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James Frances McLaughlin


McLaughlin, James Frances, one of Toronto's prominent general grain and flour dealers, was born at Mono Mills, in the County of Cardwell, on May 1st, 1852. His father, who was one of the worthiest and most highly respected inhabitants of Cardwell, came to Canada in 1830, and settled at Mono Mills, for this latter name came to be applied in consequence of the existence of Mr. McLaughlin's mill. The subject of our sketch received the best education that could be obtained at Mono Mills; and when he had attained his fifteenth year, he left school and began to learn the business of milling in his father's employ. But he was a young man of altogether unusual energy, capacity and ambition. This is well proven by the fact, that when be reached his twentieth year he bought his father out, undertook himself the management of the mills, and simultaneously conducted a general store. It is not often that a young man of twenty as much as this can be said. This double and extensive business Mr. McLaughlin managed with marked ability and success till 1881, when a desire, which he had had for some time, to go to Toronto, prevailed. In the Queen City he saw an opening for a succe5sful grain and flour business; and in such manner he established himself there. He did not let his hold upon the profitable, and now historic, Mono Mills go, but, still carries them on in conjunction with his business in grain and flour. It is hardly necessary to say that the success which attended Mr. McLaughlin’s early exertions has not been denied to him in his new and larger sphere. For the greater part his time and attention are absorbed by his large and growing business, nevertheless he has paid much attention to politics in his day. He contested Cardwell with Thomas White, (now Minister of the Interior), in 1882, and though he was not successful, he polled the largest vote ever given to a, liberal candidate in that constituency. Our subject has travelled much, and in his travels he has kept his eyes observantly open. He married, September, 1883, lsabella Small, who had formerly resided at Mono Mills. By this union he has had one child. Mr. McLaughlin is a Roman catholic. He is extremely genial, and very agreeable in manner.


James Francis McLaughlin was born in Mono Mills, Mono Township, *Simcoe County Ontario 1852. James was the son of Michael McLaughlin 1810-1893 and Mary Keenan 1812-1899. Michael was born in Omagh Barony, Parish of Longfield, County Tyrone, Ireland and immigrated to Canada with his parents and six brothers and sisters about 1819.

Michael's parents were Francis McLaughlin 1760-1834 and Alice maiden name not known, died 1848. Francis McLaughlin, James' grandfather was the founder of Mono Mills.

James F. McLaughlin's mother, Mary Keenan was the daughter of John Keenan and Eleanor Montague. Also from County Tyrone, the Keenan's were early settlers of Adjala Township,Simcoe County. Mary Keenan's sister Sarah married Francis McLaughlin, a brother of Michael McLaughlin.

James McLaughlin's wife, Isabella Small was also born in Adjala, the daughter of Peter Small and Bridget Dwyer.

James' and Isabella daughter, Isabel W. McLaughlin born 1898 and was sponsored at her baptism by Daniel Small and Mrs Small, (Josephine Kormann). Daniel was the brother of Peter Small and the father of Ambrose Small, the Theatre Impresario who disappeared in 1919. The Small family was originally from Queens County Ireland, (Laois).

I don't know the source of the James McLaughlin biography but it seems remarkable that they didn't mention his origins, unless the contributor "cleaned it up" so to speak. I will acknowledge that Irish Catholics did face certain obstacles in Toronto at the time of this bio being written.  Anyway keep up the good work.

*Mono became part of Dufferin County in 1881. The County of Cardwell consisted of four townships, Caledon, Albion, Mono and Adjala. This County was formed for political purposes, It was a federal Government Riding and a Census enumeration district. It did not interfere with the workings of the Counties that the four mentioned Townships belonged to.

Leo McDevitt
3912 Route 114
Hopewell Cape NB
E4H 3J8


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