Col. J. H. McLaughlin, the champion wrestler of the world, was born in Oriskany, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 8, 1844. His father was of Scotch, and his mother of Irish ancestry. His first wrestling match was when he was 15 years old; he was then a large boy, weighing 185 pounds. Hiram McKee, a brawny Scott, of twice his years, was his opponent and was defeated for a stake of $100 a side. Since that time he has contested some 26 matches, for money, medals or bets, and has always been victorious, with one exception: Homer Lane had the honor of beating him. Previous to this he defeated Lane and also conquered him since; so he can make the just claim of having defeated every opponent who has thus stood before him. The following are a list of men whom he has met since he became a professional wrestler: D. S. Watson, Troy, N. Y.; H. McKee, Binghamton, N. Y.; L. P. Morgan, Baltimore, Md.; F. Corrigan, Philadelphia, Pa.; D. Wilcox, Green, N. Y.; B. Fisher, Albany, N. Y.; D. S. King, Milwaukee; H. P. Comstock, Washington, D. C; J. I. Beupau, Washington, D. C.; Homer Lane, of New York, three times; James De Witt, Pacific slope; N. S. Dorance, Chicago, 111.; Mort. Bentley, St. Louis; G. C. Orr, L. Ainsworth, and P. Dalton, Connecticut; Mark Slatter, Buffalo; Dan Hagerty and William Harrison, of Pittsburg; Julius Thompson and Barry Smith, Canada; Orrin Dart, Chicago; Michael Whalen, San Francisco. The Colonel received his title for honorable service in the Union army during the Rebellion. He enlisted as a private when 17 years of age at the outbreak of the war, and had risen to the rank of Major before he was 21. The Governor of Michigan, after the regiment was mustered out, brevetted him Colonel. Col. McLaughlin is six feet one inch in height, and ordinarily weighs 265 pounds. He is a splendid specimen of muscular manhood, and notwithstanding his great weight, there is nothing stiff or ungraceful in his movements. He is 36 years old, has never tasted liquor nor used tobacco in any form, and to his good habits he no doubt owes his fine physical condition.

The History of Jackson County, Michigan

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