The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-22
STRANGER THAN FICTION.
The Adventures Of Five Brothers Of an
Early Indianapolis Family.
One Begins and Ends War with japan, One
Becomes Governor of California, and
Another Patagonian King.

otuSVHidu hiuEs
The history of the McDougal family. which
came to Indianapolis in its early days, Is
stranger than faction, and so full is it OF ro-
nance and adventure that as narrative of fact
II seems incredible The McDougals were OF
Scotch descent. and possessed many of the
striking characteristics of that nationality.
When the family came to indianapolis it con-
sisted Of five brothers. whose remarkable and
varied careers have long since been forgotten.
except by the older inhabitants. They pos
Bessed in common the qualities neces-
sary for leadership, and wherever
their different lots were cast these qualities as
serted themselves and invariably brought them
TO the 'front.' They were aggressive, courageous
and possessed restless desire for adventure,
which led them, after leaving indianapolis as
young men. into widely different paths. The
one coming the nearest to not having an inter
esting history is the Oldest who is still living in
California at the advanced age of ninety. He
same to Indianapolis in 1928 and bought tract
OF land on which much OF the eastern part of the
city now stands. At the time Of the gold ex-
element in California, he went to that State
where he has since resided. He has been
member Of the Legislature of that State,
and has made considerable money
but dissipated it as rapidly, and now imagines
himself immensely wealthy, while in reality he
possesses nothing.
Charles, the second in point of age. assisted
by an uncle of the late Governor Hendricks, Sc
cured the appointment of assistant surgeon, in
1882, at Fort Dearborn, where Chicago now
Stands, and which was at that time only
trading station. Later he passed examination
ut st. Louis, and was made assistant surgeon in
Che regular army and was stationed at various
posts throughout the country. He was after
ward promoted to the rank of surgeon, served
through the Seminole war in Florida, the
Mexican war, and had charge of the Department
ut the East during the war of the Rebellion
He was retired On the half pay of an army Of
6cer and passed his last days about New York
and Washington, dying few years ago.
Daniel, having received an appointment at
Annapolis, went there in about 1896. and served
In the navy until his age retired him from the
department, having reached the rank of ad-
pniraL On his first trip "out" as midshipman he
had difference with a shipmate, and 1t was
agreed that duel should be fought as soon as
they reached the cost of Africa, as they
sheir way to that country. The duel was fought
Ind McDougals antagonist was wounded in the
groin McDougal himself was saved by the bull
let striking one of the numerous brass buttons
which adorned the midshipmans uniform. AS
Eaptain, he had charge of vessel at the bonn
bardment of Vera Cruz, during the Mexican
war. In about the year 1862, while in the har-
Dor of Yoke Hama, Japan, the Mikado
had issued one of his characteristic mauifestos,
ordering all foreign vessels out of Japanese
ports. McDoueal not seeing fit to obey this
order, the Lord High Executioner was sent to
See the command enforced. The American
vessel was fired upon from the fort, and the
strongest and best manned war ship at the COM
mand of the Japanese navy was sent to assist in
Its destruction. McDougal returned the fire with
q sixtyfour FOUNDER, struck :he boiler of the
Japanese ship causing an explosion, and the
tire loss of the ship and crew. He was master
OF the situation, and remained long enough to
see peaceabe relations established. During the
rebellion McDougal had charge of the defenses
along the Eastern coast, and rendered effective
service to tee Union cause.
John McDougars career began with the break
ing out of the Mexican war. A company was
organized in Indianapolis, of which he was made
hrst-lieutenant and General Lew Wallace sec
DnG-lieutenant. On the promotion of the captain
80 colonelcy, McDougal became captain of the
company, and served through the war. In 1850
ehe went to California, and was shortly after
wards elected to the Office of Lieutenant-gov-
lernor OF the State The Governor being elected
Senator, McDougal succeeded him in Office, and
hlled the unexpred term. After retiring from
Office he challenged to a duel an editor
of San Francisco paper who had
been especially abusive towards his
administration. The challenge was accepted
and the meeting took place few miles out of
San Francisco in the early morning. McDougal
pad taken the precaution TO take plenty of
wraps along. as the morning was cool, while the
editor was but scantily supplied consequently
the latter arrived on the ground in a shivering
condition. The duelists took their stations, and
as the one two three was counted. they turned
Rnd fired The editor received slight wound in
the breast, after which be expressed himself as
having received satisfaction The two after
wards became warm friends. Dueling in Cali
2oTnia at that date was the ordinary method of
Tedressing grievances, and, being a matter of
daily occurrence. no blame was attached to
those who had recourse to it as a means of set
Ting differences.
The strangest and most romantic career was
that of the youngest of the boys George. about
whose life the least is known, as he was always
reticent upon the subject of his adventures. He
left this city In l849 and went to California re-
manning there four or Ave years. While in that
State he also had difficulty with some one con-
cerning the action of his brother as Governor
and was the third member of the family to fight
. duel The conditions were revolvers, and a
distance OF ten PAGES. which, had they been car
Eied out, would probably have been certain death
TO both parties He was only prevented by the
arrest OF both on the grounds they had selected
for the combat. Soon after, McDougal went
70 Mexico, was for q time in the hands of
brigands and led such life as suited his
Eoylng disposition He returned to this city with
the intention OF remaining permanently, but
sitter few years stay he again became a wan
derer. He took ship for South America. and
nothing more was heard of him for a number of
years, until he was found by Captain Jones,
who was taking vessel to the Japanese gov
ernment As the vessel was sailing along the
coast of Patagonia a number of the natives were
Feen making signs for 1t to stop, and among
khem was discovered o white man. The vessel
Jet down boat. and part of the crew went to
ehore The white man proved to be George
McDouRal. who had been in that country
Seven years, and his qualities for leadership as
sorting themselves he had come to be the head
Of one of the Patagonian governments This
was during the Rebellion and his object was to
Secure news of the war. He remained in Pata-
gonia until his brother David the naval officer