Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. pp. 670-674.

HON. HUGH DOUGHERTY, banker, of Bluffton, was born on his father's farm in Darke County, Ohio, July 28, 1814, a son of William and Margaret (Studabaker) DOUGHERTY, both now deceased. The Doughertys are of Irish descent, the Studabakers of German. He remained on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age, having in the meantime attended the common schools of his native county. When seventeen years old he had by his own energy, perseverance and skill obtained sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach in the public schools. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company F, Ninety-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and ten days after his enlistment was ordered to the front. The next day after reaching Lexington, Kentucky, he marched to Richmond, Kentucky, and took part in the engagement before that city, where his intimate friend and messmate, Perry Weikle, was killed, and William H. Birely, of the same company, was seriously wounded. In this engagement his regiment was heavily depleted by having a large number of its members taken prisoners while falling back to Lexington, and from there fought their way to Louisville, where they remained until reinforced. They were then assigned to General Buell's army and took part in the battle at Perryville, being in the hottest part of the fight, and his regiment was again reduced in number by killed, wounded and taken prisoners. From there what remained went to Nashville, remaining there some time, and then advanced and took part in teh battle of Stone River, where he was captured while guarding ammunition and stores, near Nolensville, and was paroled, the following being a copy of the oath he was obliged to take:

"Nolensville, Tennessee,

December 30, 1862.

"I, Hugh DOUGHERTY, private of Company F, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, U. S. A., do take a solemn oath not to take up arms again the Confederate States Troops, nor reveal anything I may have learned derogatory to the interests of the Confederate States of America, nor do any police or constabulary duties until I shall have been properly exchanged, under penalty of death. HUGH DOUGHERTY.

"Witness, Lieutenant-Colonal M. H. Hawkins of General Wheeler's staff."
He was then sent back to Nashville, and from there was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, to remain until exchanged. Learning while there of the serious illness of his elder brother Abraham, who was a member of the same company and regiment, and who had been sent back very sick, he made a visit home, and after his brotherÂ’s death reported for duty, but was soon after taken quite sick and discharged from the service. He then went to Greenville, Ohio, and was soon after appointed deputy recorder, and filled that position for more than two years. In 1865 he located in Bluffton, and for six months was engaged in the mercantile business as a clerk, when he became associated in business with his uncle, John Studabaker, and for seven years was in the produce business. In the meantime he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Bluffton, which subsequently merged into the Exchange Bank of John Studabaker & Co., composed of Hon. John Studabaker, Major Peter Studabaker and the subject of this sketch. His partners are pioneer citizens and excellent business men, and second cousins of the well-known Studedaker [sic] Bros., of South Bend, Indiana. The firm of John Studabaker & Co. have a large and extensive business, and in banking Mr. Dougherty proves to be successful and popular. He is not only an enterprising business man, but is always one of the first to advance the interests of anything that is calculated to promote the public welfare. In 1871, as trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he became a member in 1866, he was selected as financial and business manager during the erection of their new church edifice. In 1868, while serving as one of the school trustees, it was mainly through his enterprise and influence that the then large and commodious school building was erected. He was largely instrumental in pushing to successful and final completion the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad, and was superintendent of the construction of the section between Fort Wayne and Bluffton. He was also interested in the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad, and in company with James Crosbie built the section between Bluffton and Warren. He was one of the projectors of the gravel roads and turnpikes that have proved so beneficial to Wells County. Politically he is a Democrat and his advice in party affairs is sought in county, district and State campaigns. In 1870 he was elected State Senator, and represented Wells and Huntington counties creditably for four years. While a Senator he voted, in 1873, for the now famous Baxter bill, in favor of the local control of the liquor traffic. This vote by Mr. Dougherty was a matter of conscience, and although at the time the members of his party in the Senate were generally opposed to the bill, and voted against it, yet he still adheres to the doctrine laid down in that law. In 1878 he was a candidate for the nomination for Congress, and was defeated on the 114th ballot by only five votes. It is the opinion of his friends that he would have been nominated for Congress by the Democratic Convention at Bluffton in 1886, had he not promptly declined when his name was presented. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago in 1884 that nominated Cleveland and Hendricks. In April, 1887, he was appointed by Governor Gray and the other State officers one of the SoldiersÂ’ Monument Commissioners, under an act of the Legislature passed in the session of 1887, the other members of the Commission being General Lew Wallace, Hon. Samuel B. Voyles, Hon. George J. Langsdale and Hon. Daniel M. Ramsdell. On account of pressing business engagements, and being somewhat broken in health, he reluctantly declined the distinguished honor and tendered his declination of the trust. He was married October 25, 1877, to Miss Emma Gilliland, the only daughter of Theodore F. and Elizabeth (Sheldon) Gilliland of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mrs. Dougherty was born June 22, 1857, at Sterling, Illinois. Her parents are natives of New York, and of Scotch-Irish descent. She has been since girlhood a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is a lady of refinement and takes great interest in all that tends to better the condition of society. They have one child, Elizabeth, born March 23, 1885, who is the pride and joy of their home. Mr. Dougherty is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 1838, Knights of honor, and is also a member of Lew Daily Post, No. 33, G. A. R. He is a public-spirited and influential citizen, generous and kind-hearted. To all worthy objects he contributes liberally of his means. His career has been useful, popular and honorable.