Hon.
J. B, Vaughn, County Judge of Macoupin
County, and a prominent citizen of Carlinville, was born in Jerseyville,
Jersey County, Illinois, in March, 1864. He is a son of Erastus and
Catherine (Hill) Vaughn, his father being a native of Kentucky and his
mother coming of old New England stock. Erastus Vaughn has been a resident
of Macoupin County since 1 87 1, and is engaged in farming and butchering
near Nil wood. He is a good substantial citizen and business man, and is
highly thought of in the community where he resides. Nine children were born
to Erastus and Catherine Vaughn, our subject being the oldest child.
J. B. Vaughn, having completed his preliminary education, entered upon
the study of the law in the office of Judge Barnes of Jacksonville, and
later under the direction of Judge A. N. Yancey. He took a course of
lectures in the law department, of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Ever since his arrival at manhood, he has taken an enthusiastic interest in
the success of the Democratic party in politics, and from 1890 to 1894
served efficiently in the capacity of county clerk. He was admitted to the
bar, January 14, 1895, and immediately thereafter opened up an office for
the practice of his profession in Carlinville, where he has successfully
continued up to the present time. He formed a partnership with Andrew J.
Duggan in 1896, and this firm continued until 1898. In 1896 he was elected
State's attorney. He filled this office for four years and by his efficient
discharge of its duties did much toward extending his reputation as a
careful and painstaking lawyer. In the trial of cases he gave evidence of
brilliancy, and in his preparations for trials showed himself to be well
grounded in the law. He possesses a keen, discriminating mind, and a high
sense of justice, and it was but natural that in 1902 he should become his
party's candidate for the office of county judge. He was elected in November
of tliat year by a flattering majority for a term of four years, and has
since discharged the duties of that office. He is a very popular man and has
gained the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens, irrespective of
their party affiliations.
In 1890 Judge Vaughn was united in
marriage with Mary L. Drake, a native of Macoupin County, and they have one
child, Margaret L., born in 1897. Fraternally, our subject is a member of
Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M.; Macoupin Chapter, R. A. M.; Ascalon
Commandery, K. T., of St. Louis; Mulah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and Orient
Lodge No. 95, K. P., of which he served as chancellor commander two terms.
He is also a member of the Eastern Star, of which his wife is a member and
past matron. Religiously Mrs. Vaughn is a conscientious member of the
Baptist Church. A portrait of Judge Vaughn accompanies this sketch.
Extracted 2018 May 04 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 38-40.
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