WILLIAM McLAUGHLIN

Sacramento County

Biographies

WILLIAM McLAUGHLIN

WILLIAM McLAUGHLIN, president of the McLaughlin Draying Company of Sacramento, is a native of Ireland, his birth having occurred on a farm in 1843. He was there reared to young manhood, trained in the practical duties of a farmer’s son and at the same time received his education in the common schools. In 1859 he came to the United States after landing in Philadelphia, Pa., secured employment in a gas meter factory where he remained for eight years. In 1865 he came to California and in Sacramento began business for himself, purchasing one horse and a small dray. Being prompt in his dealings his business soon increased and he was soon employing more teams and men, advancing step by step until he became the principal dray and transfer man of Sacramento. As his means accumulated they were judiciously invested. With his wife, son and three daughters, he makes his home at No. 1621 Second street.

In 1905 the present draying company was incorporated, at which time Mr. McLaughlin was made president, he and his family owning the greater part of the stock, there being five directors of the company. Mr. McLaughlin is a stockholder in the California Canner’s Association located at Sacramento, and is also largely interest as a stockholder in the John Breuner Company, of San Francisco, besides having an interest in several mining companies, both as an officer and stockholder. For ten years he served as supervisor of Sacramento county and was also city trustee under the old charter for three years. He was also a candidate for the second time in 1904 as a Democrat, but was defeated with the rest of the ticket.

In Sacramento in 1876 Mr. McLaughlin was married to Mary Farrell, and the children born of this union are as follows: Thomas J. (deceased), Ethel M., Lillian (deceased), Eloise, Elwood and Eleanor. Mr. McLaughlin is a member of the lodge chapter and commandery in Masonry. He has always taken an active interest in all matters that have built up the valley and is a contributor to all charitable and worthy enterprises that have been brought to his notice. He is not only one of the prominent citizens of Sacramento, but very popular as a politician and has always taken a lively interest in the success of his party and election of his friends. Much credit is due him for the success which he has won during his residence in California, for beginning his career without means, only industry, intelligence and integrity are responsible for the results accomplished.

Louise E. Shoemaker, transcriber October 18^th, 2007.

Source: “History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the Sacramento Valley, California” by J. M. Guinn. Page 711. Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1906.