McGAUGHEY, John - 1908 - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Indianapolis, Ind May 19 – Because he had been accused of being connected with the graft charges made in connection with the purchase of some supplies for Marion County, ex County Commissioner John McGaughey shot and killed himself at his home in Indianapolis at 6 o’clock this morning.  Mr. McGaughey had risen from bed and dressed and then laid down on the couch.  He then placed the revolver to his head and pulled the trigger.  For many weeks Mr. McGaughey had been worrying constantly over the graft charges and what he termed an “unjust attitude” on the part of the public and Indianapolis newspapers.  Mr. McGaughey was one of the highly respected citizens of Indianapolis and he could not endure the suspicion of graft that was pointed toward him.  Mr. McGaughey’s son, Carl McGaughey who is employed by the county health officer, was a former well known Butler College athlete.  He was captain of the football, baseball and basketball teams during his college course, playing four years on each team.  McGaughey’s term as commissioner expired Jan 1, 1907. The only instance in which his name had been connected with the growing scandal in the commissioner’s  office is that of the Atlas Engine Works deal.  In this the AEW is charged with paying a bribe of $3,800 to the commissioners.  Emmett Huggins, former baliff in his confession told that he gave Thomas Spafford, commissioner $500 of the $3800 to be given by Spafford to McGaughey.  McGaughey denied receiving such a sum or knowing anything about it and Spafford denies having received the money to give McGaughey. – kbz