William J. Lough

WILLIAM J. LOUGH, who has been one of the foremost business men of Altamont, Kansas, for many years, is a member of the firm of Lough Brothers, merchants of that city. He formerly conducted the Altamont Roller Mills, which were burned to the ground. Mr. Lough was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1856, and is a son of John A. Lough, and a grandson of William J. Lough.

His grandfather was born in Ireland in 1805, and moved to Ottawa, Canada, in 1816, where he lived until his death in 1896. He married Elizabeth Taylor, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, who was born in 1806, and died in 1899. His son, John A., was a machinist and millwright by trade, and was engaged in milling nearly his entire life. He was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1835, and moved with his family to Chetopa, Labette county, Kansas, in 1869. He built the Anchor Mills of that place, in the winter of 1869 and 1870, and served as superintendent of the same from that time until his death, February 6, 1894. His widow, Susan (Craig), who was born in 1836, still resides in Chetopa. They were parents of eight children: William J.; Martha E. (Allen), of Baldwin, Kansas; Robert A., superintendent of the Anchor Mills, at Chetopa; Thomas H., who was born in 1862, and is in partnership with William J. Lough; Emma J. (Kinzer), of Baldwin, Kansas; Samuel A., professor of Greek and Latin in Baker University, at Baldwin, Kansas, and also treasurer of the board of trustees; Hariet (Milner), of Chetopa, Kansas; and Nellie E. (Allen), of Parsons, Kansas.

William J. Lough was reared to the milling business, and for eleven years was night superintendent of the Anchor Mills, at Chetopa. In 1885, he bought and remodeled the Altamont Roller Mills, and engaged in the business for himself, under the firm name of W. J. Lough & Company. He continued thus until his mill was destroyed by fire, on June 3, 1900, through which calamity he sustained a loss of $12,000. His brother, Thomas H., was engaged in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Allen, in Altamont, and soon after the destruction of the mill, William J. Lough purchased Mr. Allen's interest in the firm. It is now conducted under the firm name of Lough Brothers, and in addition to their large regular business, they buy and sell grain extensively. Both are bright, shrewd men, and have made a success of the venture.

Thomas H. Lough was united in marriage with Rose Catlin, and they have a daughter, Ella. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M.; and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Republican, in politics, and has been city treasurer, councilman and mayor.

William J. Lough, the subject hereof, was united in marriage with Alice M. Kinzer, and they are the parents of the following children: Louise M., John E., Hazel, William H., and Margaret. Mr. Lough is a Mason and has risen to the rank of Knight Templar; he has been eminent commander of the commandery and has passed through all the chairs. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a prominent Republican, in politics, was a member of the city council, and is now mayor. He has been a member of the Republican county central committee since 1899, and served as its chairman in 1900. He was a member of the state legislature in 1895 and 1896.