Biography - W. W. DUGAN

W. W. Dugan, whose record is one of successful endeavor, is a farmer and dairyman of Polk township. Through many obstacles he has won his way to the position of practical independence he now holds and as he has never sought to advance his own interest to the injury of others, no one grudges him his good fortune. He is a native of Greene county, Illinois, born in what is now known as Woodville township, July 29, 1863. His parents were George and Lida Anne (Hofford) Dugan. The father was also born in Greene county and devoted his attention to farming and also to the grocery business. He was a lover of his country and in 1863 enlisted in the Union army, being killed in battle. The grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was a native of Ireland and the grandmother was born in Ohio. The mother was born in Greene county, Illinois, but her parents were born in Kentucky. There were two children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Dugan: W. W. of this review; and Mattie, who is now deceased. Mrs. Dugan was a second time married, her husband being Noah Fry. He died in 1909 but she is still living and makes her home in Greene county. By her second marriage she became the mother of four children:' Eunice, who resides in Greene county; Nora, who' is married and also lives in Greene county; and Ida and Emma, both of whom are at home.

In the public schools W. W. Dugan received his preliminary education and until the age of seventeen years he continued with his mother. He then went to Jersey county and engaged in farm work, attending school during the winter months. In 1883 he began renting land in his own name. In 1892 he came to Macoupin county and cultivated rented land for thirteen or fourteen years in Brushy Mound township and for two years in Hilyard township. Having acquired sufficient capital, he purchased two hundred and sixty acres in Polk township, which he has improved and developed into one of the attractive properties of this section. He has made a specialty of dairy farming and, as he understands this business thoroughly and devotes his best energies to his calling, he has gained a creditable measure of success.

In 1884 Mr. Dugan was married to Miss Mary S. Carstens and they have nine children: Harry L. and Lloyd E., both of whom are living on the home farm; Ethel, who married Harlan Coburn, of Portsmouth, Ohio; George W., who married Edna Leggett and resides in Polk township; Charles, who makes his home in South Dakota; and Mabel, Manning, Kate and Ida, all of whom are at home.

Ever since he arrived at voting age Mr. Dugan has supported the republican party. He has been an earnest advocate of its principles and for six years served as a member of the county central committee, also filling the office of school director. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist church and fraternally he is identified with the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America at Carlinville. A man of great determination of character, he early gave evidence of an energy and persistence which have enabled him to become one of the leaders in the community. Starting to work at ten dollars a month, he saved twenty-seven dollars in three months. As the years passed his capital increased and today he ranks as one of the substantial and representative men of Macoupin county.

Extracted 18 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 709-710.