Tombstone Tuesday - Vaughan Family

HORACE VAUGHAN

JUL 28, 1853

JAN 27, 1900

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HIS WIFE

ELIZABETH B. CHAMBERLAINE

1866 – 1925

THEIR DAUGHTER

MILDRED VAUGHAN

1898 – 1920

[1]Horace Vaughan was issued a marriage license on 20 Oct 1897 in the state of Delaware. Payment of two hundred dollars was made by Horace Vaughan and Henry S. Smith on the said date for the marriage license. This license was issued for the marriage between Horace Vaughan and Elizabeth I. Boyer.

[2]Groom listed Horace Vaughn, 38 years of age, white, place of birth listed Delaware. Resided in Middletown, occupation listed as Physician. Bride listed Elizabeth Irvine Byer, 31 years of age, white, place of birth listed Delaware, resided in Middletown. Groom’s parents listed Edward M and Eliza A., bride’s parents listed William and Catherine. Marriage date 21 Oct 1897.

[3]Mildred Vaughan, female, white, date of birth 25 Jul 1898; place of birth is Middletown, New Castle County state of Delaware. Parents listed, father Horace Vaughan 39 years of age, occupation listed as a physician, nativity American, mother Elizabeth I. Boyer 30 years of age, nativity American. Mildred is the first child of the family and firstborn of the mother.     

                     

[4]Last Will and Testament of Horace Vaughn, M.D. of Middletown, New Castle County, and the State of Delaware.  Daughter, Mildred is mentioned numerous times receiving securities, bond for fifteen hundred dollars from Hugh C. Browne, twenty-five hundred dollars from Maximilian Lichtenstein, seventeen hundred and fifty dollars from Samuel B Ginn, twenty-seven hundred dollars from Albert Spear, nine hundred dollars from James A. Evans, four hundred dollars from James A. Evans all to be paid after his death and her at lawful age. If Mildred were to die before her lawful age the sums would be divided up between his wife, sister Clara, brother Edward M. Vaughan. The sum of two thousand dollars is bequeathed to his mother, Eliza Ann Vaughan.  The inside of his estate is bequeathed to his wife, Elizabeth Irvine. Signed and sealed the 5^th of August 1899.

[5]Return of Marriage in the state of Delaware, Middletown, New Castle County. Groom is Alfred Miller Chamberlain, 44 years of age, white, place of birth Delaware, resided in Middletown, Delaware, occupation listed as Druggist. The bride is Elizabeth Irvine Vaughan, 38 years of age, white, place of birth Maryland, resided in Middletown, Delaware. Groom’s father George Gale Chamberlain M.D. place of birth Maryland, groom’s mother Margaret Gunther place of birth Pennsylvania. Bride’s fathers William Boyer place of birth Maryland, bride’s mother Catherine Irvine place of birth Ireland. Date of marriage November 19, 1904. The number of previous marriages of the groom listed none and the bride listed one.

[6]1910 United States Federal Census from the state of Delaware, New Castle County, the town of Middletown, address listed as Main Street shows John W Barnett, head of household, married, white, male, born in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. Speaks English shows his occupation as Lumberman, he was 52 years of age at the time of this census and in his marriage for 23 years. Mary C Barnett, wife to the head of household, married, white, female, born in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. Speaks English, shows no occupation, she was 50 years of age at the time of this census and in her marriage for 23 years, she was the mother to one child, living.  William Taylor Barnett, son to head of household, single, white, male, born in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. Speaks English shows no occupation, he was 21 years of age at the time of this census. Elizabeth B Chamberlaine is listed as a boarder to head of household, widowed, white, female, born in Maryland, father born in Maryland, mother born in England. Speaks English shows occupation as own income, she was 42 years of at the time of this census. Mildred Vaughan is listed as a border to the head of the household, single, white, female, born in Delaware, father born in Delaware, mother born in Maryland. She Speaks English shows no occupation, she was 11 years of age at the time of this census. Henry B Chamberlaine is listed as a boarder to the head of the household, single, white, male, born in Delaware, father born in Delaware, mother born in Maryland. Shows no occupation, he was 3 years of age at the time of this census. May McFaull listed as a border to the head of the household, single, white, female, born in New Jersey, father born in Ireland, mother born in New York. Speaks English shows occupation as a teacher in the public school, she was 32 years of age at the time of this census.

[7]1920 United States Federal Census from the state of Delaware, New Castle County town of Middletown address listed Cass Street shows Elizabeth Chamberlain as head of the household, widowed, white, female, born in Maryland, father born in Maryland, mother born in England. Owns the home free from mortgage, shows no occupation, she was 53 years of age at the time of this census. Mildred Vaughan is listed as a daughter to head of household, single, white, female, born in Delaware, father born in Delaware, mother born in Maryland. Shows no occupation, she was 21 years of age at the time of this census. Henry Chamberlain is listed as the son to head of household, single, white, male, born in Delaware, father born in Delaware, mother born in Maryland. Shows no occupation, he was 13 years of age at the time of this census.

 

[8]Certificate of Death in Middletown, New Castle County, State of Delaware. Mildred Vaughan date of birth was July 25, 1898, in Delaware, with no occupation listed. Parents were Horace Vaughan M.D. with Delaware listed as the place of birth, Elizabeth I. Boyer with Maryland listed as the place of birth. Female, white, single. Date of death January 22, 1920, her age at the time of death was 21 years 5 months, and 24 day.  The cause of death is listed as pulmonary tuberculosis/measles and bronchus pneumonia. Burial is listed in Middletown, Delaware in Forest Cemetery, date of burial January 26, 1920.  The informant listed Edward M Vaughan M.D. of Middletown, Delaware.  

 

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[1]Delaware, Marriage Records, 1744-1912 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008. Original data: Public Archives Commission, Delaware Public Archives. Record Group #RG 1325; Subgroup #003; Series #004.

[2]Delaware, Marriage Records, 1806-1933 Ancestry.com ( http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operation, Inc, 2010. Original data: Delaware Vital Records. Microfilm, Delaware Public Archives, Dover.  

[3]Delaware, Birth Records, 1800-1932 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Delaware Public Archives; Dover, Delaware; collection Number: Birth Records-66; Roll Number; 66. 

[4] New Castle County probate records, ca 1682-1925 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2015. Original data: Delaware County, District and Probate Courts. 

[5] Delaware Marriage Records, 1806-1933 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Original data: Delaware, Delaware Vital Records, Microfilm. Delaware Public Archives, Dover.

[6]1910 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: United States of America Bureau of Census. Roll: T624_146; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0096; FHL microfilm: 1374159

[7] 1920 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Original data: Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Enumeration Districts 819-839 are on roll 323 (Chicago City).

[8] Delaware Death Records, 1811-1933 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 10 April 2017) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2010. Original data: Delaware, Delaware Vital Records. Microfilm. Delaware Public Archives, Dover.

April's History

Appeared in Grand Forks Daily Herald out of Grand Forks, North Dakota on April 16 1898 

APRIL IN AMERICAN HISTORY

April is an eventful month in American history. Thirty-seven years ago, two days after the firing of the shot that initiated the bloody battles of our civil war. Fort Sumpter surrendered. Thirty-three years ago Abraham Lincoln, who exhausted every honorable means to avert that conflict, and whose statesmanship saved the republic, was assassinated. The fatal shot was fired on the night of April 14 and death ensued on the following day.

April witnessed both the beginning and the end of the war of the rebellion: Sumter was fired upon on April 12, 1861, and Lee surrendered to Grant April 9, 1865. The same is true of the revolutionary war; the battle of Lexington was fought on April 19, 1775, and the preliminary treaty of peace with Great Britain was ratified by congress on April 15, 1783. The Mexican war began in the same month, the first battle being fought on April 23, 1846.

Three momentous events in our earlier history have their dates in the month of April; the first congress met on April 6, George Washington was inaugurated president on April 30 of the same year and the navy department was organized on April 30, 1798. It was on the last day of April, 1803, that the treaty was made with France for our purchase of Louisiana.

The necrology of the month is too voluminous to be considered, but from the list of earth’s greatest who died in April may be singled out the name of Benjamin Franklin, philosopher, statesman, scientist, patriot and father of the printing craft.

As a natal month of historic events April has a fruitful record, and at the rate we are now making history the April of 1898 will contain many important additions. –Chicago Times Herald. 

Saturday Spotting - Cupid and Cash

Published in November of 1898 in the New York Herald out of New York, New York

 CUPID AND CASH.

Sued for Breach of Promise, Abraham Levy Demands $300 as a Preliminary to Marriage.

HIS SUITOR WANTS $50,000.

Miss Messinger Says She Is Still Ready to Wed, but That Her Feelings Are Lacerated.

DENIES PLEDGING MONEY.

Bride Elect, Who Became a Valentine, Asks a Golden Salve for Wounded Feelings.

As an indication of the ruling market price for husbands, no less than of the devious methods of Cupid in some instances, certain statements made by Abraham Levy in an affidavit may be of value. Annie Messinger has, brought suit against him for breach of promise of marriage. In answer he admits the promise, but sets up breach of contract, declaring that Miss Messinger had agreed to pay him $300 four weeks before the date set for the wedding. Failing to receive this, Mr. Levy declined to fulfill his promise.

     That a mere matter of finance should thrust itself between two hearts which seemed destined to beat as one, is sad enough, but the papers in the case breathe such a unified desire that the separation, not to speak of the young woman’s demand for $50,000 damages, seems a hollow satire. Both parties proclaim their willingness to enter matrimony, but each points to the others obduracy and calls for judgment.

BECAME HIS VALENTINE

     According to Miss Messinger’s lawyer, Jacob S.  Straht, the young persons met at an entertainment two years ago. Miss Messinger is twenty-three years old and Mr. Levy is twenty-six. There was from the first a mutual attraction and the courtship flourished.

     Ignoring those early days when all the world seemed gay, Miss Messinger, in her complaint, speaks of February 14 last as the day when she intrusted her heart, a fluttering valentine, to Abraham’s keeping on his promise of marriage. Upon consultation, she says, June 7 was named as the date for the ceremony, and preparations were made with that in view. And when that summer day dawned and faded, she declares, she was “ready and willing” to approach the altar with Abraham Levy, who “neglected and refused” to redeem his alleged pledge, to her distress of mind and the laceration of her feelings. Wherefore she prays $50,000 damages.

     There is no evidence that Mr. Levy is possessed of this sun; indeed, there is ground for believing that he has it not. But gallantry, or something, forbids him to deny the possession of such wealth. He contents himself with denying Miss Messinger’s allegations, as stated, and then begs her to hark back to the roseate days of August, 1896.

HE WANTS $300.

     There was then, he says, an agreement in writing that they two should marry, and “in consideration of that promise,” he declares. Annie “agreed to give him, at least four weeks prior to the date set for the marriage the sum of $300,” which she refused, and, he adds plaintively, “still refuses.”

     Just why the bride to be was to pay $300 cash in advance is not disclosed, but Mr. Levy’s perseverance in demanding it is noteworthy. To further illustrate his adherence to principle, he declares that he is “ready and willing,” using Miss Messinger’s precise terms, to contract the marriage, should the lady comply with her agreement and give him “said sum.”

     Speaking for Miss Messinger, Mr. Stahl denied the existence of any monetary agreement. Mr. Levy once before, he said, broke his promise to Miss Messinger, but renewed it at the solicitation of his own family. So far had matters progressed he asserted, that a hall at No. 62 Pitt street had been engaged for the ceremony and a joint bank account was started by the young persons.

     But now, alas, Miss Messinger wants nothing less than $50,000 to remain single, and Mr. Levy demands at least $300 to become married.

Bald Eagle Ghost vs Jesse Pates

I can’t help it when looking through all of the newspapers on GenealogyBank.com I find so many articles that fit into the season. This one appeared in the Trenton Evening Times out of Trenton, NJ in May of 1898. Thanks to the determination of Jesse Pates and some local hobos the mystery around the Bald Eagle ghost can be put to rest. 

A RED LIGHT GHOST

IT HAUNTED THE BEECH CREEK ROAD

FOR TEN YEARS

Cool and Nervy Trick of the Hoboes

That Was Discovered and Ended by an

Unsuperstitious Railroad Man and Three

Companions.

It is not often that a nineteenth century ghost can live for years on its reputation as did the Bald Eagle ghost of the Beech Creek railroad. Almost everybody in this section has heard of the Bald Eagle ghost. It was none of your sheeted night prowlers inhabiting a tumble down country house. The Bald Eagle ghost was an up to date spirit. It was simply a red light.

Ordinarily there is nothing extraordinary about a red light, but when the red light appears on a railroad that is different matter. Had the Bald Eagle ghost been content to exercise its functions in the fastness of the mountains, in all probability it would have continued to enjoy its incorporeal existence indefinitely. But the Bald Eagle spirit was unreasonable. It insisted on making a spectacle of itself just where it was most out of place and unwelcome.

Some years ago, old railroad men say, the Bald Eagle ghost was born. The midnight express was bowling along through a gap in the mountains when suddenly dead ahead, a red light flared out on the track. The engineer, scenting danger, reversed the engine and stopped the train, but a search failed to show why the train had been flagged. The train steamed off finally. A month or so later the express was again flagged by the light, but, as before, no cause could be assigned for the proceeding. After this the signal was seen at irregular intervals, always in the lonely gap. Trainmen at length began to entertain a superstitious fear for the red light, and in time it became generally known as “the ghost.” Old hands at the break wheel believed it to be the spirit of a track watchman who had been killed at the spot where it generally appeared.

Skeptical superintendents lay in wait for the ghost. Extra watchmen were employed to patrol the district, but to no avail. It was no fool ghost. It knew its business. However, it reckoned without Jesse Pates.

Pates had long meditated an attack on the Bald Eagle ghost, and one night after his train had been delayed an hour by the light his resolution reached the point of action. Going down to the village store, he broached his scheme to the gang.

“Any of you fellows like to go ghost huntin some night.”

Everybody looked interested, and at last one young fellow demanded:

“Well, where’s your ghost?”

“What’s the matter with the Bald Eagle ghost?” he asked. Some of the crowd shivered, but pates went on: “There’s a shining mark for a good ghost hunter. I don’t believe in this fool talk of dead watchmen comin back. That Bald Eagle ghost is a pure fake, and I’m goin after him. I need about three good men. We’ll go to the Narrows to lay for Mr. Ghost. We’d better each have a gun, too, in case of accidents. Any of you fellows go along?”

There was silence for a time, but at last three young fellows volunteered to accompany him. It was arranged to start on the following evening, and at the appointed time the ghost hunters met. At the Narrows Pates distributed his men along the accustomed scene of the ghost’s perambulations and awaited results. Crouched in a clump of bushes, he himself lay for hours undisturbed except by the sound of passing freight trains. Shortly before the time for the midnight express he heard a whispered conversation off to his left.

“Have you go the lantern, Pete?” someone asked.

“Yep,” a second voice replied, “I’ve got her lit but I’ll keep her hid till I see the headlight.”

“It’s a dead easy thing,” the first voice went on. “Blow the light out and throw it in the clump of bushes before you jump on.”

Pates saw through the whole scheme in a second. Circling around, he signaled to his companions to close in, and in a short time they had the men with the lantern surrounded.

“Throw up your hands and show your light.” The ghost hunter ordered.

In an instant out came the light and up went three pairs of hands. The hunters found themselves gaming at a trio of dirty, grinning tramps.

“So you’re the ghost that has been walking here all these years?” Pates asking in disgust.

“We never said we was no ghost,” one answered.

“Well, what in blazes have you been flaggin trains her for ten years, then?” Pates continued angrily.

“I guess, since we’re caught, we might as well give the snap away,” one of the tramps said, with a grin. “You see, we come over the hill from the Pennsy, and, not carin to walk more’n is necessary, we got on the graft of flaggin the trains and baggagin to the end of the division. It was a great snap, but we spoilt it now. Every hobo on the road knew about this easy mark. We kep’a lamp there in the bushes especial for the occasion.”

“Well, I’m jiggered.” Pates remarked, “if that ain’t the coolest piece of nerve I ever heard.  No look here. Drop that lamp and git, and if I ever hear of this here ghost walking ag’in there’ll be a hobo walkin in his future home before his time. Git and spread the news that the Bald Eagle ghost is dead. Git, I say, for we’re goin to shoot after we count 50!”

But before Pates finished the tramps had disappeared, and the Bald Eagle ghost hasn’t walked since.  

–Altoona (Pa.) Letter in New York Sun.