John S. McDougall

From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, Publ. 1912 - Page 800-802 JOHN S. McDOUGALL. The old Empire state has furnished perhaps more citizens to the newer states of the West than any other of the so-called colonial commonwealths. They have come to Wisconsin in large numbers and have done a great work here in assisting us clear the vast forests from the rich soil underneath and have assisted us not only material ways but in establishing schools and churches, in short, advancing the cause of civilization in any way. They, as a rule, have been not only men of industry, willing to push ahead despite all obstacles and adverse environment, but they have been law-abiding, hospitable, sociable and liberty-loving. Of this worthy number from the old Empire state has come John S. McDOUGALL, who, after a long and successful life in agricultural pursuits, spent his last years in honorable retirement in his pleasant home in the city of Delavan. He was born on November 9, 1827, in New York. He was the son of Ralph and Abigail (ARMSTRONG) McDOUGALL, both born in New York, where they grew up and were married, in fact, spent their lives there, engaged in farming. They were the parents of the following children: Mary Ann, Hugh, Hannah, Sarah, Eliza, Benjamin, Alexander, John S. (subject) and Ralph, all now deceased. John S. McDOUGALL was reared in his native community and assisted his father with the general farm work when he was a boy, and there received his education in the common schools. He came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, from his native state, arriving here on November 9, 1851, and he worked out for a while, then bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Walworth township, and lived there five years, then bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Delavan township, and there he developed a fine farm, on which he remained until the fall of 1898, when he sold out and moved to the city of Delavan, retiring from active work, having farmed all his life successfully and laid by a competency. Here he bought an attractive home and lived a quiet life the rest of his days. Politically, Mr. McDOUGALL was a Republican, and he always took an interest in public affairs. He belonged to the Episcopal church and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Delavan. He was supervisor of Delavan township for a number of years, also school director and alderman from the second ward in the city of Delavan, holding the latter position for a number of years until failing health made it necessary for him to give the office up. He was very faithful to every trust reposed in him by the people, always favoring progress and improvement and the betterment of the city and the town. On July 20, 1852, Mr. McDOUGALL married Sarah Jane RECTOR, daughter of George and Martha (CAMPBELL) RECTOR, natives of the state of New York. Her parents grew up and were married in New York and there they lived until 1848, when they sold their farm there and moved to Alden county, Illinois, where they spent the balance of their lives. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George RECTOR: Sarah Jane, wife of Mr. McDOUGALL; Esther Ann, William Henry, Sherman (deceased), Edwin, Mary, Theodore, Amos, Almira, Emma, and Fred. To Mr. and Mrs. McDOUGALL have been born the following children: Ida and Frances, both deceased; Mary, who lives at home; Ralph lives in Lima, Ohio. He married Bertha ARGENBRIGHT. He engages in carpentering and deals to some extent in real estate. Mr. McDOUGALL was well preserved for a man of his age, having led a quiet, clean life, and he was highly respected by all who knew him. He passed away Tuesday, March 19, 1912, and this closed a well spent life. He was an exemplary citizen, sober, and industrious, a man whose advice was sought on many subjects by a host of warm friends. An excellent farmer and a loyal neighbor, he combined all the traits of good citizenship, kind father and husband, with those of a first class business man. His word was as good as gold and his integrity never questioned. Submitted by Carol