Dr. William T. Dougan
April 13, 1840-March 11, 1913
Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, March 11, 1913, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
DR. W.T. DOUGAN PASSED AWAY AT MIDNIGHT
Respected Citizen beloved for his kindly humor, keen wit and generous spirit
HE WAS BORN IN NILES
Had been mayor of the city and was especially noted for his Masonic activities
Death came to Dr. William T. Dougan not unexpectedly shortly after midnight at the family residence on Fourth street.
The departure of this prominent and highly respected citizen had been expected at almost any moment since last week when he suffered a relapse just after the departure from the city of his two brothers, Dr. David Dougan and George Dougan of Richmond, Ind., with whom the deceased had a most enjoyable visit last week, during which he seemed to be in better spirits and health than at any time during the winter.
The deceased was one of the foremost citizens of Niles and was held in universal respect by all and was beloved by many to whom as counsellor and physician he had endeared himself.
He had earned a reputation for his generous ministration in the families of those who were needy and distressed and it is said that in such worthy cases, if his services were not rendered free, the charges were merely nominal, so tht his charity was constatnt and practical.
Dr. Dougan was a Democrat in politics and a strong but an honorable partisan. He served the city as Mayor many years ago.
Fraternally he was identified with the Masons and had been active in all the local bodies from the blue lodge to the commandery, having served as Master of St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, F.&A.M., also as High Priest of St. Joseph Valley Chapter No. 2, R.A.M. He was Thrice Illustriaous Master of Niles Council NO. 19, R. & S.M. and also Eminent Commander of Niles Commandery No. 12, Knight's Templar.
He had also served in subordinate offices in the various bodies and was prelate of the Commandery at the time of his death. He was a devoted Mason and was one of the most loyal members and he rarely if ever missed a meeting of the various bodies during the time of his official connection with them.
It is quite fitting therefore that the final services of this departed brother should be attended with all the Masonic honors the living can bestow upon the dead and the burial service will be in charge of St. Joseph Valley Lodge NO. 4, F.& A.M. and Niles Commandery No. 12 will act as honorary escort.
The funeral services will be held from the residence Friday at 3 p.m.
A Personal Tribute
The following tribute to the deceased is from one who as friend and neighbor knew his virtues and fine qualities of heart and mind:
Dr. William T. Dougan was born 74 years ago in Niles, Michigan. At an early age his family moved to Richmond, Ind. He was one of six brothers and two sisters, all of whom survive him, with the exception of his youngest sister, Mrs. Bogue. He was valadictorian[sic] of his class when he graduated from Oxford College, Ohio.
Though he was a machinist, and quite inventive, by the time he had reached man's estate he had chosen medicine as his profession. Later he finished his course at Rush Medical College and returned to this, the place of his nativity, to practcie[sic]. He soon married Mary Bonine, daughter of James E. Bonine, also of Niles.
No children came to this couple but his love for children, where ever he found them, was proverbial.
His kindly and unselfish ministrations endeared him to the community, individually and collectively: his sympathies as well as his sense of humor were particularly keen.
During the last few years he discontinued his medical work, but was still clung to by a few who could not forego the privilege of coming to him for aid and comfort. His neighbors who knew and therefor loved him, will miss his cheery smile and witty sallies.
He was an ardent supporter of whatever claimed his attention and his attitude on all questions, political and economic, was one of high moral pulchitrude.
He was a strong partisan of what to him seemed right.
A devoted husband, a fine man has gone from us, but the remembrance of him will ever be ours.
One of his chief characteristics was an innate modesty and the knowledge of this fact make the writer falter, and feel that courtesy to his wishes should temper these remarks, tho' the temptation to tell these simple truths is almost overwhelming.
As the visits to his home are remembered, his hospitality, his youthful feelings, his love and charity, for his fellow-men, there comes to one a thought of gratitude for the blessings we have enjoyed by his sojourn among us--for he was our friend, our brother, our beloved physician.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, March 11, 1913, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
A PIONEER PHYSICIAN IS CALLED.
Had Suffered from Complication of Diseases for Years
HELD MANY OFFICES
Dr. Wm. T. Dougan Was Ever Charitable and Ready to Help--Served as Mayor--Funeral Friday at the House.
Dr. William T. Dougan, highly respected citizen and one of the pioneer physicians of Niles, died at about 12:30 o'clock last night at the home, 202 north Fourth street.
The Dr. had been seriously ill for some time with kidney and heart trouble. He was well known throughout the city and county, having been engaged in the practice of medicine in Niles for many years. He started in the office of Dr. E.J. Bonine over 50 years ago, and graduated in medicine from Rush Medical college, Chicago, and Oxford Medical college at Oxford, Ohio.
The parents were Mr.and Mrs. Wm. Dougan and after leaving Niles they resided at Richmond, Ind. The Dr. was born in Niles 74 years ago. He married Miss Mary Bonine in 1873. No children were born unto them. Dr. Dougan was an active worker in Masonry and he had filled nearly all the chairs and belonged to St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4 of which he has been past master; also, St. Joe Valley Chapter No. 2, R.A.M., having been high priest, and Niles Commandery No. 12, being past eminent commander, and was thrice illustrious master of Niles Council, being very active in Masonic circles.
Mr. Dougan served acceptably one term as mayor and was ever a staunch Democrat. He was charitably inclined and gave liberally to the poor. In fact, his purse strings were always loosened for any worthy cause, and it is doubtful if there ever was a man of whom kindness was a more prominent characteristic.
At Oxford College, Mr. Dougan was valedictorian of his class. He was a mechinist[sic] and quite inventive by the time he had reached man's estate. His kindly and unselfish ministrations endeared him to the community, individually and collectivley; his sympathies as well as his sense of humor were particularly keen. His neighbors loved him and they will miss his cheery smile and witty sallies. A devoted husband, a fine man has gone from us, but the remembrance of him will ever be ours. He was a true friend, a brother.
Dr. Dougan is survived by the wife, also four brothers--Isaac, George, David and John, residents of Richmond, Ind., and a half-brother, Daniel Reed of New York City.
Funeral services will be held at the house, Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. Yonker will officiate. The escort will be Niles Commandery No. 12. At Silver Brook cemetery, where interment will take place, St. Joseph Valley Lodge No., 4 will have charge.