Fred Dougan
July 12, 1897-April 1, 1912

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, April 1, 1912, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FRED DOUGAN, AGED 14 SHOT TO DEATH SUNDAY WHILE HUNTING DUCKS

His gun accidentally discharged while climbing over fence

BROUGHT HOME TO DIE

Injured boy didn't want his grandmother to know of accident

 

A tragedy in which the young life of Fred Dougan, only son of Mrs. Pearl Dougan, was sacrificed occurred Sunday afternoon abut 2:30 o'clock in the woods on Ed. Neib's farm three miles north of Niles.

Fred, in company with Oliver Geishirt, was engaged in hunting ducks when the accident occurred, the shot from Fred's own gun causing his death.

The boy was climbing a fence and Mr. Geishirt was behind him, when suddenly Fred's gun discharged and Mr. Geishirt saw him fall limply across the fence.

Geishirt rushed to his side and in response to his inquiry if he ws hurt the boy replied: "Yes, but not bad; send for Dr. Giddings but don't tell grandma."

Geishirt laid him on the ground and hastened to the Neib home and a message was sent to Dr. Giddings.  Messrs. Neib and Geishirt then carried the boy to the Neib home.

The injured boy gradually lapsed into unconsciousness from loss of blood and the terrible suffering.

When Dr. Giddings reached the Neib home he made the boy as comfortable as possible and placing him upon a cot he was driven the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T.F. Dougan, with whom he has always made his home. Mr. and Mrs. Dougan were taken to the Neib home but their grandson never recognized them.

The shot had entered the right side of the breast bone and following a rib in an outward direction tore a piece from the rib and tore a hole in the chest cavity. A portion of the shot entered the chest causing the hemorrhages which resulted in the boy's death.

Dr. Giddings assisted by Dr. Waterson and Miss Harrison, a trained nurse operated upon the child at his grandparents' home and together they made a heroic effort to save his life. Hwever he passed aaway at the hour stated.

Mrs. Dougan, the boy's mother, was in Chicago and a telegram was sent her during the afternoon. At 7 o'clock last evenning the family got in communication with her by long distance phone.  She had not received the telegram then and when told of the accident she collapsed and someone else was obliged to talk for her.

Mrs. Dougan arrived home at 1:30 this morning but was not recognized by her son.

Fred was 14 years of age last July. He was born in Niles.  He attended the eighth grade at the central school.  His death has cast a gloom over the neighborhood and among school friends with whom he was very popular.

Besides his mother one sister, Blanche Dougan survives him.

The funeral arrangements have not been made, word concerning the arrival of relatives being awaited.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 1, 1912, page 1, col. 6-7, microfilm Niles District Library

MISHAP CAUSES DEATH OF YOUTH

Fred Dougan Had a Natural Fondess for Hunting

GUNSHOT WOUND PENETRATED RIGHT LUNG

Born in Niles Four Days After Death of Father--

Mother Arrived from Chicago Half an Hour Before the End.

 

Sorrow and tears have come into the happy and loving home of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Dougan of 802 Brown avenue, this city. Indeed, there is great sorrow in the death of their beloved grand-son, Fed Dougan, aged 14years. The young man was born at home of his grand-parents, four day after the death of his father, Fred Dougan, Sr.

DISTRESSING ACCIDENT

Fred Dougan went duck hunting yesterday morning in company with Oliver Geishirt, for an all-day's trip along the St. Joseph river.  They had to boat. On the return trip home, when some distance below what is familiarly known as "Neibs's Flats," about four miles down the river, both Fred and Mr. Geishirt climbed over a fence at the sane time. Geishirt landing in a snowbank and just at that moment the gun of Fred Dougan was discharged in some unknown manner, the charge penetrating his right lung. It is supposed that the hammer of gun struck the fence, or it might have possibly been accidentally kicked as the unfortunate young man landed on the ground.

Dr. Giddings, called by telephone, arrived on the scene shortly afterward, and a little later the injured boy, who had become unconscious, was conveyed on a cot to the home of his grand-parents. Dr. Waterson then joined Dr. Giddings.

The charge entered the region of the second and third ribs and followed the ribs around, most of the shot being removed from the right axilla. Parts of clothing were driven into the huge wound.

Mrs. Pearl Dougan, mother of Fred Dougan, whose home is in Chicago, was notified of the accident by wire.and she arrived in Niles at 1:30 o'clock this morning, or just 30 minutes before her son died. The physicians put forth strenuous effots to keep their patient alive until the mother had reached here. He was unconscious.

LOVABLE BOY

Fred Dougan was in the eighth grade at the Central school builidng. He was a handsome boy and by his lovable ways, won an extended circle of friends. Only the memory of the boy is left, yet how sweet, how uplifting.  For, after all, death is but the slipping off of the outer body. When death strikes down the innocent and young, for every fragile form from which he lets the panting spirit free, a hundred virtues rise, in shapes of mercy, charity, and love, to walk the world and bless it. Of every tear that sorrowing mortals shed, some good is born, some gentler nature comes.

LOVED OUTDOOR SPORTS.

Fred Dougan had a natural love for all outdoor sports. He was fond of hunting, of fishing, of baseball--all honest sport that called for skill or strength. He loved nature, and it was his chief delight and recreation to get close to nature's heart, in camp, on pleasure jaunt or hunting trip.

FUNERAL WILL BE PATHETIC

The mother and sister, Miss Blanch Dougan, and the grand-parents, are nearest kin remaining. Funeral services will be held from the house, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev.Geo. Huntington of Trinity church, of which deceased was a member, officiating.

Fred Dougan's funeral will be pathetic beyond expression, for not one, as the last good-byes shall be said, but will feel that a loss had been sustained, for which there is no compensation.

May time bring its resignation, and may the shores of eternity that receive his soul, surround it with everlasting sunshine and flowers. The sympathy of this entire community is extended to the mother, sister and grand-parents.

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, April 3, 1912, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral of Fred Dougan, the boy who was shot while hunting Sunday was held this afternoon from the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Dougan.  Rev. Geo. Huntington conducted the services, many friends and relatives attending. Young school friends acted as bearers. The floral tributes were beautiful. The eighth grade at the Central school attended in a body. Interment was at Silver Brook.

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, April 4, 1912, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

FRED DOUGAN FUNERAL

Many Relatives and Friends attended last Sad Rites

 

The honorary pall bearers at the funeral of Fred Dougan, the boy who was fatally shot Sunday by the accidental discharge of his own gun, were Oliver Geishert and Carl Kaiser.

The active pall bearers were young friends of the unfortunate lad, viz; Urban Bisaillon, Guy Gimlin, Paul Fisher, John Babbitt, Wm. Eisner, Walter Forbes.

Relatives and friends from out of the city who attended the funeral were:

Ellwood Brown, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dougan, Gary, Ind., Azur Hammel, Hartford, Mich.; Mrs. R.E. Lemon, Alexandria, Ind., Mrs. Earl Coverston, Indianapolis; Mrs. Jno. Conrad, Buchanan; Mrs. Abbie, Berrien Springs; Mrs. Rose Barnum, Chicago; G.F. Powell and son Raymond, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. A. Reichle, Benton Harbor.

 

 

 

Richard S. Dougan
Aug. 30, 1874-Jan. 16, 1935

Berrien Springs Journal Era, Thursday, January 17, 1935, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

RICHARD DOUGAN DEAD AT HINES HOSPITAL

 

Word was received here today telling of the death last night of Richard Dougan well known Berrien Springs man which occurred at Hines Hospital at Maywood, Ill.

Mr. Dougan, captain in the world war, went to the government hospital several months ago for treatment for a spleen ailment but medical aid was without avail.

Mr. Dougan was a native of Niles but had lived in Berrien Springs for the past 15 years. He is survived by his widow and two sons, Darwin and Fred of Benton Harbor, and a brother, George of Berrien Springs.

Berrien Springs Journal Era, Thursday, January 24, 1935, page 5, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

MANY ATTEND RITES FOR RICHARD S. DOUGAN

 

A large number of friends gathered at the Legion Home in Berrien Springs Saturday afternoon to attend the services held for Richard S. Dougan, member of a prominent pioneer family of Niles, whose death occurred at Hines Hospital, Maywood, Ill., the previous Thursday.

The services here was conducted by Rev. George Horst, St. Joseph Congregational minister, Miss Tuttle of his church singing two numbers.

The Berrien Springs American Legion attended in a body and were in charge of the ritualistic service at the grave in Silverbrook cemetery, Niles where burial was made. Pall bearers were Roy Rowe, R.H. Weine, J.D. Boone, G.O. McOmber, J. S. Betchek of Berrien Springs, and Jesse Velie of Buchanan.

Mr. Dougan was born in Niles 60 years ago and spent most of his life in that city. Some 15 years ago he came with his family to Berrien Springs to reside. He served during the war as munitions inspector. He was a member fo the Knights Templar and other Masonic bodies of Niles and had a host of friends in that city as well as in Berrien Springs and throughout the county.

The deceased leaves his widow, Mrs. Hallie Dougan, and two sons, Darwin C. and Frederick B. Dougan of St. Joseph; also one brother, George Dougan of Berrien Springs, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred Fox and Mrs. Olive Blackmond of Dowagiac.

Note: Date of Birth from Michigan Births, 1867-1902 and Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947 @FamilySearch.org

George W. Dougan
Aug. 15, 1841-Feb. 8, 1898

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 9, 1898, page 4, col. 2, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, February 8, 1898, microfilm Niles District Library

HIS LIFE ENDED

Death of Ex-Mayor George W. Dougan Took Place Today

IDENTIFIED WITH THE CITY

Since an Early Period in its History--A Man Successful in Business and of Irreproachable Character

 

From Tuesday's Star.

 

Universal and heartfelt sorrow was realized in Niles today, when the news was carried throughout the community that Ex-Mayor Geo. W. Dougan had heeded the final call, against which skillful treatment and the tears of dear ones were alike inadequate and unavailing. Mr. Dougan had been unwell for an extended period and some few months ago he went to Eureka Springs, Ark., in cheerful hope of replenishng his failing strength, but the effort proved fruitless and he returned home in an even feebler condietion. From that time on he grew steadily worse until today at 12:05, when he died of chronic abscess of kidney.

SKETCH OF HIS LIFE

Mr. Dougan was born here Aug. 15, 1941, and would have attained his 57th birthday next August. His early years were spent under the parental roof and he attended the common schools of Niles.  At a tender age he entered the mercantile establishment of C.F. Bentley with whom he remained, occupying a clerical position for eight years. In 1873, in partnership with the late A.J. Fox, he embarked in the dry goods business under the firm name of Fox & Dougan, continuing in that connection for five years. Afterward the stock was divided between the members of the firm and Mr. Dougan actively conducted the business up to about two years ago. Under his able management the business prospered. He was a man of affairs and of irreproachable character. Mr. Dougan's partner was the late Capt. J.B. Quimby of the United States army, whose family retains his interest in the firm.

HELD VARIOUS OFFICES.

Mr. Dougan, while he never sought political preferment, has time and again been honored by the community. He served two terms as alderman of the second ward and served as treasurer of the school board for three years. He had been mayor of the city for one term. He had also been appointed Indian trader for the Black Hawk Indians, with headquarters in the northwestern part of Montana, at the Indian agency known as the Black Feet agency, north of the Sun river, but resigned that positon on account of Indian trouble.

HIS MARRIED LIFE

Mr. Dougan was married Dec. 5, 1879, to Anna M. Smith of Richmond, Ind., the daughter of Hon. J. P. Smith, a prominent business man of that city. To them were born two daughters and two sons--the Misses May and Ardell, Richard S. and Geo. W. Jr., all of whom survive the parent.

In the death of Geo. W. Dougan the life of a man of many friends is ended.

HIS CHARACTERISTICS

Mr. Dougan was a man wholly unostentatious[sic] in all the affairs of life. His views were broad and to others, with whom he was unable to agree politically or otherwise he proffered the utmost respect.  He wa an unwavering democrat. His rare business capability and sterling worth of character was fully recognized and in municipal affairs he was honored with high office.

PROMINENT IN MASONRY

Socially Mr. Dougan was a 32d degree Mason and was connected with St. Joseph Valley lodge No., 4; St. Joseph Chapter, No. 2; St. Joseph Valley Council, No. 19; Niles Commandery, No. 12; Dewitt Clinton Consistory; Saladin Temple, Mystic Shrine. The funeral will be in charge of and conducted with the gorgeousness of the Masonic regalia apron, which is so grandly and appropriately impressive on such silent, sad occasions.

POPULAR WITH EVERYONE

Mr. Dougan was of Irish extraction and a true born genial gentleman, possessing a marked degree the winning urbanity of manner native to the well-bred man.

His friends were many and his affable manners had much to do with crowning his business ventures with unqualified success. In the death of Geo. Dougan Niles loses one of her most substantial citizens and a thoroughly self-man man, such as any city might claim with pride. When the remains of our late esteemed citizen are lowered into the grave, his name will still remain verdant in the memories of our people and his tomb will ever be guarded by the love of his near and dear ones with whom he was loath to part.

The funeral will occur from the house Thursday at 3 p.m.

 

 

 

George Dougan
June 6, 1813-March 3, 1891

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, March 3, 1891, page 3, col. 3, and reprinted in Niles Mirror, Wednesday, March 11, 1891, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Geo. Dougan, one of the oldest settlers in Niles, died at the home of his son, Geo. W. Dougan, this morning at 10:40 o'clock, of heart trouble, aged 78 years the 6th day of Next June.

Mr. Dougan came to this city in 1835, and consequently had been a resident here for 56 years. He was always industrious, a good citizen, and done much for Niles. He leaves two sons, Geo. W. and Thos. Dougan, of this city, and two daughters, Mrs. Charles Smart, of Jackson, and Mrs. Charles A. Smith, of Chicago. The funeral will probably occur Thursday afternoon.

Niles Republican, Thursday, March 5, 1891, page 5 col 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of George Dougan

 

Another of our old residents joined the silent majority Tuesday morning.  George Dougan died about eleven o'clock at the residence of his son, ex-Mayor George W. Dougan, on Main street, aged 78 years. Mr Dougan was born near Belfast, Ireland, in  1813. He came to this country with his wife in the year in 1834, and settled in Pittsburg. In 1835--fifty-six years ago--he came to  Niles, and ever since that time made this place his home. Here he lived the life of a quiet, industrious unobtrusive, good citizen, and reared a family each member of which  has done well. He leaves four grown children, two daughters, Mrs. Charles Smart, of Jackson and Mrs. Charles A. Smith, of Chicago, and two sons, Thomas F. and George W., both of this city. Mr. Dougan went to California in 1852 when gold hunting was at fever heat, but he never lost his residence here where he has resided since the infancy of the place. Mr. Dougan was a carpenter and builder, and followed this avocation until old age and failing health compelled him to give up the active pursuits of life.

 

Pearl Dougan
Feb. 21, 1868-April 20, 1958

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, April 22, 1958, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

 

Mrs. Pearl Dougan, 90, former Niles resident who had been living with her daughter, Mrs. Blanche Byrd, at 133 Pfeiffer Street, Akron, Ohio, died at 10 p.m. Sunday in Akron City Hospital after a four-month illness.

She was born Feb. 21, 1868 at Watervliet and was a member of {illegible]. Her husband Fred Dougan died July 7, 1897.

Survivors include her daughter; a niece, Mrs. J. Earl Matthews of Niles; four step grandchildren and six step-greatgrandchildren.

Friends may call beginning Wednesday night at the Kiger-Halbritter Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Episcopal Church by the rector, the Rev. John G. Carlton. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Note: Fred Dougan m. Pearl Brown at Benton Harbor, Mich. 20 May 1885.

 

Elizabeth (Farr) Dougan
July 16, 1812-Jan. 12, 1887

Niles Republican, Thursday, January 13, 1887, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

OBITUARY

 

At 1 1/2 o'clock P.M., Wednesday,Jan. 12, 1887, passed away the soul of one who has long been known to our city, Mrs. Elizabeth Dougan, beloved and honored wife of George Dougan. She has long been failing in mind and body, and now passed into the presence of the Lord she loved and the Master she obeyed. Her death came to her at the residence of her son, Thomas F. Dougan. Her last moments were unconscious and her release painless.

Elizabeth Farr was born in County Tyrone, Stewartstown, Ireland, July 16, 1812.

County Tyrone was settled by Scotch covenanters, English, Protestant and French Hugenots, and amid such associations and under such teachings she grew to womanhood, ever carrying about her the impress of her early associations. Her parentage was of English and Schotch extraction, her father being a Captain in the British army.

She was married to George Dougan in County Tyrone, Dyan, by Rev. John Collins, a Presbyterian clergyman, Jan. 23, 1834. She followed her husband to America in 1835, going first to Pittsburg, coming to Niles in 1837.  This has been her home ever since. The celebration of their wedding anniversary, fifty years after, took place at the house of their son, Geo  W. Dougan, Jan. 23, 1884. Their children, one from Chicago, one from Jackson and two in this place, all gathered around her dying bed, to pay the last tokens of filial love to one who always, by her life and example, proved herself a true and consistent Christian wife and mother.

Their loss indeed is great, but our minds cannot comprehend the gain to her. The loss extends beyond the family and their numerous connections. The church of which she was a member almost half a century, loses a bright example of consistent living. Even when her mind became clouded, she never forgot the house of God, and when the bell called for worshipers, though her mind often could not realize the day, she was desirous to go the wait on the Lord in His house.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

The funeral will take place from the residence of her son, George W. Dougan, tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 15, 1887, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

 

At half past 1 o'clock p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1887, passed away the soul of one who has long been known to our city.

Mrs. Elizabeth Dougan, beloved and honored wife of George Dougan. She has long been failing in mind and body, and has now passed into the presence of the Lord she loved and the Master she obeyed. Her death came to her at the residence of her son, Thomas F. Dougan. Her last moments were unconscious and her release painless.

Elizabeth Farr was born in County Tyrone, Stewartstown, Ireland, July 16, 1812. Co. Tyrone was settled by Scotch Covenanters, English, Protestants and French Hugenots, and amid such associations, and under such teachings, she grew to womanhood, ever carrying about her the impress of her early associations. Her parentage was of English and Scotch extraction, her father being a Captain in the British army.

She was married to George Dougan in Co. Tyrone, Dyan, by Rev. John Collins, a Presbyterian clergyman, Jan. 23, 1834. She followed her husband to America in 1835 going first to Pittsburg, coming to Niles in 1837 and this has been her home ever since.

The celebration of their wedding anniversary, fifty years after, took place at the house of their son, Geo  W. Dougan, Jan. 23, 1884.

Their children, one from Chicago, one from Jackson and two in this place, all gathered round her dying bed, to pay the last tokens of filial love to one who always, by her life and example, proved herself a true and consistent christian wife and mother.

Their loss indeed is great, but our minds cannot comprehend the gain to her. The loss extends beyond the family and their numerous connections. The church of which she was a member almost half a century, loses a bright example of consistent christian living. Even when her mind became clouded, she never forgot the house of God, and when the bell called for worshipers, though her mind often could not realize the day, she was desirous to go the wait on the Lord in His house.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."