McLaughlin, Martin

Martin McLaughlin moved to Biddulph from Ireland at a young age. He became a successful farmer. A close neighbour of the Donnellys, he allegedly joined both the Peace Society and the Vigilance Committee. He was part of the group that searched the Donnelly homestead for Thompson’s missing cow, and he served as a Justice of the Peace. McLaughlin was arrested for the murder of the Donnellys. He allegedly (along with Ryder) shot John Donnelly. McLaughlin remained in prison throughout both trials.