He was born in Blue Mountain, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, the son of Dougald McDougald and Elizabeth Fraser, of Scottish descent. He was educated at New Glasgow and established himself as a merchant in Westville.[1] McDougald was named a justice of the peace in 1879 and served as a member of the first municipal council for Pictou County in 1879, being reelected in 1880, 1882 and 1884. He was first elected to the House of Commons in an 1881 by-election held after James McDonald was named Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. In 1882, he married Maggie J. McLeod. McDougald was named Commissioner of Customs in 1896.[2] He was named to the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1912. McDougald died in Halifax at the age of 71.[1]
Electoral history
By-election on 18 June 1881
On Mr. McDonald being appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, 20 May 1881
