Beginnings
McLaughlin was born on June 5th, 1888 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His early life mainly consisted of working in his father’s grocery, going to school, playing baseball, and riding horses.
In 1904, he was in the 9th grade and still attending school. This was a little out of the norm considering most boys dropped out at the 6th or 7th grade to take up their occupation and work alongside their fathers. McLaughlin, however, hated being a clerk in his father’s store.
In 1908, he graduated from high school and went off to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas. His goal was to graduate and become a lawyer. He did not make it two weeks before home sickness kicked in. While his roommate tried to encourage him to stick it out, McLaughlin’s mind was made up and back home he went. His education had just ended.