The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-12-13

I the Pudding business. From here he
moved to Duncannon, Pa, where he be-
came a member Of the Puddlers' Union
in 1868, and in 1866 removed to
Chicago, Ill. The latter move was
made with a view of sending for the
remainder Of the family the following
year, which was done, and after an alb
sence Of fourteen years the Mclaughlin
| family were once more altogether.
But there is no JOY without its sorrow
The following December he had to per
for m the solemn duty Of laying his mother
in her last resting plaae. His father is
still living and enjoying good health, at
the ripe old age Of seventy-fve.
When Mr.. Mclaughlin first come to
Chicago. there was no Union of the Pud-
dlers, but he, being Union man, agitated
the question of Unions among his fellow
workmen, and in 1866 two organizers Of
the National Union came to Chicago and
organized Prairie Forge" In 1868. he
was elected delegate to the National Con-
vention, which convened at Buffalo, n Y,
and whore he received the appointment
of Deputy for the 4th district from Presi-
dent Edwards He held the position of
Deputy for three years, and was delegate to
every successive Convention. In 1871 he was
again sent as a delegate to the Convention
which met in Chicago F; at that session he
was elected President Of the National orga-
nizatlOn, and was again reelected III Cincin-
natti, in 1872. In 1873, he was nomlna-
ted at the Troy Convention, but declined
and would not run for third term.
In all his official connection with the
Grand Forge, Mr. Mclaughlin gave gen
eral satisfaction During his adminstra-
ton he visited the various Lodges in the
different sections Of the country, and sug-
gested several amendments in the working
Of the order, which have proven beneficial
alike to the men and their employers
As an evidence Of his earnestness and zeal
in the good cause, it may be mentioned
that upon entering upon the official duties
he found the National Union with a mem
bership of only l, 900. During his admin
istration he added about twenty-five new
Lodges, and handed over TO his successor
in office prosperous Union, with mem
bership numbering some 3,4OO. The
many strikes which occurred during his ad-
ministration were judiciously handled, and
in the majority Of cases were satisfactorily
settled.
In 1870 he was nominated for the Legs
lature, by the workingmen of his district,
and consented 10 run IN order to test the
sincerity Of those who nominated him. He
was defeated, but he had the stisfaction Of
receiving large majority Of the vote
polled in his own precinct. In 1872 he
was again nominated for the same position
by the Liberal Republicans and Democrat
ic Convention, and was elected member
Of the Illinois Legislature, for the Fifth
District. by handsome majority.
In the Legislature he had the reputation
of being conservative in his views, possess
ing sterling common sense, and taking an
active part in behalf Of all measures affect
ing the interests of the wOrklngmen of
the State.
At the Industrial Congress. held in
Cleveland, Mr.. MCLAUGHLIN represented
the Sons Of Vulcan, and was elected Third
Vice President Of the organization, which
position he now holds.
He has 80 far proved himself conscien-
tious, paintaking official, always prepared
for an emergency, but equally prepared to
use all honorable means before resOrting 70
deTnier measures.
Courteous and affable in all his assOcia-
tions, he has won the esteem Of his asso-
ciates, and the respect Of those with whom
he has been brought into contact.