Laughlin, Benjamin Franklin "Frank" 1847-1930

LAUGHLIN, WILLEY

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/23/2008 at 12:14:55

From: Le Mars Sentinel, December 8, 1930

FRANK LAUGHLIN PASSES DIVIDE

Was Pioneer Carpenter Coming to Le Mars Nearly Sixty Years Ago

Frank Laughlin, one of the oldest residents of Le Mars, passed away Thursday, December 4, at the home of his son, Frank Laughlin, in Union township. He died suddenly from apoplexy. He was 83 years of age this month.

Benjamin Franklin Laughlin was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1847, where he attended school and learned the carpenter trade.

Coming to Le Mars in 1871 he was employed for thirteen years with the late W. H. Perry, who conducted a lumber yard. Severing his connection with the lumber firm Mr. Laughlin worked at his trade of carpenter until failing health and advanced years caused him to retire from active labor. Since that time he has made his home with his son, Frank Laughlin, in Union township.

Frank Laughlin had a wide acquaintance due to his long residence in the county, nearly sixty years, and was well known to older settlers.

He was united in marriage with Amanda Willey, of Hawarden, in 1872, and nine children were born to them, three dying in infancy. Mrs. Laughlin died in 1890. He leaves to mourn his departure, three daughters and three sons, Mrs. Will Booge, Oakland, Calif.; Mrs. George Pedden, Billings, Montana; Mrs. Peter Miller, Sioux City; Claude Laughlin, of Omaha, Neb.; Harry, living in California, and Frank Laughlin, of Union township.

The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Beely mortuary chapel. Rev. A. Z. McGogney, of Le Mars, and Rev. Harold Smith, of Union township church, officiated at the service and the choir of the Union church sang appropriate hymns.