Reuben Francis Laffoon (March 10, 1854 – June 28, 1929) was a pioneer and lawyer in Tacoma, Washington, settling in the city during the development boom of 1880s.
He was one of the first lawyers authorized to practice in the federal court of the Washington Western District.
[3] Reuben was the eldest of four siblings, including two brothers, John H. and Mark, and a sister, Saleta.
[4] Laffoon graduated from the Southwest Missouri State Normal School at Warrensburg.
A transcontinental railroad terminus and the Northern Pacific Railway headquarters were built, the city was connected by ocean trading to southeast Asia, important infrastructure industries were developing, and the population grew rapidly.
Then he resumed his law practice, and by 1903, operated from an office located in the Chamber of Commerce building.
He left his position as a lawyer for three years to work in the mining business in Nevada.
According to Prosser, a founder of the Washington State Historical Society, Laffoon was devoted to his job and was one of Tacoma's "prominent lawyers.
"[1] Laffoon was one of the first lawyers allowed to practice in the federal court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma.
[3] Laffoon's daughter Agnes married Col. William J. Sutherland, who was a promoter of Alaskan gold mines.