Contact: Myrtle Bridges

Raeford, June 23.-John W. McLaughlin, for many years one of the most prominent citizens of eastern North Carolina, died at the age 
of 85 at his home in Raeford at 2:30 this afternoon. His death came as a result of an illness of several weeks with typhoid fever.

Born in 1846 in this section which he served througout his whole life, Mr. McLaughlin spent his days before the civil war in work and 
study. In the closing years of the war, as soon as he was of age, he enlisted and served with the Confederate forces in North Carolina.

Following the war he worked as teacher, farmer, merchant, and lumber man, doing the work of a pioneer in opening up the territory which 
is now Hoke county. He rendered invaluable service in the founding of Raeford Institute and the Town of Raeford and was the man who led 
the people of the section in the fight for the establishment of Hoke county.  As senator from Cumberland county in 1911 he gained a 
reputation for fairness and fearlessnes which endeared him to thousands.

He was for more than half a century the leading spirit in business, social and religious life of the community.

Rites will be held in Raeford Wednesday afternoon.

ROBESONIAN - December 30, 1931 Issue [w/pictures]

Hoke county will do honor to the memory of the late Maj. John Williamson McLauchlin Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock in the courthouse 
here when a statue of him will be officially presented to the county by the sculptor W.T. Covington of this place, who was a close 
personal friend of Major McLauchlin. Mr. Covington has done many pieces that have brought favorable criticism from experts in the art 
but those who have seen this piece pronounce it his best work.

Former Governor A.W. McLean, for many years a close personal friend and co-worker with McMclauchlin in educational and other circles, 
will deliver the memorial address.

… He was a staunch supporter and trustee of Flora Macdonald college and willed considerable property to this institution. He was a 
trustee of Davidson college, from which he graduated soon after the Civil War and was a classmate of Woodrow Wilson. He was identified 
with many business enterprises in this section and left a large estate. His spotless character, however, far outshone any single activity 
of his life and endeared him to the hearts of all who knew him with a universal love that Hoke county has never bestowed on any other.

The people of this county feel that they are unusually fortunate in having a bust of the man made by another son of the county and placed 
in the courthouse where all may see it.

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