The Duggan family settled in Georgia in 1744 and has long been identified with the leading educational institutions of the State. David Edmund, the son of A. C. and Nancy Maddox Duggan, was born October 10, 1872. Losing his parents at an early age, he was reared in the home of his guardian, Dr. Ivy W. Duggan, his eldest brother. David Edmund was graduated from Washington Institute in 1890, and from Georgia School of Technology in 1894.
Acting as superintendent for Bibb Manufacturing Company for five years, he then became builder and manager of the Cochran Cotton Mills for fifteen years. In 1915 he moved to Hawkinsville, becoming owner and president of the cotton mills. For many years he has been engaged in farming and lumber manufacturing, being manager of the Hawkinsville Lumber and Manufacturing Company.
To his church he was always loyal, his faith unwavering, from early manhood traveling the royal road of life, serving for thirty-four years as deacon in the Baptist Church, chairman of the local board of deacons for several years, and teacher of the Men’s Bible Class.
As a citizen and benefactor to every community in which he has lived, he liberally supported every cause to promote the interests of the people of Pulaski County. He is a friend to education and generously supports educational interests. He is trustee of one college and two schools, and was a trustee of the Hawkinsville public schools for more than fifteen years, and was chairman of the board for a number of years.
In 1901 he was married to Pauline Stewart, daughter of John S. and Tallulah Powell Stewart. The children of Edmund and Pauline Duggan are: Ruth, born June 17, 1903, died November 13, 1904; David E., born May 16, 1905; James Powell, born September 28, 1907 (married Mary Lawson in 1933); Pauline, born September 30, 1909 (married Wilbur F. Smith, 1931) ; Ethel, born September 18, 1911 (married T. K. Dobbs in 1930, who died in 1931) ; Grace, born August 30, 1918; Ivy Stewart, born December 19, 1920; Francis Arthur, born May 13, 1924. Grandchildren: Joan and Paula Smith.