Vaughn D. Lafferty

from Biographical and historical memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland and Hot Spring counties, Arkansas, pg 282-283

Dr. Vaughn D. Lafferty, a prominent physician and surgeon of Saline county, and at present representative of that county in the legislature, was born in Dallas County, in 1854, and is a son of Vaughn D and Eritha E. (McCalip) Lafferty, born near Batesville, in 1816, and in Tennessee, near the year 1821, respectively. The parents were married in Saline County, about 1838, and immediately afterward settled in Dallas County, which was then nothing but a wilderness, they being among its earliest settlers. The father cleared land and opened up a good farm, upon which he made his home until within a few years past, then moving to Quachita County, and settling at Lester, where he is engaged in business. He was a soldier in some of the early Indian wars, and helped remove them to the West. He is a man of strict integrity, irreproachable character, and well know for his energy. His estimable wife died in 1873, a believer in the Methodist faith from childhood, and the only one of her family who ever came to Arkansas. She was of Scotch origin, while the father was of Irish descent, his father, Hon. John L. Lafferty, being a native of Ireland, who came to this county when a young man, and was a well-known navigator. He first came to Arkansas and settled near the present site of Batesville, when this State was yet comprised in the Louisiana Territory, and was here married and resided for a few years. He then changed his location to Van Buren County, where he farmed for the remainder of his days. During his life he became one of the most prominent men in public life and a highly esteemed citizen of that section, and in 1836 was a member of the State Constitutional convention from Van Buren County, afterward representing that county in the legislature for three terms. He was also elected County and probate judge for a number of years besides holding a number of high public offices. Although quite old when the Civil War commenced, the first of battle burned fiercely in his breast, and he was one of the first to join the confederate ranks. His death occurred about the closing period of the war. Vaughn D. Lafferty, the principal of this sketch was the sixth of three sons and five daughters, born to his parents, and was reared on a farm in the backwoods. He was educated at home by his father, and under his instructions obtained a good knowledge of the English branches. He afterward taught school himself for a short time, and when twenty-four years of age, commenced the study of medicine, under his elder brother, Dr. John M., a graduate from the medical department of tbe University of Kentucky, at Louisville. Dr. Vaughn also graduated in 1881 from the medical department of the University of Arkansas. He immediately commenced practicing his profession in Saline County, where he has resided since, and become one of the most successful physicians and surgeons in that section. In politics the Doctor is a stanch Democrat, and in 1888, was elected by his party as representative of Saline County, in the State legislature. He is a member of Bryant Lodge No. 441, A. F. & A. M., and is the present junior warden of his lodge, besides having represented them twice at the Grand Lodge. In religious faith he has been a member of the Methodist persuasion since 1880, and is a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises, as well as being one of the foremost spirits in pushing the interests, and developing his county. As a physician he ranks among the leaders, and has performed some marvelous cures, and as a citizen enjoys the confidence of the entire community.