John William Vaughan was the captain of Co. F, 13th Regiment Arkansas Militia. The regiment was called into service briefly from February 24 to March 9, 1862, for annual inspection and drill, but otherwise saw no service during the Civil War.

The 13th Militia was the militia regiment of Pulaski County (including that portion later annexed to Lonoke County). Captain Vaughan is listed in the 1860 census of Gray Township, Pulaski County, with wife Elizabeth A., and children Sarah F. and William H.