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.
