New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-13
LAUGHLIN SUICIDE
FACT VAS CONCEALED
Suffered from Nervousness
After Fathers Death.

Pittsburg, March 12.-Suicide by shooting
caused the death of Thomas Mex. Laugh
Ia. the assistant treasurer of the Jones
q Lauahlin Steel Company and bfother-
ln-law of Mrs. William H. Taft. Inc
confirmation of many rumors to inns ehec.
was made by Coroner Samuel G. Jamisoh
after a visit TO Mr.. LaIghlin's home IN
Woodland Road this afternoon
While AIR. Laughlin is reported to nave
died at 10 o'clock yesterday morning the
Coroner did not receive news of it until L
a. III. to-day when tho physicians certih-
cate of death was returned. This stated
the cause as cerebral apoplexy and was
signed by DR.. r. Nj. T. McKennan.
Persistent calls for information caused
the Coroner to investigate the case, and
after visit 20 the Laughlin home he said
that the physicians return was technically
correct, although the cerebral hemorrhage
had been caused by bullet. Efforts had
been made 70 conceal the fact that Mr..
Laughlin had ended his own life, because
of the prominence of the family, and not
even =. +. Jones' a partner OF Mr..
Laughlin's. knew OF the actual cause until
the Coroner publicly confirmed it.
1t was not intended that even the Prcsi-
dent or any members of the family beyond
the widow and George NJ. Laughlin, a
brother, should know the actual cause.
All traces of the wound are said to have
been removed from the body in embalm-
ing. The rumors of suicide are thought to
have been spread through the family serv-
ants.
The death of Major G. NJ Laughlin some
months ago deeply affected his son. Thomas
Nick. Laughlin. and is said to have preyed
.
travelled much previous to his death. in the
hope that his health might be benefited.
Upon his return from Europe to his home
on last Sunday night. Mr.. Laughlin APP
peared to be in better health and spirits
than he had been for several months, so
that the end came as severe shock to the
family as we'll as friends.
In the early spring OF 1897 Thomas
O'Connor Jones, another of the junior mem
bers of the firm of Jones & Laughlin, was
fund dead in his rooms at the Hotel
Schenly in this city, having shot himself
with "a revolver.
Mr. Iaughln was prominent in the busi-
ness world here, and was one of PittsburS
Wealthiest rlen. His wealth was conserva
lively estimated at 100000 He was
popular among the younger business men
as we'll as the older heads of industries
and was characterized by his associates as
"cIean. upright citizen"
The shock to Mrs Laughlin has pros
trated her.
The funeral will oe held tomorrow at
o'clock at the Laughlin home, and the Rev.
Maitland Alexander, of the First Presby-
terrain Church, a cousin of Mr.. Laugnlin
by marriage, will officiate at the services.
The honorary pallbearers will be represen-
tative banking and industrial men with
whom Mr.. Laughlin was associated. They
are L. y. Schwartz. :. Bissell Speer,
Douglas Stewart, Herman Griffin, Frank
Sproul +. G.. Perkins, John RiCketson car
rol Fitzhugh, Fritz Byers. w. G. Moreiand.
&. T. Jones, jr., and William Larirner
Jones.
President Taft is expected 10 attend. al
though Mrs. Taft is reported TO be too i'll
to leave Washington. 1t was at the Laugh
liz home that President Taft while here
last May assembled about him Mr.. and
Mrs. Laughlin, their two children and Cap
on the lawn at the Presidents request
Mrs. T. X. Laughln was Miss Lucy Hayes
Heron, the daughter of John w. Heron.
Washington, March 12.-President Taft
left Washington at 1O:30 for Pittsburg
where he will attend the funeral OF his
brother-in-law, Thomas *. Laughln Mrs.
Taft did not accompany him. The Presi-
dent will leave Pittsburg tomorrow even
ing and reach Washington early Monday