David Glenn Drugan Sr. ^{2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12}

   Cause of his death was Carcinoma of Stomach.⁵

  General Notes:

This is my great-grandfather and yet I have no real photographs of him aside from the one which supposedly shows him sitting down in a chair with another man standing over him. I have asked the Drugan family relatives repeatedly to confirm that David Drugan is indeed the one that was sitting down in the chair but none of the family members have ever responded in the affirmative. I have asked for copies of other photographs of David but have received nothing but promises. Strange, because the Drugan family has a culture of promoting photographs of family members. (Brian L. Lightfoot)
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David Sr. was called Drowsy because as a brakeman for the railroad and he fell asleep on one of his routes. His son, Jack, can still remember how his dad would say "Trempealeau...Trempealeau", as the train came into the station. The nickname of Drowsy stuck and it wasn't long before David Jr. was also called that.

(Source: Julie Drugan phone interview with Jack Drugan, Feb 2013)
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Most documents give a birth year of 1889 but there are some that give 1888. The Drugan Family records provide a birth year of 1889 which is the date on his gravestone. One of the earliest records was his World War I Draft Registration Card that he signed and it gave a birth year of 1889.
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Other than family records, there apparently is no official document which shows his middle name spelled as either Glen or Glenn. The 1910 Census does shows it spelled as Glenn and the published wedding announcement also showed it spelled as Glenn. However, another local newspaper article detailing family visits in the area spelled it as Glen in 1921 but that was probably just the reporter or newspaper's editor error in spelling. Many newspaper articles show his name as D. G. Drugan. Birth certificates for his son, David Jr, show his middle name spelled as Glenn thus it must be assumed that the father's middle name was spelled the same.
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Convalescing - D. G. Drugan, 552 West Fifth street, who underwent an operation at St. Mary's hospital at Rochester, two weeks ago is convalescing at the Samaritan hospital at that place.

(Source: Winona Republican-Herald, 28 Nov 1928)
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THE LIFE OF DAVID GLENN DRUGAN
By Robert C. Westphal, Jr. (Grandson)

Compiled in part during personal interviews in 1977, while staying with Lena (Hanson Drugan) and Vinson Rice, Winona, MN

FORWARD
My grandfather, David Glenn Drugan, died long before I was born. I know him only through photographs and family stories that have been passed d own over the years. Through these small fragments of information that have been (and are continuing to be) assembled by my cousin Brian Lightfoot and myself, I'm finally getting to know the man that was my mother's father.

Through stories told to me by my grandmother, Lena (Hanson) Drugan, I have found that David was a man of quiet courage and strength, a man that could be counted on through the worst of times. Simple fate dictated that he was to become a father of seven children during the worst economic disaster in American history. The constant struggle to support his family must have been an overwhelming challenge, but it's clearly evident that his priorities of God, family and friendships were something that he never lost sight of.

After being diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1928, he knew, beyond a doubt, that he was living on borrowed time. The stress of knowing that his young family would be left behind to fare for themselves weighed heavily upon him in his remaining years. His story is far from complete, and we, his ancestors, will never know how difficult it was for him to be a father, a husband, a friend, and a provider while battling such a horrific disease. The memories of his children all center around his strength and determination, yet one small recollection of his daughter, Martha, tells the story of a man that felt alone and defeated in his fight for life:

"...dad would take me, alone, on Sunday mornings to church, each time to a church of a different denomination while everyone else attended mass at St. Thomas. I think dad was looking for peace and looking for answers. I saw him begin to cry walking out of church one Sunday. He scooped me up in his arms and held me so tightly that it hurt. He knew he was dying and the church offered him little, if any comfort. The priests were too busy catering to the wealthy in the parish to be concerned about dad and his poverty stricken family."

To conclude that David lost faith in God would be a grave error. Rather, he likely lost faith in himself and in his ability to care for his family. His biggest question was likely centered around what would become of his wife and children, rather than what would become of him or his salvation. Unfortunate as it may seem, we will all be at this cross roads at some point in life, facing death on an intimate level. The valuable insight that David's history has given me is a simple message -- don't take a single moment of life for granted... this day may, in fact, be your last. Lena, his wife, recalled, "Your grandpa never gave up. I s'pose anyone would become withdrawn and scared when time was getting so short. But he still found the strength to play with the kids and go to work every day until he couldn't move from the bed."

A sad story? In many respects, yes. But the memories David has left behind are priceless reminders about the immeasurable value of the time we're each allotted in this life, and the challenges we must overcome to reach our ultimate destiny with courage and faith.

EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY
David Glenn Drugan was born February 24, 1889 in Trempealeau, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, then a small village of approx. 500 inhabitants situated on the Mississippi River, approx. 10 miles north of the city of La Crosse.

His father, Patrick Drugan, Jr., born October 12, 1845 in County Tyrone, Ireland, worked as a quarryman and day laborer at the time of David's birth, and his mother, Elizabeth Jane Keeffe was a housewife. David's ancestors were of northern Irish stock, and were some of the first settlers in the Trempealeau area in the mid-1800s, having emigrated from County Tyrone in northern Ireland in 1848. David's mother was also of Irish heritage, and was born June 24, 1854 in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada, her parents having emigrated to Ontario from County Cork, in southern Ireland. The Drugan's were Roman Catholic and attended church at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Parish in Trempealeau.

David was the third of five children, including siblings:

---Edmund Drugan, born December 19, 1879 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin
---William John Drugan, born July 11, 1882 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin
---Harry Roy Drugan, born December 15, 1890 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin
---Anne Elizabeth Drugan, born December 23, 1895 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin

EDUCATION
David was educated at local schools in Trempealeau, and graduated from Trempealeau high school in 1906. About 1907, he took employment as a railroad brakeman with the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, and by 1910 was living with several of his coworkers in Elroy, Wisconsin, a small town in Juneau County. The rail routes he traveled ranged from Winona, Minnesota to Chicago, working at first on freight trains, and for the remainder of his career on passenger trains.

David did not participate in the military service, despite WWI coming about. Many railroad employees, factory workers, and others who indirectly contributed to the war effort were not drafted.

MARRIAGE
On April 21, 1913, at the courthouse in Winona, MN, David married Lena L . Hanson, born March 19, 1894 in Trempealeau, WI to Louis Hanson and Lena Kramer. When asked about her wedding, Lena (Hanson) Drugan replied, " Well, back then your grandpa was catholic and I, of course, was raised in the Methodist church. Both of our families wanted us to be married in their own church, you know. Well, we didn't want to cause an argument, so your grandpa had the idea to get married at the courthouse and figure the rest out later! And so we did; thankfully too, with blessings from both our families."

MOVE TO CHICAGO
David and Lena's first residence was in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago, approx. 4 miles northwest of downtown. David and Lena lived within walking distance of the railroad depot where David worked. When asked about living in Chicago as newlyweds, Lena (Hanson) Drugan replied , "Oh, my, those were exciting times! We went all the way to Chicago by train with all our belongings aboard, which weren't much, but the Northwestern paid for everything, even the food in the dining car. Irving Park was a very nice place with lots of big beautiful homes and parks. We hadn't lived there long when your grandpa took me to a big fireworks show at Independence Park, on the 4th of July. Of course, being from a small place like Trempealeau, I'd never seen anything like that in my life! There were hundreds of people there and also a big carnival where your grandpa entered a ball pitching contest and won a coupon for $5.00 worth of groceries - and that was a big deal back then. We didn't have a car yet, so we walked everywhere or took the train. One time we went downtown (Chicago) and had a picnic on the lakefront with a beautiful view of the lake on one side and all of the big buildings on the other side. There was so much to see and do that we didn't have time to be home sick!"

MOVE TO WINONA, MN
After less than a year in Chicago, David was transferred to Winona, Minnesota, and the couple made their home at 467 E. Fourth St., Winona. David continued his work as a brakeman for Chicago & Northwestern, and began to make regular runs from Winona to Baraboo, Wisconsin and back. When asked about David's job, Lena (Hanson) Drugan said, "He liked his job with the railroad and made good money, benefits and such, but didn't really want to take a spot as an engineer, although he easily could have. You see, in those days the engineers traveled almost constantly. They called the wives of engineers "railroad widows" because their husbands were never, or almost never home. So your grandpa stayed put as a brakeman. He liked the job and was very well liked by the men he worked with."

The birth of their first daughter, Catherine "Bernice" came in 1915. Lena said she would often board the train in Winona in the morning, and ride to Trempealeau with David, who then went on to Baraboo (and back). This gave her much needed time with her mother as she was learning the ropes of new motherhood. "Your grandpa was such a good father. Through the years, he was always patient and loving with our kids, all of them. Even when he'd come home tired and dragging after a long day at work, he'd spend time with them. He was a pretty quiet and even tempered guy, you know, much like your uncle David. Oh, he had an Irish temper though, that came out at work at times! But, you know, home was his serenity, even with all the kids running around."

On one occasion, David received the honor of being appointed as brakeman on President Calvin Coolidge's train, transcript of memo as follows:

Baraboo, Wis., Sept. 8th, 1927.
Mr. D. G. Drugan, Brakeman
Mr. L. C. Stephens, Brakeman

You will be used on the President Coolidge train, Winona to Elroy, Saturday p.m.
Please see that your uniform etc. is in first class condition. A man will be furnished to relieve you on your regular assignment Saturday.

W. J. Keating
Asst. Superintendent.
(Chicago & Northwestern Railway)

THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS
During the depression, David maintained his position with Chicago & Northwestern. Despite the modest pay of a brakeman, at least he was employed and not in constant fear of losing his job. But, having to make ends meet with seven children to feed was not an easy task, even in the best of times. The family relocated (within Winona) frequently, never saving enough money to purchase a home. Martha (Drugan) Westphal said, "It seemed like we were always moving. I can remember going with dad to rent a house one time. I was about 7 years old. Dad told me not to say anything to the landlord about how many brothers and sisters I had. He told the landlord that he had three kids! Obviously, nobody wanted to rent a house to such a big family. I remember one time when a landlord came by to collect the rent. The guy was a real jerk. He pulled up at the curb, saw all of us kids playing in the front yard and asked dad who all the kids belonged to. Dad just smiled and said, matter-of-factly, "oh, those kids? A couple are mine and the rest belong to the neighborhood!" It wasn't long before we were moving again, after finding an eviction notice on the front door. Funny thing was, Ma would worry constantly, but dad would always take it all in stride. Nothing ever seemed to bother him. He was always on an even keel."

FAMILY TIES AND HOLIDAYS
David remained close to his parents throughout his life, and in their later years, often devoted weekends to traveling across the river to Trempealeau and helping them with household chores and tending to their personal needs. His mother passed away in 1915, and it is said that this was a crushing blow to him. He always said that at least his mother got to hold one of his children before her death.

Having a large family on a limited income, especially during the depression, had its pitfalls for David and Lena. David would cut Christmas trees right out of the woods and bring them home on the train from Trempealeau. Ornaments were hand-made and often just pictures cut out of old magazines and catalogs and tied to the tree with string. The tree was lit with small candles on Christmas eve only. Christmas dinner usually consisted of a ham or a turkey that David would "commandeer" through his connections on the railroad, or, as was the case during several Christmas' (and weather permitting), the family would spend Christmas in Trempealeau with Lena's parents who were much better off financially. For months prior to Christmas, David would retire to the basement after work, and hand carve small wooden toys for his children. Martha (Drugan) Westphal recalls, "When I was 8 years old, my dad gave me the best gift ever - a small hand-carved wooden baby cradle that he made himself. It was painted pink and baby blue, and had a little painted rose on the head board. When my dad gave it to me, I was so happy that I jumped into his arms and cried! In fact, I cried so hard that I made dad cry! I only had one doll in my life, a "Flossie Flirt," doll that was another gift from dad. Out of all the kids, the girls anyway, I was dad's favorite even though he took great pains not to have favorites. He just spent more time with me, especially after he got sick."

Birthday parties were very small scale occasions, with children's gifts usually consisting a something practical like a hand-me-down coat, a reconditioned pair of shoes, or a pair of mended and re-mended socks; things that would have otherwise been looked at simply as necessities. The only time during the year that David and Lena went out on the town together was on the occasion of Lena's birthday, March 19th. Lena recalls this as the only day of the year that the couple would eat dinner "out" or have a glass of wine or beer. "Your grandpa was a very handsome fellow! On my birthday, we would get dressed up and go out on the town; he looked like a movie star and was such a gentleman. One time, his brother Ed and his wife Mary came with us, and, oh what a good time we all had dancing, even though your grandpa had two left feet on the dance floor and was always shy when it came to dancing!" - recalled Lena.

HOBBIES
David enjoyed wood carving, gardening, and took great pride in raising homing pigeons and exotic chickens that he often showed at the county fairs in both Winona and Trempealeau. In competitions, he often received first or second place. Martha (Drugan) Westphal recalls her father coming home from work with big pocketful of cracked corn and bird seed that he'd pick up from grain cars on railroad sidings to feed his birds with. He'd build chicken coupes and pigeon cages out of old railroad freight boxes that were housed in the basement during the cold winter months. "Dad would often spend hours out in the backyard with the pigeons and chickens, making sure they were well cared for. We always had a little garden too, and dad would carefully dig up and transplant everything he could every time we had to move!" - said Martha (Drugan) Westphal.

RELIGION
Despite his strict catholic upbringing, David went to church periodically, usually on the important catholic holy days of obligation. Martha ( Drugan) Westphal recalls, "Dad and Ma saw to it that each one of us was baptized and confirmed in the catholic church. We always prayed before meals and before bed. Old Father O'Day once said to dad (as he entered the front door of St. Thomas Church), "I'm glad to see you finally found time to make it to mass, Mr. Drugan." At that time, dad was struggling with cancer and was so sick and tired he could hardly walk. Dad, without saying a word to the priest, walked into church holding my hand and muttered, "a-hole." For months and months after that, dad would take me, alone, on Sunday mornings to church, each time to a church of a different denomination while everyone else attended mass at St. Thomas. I think dad was looking for peace and looking for answers. I saw him begin to cry walking out of church one Sunday. He scooped me up in his arms and held me so tightly that it hurt. He knew he was dying and the church offered him little, if any comfort. The priests were too busy catering to the wealthy in the parish to be concerned about dad and his poverty stricken family."

FINAL DAYS
David's final years were spent trying hard to conceal the physical pain and mental anguish of stomach cancer. He'd underwent an operation in Rochester, Minnesota in late 1928 that allowed him to live another five years, years that he spent in and out of hospitals and in great mental and physical pain. Martha (Drugan) Westphal indicated that he'd come home from work and literally collapse on the sofa, exhausted. "Dad would motion me to come and rub his shoulders, and I'd do so until my little hands hurt. I didn't know there was anything wrong with him, but toward the end, noticed that he wasn't eating much except soup and that he'd lost so much weight that Ma had to alter his railroad uniform regularly. When I'd rub his back and shoulders, I could feel every bone in his body. It wasn't long after that that he died. Even at his funeral, I was too young to realize that he was never going to come back. Weeks passed before I really felt the sadness set in. I missed him so much; it hurt so badly. And, I don't know how, but Ma managed to be there for every one of us. I think dad's death was a lot harder on Ma and the older kids. Dad's many friends, co-workers from the railroad, were all very helpful in our time of need. Especially dad's best friend, Ori Dubois who put his whole life on hold to make sure Ma and all us kids were well taken care of. What a good man he was." Lena, his wife, recalled, "Your grandpa never gave up. I s'pose anyone would become withdrawn and scared when time was getting so short, but he never complained or never let on that he was bad. He still found the strength to play with the kids and go to work right up until he couldn't move from the bed."

David died, at the young age of 45, on October 6th 1934 and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona, Minnesota two days later. The memories of this remarkable man have survived for decades through his children, grandchildren, and beyond. Though his life was brief in years, his mark of strength and determination through the most difficult of circumstances is something each and every one of us will always admire and cherish.

1914 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Leone)--Brakeman--C&NW Railway--Residence--467 E. 4th

1916 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Lena)--Brakeman--Residence--467 E. 4th

1923 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Lena)--Brakeman--Residence--215 Grand

1925 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Lena L.)--Brakeman--Residence--552 West 5th

1927 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Mina)--Brakeman--C&NW Railway--Residence--552 West 5th

1931 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Lena)--Brakeman--Res--761 West 5th
Margaret Drugan--Clerk--Res--761 West 5th
Bernice Drugan--Clerk--Res--761 West 5th

1934 Winona, Minnesota City Directory
David G. Drugan--(Lena)--Brakeman--C&NW Railway--Residence--209 Grand

SOCIETY
Miss Mary Sokolik of Hillsboro, Wis., and Emil W. Stiuck of Elroy, Wis., were married this morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Drugan, 4 67 East Fifth Street, by the Rev. Alfred Sauer. The young couple will make their future home in Chicago.

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 21 Feb 1918, page 3
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TREMPEALEAU
Glenn Drugan and Miss Anna Drugan were called home from Winona Wednesday on account of the serious illness of their father, Pat Drugan.

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 24 Apr 1920, page 13
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TREMPEALEAU
Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Drugan entertained the following at a card party Wednesday evening: Mr. and Mrs. F. Jennison, Mr. and Mrs. O. W. DuBois, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Brink, Mr. and Mrs. J. Braisdale of Minneapolis, Mrs. J . Eickemeyer, Mrs. R. Losinski, and Mrs. Glenn Courtier. Dainty refreshments were served and a pleasant time was enjoyed by all.

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 27 Jan 1921, page 2
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BIRTHS
To Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Drugan, 215 Grand Street, on the 13th, a daughter , weight 8-1/2 pounds. (NOTE - This was Ruth Marie Drugan)

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 15 Sep 1921, page 7
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TREMPEALEAU
Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Hanson and daughter Marie spent Christmas day with Mr. and Mrs. Glen D. Drugan at Winona. Mrs. Drugan is a daughter to the Hansons.

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 27 Dec 1921 page 7
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CONVALESCING
D. G. Drugan, 552 West Fifth street, who underwent an operation at St. Mary's hospital at Rochester, two weeks ago is convalescing at the Samaritan hospital at that place.

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 28 Nov 1928
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TREMPEALEAU
Glen Drugan of Winona moved his family here last Tuesday in the A. A. Holmes house on Third Street.

Source: Winona Republican Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 17 May 1930, page 12
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DEATH

Transcript of Death Certificate
State of Minnesota, Division of Vital Statistics
No. 17560
Reg. District 84-2b, Registration Book 220
Place of Death: Winona, Winona County, Minnesota
Date of Death: October 6, 1934
At: Winona General Hospital
Full Name: David Glenn Drugan
Residence: 209 Grand
Male, White, Married
Wife: Lena
Date of Birth: February 26, 1889
Age: 45 years, 7 months, 10 days
Occupation: Railroad Brakeman
Birthplace: Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Father: Patrick (Born in Ireland)
Mother: Elizabeth Keeffe (Born in Canada)
Informant: Mrs. D. Drugan, Winona, Minnesota
Place of Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona, Minnesota, October 8, 193 4
Undertaker: J. B. Burke, Winona, Minnesota
Filed: 10-8-1934, W. N. Lindsay
Physician Attending: October 3-6, 1934
Time of Death: 9:45 a.m.
Cause of Death: Carcinoma of Stomach (8 months duration)
Contributing Cause: General Carcinoma, Metastasis, 3 months duration
Autopsy: Yes
Signed: P. A. Mattison, MD, Winona, Minnesota, 10-6-1934
Note: Copy of original death certificate in possession of Robert Westphal, Jr.

Minnesota Deaths and Burials, 1835-1990
Name: David Glenn Drugan
Gender: Male
Death Date: 06 Oct 1934
Death Place: Winona, Winona, Minnesota
Age: 45
Birth Date: 1889
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Lena
Father's Name: Patrick
Mother's Name: Elizabeth Keaffe
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: I09543-1
System Origin: Minnesota-EASy
Source Film Number: 2242353
Reference Number: cn 17560
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FUNERAL OF DAVID G. DRUGAN
Funeral services for David G. Drugan, 209 Grand street, were conducted at 9 a.m. today at the St. Thomas Pro-Cathedral, the Reverend Louis O'Day officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery. Pallbearers were O. W. Dubois, W. I. Miller, L. C. Stephans, O. T. Sheron, Joseph Jessesski and A. B. Hassett.

Source: Winona Republican-Herald, Winona, Minnesota, 8 Oct 1934, page 3
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  Death Notes:

The obituary for his mother listed his name using only his middle name of Glenn, i.e., Glenn Drugan.
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TRANSCRIPT OF DEATH CERTIFICATE
State of Minnesota, Division of Vital Statistics
No. 17560
Reg. District 84-2b, Registration Book 220
Place of Death: Winona, Winona County, Minnesota
Date of Death: October 6, 1934
At: Winona General Hospital
Full Name: David Glenn Drugan
Residence: 209 Grand
Male, White, Married
Wife: Lena
Date of Birth: February 26, 1889
Age: 45 years, 7 months, 10 days
Occupation: Railroad Brakeman
Birthplace: Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Father: Patrick (Born in Ireland)
Mother: Elizabeth Keeffe (Born in Canada)
Informant: Mrs. D. Drugan, Winona, Minnesota
Place of Burial: St. Mary's Cemetery, Winona, Minnesota, October 8, 1934
Undertaker: J. B. Burke, Winona, Minnesota
Filed: 10-8-1934, W. N. Lindsay
Physician Attending: October 3-6, 1934
Time of Death: 9:45 a.m.
Cause of Death: Carcinoma of Stomach (8 months duration)
Contributing Cause: General Carcinoma, Metastasis, 3 months duration
Autopsy: Yes
Signed: P. A. Mattison, MD, Winona, Minnesota, 10-6-1934
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Name: David Glenn Drugan
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 6 Oct 1934
Event Place: Winona, Winona, Minnesota, United States
Event Place (Original): Winona, Winona, Minnesota, United States
Gender: Male
Age: 45
Birth Year (Estimated): 1889
Father's Name: Patrick
Mother's Name: Elizabeth Keaffe
Spouse's Name: Lena
Spouse's Gender: Female

Citing this Record
"Minnesota Deaths and Burials, 1835-1990", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FDDB-1MF : 16 January 2020), David Glenn Drugan, 1934.
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name: David Glenn Drugan
event type: Death
event date: 6 Oct 1934
event place: Winona, Minnesota
record number: 681299
certificate number: 017560
certificate year: 1934
file name: 017560
affiliate batch identifier: NN306DO
typed or handwritten: H

Citing this Record
"Minnesota, Death Index, 1908-2002," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V4QP-P1B : accessed 01 Mar 2013), David Glenn Drugan, 1934.
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  Noted events in his life were:

• Hobby: Raised Exotic Chickens and Pigeons, Winona, MN. ¹⁴

• He has alternate birth date of Feb 1888 and a birth location of Wisconsin.

^{4 6 8}

• He appeared on the 1895 Wisconsin State Census in Trempealeau, WI in 20 Jun 1895. ¹⁵

1895 Wisconsin State Census
Page 3
Trempealeau (Town), Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Patrick Drugan (sometimes indexed as Dreyan)
Males: 5 = Patrick Jr.; (Edmund, son; William, son; David, son; Harry, son)

(Living with parents.)

• He appeared on the 1900 US Census in Trempealeau, WI on 13 Jun 1900. ⁶

1900 US Census
Sheet 9A, District 237, Family 191
Trempealeau, Trempealeau, Wisconsin
Home owned no mortgage
David G. Drugan..Son..Feb 1888..12..WI..At School

(Living with parents.)

NOTE - Family records indicate a birth date of Feb 1889 instead of Feb 1888.

• He appeared on the 1905 Wisconsin State Census in Trempealeau, WI in Jun 1905. ⁸

1905 Wisconsin State Census
Page 460, Family 40, Line 64
Trempealeau, Trempealeau, Wisconsin
House owned
David G. Drugan...Son..17..WI

(Living with parents.)

NOTE - If his birth date was 24 Feb 1889, then his age should have been 16 instead of 17.

• His occupation 1909 To 1934 was a Brakeman for passenger railroad in Winona, MN.
A passenger train brakeman differed somewhat from the brakeman used on freight trains. In passenger service, the brakeman (called trainman or assistant conductor) collects revenue, may operate door "through switches" for specific platforming needs, makes announcements, and operates trainline door open and close controls when required to assist the conductor. A passenger service trainman is often required to qualify as a conductor after 1 to 2 years experience. The rear end trainman signals to the conductor when all the train's doors are safely closed, then boards and closes his/her door.

• He appeared on the 1910 US Census in Elroy, WI on 6 May 1910. ⁹

1910 US Census
Sheet 18B, District 70, Family 404
Elroy, Juneau, Wisconsin
Glenn Drugan..Roomer..21..Single..WI..Railroad Brakeman

(Boarder with several other railroad employees)

• His occupation on 5 Jun 1917 was a Passenger Brakeman for Chicago and Northwestern RR in Winona, MN. ⁷

• He resided at 467 East 4th Street on 5 Jun 1917 in Winona, MN.
⁷

• On 5 Jun 1917, he registered for the World War I Draft at Winona, MN.

Name: David G Drugan
Birth date: 26 Feb 1889
Birthplace: Trempealeau, Wisconsin, United States
⁷

• He appeared on the 1920 US Census in Winona, MN on 28 Jan 1920. ³

1920 US Census
Sheet 4B, District 207, Family 80, Roll 865
Winona, Winona, Minnesota
467 East Fourth Street; house rented
David G. Drugan..Head..30..WI..Railroad Brakeman

(Living with wife and 3 children.)

• He appeared on the 1930 US Census in Winona, MN on 14 Apr 1930. ⁴

1930 US Census
Sheet 15A, District 29, Family 355, Roll 1135
Winona, Winona, Minnesota
552 West 4th Street; Rent $25
David Drugan..Head..44..WI..Railroad Brakeman..Married. at 25

(Living with wife and children.)

NOTE - If his birth date was 26 Feb 1889, then his age should have been 41 instead of 44.

• His obituary was published in the Winona Republican-Herald on 6 Oct 1934 in Winona, MN.

¹⁶ David G. Drugan, 209 Grand Street, died in the Winona General hospital at 9:40 a.m. today after a long illness. He was 45 years old.

Mr. Drugan was born in Trempealeau but had lived in Winona 20 years. He was a passenger brakeman for the Chicago & North Western railroad, and had been in the employ of the company 25 years.

Surviving him are his wife and seven children, Bernice, Margie, David, Ruth, Arthur [sic, should have been Martha], Jack, and Billie. He is also survived by two brothers and a sister, William and District Drugan, Trempealeau, and Mrs. Joseph Hammernick, Witoka, Minn. Another brother, Harry, died a year ago.

Funeral service will be held at the St. Thomas church and burial will be made in St. Mary's cemetery, but the time of service has not been set.

(Source: Winona Republican-Herald, 6 Oct 1934, Page 3)
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• He was buried on 8 Oct 1934 in the Saint Marys Cemetery in Winona, MN.

Find A Grave Memorial l# 99594813
¹²

• His obituary was published in the Winona Republican-Herald on 8 Oct 1934 in Winona, MN.

Funeral services for David G. Drugan, 209 Grand Street, were conducted at 9 a.m. today at the St. Thomas Pro-Cathedral, the Rev. Louis O'Day officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery. Pallbearers were O. W. Dubois, W. I. Millier, L. C. Stephans, O. T. Sheron, Joseph Jessesski, and A. B. Hassett.

(Source: Winona Republican-Herald, Oct 8, 1934, Page 3)
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David married Lena Louise Hanson, daughter of Lars Syversen Hanson and Helena Catherine Kramer, on 21 Apr 1913 in Winona, MN.^{2 3 4 5} (Lena Louise Hanson was born on 19 Mar 1894 in Trempealeau, WI,^{4 5 17 18 19 20 21} died on 1 Mar 1980 in La Crosse, WI ^{5 21 22} and was buried on 4 Mar 1980 in Saint Marys Cemetery, Winona, MN ²⁰.). The cause of her death was Cardio respiratory failure.⁵

  Noted events in their marriage were:

• Marriage Image: 21 Apr 1913, in Winona, MN. ²

• They resided at 467 East Fourth Street on 5 Jun 1917 in Winona, MN.

• They resided at 467 East Fifth Street in Feb 1918 in Winona, MN.
A Winona newspaper article about their home being the setting for a marriage for friends gave this address.

• They appeared on the 1920 US Census in Winona, MN on 28 Jan 1920. ³

1920 US Census
Sheet 4B, District 207, Dwelling 76, Family 80, Roll 865
Winona, Winona County, Minnesota
467 East Fourth Street; house rented
David G. Drugan..Head..30..WI..Railroad Brakeman
Lena Drugan..Wife..24..WI
Bernice Drugan..Dau..4y 11m..MN
Marguerite Drugan..Dau..3y 6m..MN
David Drugan..Son..1y 7m..MN

• They resided at 215 Grand Street Jul 1920 to Sep 1921 in Winona, MN.
A Winona newspaper article detailing Lena's prized chickens gave this address. Another article detailing David's winning a prize at the railroad also gave this address. Ruth's birth announcement in Sep 1921 used this address.

• They resided at 216 Grand Street in Jun 1923 in Winona, MN.
Winona birth announcement for Martha gave this address. It might be a misprint and should be the same 215 number as before or perhaps the family did indeed move just across the street.

• They resided at 761 West Fifth Street in 1924 in Winona, MN.
According to Jack Drugan, the family lived at this house after being kicked out of the house on Grand Street because the family could not pay the rent. "They moved to 761 West 5th Street. On that corner, the street cars would make their stop, going east and west. It would cost about 2-3 cents per trip ,but the cost soon went up to a nickel. Jack recalls later on, it was 3 ride tokens for 25 cents. They could take the street car from one end to another, but everyone walked in those days."

• They resided at 552 West Fifth Street Jan 1926 to Nov 1928 in Winona, MN.
Winona newspaper obituary for Patrick Drugan, Jr. gave this address of D. G. Drugan.

• They appeared on the 1930 US Census in Winona, MN on 14 Apr 1930. ⁴

1930 US Census
Sheet 15A, District 29, Dwelling 326, Family 355, Roll 1135
Winona, Winona County, Minnesota
552 West 4th Street; Rent $25
David Drugan..Head..44..WI..Railroad Brakeman..Marr. at 25
Lena Drugan..Wife..35..WI..Marr. at 19
Bernice Drugan..Dau..15..MN
Margaret Drugan..Dau..13..MN
David Drugan..Son..11..MN
Ruth Drugan..Dau..8..MN
Martha Drugan..Dau..6..MN
John Drugan..Son..5..MN
William Drugan..Son..11m..MN

• They resided at 552 West Fourth Street on 14 Apr 1930 in Winona, MN.

• They resided at 579 West Sanborn Street in May 1933 in Winona, MN.
The obituary for Harry Drugan gave this address for David Drugan.

• They resided at 209 Grand Street in Oct 1934 in Winona, MN.
¹⁶ A Winona newspaper article about David Drugan, Jr. displaying prize chickens at a poultry show gave this address. Obituary for David Drugan, Sr. gave this address.

  Marriage Notes:

It is interesting to note that the wedding announcement from Lena's parents indicated that the marriage was 21 Apr 1913 in Trempealeau, Wisconsin but the marriage license was issued in Winona, MN and it indicates the marriage was performed by the Judge of the Probate Court of Winona County, MN. The Drugans were Catholic and the Hansons were Methodist so the young couple merely traveled to the courthouse in Winona to be married without causing any arguments between the families and ultimately with all their blessings.
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Name: David G Drugan
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 21 Apr 1913
Event Place: Winona, Minnesota, United States
Event Place (Original): Winona, Minnesota, United States
Gender: Male
Spouse's Name: Leone E Hanson
Spouse's Gender: Female
Certificate Number: Page 32

Citing this Record
"Minnesota, County Marriages, 1860-1949", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2M5-F5JX : 15 May 2020), David G Drugan and Leone E Hanson, 1913.
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Mr. & Mrs. Louis S. Hanson announce the marriage of their daughter Leone Louise and Mr. David Glenn Drugan on Monday morning, April the twenty-first One thousand nine hundred and thirteen at ten o'clock Trempealeau, Wisconsin. At Home after June the twentieth Irving Park, Illinois
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Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Drugan entertained the following at a card party Wednesday evening: Mr. and Mrs. F. Jennison, Mr. and Mrs. O. W. DuBois, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Brink, Mr. and Mrs. J. Braisdale of Minneapolis, Mrs. J. Eickemeyer, Mrs. R. Losinski, and Mrs. Glenn Courtier. Dainty refreshments were served and a pleasant time was enjoyed by all.

(Source: Winona Daily Republican; Date: 1921 Jan 27; Section: None; Page Number: 2)
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Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Hanson and daughter Marie spend Christmas day with (Mr.) and Mrs. Glen D. Drugan at Winona. Mrs. Drugan is a daughter to the Hansons.

(Source: Winona Daily Republican; Date: 1921 Dec 27; Section: None; Page Number: 7)
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All the Drugan children went to Madison School in Winona for elementary school. Jack Drugan said he went to Lincoln school for only two months, when they moved to Mill Street for a short time. They had to move because his brother, Billy, age 4, was playing with matches in the attic and there was a fire. Not much damage, but some smoke damage.
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A most interesting article was found in the 11 June 1927 edition of the Winona Republican-Herald newspaper. It detailed a special children's program that was being given by the McKinley Methodist Church and it listed Bernice, Ruth, and Margaret Drugan all as participants. It was commonly believed amongst the Drugan family that following the marriage to David Glenn Drugan, Lena Hanson left her Methodist upbringing and raised all her children in the catholic church but this article would seem to show otherwise.
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Trempealeau - Glenn Drugan of Winona moved his family here last Tuesday in the A. A. Holmes house on Third Street.

(Source: Winona Republican-Herald, Saturday, May 17, 1930, Page: 12)

NOTE - David had moved himself back to Trempealeau after receiving the grim medical report following his abdominal operations. He apparently wanted to be back in the area where he was born. Although the article says he moved his family there, the family actually remained back in Winona. He had one or more of the children join him there in Trempealeau during the summer months.
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