Matthew Cain

MATTHEW CAIN, deceased. For many years this gentleman was one of Labette City's leading merchants, and most highly respected citizens. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, good principles, and splendid business ability, and his death was deeply and sincerely mourned in the community. Honorable and upright in his dealings with all men, he won many lifelong friends, and his genial and pleasing personality made him a favorite with all. Mr. Cain was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1834, and was a son of Alfred and Nancy (Laughin) Cain.

Alfred Cain was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1809, and died in that county in 1854. He married Mary Laughin, who was born in the same county, in 1813, and whose death took place there just seventy years later. They were the parents of the following children, namely: Rachael (Ambler), deceased; Richard, of Monroe county, Ohio; Matthew, the subject of this sketch; Louisa, deceased; Thomas, of Monroe county, Ohio; Luther, of Labette county, Kansas; John, deceased; Amanda (Mehl), of Virginia; Nancy, deceased; and Nelson.

Matthew Cain was reared and educated in Monroe county, Ohio. and in 1860 moved to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he lived for two years. In 1862, Mr. Cain enlisted in Company L, 125th Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf. He served gallantly until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, and returned to Vermilion county. He made that county his home for the following seventeen years, when he decided to move to Kansas. In 1882, Mr. Cain settled in Labette county, Kansas, - opening a place of business in Labette City. He continued in mercantile pursuits in Labette City, from 1882 until 1890, - the year of his death. He was much missed, both in business and social circles.

Mr. Cain married Jane Laughton, who was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1839. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Reed) Laughton. John Laughton was born in Scotland, in 1803, and died in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1843; his wife was burn in Maryland, in 1810, and died in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1877. They reared the following offspring: Elizabeth (McCoy), deceased; Jane (Cain), of Labette county, Kansas; Alexander, of Buffalo county, Nebraska; and William, deceased. Matthew Cain and his wife were the parents of the following children: Mary (Lamm), of Labette City, who has had three children, - Leslie, Mazie, and Eva, deceased; Ida (Miller), of Crawford county, Kansas, who has six children, - Clarence, Oscar, Mabel, Earnest, Bessie, and Amy; Frank, deceased; Anabel (Webb), of Kansas City, Missouri, who has one child, - Beulah; Clara, deceased; and Vernon, of Labette county.

Mr. Cain was a Republican, in politics, and held the office of road overseer. He was a Mason, in his younger days, and belonged to the Anti-Horsethief Association. In religious belief, he was a member of the New Light Society. Mrs. Cain is a member of the M. E. church and attends worship at Labette City. She resides in section 34, Liberty township.