[1] He worked as a lawyer in Pennsylvania and New York before enlisting for military service in September 1862,[1] during the American Civil War.

His regiment joined the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, XII Corps under Alpheus Williams in time for the Battle of Chancellorsville.

His brigade served on Culp's Hill, except when it went to the left flank of the army late on July 2, 1863, to help stop the Confederate advance.

When they returned to the right flank, McDougall's men almost collided with Confederate troops who had occupied part of Culp's Hill.

Surgeons amputated the leg, but McDougall died on June 23, 1864, at an officers’ hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.