Dugan Family Papers, 1866-1936

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Dugan Family 

Title:  Papers, 1866-1936 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A D866a 

Scope and Content Note 

Collection includes papers relating to steamboats on the Ohio River. Included are U.S. Inspector’s certificates of Madison Dugan from 1888 and 1889; three Dugan date books, 1888-1892, briefly listing his boat, his duties and local and river news; and newspaper clippings and photographs with notes cut from Dugan’s diaries. 

There are also letters concerning steamboat inspections from 1912-1936, bills of lading, 1866-1878, and miscellaneous checks and clippings. Three sets of legal papers include depositions from U.S. v. Gasoline Boat “Messenger” from U.S. District Court, and reports and depositions concerning the explosion of the towboat “Fred Wilson,” 1904 May 26. 

Biographical Note 

Madison Dugan (1860-1917) was involved in the river trade along the Ohio River in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Folder List 

Box 1 

1 Correspondence, 1912-1936 and n.d.

2 Bills of lading, 1866-1878.

3 Steamboat pictures with notes from Dugan’s diaries.

4 Certificates, 1888-1889.

5 United States v. John H. Thacker.

6 United States v. The Gasoline Boat “Messenger.”

7 Steamboat “Fred Wilson.”

8 Miscellaneous items.

9 Datebook, 1890-1892.

10 Datebook, 1890-1892.

11 Datebook, 1888-1891.