Biography - ANDREW J. DUGGAN

The present city attorney of Carlinville, Andrew J. Duggan, who is serving his fifth term in this capacity, was born in Jersey county, Illinois, on the 11th of December, 1869. He is a son of Michael and Ann (Long) Duggan, natives of Ireland, the father having located in Illinois in 1851.

In the acquirement of his education Andrew J. Duggan attended the public schools of his native county, being graduated from the high school at Jerseyville in 1890. For a year thereafter he taught school, coming to Carlinville in 1891. Here he entered the office of Judge Robert B. Shirley where he read law until August, 1893, when he was admitted to the bar of Illinois. He immediately engaged in practicing in Carlinville where he has ever since resided.

On the 1st of June, 1898, Mr. Duggan was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Baker, a native of this county and a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Powell) Baker, the father a native of Kentucky. Mrs. Duggan’s paternal forefathers participated in the Revolutionary war. To Mr. and Mrs. Duggan have been born two children: Elizabeth Ann and Willard Baker.

Politically Mr. Duggan is a democrat, and has always taken an active and prominent part in all municipal affairs. His first official position was that of justice of the peace which he held from 1893 to 1897. Two years after the expiration of his term of office he was elected city attorney, being twice reelected. He resigned this position in 1905 having been appointed master in chancery by Judge Robert B. Shirley, which office he filled for two terms. In 1909 he was again elected city attorney and reelected in 1911, his long period in this office being a tribute to his efficiency, as is also the fact that he seldom has any opposition. It was during Mr. Duggan’s incumbency that the Chicago & Alton Railroad was compelled to stop its limited train at Carlinville. Mr. Duggan started his proceedings against this company as violators of the speed ordinance, winning in the lower court. The case was appealed and carried through to the supreme court, the original verdict being sustained in every instance. The case was watched with a great deal of interest by legal men all over the country, for if the city won it meant the establishment of a precedent which would have considerable weight in future litigations. The case of the City of Carlinville versus Chicago & Alton Railroad Company is now cited as an example in some of the legal works on railroad decisions.

Fraternally Mr. Duggan is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Sangamon Lodge of Perfection, Mount Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., in which he has held all of the chairs, being at the present time Junior Warden. He also belongs to Macoupin Chapter, No. 187, R. A. M.; Orient Lodge, No. 95, K. of P., in which he has held all of the chairs; and Carlinville Camp, No. 125, M. W. A., where he has also filled all of the chairs. He is a member of the Forum Club and is now acting as chairman of the thirty-eighth senatorial committee.

Extracted 15 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 397-398.