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.