The subject of this sketch was born at Mt. Forest, Ontario, March 6, 1876, and came with his parents to Big Rapids in 1879, where his father three years later started a grocery store. From earliest boyhood, therefore, Joe became familiar with store life and during his school days spent what time he could spare, apart from his school work, in assisting about the store.

He was married in June, 1898, to Miss Mattie Card, of Big Rapids, and in the following November established a general store of his own on the east side of the river. He devoted himself very attentively to his business and had the satisfaction of seeing it prosper and grow larger every year. Twice the exigencies of his growing trade prompted him to move into larger quarters and he was also imbued with an ardent desire to possess a business building of his own.

The old American House property, occupying a prominent corner on Maple street and Third avenue, one block west of the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad station, attracted his attention and he purchased it in June 1905.

Workmen were at once engaged to remodel the place, making it over into a commodious, well-lighted and well-arranged store and he occupied the new building and had his formal opening in September o the same year. He carries a large and well selected stock of groceries and general merchandise and has a lucrative and constantly growing trade. A very comprehensive view of the store interior is shown in the accompanying illustration.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Laughlin have four children, all girls, and own a cozy home, corner of Washington street and Third avenue as shown herewith.