J. McLachlen, Ex-Sheriff, Passes On
Man Who Lead Posse Which Captured Til Taylor’s Slayers Dies
Accident Given As Death Cause
Funeral Services For Pioneer Union County Officer Will Be Held Here Saturday
John H. McLachlen, pioneer officer of Union County, died at the Grande Ronde hospital Thursday. Ten days ago while picking apples, he fell from the tree, breaking three ribs. The injuries and the shock to a man of his advanced years, are said to have caused his death.
Funeral services will be held at the Snodgrass and Zimmerman mortuary at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, with the Odd Fellows in charge. Burial will take place in the I. O. O. F. cemetery.
Mr. McLachlen was born in Caledonia, New York in the year 1850. He was 83 years, one month and 20 days of age.
He came to Oregon in the year 1887, locating in La Grande where he lived continuously except for eight years at Union while serving as sheriff of this county.
The major portion of his life saw him connected with law enforcement work, and for several years he was chief of police in La Grande.
At the age of 70 he headed the posse which captured the slayers of Til Taylor, sheriff of Umatilla county, several years ago.
Mr. McLachlen had a wide circle of friends throughout Eastern Oregon who were saddened by news of his death. He is survived by his widow Mrs. Mary McLachlen, a daughter Nell; a brother Archie, of May Park; a granddaughter, Mrs. Ed Donohue of La Grande; a grandson, Archie McLachlen, of Boise, and five grandchildren.
He was a charter member of the La Grande Lodge of Elks and a member of the Odd Fellows lodge.
La Grande Evening Observer
Friday, November 3, 1933
Front Page & Continued on Page 4