Robert Samuel “Sam” McLaughlin worked in full partnership with his father and brother in the evolution of their family-owned business. It began in the Ontario town of Tyrone, then on to Enniskillen, and finally in Oshawa, east of Toronto.
Robert Samuel “Sam” McLaughlin
Sam McLaughlin was the third son of Robert and Mary (Smith) McLaughlin of Enniskillen, Ontario. His father was maker of sleighs (cutters) and wagons. Sam began as an apprentice in the upholstery shop. His pay was $3.00 per week minus $2.50 for room and board. His father returned the room and board money, plus interest, when Sam was older.
McLaughlin Carriage Company in Oshawa
When Robert McLaughlin’s first carriage won first prize in competition, he decided to make only carriages. With sales from coast to coast, the McLaughlin Carriage Company needed larger facilities. Eight workers were employed during busy times at their new Oshawa location. Robert McLaughlin, known as the Governor, was known also as ‘a crank for quality’. He inspected all work that was done and would not allow workmen to skimp.
Sam and George became full partners with their father in 1892. The company continued to grow with shipments of their carriages going to Australia, South America, and elsewhere. It became the largest horse-drawn carriage manufacturer in Great Britain.
In 1898, Sam McLaughlin married Adelaide Louise Mowbray, daughter of Ralph Mowbray and Victoria Nutting. They established their stately home, Parkwood, in Oshawa where they were parents of five daughters. Adelaide was very much involved in community activities.
On December 7, 1899, their plant was demolished by fire. All equipment, materials, finished and semi-finished carriages were lost. Sam found a temporary location in Gananoque where work could continue until the new plant was ready. The City of Oshawa provided an interest-free rebuilding loan. Within six months, their carriage manufacturing continued in the new, larger plant. The company grossed over one million dollars in 1901.
McLaughlin Buicks Made in Oshawa
Sam McLaughlin became curious about automobiles in 1905. In the United States, William C. Durant bought the Buick Company. Sam and George worked a deal with Durant to include their work in Oshawa. They manufactured more than one hundred and fifty McLaughlin Buicks in 1907.
The McLaughlins were interested in making Chevrolet vehicles. They knew that to expand their business and build Chevrolets as well as the McLaughlin Buick car, they would have to sell the carriage company. They knew also that they would abide by their father’s decision in that regard. Robert McLaughlin advised them to do what they thought best. The McLaughlin Carriage Company was quickly sold to a manufacturer in Orillia, Ontario.
Sam McLaughlin’s designs were used for the cars as they had been for the earlier carriages. McLaughlin Chevrolet operations began in 1915. In 1918 the brothers had a major decision to make. George wanted to retire from the rigors of their business. They decided to sell their company to General Motors in Flint, Michigan. They believed that there would be greater employment opportunities through expansion
General Motors Canada
The company agreed to the purchase with the condition that Sam and George continue to be involved in the business. Sam was named President of General Motors Canada and George Vice-President. George retired in 1942. Sam McLaughlin continued his activities with the company as Chairman.
Sam made large contributions through his Foundation and Trust Funds. Separate from those, he gave significant gifts personally to hospitals, universities and other organizations. Sam McLaughlin, widowed in 1958, died four months after his one hundredth birthday in Oshawa. According to newspaper reports, about 20,000 mourners filed past his flag-draped coffin.
Sources:
Driving Force: The McLaughlin Family and the Age of the Car by Heather Robertson, McClelland & Stewart 1996
The Canadian Series – Sam McLaughlin by Roy A. Petrie, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1975
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