Richard Dougherty
The death of Richard Dougherty, Esq. occurred at his late residence on Fourth street early on Sunday morning, August 9th. For about two years Mr. Dougherty has been suffering at time severely from the ravages of disease. His affliction was what is known as “softening of the brain,” probably originating from over mental exertion. For about four months the deceased was confine to his bed.
occurred at his late residence on Fourth street early on Sunday morning, August 9th. For about two years Mr. Dougherty has been suffering at time severely from the ravages of disease. His affliction was what is known as “softening of the brain,” probably originating from over mental exertion. For about four months the deceased was confine to his bed. Mr. Dougherty was born on the 19th of May 1829 in Jackson township, this county. When about one year of age his parents remove to Ross county where he resided until 1872. He received a limited education in the common schools but afterward by private study fitted himself for teaching. Subsequently until 1860 Mr. Dougherty was engaged in teaching, merchandising, and farming. In this latter year he was admitted to the practice of law at Piketon by District Court, having previously prepared himself under the tutorship of Hon. Samuel L. Wallace of Chillicothe. In 1865 he opened a country office at his residence in Franklin township, Ross county, where he practiced his profession until 1872. During the years of the war from ’61 to ’65 Mr. Dougherty served as Assistant Provost Marshall of Ross County. During President Lincoln’s administration, he was appointed Deputy Revenue Assessor which office he held until required to Johnsonize which he refused to do. For this offense he was relieved of his duty. In ’70 he was appointed enumerator for five townships in Ross County under General Hickenlooper.
In the fall of 1872 removed to Waverly and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession. The following year he was nominated for Prosecuting Attorney by the Republican party and the canvas resulted in his election although the regular Democratic majority at that time was about 800.
The deceased discharged the duties of the official positions which he held with faithfulness and ability. He rapidly acquired a lucrative practice at the bar and was widely known as a safe and competent counselor and advocate.
Politically, he was an ardent Republican and was ever active and aggressive as a leader and speaker. Richard Dougherty was known to his friends as a man of deep convictions of right and he was sincere fearless and earnest in advocacy of what he conceived to be the claims of justice. No man who knew him ever questioned his integrity or believed that he could be swerved from the straight path of duty.
Deceased was a member of the M.E. Church and a regular attendant when well. He also was a prominent worker in the Sabbath School cause and was both benevolent and philanthropic.
On Feb. 18th, 1858 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Burke who with a daughter and two sons mourns his loss. The funeral services were held on Tuesday morning, Rev. Shaw officiating. A large concourse of friends and neighbors did honor to his memory following his remains, to their last resting place.
Waverly Republican
August 14, 1885
Submitted by: Kate Logan
P.C.G.H.S.
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