Our subject is the present Supervisor of Raccoon township where no man is
better known or is held in higher respect than he, for his life has been led
along honorable lines and he has always had the interest of his county at
heart.
Joseph K. McLaughlin was born in Walnut Hill, Marion county,
September 26, 1850, the son of James and Ann E. (Lyons) McLaughlin, both
natives of Ireland, where they married. They came to the United States in
1845 and settled in Randolph county, Illinois, later came to Marion county
and in 1848 settled near Walnut Hill, about 1855 locating in Raccoon
township. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church. The
subject's father was a Republican. He and his wife were the parents of the
following children: Ann Eliza, Elizabeth, Nancy, Thomas J., Joseph K., our
subject; Annie E., Jane, James A. and Annette E. The subject's father
devoted his life to farming. He died February 7, 1878, at the age of
sixty-two years, and his wife died February 14, 1908.
The early
education of the subject of this sketch was obtained in the home schools. In
1882 he bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Raccoon
township. He carries on general farming and stock raising in a most
successful manner, being a man of sound judgment and a hard worker. His farm
is highly improved and very productive. He raises much good stock and his
dwelling and other buildings are substantial and comfortable.
Mr.
McLaughlin was united in marriage in 1870 with Tirzah E. Morton, who was
born in Raccoon township, the daughter of James and Mary Morton, a well
known family in their neighborhood. Nine children have been born to the
subject and wife: Charles, who married Dorothea Huff, has three children,
Merlyn, Paul, Dorothea; James C. married Mora Bennett and they have two
children, Bennett and Collin C.; Harry married Kate White; Stella married
Willis R. Burgess and they have two children, Buford and Nellie; Hugh Archie
married Lulu Kell; Joseph is a law student at Champaign, Illinois; John is a
member of the family circle and is a teacher; Walter is also teaching and
living at home; Elma lives with her parents. These children are bright and
have received good educations.
Mrs. McLaughlin is a member of the
Presbyterian church and a faithful attendant upon the same. Mr. McLaughlin
is a Democrat and is serving his second term as Supervisor, giving his
constituents entire satisfaction in this capacity.
Extracted 10 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 299-300.