Major Joseph S. Laughlin
The ancestors of the above are from North Ireland. Robert Laughlin, the grandfather of Joseph S., came with his family to the United States about 1790, and located in Pennsylvania. One son (Robert) was born after they came to the country He was born in Pennsylvania in 1790. About 1818 he married Isabel Graham, who was also of Irish descent. They came to Brown County, Ohio, about 1820. About 1841 they came to Shelby County, and settled in Green Township. They reared a family of twelve children, six of whom are now living. Mr. L. died in 1850. His wife died in 1874, aged eighty-four years.
Joseph S., their youngest son, was born in Brown County in 1838, consequently was only three years of age when brought to the county. When twelve years of age his father died, and he was left to shift for himself. At sixteen years of age he went West, and spent a couple of years, then returned, and went to school in Sidney for one year, after which he taught school until the breaking out of the Rebellion. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 15th O. V. I. for three months, served the time of his enlistment, and again commenced teaching school, but only taught six weeks, when he again enlisted, this time in the 20th O. V. I. for three years. He was made sergeant-major of the regiment. In January, 1863, while in charge of ordnance stores on board of a train the train was wrecked, and he was badly injured, having his legs broken and otherwise badly bruised. He was taken to the hospital at Memphis, Tenn., where he remained until May, when he was sent to St. Louis, and from there to Columbus, Ohio, where he remained until June, 1863, when he was discharged and sent home. In December, 1863, he married Sarah C. Applegate. January, 1864, he went to Vicksburg, Tenn., and engaged in merchandising with Capt. Updegralf and J. C. Fry. He continued in business in Vicksburg until 1866, when he came home and sold goods in Plattsville for one year, then went to Champaign County, where he remained three years. In 1870 he moved to Sidney, where he now lives. In 1877 he was elected treasurer of Shelby County, in which capacity he served four years. At the present time he is engaged at the real estate and insurance business. In 1881 a company of O. N. G. was formed in Sidney, and he was elected captain of the company, served two years, when he was elected major of the regiment. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin have a family of four children, viz., Eddie W., Carrie E., Jesse C., and Lizzie.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883