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.