Walter A. Dougan
July 26, 1910-April 23, 1982

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 26, 1982, page 2, col. 7-8, microfilm Niles District Library

Walter A. Dougan, 71, a former Niles resident living in Chicago, died Friday in a convalescent home in Chicago.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; four daughters, Judity Amico of South Bend, Susan Skoff, Bonnie Snarsky, and Tina Dougan; two sons, Walter T., and Daniel, both of Chicago; 18 grandchildren; one brother Roy, and a sister, Laura. A daughter, Alice Irene, is deceased.

Graveside services for Walter A. Dougan will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Silverbrook Cemetery. Tohley Funeral Home in Chicago is in charge of arrangements.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, April 27, 1982, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

The time of services for Walter A. Dougan, 71, who died Friday, were incorrectly listed as 1:30 p.m. today. They will be at 2:30 p.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Note: DOB from Social Security Death Index

Sarah Dougan
Aug. 31,1843-Jan. 22, 1931

Niles Daily Star, Friday, January 23, 1931, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. SARAH DOUGAN, DAUGHTER OF NILES' FIRST BUILDER, DIES
Passes Away at Age 88 Years age; Several Months of Illness

Death removed a pioneer resident of Niles on Thursday afternoon when Mrs. Sarah Dougan, 88, widow of Thomas Dougan, died in Pawating hospital, where after several months of illness she was taken a few days ago. The body is now at the Troost and Augustine funeral parlors, and according to present plans the funeral services will be held there on next Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, the time for the services having been delayed to permit Arthur Dougan who resides in Needles, Calif., to reach Niles.

Mrs. Dougan was born in Niles on Aug. 31, 1843, to Jacob K. and Sara Jane Brown. She was one of 10 children of the family of whom two sisters survive her. Her father was born in Indiana. He came to Niles in 1831 and learned the carpenter and builder trade with Thoms Deniston. Many of the oldest buildings still standing in Niles were built by Mr. Brown, houses, stores and mills having been erected by him. In the late 40's he built for his own family home and from a choice of numerous sites, the which is now occupied by the Berger Stockfleth family and located on Brown avenue and almost opposite the home of Mrs. Dougan for many years. When the Blackhawk war broke out Mr. Brown enlisted under Captain Benjamn Finch with 75 other man waited in Niles for General Williams to arrive from Detroit and then marched with him and men he brought with him to Chicago, where they were left in the old fort until the regular army men arrived. They were then sent home, by way of the lake from Chicago to St. Joseph on the old Napoleon, and they marched from St. Joseph to Niles, where they were paid off and a few years later received a deed to 160 acres of land. In 1838 Mr. Brown was elected to one of the trustees of the villlage of Niles.

Mrs. Dougan was throughout her life time deeply interested in the development of Niles and when the centennial of the founding of Niles was celebrated a years ago she contributed  numerous articles for her own home from display which were associated with the early days fo Niles.

Mrs. Dougan is survived by one son, Arthur Dougan, of Needles, Calif., two sisters, Mrs. Frank Claverign of Chicago and Mrs. Emma Mahoney of Niles, and the following grandchildren, Miss Blanche Dougan, of Gary, Ind., daughter of Fred Dougan, deceased, Mrs. Earl Mathews, Walter and Roy Dougan, of Niles, children of Walter Dougan, deceased.

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, January 24, 1931, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL MRS. DOUGAN

The funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Dougan, widow of Thomas Dougan, will be conducted by the Rev. L. Ferguson, rector of St. James Episcopal church of South Bend. Pending the arrival of Mrs. Dougan's son, Arthur from Needles, Calif., the time for the services is now set for next Thursday afternoon.

Anna Dougan
Oct. 24, 1846-Nov. 17, 1930

Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 17, 1930, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. ANNA DOUGAN, 84, WIDOW OF A PIONEER MERCHANT, IS STRICKEN

Mrs. Anna Dougan, 84, widow of George W. Dougan, a pioneer merchant of Niles, died this morning at 9:30 in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ollie Blackmond, in Dowagiac. Mrs. Dougan was taken to Mrs. Blackmond's home from her home in Berrien Springs two weeks ago after she had been ill for several weeks.

Mrs. Dougan was born in Richmond, Ind., on Oct. 24, 1846, a daughter of Mr.and Mrs. J.P. Smith. Immediately following her marriage to Mr. Dougan of Niles, in 1872, she came to Niles and until 13 years ago had continued to live here. For most of the years she lived in Niles the family home was at Seventh and Main streets. Thirteen years ago she moved to Berrien Springs and had since made her home there. Until within the last few weeks Mrs. Dougan had practically never been ill and had led a vigorous and active life. She delighted in horse back riding and after reaching her eightieth birthday anniversary had on numerous occasions appeared riding a horse. She was particularly interested in the collection of antique articles and as her quests took her in numerous places she had become widely known in Berrien county. Mr. Dougan died in 1898, and the drygoods business whch he had established was carried on for a nunber of years by Charles Quimby.

Mrs. Dougan is survived by two sons and two daughters who are Richard and George Dougan, of Berrien Springs, Mrs. Fred Fox and Mrs. Ollie Blackmond, of Dowagiac. Two sisters, Miss Margaret Smith, of Niles, and Mrs. L.C. Orr, of Atchinson, Kans. Miss Alice and Chrles Quimby of Niles are niece and nephew of the deceased.

The funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in Berrien Springs. Burial will be made in Silver Brook ceemtery[sic] in Niles

Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 21, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL MRS ANNE DOUGAN

Relatives and friends from Niles, Dowagaic and other places were in Berrien Springs Thursday afternoon to attend the funeral services for Mrs. Anna Dougan, a former resident of Niles who died on Monday  morning in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ollie Balckmond in Dowagiac. The services were held in Berrien Springs where Mrs. Dougan had lived for about 14 years having moved there from Niles. The services were conducted by the Rev. Wearne, pastro fo the Methodist chruch in Berrien Spsrings. The pallbearers were Dr. F.N. Bonine, Henry Henkel, Arthur G. Stone and H.L. Fox of Niles and Arthur Eidson and Roy Rowe, of Berrien Springs. The body was brought to Niles for burial in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery where her husband, George Dougan, a pioneer Niles merchant was buried in 1889[sic].

Bertha Dougan
1886/87-March 1893

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 6, 1893, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Thos. F. Dougan received a telegram this morning, stating that Bertha, the only child of Mr.a nd Mrs. Fred. Dougan, had died of scarlet fever, at Aberdeen, Miss., aged 6 years.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 6, 1893, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

A telegram today frm Aberdeen, Miss., brings the sad intelligence of the death by scarlet fever, of Bertha, only child of Fred Dougan, and grandchild of Thos. Dougan, of this city, aged six years.

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.

Thomas F. Dougan
Jan. 20, 1838-Sept. 22, 1917

Niles Daily Star, Monday, September 24, 1917, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

OLD RESIDENT DIES AT GARY

Funeral of Thomas F. Dougan Will Take Place Here Tomorrow Morning

Thomas F. Dogan[sic], a former well-known resident of Niles, died in Mercy hospital, Gary, Ind., last Saturday, after an illness dating from July 4.

The body will be brought here at 10:24 on the Michigan Central tomorrow and will be taken direct to Silver Brook cemetery for burial.

Mr. Dougan was born in this city about 80 years ago and most of his life had been spent here. For a long period he was a member of the contracting firm of Searles & Dougan. Later he became carpenter foreman of the Michigan Central railroad company, and as a reward for faithful service he was retired on a pension.

After celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, Mr.and Mrs. Dougan went to Gary, and have since made their home with their son, Walter T. Dougan, who is building commissioner of that city.

Deceased is survived by his wife and two sons. Arthur Dougan resides in California, and will be unable to attend his father's funeral on account of the death of his wife.  Mr. Dougan's only sister is Mrs. Margaret M. Smith, 615 Broadway, Niles.