming to support the men whom he considers best qualified for office, irrespective of party. He still owns his house and lot in Philadelphia.
(c) 2009 Sheryl McClure for Clay County KS AHGP