VAUGHN, Mary – Died 1899

VAUGHN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/1/2020 at 13:17:34

Source: Decorah Republican July 20, 1899 P 8 C 1, 2

Kissed by a Deadly Bug.
Last Friday's Waterloo Reporter says: The “kissing bug” has made an appearance in this vicinity, Miss Mary Vaughn, of Cedar Falls, having died yesterday as the result of its poisonous caress. The fatal sting received by Miss Vaughn occurred only last Friday evening, just a week ago to-night. The patient had no knowlege of the bite until the lip began to swell and pain her. The swollen condition rapidly became worse and applications of blistering remedies and cosmetics were promptly made. Those reduced the puffed condition, but unfortunately they obliterated all trace of the cause of the poisoning and the exact nature of the insect’s working could not be ascertained. The family did not regard the condition dangerous until Monday and that evening they called a physician, but by that time the girl's system had assimilated the poison and he entertained little hope of success in his efforts to counteract the harm done by the long delay. An ill conditioned system aided the ravages of the poison.