Harry Vokes

Harry Vokes (born Harry Laughlin; December 29, 1866 – April 15, 1922) was an American comedian and actor who was half of the comedy duo Ward and Vokes.

Early life Vokes was born Harry Laughlin in Quincy, Illinois. His father, Thomas B. Laughlin, was a postal inspector. Vokes learned acrobatics from John Ahern, a performer for the W. W. Cole Circus who later served as Quincy's police chief. Vokes later returned to vaudeville, performing sketches alongside his wife. Margaret Daly Vokes was slated to join the cast, but a year-long illness rendered her unable to perform. She died on August 27, 1908 at Ward's home in Lynnfield, Massachusetts while Vokes, Ward, and her sister Lucy were performing in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 1911, Ward and Vokes debuted their final play together, The Trouble Makers. In 1913, Vokes married Marie Francis, an actress from the Ward and Vokes company, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In 1915, Vokes starred in two motion pictures for Gaumont – The House Party and Beauty in Distress.

Later life and death Volkes retired from performing in 1918 and worked as a pump tender at the Beacon Oil Company refinery in Everett, Massachusetts. He died from his injuries the following day. Vokes was survived by his second wife and their two children. He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden, Massachusetts.