----Source: The scrap book of Phoebe (Evenson) Purkis

Vaughan, Charles B. (17 July 1870 - 16 Sept. 1935)

Useful Life

Laid to Rest

OBITUARY OF CHARLES B. VAUGHAN

Charles B. Vaughan, son of Daniel B. and Sarah J. Vaughan, was born near Sun Prairie, Wis. July 17,1870,and passed away at the Marshfield hospital Sept.16,1935,as the result of an accident the week before.

When ten years of age he came with the family to the farm in the town of Unity where he lived the rest of his life, with the exception of four years spent in Minnesota and South Dakota.

In his boyhood Charles united with the Methodist Episcopal church and remained an active member until his death, for many years being a member of the official board. He was one of the building committee that erected the present church structure in the village of Unity and it was due to his foresight that tornado insurance was carried on the old church building which made possible an immediate start on the present building just 30 years ago.

At the age of 21 he united with the F. and A.M. in Hurley, S. D. and more than 30 years ago became a member of the I.O.O.F., also uniting with the encampment and becoming a member of the grand lodge.

Charles was one of the first rural mail carriers at the Unity post office, serving the patrons of that route, when service meant that many hardships had to be endured, making the route with horse drawn vehicle, many days plowing through drifts that the patrons might be served, giving his horses a breathing spell while they had tier dinner. Charles retired from the service some 15 years ago to operate the fine Vaughan dairy farm.

On Tuesday Sept. 10, Charles was assisting in the unloading of hay into the barn. He had hold of the trip rope, pulling back the fork when it broke, throwing him off onto the ground, striking in such a way as to break his back, causing most instant paralysis of the lower part of his body, as he expressed no feeling there, as he was removed to the house. Doctors were immediately summond, who relieved some of the pressure and he was moved to St. Joseph’s Hospital the next morning where he passed away peacefully the following Monday afternoon at 1:30.

Charles Vaughan was a kind and obliging neighbor and will be missed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

The immediate family that mourn his lose are: John M. and Lillian on the home farm, Ralph T. on an adjoining farm, Fred S. of Yankton, S.D. and the Rev. George W. of Stanley, Wis. also 16 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held in the United Methodist Church on Thursday, Sept.19, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Paul Nulton. The I.O.F. took part in the services, Internment in the Brighton cemetery. The large attendance proved the large place the deceased held in the community life.