Peter McLaren, the subject of this sketch was born in Perthshire, Scotland, on March 6th, 1807. The family came to America in the year 1822 and settled in Indiana. They remained in that state until 1827, when they moved to Fulton county, Ill. Since that time this has been the residence of Father McLaren until the date of his death, which occurred Jan. 31st, 1889. Had he lived until March 6th, he would have been 82 years old. He was twice married. First to Lucinda Saffer, in 1835, to whom eight children were born. She having departed this life in 1855, he married Irilla Berry in 1857, to whom two children were born. A large concourse of his neighbors and friends attended his funeral. The discourse was preached by Elder J. Gresham. His aged widow and eight children survive him. He was a disciple of Christ for over fifty years and died in the hope of a blessed immortality. This part of Fulton county, at the time of his advent, was a wilderness, and he may be regarded as one of its first settlers. His narrations of the thrilling events of those early times — the hardships endured, yet the pleasures enjoyed — will be pleasantly remembered by many who have been interested listeners to his words. A natural born humorist, he threw sunshine and joy in all his narrations and behavior with men. His character was singularly sweet and amiable; and in an intimate acquaintance extended over 38 years, the writer has never heard any one speak disrespectfully of Peter McLaren. On the other hand his most intimate friends never heard him speak harshly of others. Thus another of Nature’s true noblemen has fallen — full of years and of honors. — B.C.T.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus