CORNELIUS O'LAUGHLIN is ably filling the responsible and trying position of Superintendent of the Sangamon County Almshouse. He was born September 29, 1846, in Lynn, Mass., and is a son of Michael and Mary (Kelly) O'Laughlin. His father came to America in early manhood and after a few years' residence in Ohio came to Scott County, Ill. In early life he was an extensive railroad contractor, but subsequently abandoned that for farming, which he carried on very successfully and reared out subject to that calling.

Cornelius O'Laughlin, familiarly known as "Con," received a solid training in the common English branches and was thus well equipped for his life work. In 1871 he removed to Illiopolis Township and engaged in farming there proving himself to be a competent, wide awake agriculturist.

When the Board of Supervisors was in quest of a capable farmer, a man of unquestioned integrity and executive business ability, to take charge of the County Almshouse our subject was suggested to them as being amply qualified for the position, and he was chosen to superintend the affairs of said institution in the spring of 1886, and has been in continuous charge ever since. The Almshouse, which has an average of one hundred inmates, is under his careful management, in as nearly a perfect condition as possible for such a place. It is scrupulously clean within and without and the inmates are treated with that firm yet kindly spirit that is best conducive to their welfare. Mr. O'Laughlin manages the affairs of the institution so well that those in authority feel that he is the right man in the right place and this his selection has been amply justified by the good work he has done. In speaking of the management of the affairs of the institution we must not omit to mention Mrs. O'Laughlin's share in the good work. She rules the female department with all the patience and care of a mother, and is well loved by those under her charge. With two such people as our subject and his wife at the head of it, the Sangamon County almshouse compares very favorably with other throughout the State, and the people show their appreciation of what they have done by keeping them in their position.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Laughlin were married in 1871 and to them have come a trio of bright children - Mary Ellen, Joseph and Maggie, all of whom are in school. Mrs. O'Laughlin's maiden name was Ellen Gooley, and she is a native of Morgan County. Mr. O'Laughlin is a member of the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He is not a politician though he is interested in public affairs, but he is a farmer by taste and training.