Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 704 - 705 

THADDEUS G. McLAUGHLIN. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is one of the pioneers of Ninnescah Township, who, by developing a good farm from the wild prairie land, has materially aided in its growth. He is meeting with a well-deserved success in his calling, and his fine, well-ordered farm, which is pleasantly situated on section 17, with its carefully cultured fields, its neat buildings, and all their surroundings, denote the skillful management, industry, and well-directed labors of the owner.

            Our subject is of remote Scotch-Irish ancestry, and he, a pioneer of the present generation, is a worthy descendant of a pioneer of an earlier day and of a much older State, that of Pennsylvania, the part of that commonwealth in which his ancestor settled then being considered in the extreme West. Mr. McLaughlin probably inherited from that sturdy progenitor those traits of stability and shrewd foresight which have been such important factors in shaping his career. He is a native of Mercer County, Pa., the date of his birth being Nov. 25, 1850. His parents were Levi and Mary (Moore) McLaughlin (see sketch of his father, Levi McLaughlin, in another part of this work for parental history). Our subject was scarcely four years of age when his parents removed from the place of his birth to Mercer County, Ill., and there he grew to manhood, receiving the usual educational advantages afforded by the schools of that day in that State. He was active, industrious and capable, so much so that when he was twenty-three years of age he had secured such a good start in life that he was enabled to invite the lady of his choice, Miss Ruth Peters, to share its pleasures and trials with him, and on the 1st of October, 1874, they were united in marriage.

            In that year Mr. McLaughlin came to Sedgwick County, Kan., having decided that he could better his condition financially by so doing, as he had been very much impressed with the varied agricultural resources of the State, particularly of Sedgwick County. Here he selected a fine location on the northeast quarter of section 17, Ninnescah Township, which in every way met his requirements, and it has ever since remained in his possession. Then it was in its natural state, but by persistent and energetic labor he has brought it into a good condition of culture, so that it compares very favorably with other fine farms in this locality. He has erected a comfortable dwelling-house and other necessary farm buildings, and is well supplied with machinery for the successful cultivation of his land. His labors on his farm have generally been amply rewarded by abundant harvests, from the sale of which he has derived a comfortable income.

            Mr. McLaughlin's wife is a judicious manager in domestic affairs, and to her he owes no small share of their present prosperity. To them have been born three children, namely: Ralph, born Aug. 3, 1875; Miles O., Oct. 16, 1878; Herbert, July 7, 1886.

            Our subject takes an intelligent and earnest interest in public affairs, and is active in promoting every scheme that will in any way benefit the town. For a number of years he has served as Clerk of the School Board in District No. 108, and has been an important factor in securing the present excellent school system that obtains in Ninnescah Township. He is eminently worthy of the trust and high regard in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin are both earnest Christians, being members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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