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Index of first names

Joseph W. Douglas 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph W. douglas (1838- ) was the son of William Douglas, of Northford, Connecticut  , USA, and brother to William and Benjamin.

 

The second son of William, Joseph inherited from his father distinguishing traits of character that have ever been the pride of his Doulas ancestors, while from his mother's side he inherits the strong love of country and self sacrificing devotion to principle that have always characterized the Mansfields. He was born at Middletown on the 29th of January 1838. His early education was received at the public school, and subsequently at Professor Chase's school. At the age of 14, he entered his father's factory in the pattern maker's department, at the same time continuing his studies at night under a private tutor. He was quick to learn and displayed great executive ability. When he was but 18 years of age he was made foreman of the factory, acting under his father's supervision. At the age of 22, when President Lincolnissued his proclamation calling for volunteers to defend the Union, he was among the first to offer his services, and was foremost in organizing Company A. of the Mansfield Guards, of which he was elected first lieutenant. He was in the first battle of Bull Run, and continued with his company till it was mustered out of service with the other three months' troops. He would gladly have continued to serve his country to the end of the war, but the death of his father necessitated his taking charge of the mechanical department of the extensive works of W. & B. DOUGLAS, there being no one else in his father's family who was qualified to fill that position. Felling the great responsibility resting upon him, he devoted all his energies to the further development of the business, and proved himself a worthy son of his honored sire. He continued to make further improvements in the manufacture of the almost endless variety of pumps, several of which were covered by letters of patent, the result of his own inventions.

In 1878, he was elected mayor of the city on the republican ticket. His wise and judicious administration of public affairs receiving the approval of his fellow citizens without regard to party affiliations, he was nominated by his friends for a second term, but his other duties compelled him to decline the nomination. He was for six years a member of the Common Council, and was senior alderman for two years. He has been treasurer of Mcdonough Lodge, Knights of Honour, since its organization, is president of the Century Club, trustee of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Savings Bank, director of the People's Insurance Company, and of the corporation of W. & B. DOUGLAS, and is also an active member of Mansfield Post, G. A. R.

He is a man of fine physique, quiet and dignified in his manner, and a perfect specimen of the bon homme.

On the 1st of June 1859, he married Julia W., daughter of William Dabney, and a granddaughter of Captain Robert Johnson, a prominent manufacturer of fire arms during the war of 1812. By her he has had three children: Kate, born March 19th 1860; William B., born September 19th 1863; Grace, born February 15th 1872.

Kate, the eldest, was married on the 13th of October 1881, to William C. Wallace, member of the well-known law firm of Arnoux, Rich, & Woodford , New York city. William, the second child, is at the present time completing his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mr. Douglas resides in the elegant brick mansion on Broad street, the internal arrangements of which indicate a refined taste and a just appreciation of the beautiful.

 

 

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