My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. DOUGAN. Berrien County has in the past offered many instances of the fact that industry, enterprise and energy, combined with the exercise of sound business judgment, find here a fitting arena for their development, and bring compensation in prosperity, and ofttimes wealth. Examples of success in mercantile enterprises are not wanting here. Among the dry-goods houses which have attained a prominent place in the confidence of the general public may be mentioned the establishment at Niles of which G. W. Dougan & Co. are the owners and proprietors.

The location of George W. Dougan & Co.’s store is convenient for all purposes of trade. The building is 24x120 feet in dimensions, and is admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is utilized. The house has held a high place in the confidence and approbation of the public throughout its long business history by a steady adherence to correct business principles, and by being reliable in every particular. Its standing in the trade is of the highest character, and its large business is conducted upon a perfect system. The store is well stocked with a complete and varied assortment of dry goods, notions, carpets, etc.

The success which has crowned this business venture is wholly due to the exercise of the wise judgment of Mr. Dougan. Having passed his entire life in the city of Niles, he is well known by all the citizens, and enjoys their confidence to the fullest extent. He was born in this city August 15, 1841, and is of direct Scotch-Irish descent, his father, George W. Dougan, having been born in the Emerald Isle, whence he emigrated to America at an early age. He located in Niles in 1835, and was married in Ireland to Miss Eliza, daughter of Capt. Thomas Farr, who was of Irish birth, but of Scotch parentage. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade, and followed his chosen occupation during the entire period of his active life. His death occurred on the 3d of March, 1890, when he had attained to four-score and seven years.

The third in a family of four children, the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood in the parental home, and attended the common schools of Niles. When a mere lad, he entered the mercantile establishment of C. E. Bentley, with whom he remained, occupying a clerical position for eight years. In 1873, in partnership with 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 has actively conducted the business to the present time. Of pleasing appearance, affable manners and honorable business methods, he has gained the regard and confidence of the people of Berrien County.

December 5, 1872, Mr. Dougan married Miss Anna M. Smith, of Richmond, Ind., and the daughter of Hon. J. P. Smith, a prominent business man of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Dougan are the parents of four children: Richard N., May, George W., Jr., and Ardel. In his political opinions Mr. Dougan is a Democrat, and while he has never sought political preferment, he has been the recipient of numerous positions of trust and honor. He witnessed with great pleasure the inaugural ceremonies attending the installation of Grover Cleveland into the Presidential chair on the 4th of March, 1893. He served one term as Mayor of the city, and two terms as Alderman of the Second Ward, and was a member of the School Board for three years, serving as its Treasurer. In 1884 he was appointed Indian trader for the Black Feet Indians, with headquarters in the northwestern part of Montana, at the old Indian agency known as the Black Feet Agency, north of Sun River, but resigned that position on account of Indian troubles.

Socially, Mr. Dougan is connected with St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M. Beginning in business with limited capital, he is now the owner of considerable realty, and is financially well-to-do. Among his landed possessions is a farm lying near the corporate limits of the city, the value of which will undoubtedly be enhanced during the coming years. He is also the owner of valuable real estate in the city. He is now a stockholder and Director in the First National Bank of Niles. His name is frequently mentioned by his friends as a candidate for Postmaster at Niles, and should the expectations of his hosts of acquaintances be realized, Niles will have a Postmaster who will be popular with everyone, irrespective of political opinions. The partner of Mr. Dougan was the late Capt. H. B. Quimby, of the United States Army, whose family retain his interest in the firm.