Vaughn John01

Waupaca Republican

September 4, 1884

VAUGHN – On Sunday, August 31^st, of neuralgia of the heart; J.M. Vaughn, aged 66.

J.M. Vaughn was born in Warren Co., N.Y., and moved to Wisconsin and Waupaca County in 1849. For twenty years he lived on his farm three miles east of Waupaca, and then sold out and moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he lived one year, and then went to Omaha, Neb., where he also resided a year. Then he was engaged by J.G. Flint, of Milwaukee, as traveling salesman, and has been in his employ in that capacity ever since, being next to the oldest salesman in the house, and enjoying the intimate friendship and utmost confidence of his employer. About the time he began traveling he moved his family back to this city where it has since resided.

He was known everywhere in the country surrounding Waupaca. Every man, woman and child knew of his kindness of heart, most of them were personally acquainted, and all loved and respected him. His virtues were many; his faults so few that they cannot now be recalled by any one, unless it be that one which is more a virtue than a fault – unbounded generosity.

To the men of his profession in life he was known as “Uncle John” and “Uncle Vaughn” and the traveling man has not yet been met who was not proud to announce himself as a personal acquaintance of “Uncle John Vaughn.” He will be as sincerely mourned by the men on the road as by his relatives and friends at home.

Death was very sudden and came to him in the sleeping car between Winona and Portage. When he took the cars at Winona he complained of not feeling well and had a berth made up, undressed, and laid down, requesting the porter to wake him at Portage. Soon after going to bed he complained of the heat and asked for a fan, which was given him. The porter went to wake him when nearing Portage and found him lifeless, holding the fan in his hand. He had evidently fallen asleep and died without a struggle.

His body was met at the depot by members of the Waupaca Chapter and Blue Lodge, and escorted to his home. The funeral was on Wednesday, and was Masonic. The deceased was a member of the Stevens Point Commandery, Waupaca Chapter and Blue Lodge. Eleven Sir Knights from Stevens Point, together with resident Sir Knights, headed the procession to the cemetery and return, followed by members of the Chapter and subordinate lodge. The services were conducted by Grand Lecturer Young, and were unusually solemn and impressive. All business places closed in the afternoon until after the funeral ceremonies were over. Waupaca put on the garb of mourning yesterday, and its grief was sincere.