Volume 14 , Issue 13

Information On Judge Wm McLaughlin's Family

Gerald McLaughlin shares the following pdf files and images with us this week. Gerald says, "I picked up the first document at Leyburn Library (W&LU). He authored this book: . He was instrumental in renaming WL&U (Washington & Lee University) after Robert E. Lee. It was first Augusta Academy, then Liberty Hall, then Washington Academy, then Washington College and finally Washington and Lee University. I just donated a book authored by Geo. Washington and William Jackson to W&LU. Considering it was endowed by the first President and then renamed after the man that married his step granddaughter, I could think of no better place for the book."

Gerald goes on to say, "Lee wrote Judge Wm. on occasion: . Bio from Electric Scotland; McLaughlin, Judge William, Lexington, Va., Born in Rockbridge County, Va.; Scotch-Irish parentage; judge of the Circuit Court; member Virginia Convention; member of Virginia Legislature; judge of the Circuit Court of Virginia; judge of Special Court of Appeals of Virginia; rector of Washington and Lee University. Headstone and marker photos are by others. I was in the cemetery looking all around and was within a couple feet of it (my wife was in the car impatiently waiting). He was somehow related to Squire Hugh McLaughlin of Pocahontas because according to the last story, Rev. Henry Woods McLaughlin (grandson to Sq. Hugh) was the Judge's cousin. By the way, since Sq. Hugh McLaughlin married Nancy Gwin (1770-1845, granddaughter of Capt. David Gwin (1742-1822) & Jane Carlile (1746-1787)), also your relative."

This PDF file concerns Information on William McLaughlin, Author(s): Charles Curry - Source: The Virginia Law Register, Vol. 11, No. 3 (Jul., 1905), pp. 159-176. Published by: Virginia Law Review; Stable URL

Judge Wm McLaughlin Heirs

Judge Wm McLaughlin Heirs - From this pdf file we find a listing of heirs of Judge Wm. McLaughlin. It mentions, "The only heirs at law of the said Wm. McLaughlin, are his widow Fannie M. McLaughlin, John C. Ayers, Wm. C. Ayers, James F. Ayers and Margaret B. Humphrey's (nee Ayers), children of Margarita Ayers (nee McLaughlin) the deceased sister of said Wm. McLaoughlin."

It also mentions vendors holding liens on Wm. McLaughlin's estate, which reads, "The parties who hold the vendors and other liens upon the real estate mentioned, are as far as your orator is advised, the following: Mrs. N. J. Gibbs, Jno. H. Moore administrator of Law - McD. Moore died, C. R. K. Varner executor of Mary C. Campbell dead, and the Washington and Lee University."

1.) Edward McLaughlin - born (?); married Jane Irwin (Granddaughter John Sitlington per Sitlington Heirs vs Sitlington Widow abstract but could also be just the niece of Andrew Sitlington - need to see actual documents) born - �±1750. (Edward) A native of Londonderry, Ireland, settled early in the eighteenth century near the place now called Goshen (Bell's Valley according to Judge Wm. bios ca 1745), in Rockbridge county. His wife was a Miss Irvin. He was a member of Captain Dickinson's company at Point Pleasant, and during the Revolutionary war participated in the battles of the Cowpens, Guilford, and Yorktown. His son, Edward I., was the father of Judge William McLaughlin. Source: Annals of Augusta County by Jos. A. Waddell.(Judge Wm. Bio indicates County Down rather than Londonderry).

The Battle of Point Pleasant - a battle of the revolution, October 10th 1774; biographical sketches of the men who participated (1909). Author: Livia Nye Simpson-Poffenbarfer (lists one Edward McLaughlin at the Battle of Point Pleasant). Note: Source was probably Annals of Augusta County. Source in Annals of Augusta County was Judge Wm. McLaughlin. Also listed in Documentary history of Dunmore's War, 1774, Thwaites, Reuben Gold, 1853-1913; State Historical Society of Wisconsin; Sons of the American Revolution. Wisconsin Society; Kellogg, Louise Phelps 1905.

Sitlington Heirs vs. Sitlington's Widow - O. S. 79; N. S. 27--Bill, 3d December, 1805. Orators are viz: James Kelso, and Elizabeth, his wife, John Young and Polly, his wife; Nathan Crawford and Jane, his wife; Jennet Sloan (Kean?), Andrew Beaty and Agness, his wife; Edward McLaughlin and Jane, his wife; of whom Elizabeth, Polly, Jane Crawford, Jennet and Agness are the daughters and Jane Erwin is granddaughter of John Sutlington, deceased. John was brother of whole blood of Andrew Sutlington, of Bath. Andrew died 1787 without issue, widow Elizabeth. He made a will, dated 1801, and this suit is to contest it on account of inability by age and infirmity, being 90 years old. Andrew had written to John in Ireland to come to Virginia. He married Elizabeth when aged. She was a Montgomery? Her brother (?) John was a preacher. Defendants are viz: Elizabeth Sutlingon (widow of Andrew), Jacob Warwick, Andrew Sutlingon Warwick, Andrew Sutlington (son of Robert Sutlington), John Montgomery, and Andrew Erwin. Jacob Warwick answers that oratrix, Jane McLaughlin, is niece of Andrew Sutlington, who is understood to have had a half-sister, Mrs. Sherman, living in Pennsylvania at his death.Andrew had married the mother of Jacob. Elizabeth answers that John Sutlington had a son, Robert, now living in Bath. James Erwin is brother of Jane McLaughlin. Andrew died 15th April, 1804. He was in his 85th year. John Sutlington came to this country in 1774. Andrew and Elizabeth were married in 1779. Andrew Sitlington's will dated 12th October, 1801. Proved in Bath County, June, 1804. Wife Elizabeth; legatee Gean Crawford, wife of Nathan Crawford. Legatee Andrew Sitlington Crawford, son of Nathan. Legatee Gennet Sloan and her daughter, Polly Sloan. Legatee Polly Young, wife of John Young. Legatee Agness Beaty, wife of Andrew Beaty. Legatee Elizabeth Kelso, wife of James Kelso. Legatee Elizabeth, Sitlington Kelso, daughter of Elizabeth Kelso, Legatee nephew, James Erwin. Legatee nephew, Andrew Erwin. Legatee niece Jean McGloughlin, wife of Edward, and her son, Andrew McGloughlin. Legatee Andrew Sitlington McDonald, son of Samuel. Legatee Elizabeth McDonald, daughter of John. Legatee Elizabeth McDonald, daughter of Samuel. Legatee Andrew Sitlington Warwick, son of Jacob. Legatee Andrew Sitlington, son of Robert. Letter by Andrew to John dated Greenbrier, 25th September, 1776, speaks of brother William (in Pennsylvania), and brother Thomas, of sister Elizabeth. Source: CHRONICLES OF THE SCOTCH-IRISH SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA; Vol 2, pp 96-103 by Lyman Chalkley.

2.) Edward Irving McLaughlin born Feb. 20, 1787; marr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Nesbitt, b own 1792. (Son); Death of Edward Irving McLaughlin, son of Edward and Jane McLaughlin born in Rockbridge Co. Virginia. Death March 24, 1858, age 71; his wife is listed as E. McLaughlin and this was reported by William. [Source: Bath Co. Historical Society.] Edward I. McLaughlin was buried in the "Old Lebanon Cemetery A1 (2), Craigsville, Augusta County, Virginia.

Just north of the present Rockbridge - Augusta County line, approximately 125 yards west of the state Route 42, on Ramsey's Draft, stood the original Lebanon Presbyterian Meeting house, called "Little River" and "Wahab" in early records. Around it was the burying ground, used from soon after the mid 1700's. Located 1/4 mile south of intersection of Route 42 & Route 687. Fenced, approximately 80 X 80 feet. McLaughlin, Edw'd I. b 20 Feb 1787 - d 24 Mar 1858. The Devoted Husband, Affectionate Father, Useful Citizen, Mark the perfect man and behold The upright for the end of that man Is peace. Source: usgwarchives.net.

3.) Judge William McLaughlin

- William McLaughlin was born 6 January 1828 in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to Edward Irving McLaughlin (died 1858) and Betsy Nesbit McLaughlin (1792-1869). He apprenticed as a surveyor with his father, but became interested in the law. McLaughlin graduated from Washington College in 1850, then studied law under Judge John White Brockenbrough (1806-1877). McLaughlin was admitted to the bar in 1851, but continued his studies for two years before commencing his practice in Lexington, Virginia, in 1853. When the Civil War began, McLaughlin enlisted in the Rockbridge Artillery and served through out the war, rising to the rank of major. After the war ended, McLaughlin returned to Lexington where he was appointed to the board of trustees for Washington College. McLaughlin suggested that the school hire Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) to be its president and after Lee's death, pushed for the school to be renamed Washington and Lee University. He represented Rockbridge County in the constitutional convention of 1867-1868 and in the House of Delegates in 1869. McLaughlin was appointed judge for the 13th judicial circuit in 1870. He married first Sallie Mayse (d. 1882) 30 November 1875, and married second Fannie M. Coffman. McLaughlin died in Lexington 18 August 1898. Source: Library of Virginia Biography. Also see Obituary. Ceremonies Connected with the Unveiling of the Bronze Statue of Gen. Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson at Lexington, VA, July 21st, 1891, by William McLaughlin.

Notes:

- Squire Hugh McLaughlin was a cousin of Judge McLaughlin of Lexington, Virginia. Source: History of Virginia, Vol. 5 Phillip Alexander Bruce Biography of Henry Woods McLaughlin.

- Hugh McLaughlin, of John, the Irish immigrant, married Sally Grimes, daughter of Arthur, of Felix, the pioneer. Ho lived near Huntersville on lands now owned by Dr Patterson and others. J. A; McLaughlin, Mrs Mary Hogsett and Lieut. James Hickman McLaughlin, a Confederate officer who perished in the war, were his children. He was a popular anil prominent citizen. Squire Hugh McLaughlin and Hugh McLaughlin, late of Huntersville, were cousins and were intimately associated when they were young men. Source: Sketches of Pocahontas County, William Thomas Price.

- Dedication: "This book is dedicated to Hugh Edward McLaughlin, who helped defeat Chief Cornstalk at the Battle of Point Pleasant, the Opening battle of the American Revolution, and who fought with the "Men of Augusta" throughout that war..." Source: The Mighty Eighth in WWII: a Memoir by J. Kemp McLaughlin, descendant of James Buchannan McLaughlin.

Rev. Dr. Henry W. McLaughlin Bio

Vol. V, Virginia Biography, by Special Staff of Writers, 1924, "History of Virginia,"page 562, gives this biography of Rev. Dr. Henry W. McLaughlin. Rev. Dr. Henry W. McLaughlin was one of the most powerful sources of religious inspiration and work in Virginia had been the New Providence Presbyterian Church of Rockbridge. This church, organized 1746, was the largest presbyterian Church in the open country in Virginia. It was the principal source of the educational impulse which had resulted in the great institution of learning, Washington and Lee University. For more than a century it had been a center of light and enlightenment throughout the country. [Read more by clicking PDF file Link above.]

Leyburn Library Information

Judge William McLaughlin is mentioned Leyburn Library pdf file as follows: "The judge died at his home in Lexington, Va., on Thursday evening, August 18, 1898, in the seventy-first year of his age. His illness was brief, and the announcement of his death came as a startling surprise tot he community. McLaughlin presided at meeting of the Executive committee of this University, held at his home, on the SAturday preceding his death. Though suffering from the effects of carbuncle on his cheek, and apparently in pain, no one thought that the strong manly form was so soon to lie low in death. Judge McLaughlin was the youngest and last surviver of the family of ten children of E. I. McLaughlin and betsy Nesbit. His grandfather, Edward McLaughlin emigrated from County Down, Ireland, and settled in this county in the year 1747. William's grandfather was also a soldier in the Revolutionary Army and participated in the battles of Cowpeas, Guilford and Yorktown.

It was told that William's grandmother, in an assault by the Indians upon Dickinson's Fort on the CowPasture River, in the year 1755 or 1757, she, then a young girl, moulded bullets for the men during the engagement. William's father, E. I. McLaughlin, held for many years the position of Surveyor for Rockbridge County, and was recalled as a man of fine intellect, wonderful memory and sterling Democracy, traits of character which pre0eminently distinguished his son William.

William received his classical course for entrance into Washington College at the Brownsburg Academy, one of the most noted of the old time classical schools of Virginia. He graduated at Washington College June 19, 1850, with the degree of A.B. He then entered the Law School conducted by that distinguished jurist, Judge John W. Brockenbrough, and on December 12, 1851,was licensed by Judges john Tayloe Lomax, Lucas P. Thompson and Richarrd H. Field, and began the practice of law in his native County. he at once took an active part in public affairs and was sent to the State Democratic Convention held at Staunton, Virginia, in 1855, where he was an earnest advocate of the nomination of Hon. Henry A Wise for the office of governor. [You can read more about William McLaughlin at the PDF Link above.]

The Old Dominion (monthly magazine of Literature, science and art., editors: M. W. Hazlewood and G. Watson James, Vol. IV, No. 1, page 172-173 mentions this about William McLaughlin - Delegate from Rockbridge county, was born in Rockbridge, Va., and is under forty years of age, and still a bachelor! He is of Scotch-Irish parentage, the hardy and intelligent race who first settled the Upper Valley of Virginia. He graduated at WAshington College; studied law under Judge John W. Brockenbrough, at Lexington, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. At the commencement of the war he entered the Southern army as Lieutenant in the famous Rockbridge Artillery, commanded by Capt. Wn. N. Pendleton, afterwards Major General Pendleton. On the promotion of Pendleton, Lieutenant McLaughlin became Captain of the company, and was subsequently promoted Major of Artillery. He was a member of the State Convention of 1867-68, and at the recent election was returned as delegate to the General assembly from his native county. Major McLaughlin was considered the coolest head in the State Convention. He rarely ever engaged in debate, but when he did speak it was brief and to the point. He always commanded the attention of both parties in the Convention and was listened to with marked respect. He rarely ever offered a resolution but which was adopted, front he fact of its being well considered and weighed. He was the silent (comparatively speaking) working man, and trusted leader of the Conservatives in the Convention. Personally, Major McLaughlin is one of the finest looking men in the House."

Letter from the "Executive Department

Letter From Executive Department, dated May 24, 1862, and respectfully signed John Letcher reads as follows, "Dear Sir, I have known Captain McLaughlin from his boyhood, having been born and raised in the county of Rockbridge. He is a gentleman of fine moral character, steady in habits, of excellent intelligence and education. I cannot of course speak of his military qualifications from personal observations, but I can say that all I have heard of than, the current . . . . . fully justifies endorsing all that General has stated in the accompanying letter. An appointment such as he asks, could not be bestowed upon one more worthy."   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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