from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 469-471
It has been often said that the versatility and virility of the American people have been brought about largely by the continual introduction of new elements through the assimilation of the better class of our immigrant population. One small country beyond the seas has furnished its full quota of desirable citizens, and the brilliant thought and quick wit of these gentlemen are proverbial. Not a few of our most brilliant statesmen and men of affairs have been either natives of “Ireland, the Beautiful Isle of the Sea,” or were descended from sturdy Hibernian stock. One of the conspicuous successes of this character in Hendricks County is John J. Dugan, the son of Michael and Margaret (Hughes) Dugan.
In some respects a true son of Erin, he is none the less a loyal American and a Hoosier, being widely known and generally respected in the community in which he was born and bred. He, himself, is a native of Hendricks County, having first seen the light of day upon his father's farm in Middle Township, on the 4th day of March, 1882, and since that day he has lived in and worked loyally for the interests of this county. His father, Michael, and his mother, Margaret Dugan, were both natives of Galway, Ireland. They came to America in their youth, Michael being but nineteen years of age when he reached this country. He immediately found an abiding place on a farm near Brownsburg, Lincoln Township, this county. Later he came to Middle Township and, by hard work as a farmer and frugal habits, came into possession of a large tract of land about four miles north of Pittsboro. Here the remainder of his life was spent, toiling diligently and intelligently for the sustenance of himself and his family, and also looking forward to his later years when he need no longer toil for necessities, but could enjoy the fruits of his labor. His faithful wife was an unfailing source of help and strength and to her efforts, in no small measure, his success is due. To them were born eight children, seven of whom are still living to carry out into the world, for generations to come perhaps, the name and teachings of their father. These children are Martin, Katherine (Collins), Ellen, Delia, Mary, Patrick, John J., and Anna, whom death called. The devoted mother still enjoys the home of her youth, ably assisted in its management by her children. Michael Dugan was a firm adherent of the tenets of Jefferson, always voting the Democratic ticket. Though very progressive in his ideas and active in affairs touching the public welfare in his community, he aspired to no political office, finding ample field for his abundant energy in his immediate surroundings.
His son, John J. Dugan, is one of the thoroughly progressive representative men of the county. Abreast of the times and thoroughly informed on all questions pertaining to the public welfare, his judgment is largely relied upon by many of the neighboring citizens. His education was received in the schools of the township, but he has never ceased to study. Like his father, he is a stanch Democrat, and was elected to the Legislature on this ticket at the election in 1912, which office he has filled with great credit, devoting his energies to the service of the people as conscientiously as he has always worked for his own success.
Mr. Dugan is one of the very successful farmers of the locality, caring for the homestead of his childhood, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which by its appearance shows the intelligent care it has received. Here he engages in general farming, devoting considerable attention to the breeding of live stock, particularly hogs, a large number of which are marketed by him yearly.
Mr. Dugan is unmarried and has taken no interest in fraternal affairs. He is a prominent member of the Indiana Democratic Club, and also a member of the St. Malachy Church at Brownsburg. A man of wide acquaintance, sound judgment, decisive and straightforward in all his dealings, he stands as an exemplary citizen, one of the truly representative men of the county.