by Clyde Parker

November 6, 1915

An unusually high honor was given our townsman, Brigadier General C.C. Vaughan at the recent annual convention of the National Guard Association held in San Francisco. General Vaughan, who was fifth vice president, moved up to second vice president, and was selected to serve on the seven-man executive committee. He is the first southern man to serve in that capacity. The Executive Committee is responsible for framing national legislation of the National Guard Association.

General Vaughan is Commandant of the Virginia State Militia

A spokesman for the National Guard Association said of General Vaughan, “No other commander of state troops is more actively interested in the welfare of volunteer soldiers. He works hard at increasing the efficiency of National Guard units under his command.” A Tidewater News editorial commentary stated, “It is gratifying that his good work has received such signal recognition from the National Guard Association.”

Accompanying General Vaughan on the trip out-west was his adjutant, Major C.L. Wright of Norfolk. They returned to Virginia by way of El Paso, Texas where, for two days, they observed conditions along the Mexican border. Unrest, brought on by the splintering of Venustiano Carranza’s Constitutional Army, which has been recognized by the United States, is of high concern to the American military. Rebels under the leadership of Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata are in opposition to Carranza’s provisional government. Skirmishes at and near the border are prevalent.

General Vaughan’s connection with the Virginia Militia dates back to 1892 when he joined old Company “I” of this town, rising through the ranks to the captaincy of the Company, a position he held while actively involved in the Spanish-American War and until the muster-out of the troops in April 1899.

Upon reorganization of the old Fourth Virginia Regiment after the War, the Franklin Company was first to be reestablished.

Vaughan was its captain. At the formation of the 71st Infantry Regiment, in February of 1906, he was elevated to the position of lieutenant colonel, and was unanimously chosen to succeed the late Colonel A. M. Higgins. Just one year later, upon unanimous endorsement from the officers of the three Virginia regiments, Vaughan was appointed to the rank of Brigadier General, by Governor Swanson, and was placed in command of the Virginia Militia.

Rawls’ Maxwell offered with deferred payment

Acting on the sound principle that automobiles can and will eventually be generally sold on the same basis as pianos, real estate and other commodities of value, Sol W. Rawls, local Maxwell representative, recently announced a time-payment plan. Prospective motorists of this town and vicinity can secure Maxwell cars without any appreciable encroachment on their financial resources and investments.

“Pay as you ride” is the concise way in which Mr. Rawls summarizes the details of the plan.

“Modern conditions often demand that a man make use of his entire capital in his business or in his professional equipment,” declares Mr. Rawls. “Often, even the relatively small amount needed to pay the cash-down price of a Maxwell automobile is large enough to keep him from taking his money from the channels in which it is at work.”

“The automobile business must recognize this condition. I have worked out a plan which I am putting into effect here for the benefit of my customers who are so situated.”

Mr. Rawls further stated, “This plan enables the man of average means to buy a car and enjoy it while he is paying for it, and enables him, as well, to pay for it out of his regular income. This plan I am putting at work today. It will be eligible in the case of every car I can secure from the Detroit factory, and my schedule calls for more Maxwell cars than have ever been delivered here in any cold-weather month. At present I can make immediate delivery under this ‘pay-as-you-like’ Plan.”

The plan will be explained frankly and without reserve to everyone who will call at Rawls’ Garage on Fourth Avenue, or who will give Mr. Rawls an opportunity to explain it at their homes.

Knight Screen Mfg. Co. is formed

J.R. Knight, president and general manager of Knight Buggy Co., is building a 40 by 80-foot addition to his East Second Avenue buggy factory for use by the newly formed Knight Screen Manufacturing Co. It will be a separate and independent business.

The new company will manufacture screen doors and windows.

Mr. Knight is one of Franklin’s most energetic and successful businessmen. His buggy manufacturing business was started here in 1903.

“With the greatly increasing demand for screen doors and windows, everywhere, the success of this new industry should be assured. The lumber used in the manufacture of the products will be obtained from Camp Manufacturing Co. while the wire will come from the great steel mills in Pennsylvania.

The best field for marketing the products extends along the entire Atlantic coast.

CLYDE PARKER is a retired human resources manager for the former Franklin Equipment Co. and a member of the Southampton County Historical Society. His email address is magnolia101@charter.net