Written by his daughter, Henrietta Douglass. Additional
documentation compiled and shared by his granddaughter, Marie Douglass
Stevenson Stewart, is italicized.
Typed exactly as written with
no changes to spelling, grammar or punctuation.
Samuel
Douglass (1850 – 1918}, a native pioneer of Utah and for many years a
prominent merchant of Payson, Utah, was born March 1, 1850 in Salt Lake
City. He grew to be a tall, slender, upright man and had a just,
charitable, kind disposition. He gave liberally to all churches in the
community of Payson. During unproductive seasons of the year, he carried
accounts in his store with many families. Some were able to pay when
crops were sold, others could not, but Samuel had done what he thought
was right. He followed the Douglass motto, “Do Right and Fear Not”.
Samuel spent the first eight years of his life in Salt Lake City. The
Douglass home was located on all of lot 5 block 13 plot B – “S. L. C.
Survey” facing 8th East on the street about 1/3 of the way down 7th
South. The house was made of adobe and built by his father William
Douglass with assistance of his wife, Agnes Cross Douglass.
In
1858 the family moved to Payson. Their first home here was a log cabin
at 1st East and 1st South. First East at that time was planned for Main
Street. William, however, bought property one block west on what is now
Main Street at 1st North. He built a home on the south west corner and a
store a short distance west of the north west corner.
Later he
built a two story building on the corner with an open stairway from the
main floor to the upper floor with goods for sale on both floors. Samuel
spent most of his time as a young man working in the store.
His
father had had a liberal education and wished to give his children every
advantage in education possible. Samuel attended school both in Payson
and Provo. He found time to make himself a violin and learned to play it
---not too well.
He made many trips to Salt Lake with his father
to purchase goods for the store. They made those trips in two covered
wagons, each drawn by four mules. They cooked their meals on the way and
camped at night. The road through the Jordon (sic) Narrows was a bad one
at times, no road had been cut on the mountain side.
With a
superior line of goods, the Douglass store was the outstanding business
block in Payson. As business expanded, a side room on the west side was
built, where caskets were sold along with furniture. Next a hardware
store was built on the block across the road east of the main store and
Samuel was put in charge. He had put a fanning mill[1] in the Union
Hall, a building north of the General Merchandise store. Union Hall had
been bought by the family. Samuel fanned[2] the Lucerne seed which he
both raised himself and bought from farmers. Later, he moved the mill to
the east room of the hardware store.
When his father died August
19, 1892, the hardware store was left to Samuel and his brother Joseph.
After a few years the partnership was dissolved and Samuel went into
business for himself. He built a building on the corner one block south
of his father’s home and opened a Dry Goods and Grocery business. The
business section by this time was moving from First North to Main Street
and his corner was one of the four best business corners in town. His
father’s barn had previously occupied this site.
His store was
stocked with top grade goods. He later added a line of men’s
furnishings, shoes, dishes, paints, oil and glass. He also put weighing
scales out on the road adjoining, where he weighed coal and farm
products.
Mercantile was not his only business. His farm land was
near West Mountain Land. He drained and planted it in grain and
Lucerne[3], part was pasture land. Salem was a hay and grain field. The
north Payson field was grain. This piece was cut in two when Payson Main
Street was extended to Benjamin, but by exchanging land he worked it out
so all of his land was on the west side of the street.
Samuel
bought fine horses – Hector, Mark Laddy, Roscoe (registered), Larned
(registered), and Dewey. He raised many others. He also owned a fine
herd of cattle. One spring he hired a man to drive them to pasture. He
received word shortly afterward that they had been droven (sic) off,
probably stolen by the Robbers Roost gang.
He bought a small
orchard on West 1st North where he harvested different kinds of apples.
There were also apple trees about the yard surrounding his home. He
stored them for winter use in an insulated room in his barn for family
use in the winter. Later the property on 1st North, which was the size
of a city lot, was used for a stack yard.
Samuel was called on a
mission to the British Isles, May 15, 1873. He and his mother made the
trip to Ireland and Scotland. His mother, Agnes Cross Douglass was at
home there and knew where to search for the Douglass genealogy. She
brought back as complete a line as could be had. A history of the
Douglass family was also brought back. While there, Samuel became
acquainted with a cousin, Alexander Grey, with whom he carried on a
correspondence for many years. Archibald and Sholto Douglass are
included in the list of names obtained in the genealogy.
Samuel was
called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
to Arkansas in 1887. He did not remain long. He returned in 1888
suffering with chills and fever (malaria) from which he never fully
recovered.
On October 26, 1874, he married Emma Jane Dixon. They
had planned their wedding for a later date, but her father was called on
a mission to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They desired his presence at
their wedding, so they were married before he left in the Endowment
House in Salt Lake City.
After they were married they moved into
the new home which Samuel had built on the town public square, where
Indians had camped, and where they had made peace with the whites, where
town gatherings were held, and where Emma Jane’s father, Christopher F.
Dixon, had made camp on his arrival in Payson in 1862, the year the
family crossed the plains. This was to be their home for the rest of
their lives. It was a fine two story adobe. As the family came along
they enlarged the house from time to time.[4] They raised a family of
four boys and seven girls and a grand-daughter, making an even dozen in
all. (Emma Jane was a widow and sixty-seven years of age when she took
he little five year old grand-daughter – her youngest son’s child, who
had lost her own mother. She lived to see this child married.)
In
1902 Samuel brought the first phonograph to Payson. It was shaped like a
box and sat on a table. It had a large horn shaped speaker. When the
townsfolk heard it, they came for blocks forming a crowd out in front of
the south gate. After that Samuel placed it on the East porch. Every
night for several weeks, people would line up from the East gate to the
corner to listen to it.
Samuel was an enterprising man. He served
as City Councilman and City Treasurer of Payson and was the chosen
candidate on the Republican ticket for Mayor in 1903, but was not
elected.
With the cooperation of his brother-in-laws, John and
Jack Dixon, they piped water from an underground source near Payson Park
to their homes all located on North Main Street. Later he formed the
Douglass Perculating System, a corporation, and installed a much larger
line. He then had water enough to supply his store as well as his home.
After this the first line was used only outside. He had apartments in
the upper story of his store building and piped water there also. In
front of his store was a drinking fountain and watering trough free for
public to use.
When Payson had but one toll telephone, a private
telephone company installed telephones at Samuel’s residence, his place
of business, the Junior Wightman home and the Denver and Rio Grande
Railroad station.
After the Mountain States Telephone Company
installed their telephones in Payson, Samuel left his private telephone
connecting his home and the store for many years.
Electric lights
were installed in the house in 1897 and were turned on for the first
time December 29th, the night their second daughter was married.
Shortly before he retired from business, a major remodeling job was done
to the Douglass home. A hot water heating system was installed, two
rooms and plumbing added upstairs; the big rooms down stairs opened up
with wide colonnades, and hardwood floors laid. The outside adobe walls
were covered with a rough cement plaster, and Samuel himself helped lay
the rocks in the three story chimnies (sic) and rock pillars decorating
the exterior of the house. This was done in 1912.
His
brother, Joseph, was the mason and did the rock work on the pillars and
chimneys.
( Picture
of Samuel’s home with the caption “THE SAMUEL DOUGLASS home in Payson is
viewed each year by hundreds of tourists, but few of them realize it is
over 100 years old.”)
Home’s History Given
PAYSON – One of the oldest Payson homes highlighted by the
recent Utah County/Payson Heritage Days is glimpsed by hundreds of
visitors driving into town from Interstate 15, bound for vacations this
summer.
Located on the northwest corner of Main Street and 200
North, the imposing Douglass house was built by Samuel Douglass, a
merchant, soon after his marriage in 1874.
This house, along with
two others across the street, was among the very first in Payson to
receive electric lighting in 1890. It was also among the first with
indoor plumbing.
The Samuel Douglass Building, long a landmark at
Utah Avenue and Main Street for about 58 years, was finally torn down in
1953. Mr. Douglass erected his two-story brick building in 1895 for his
general merchandise store, according to Payson Historian Madoline Dixon.
Mrs. Dixon notes in her book, “Peteetneet Town: A History of Payson,
Utah,” that men and teams were under contract for $2.50 a day to haul
brick from Benjamin and Salem for the structure.
It usually took
12 hours a day in order to deliver the specified 2,000 bricks – two
wagonloads –daily.
The store today, originally planned by Mr.
Douglass as a hotel, is long gone, but his home on North Main stands as
a “monument” to the memory of one of Payson’s pioneer merchants.[5]
The long east porch on the front of the home and rose trellis were
added in 1910-15, as were the two bedrooms built above the existing
rooms on the west.[6]
After his retirement he took up
gardening as a hobby. The yard was beautifully landscaped with evergreen
trees, and all kinds of flowers – roses, pansies, petunias, verbenias,
asters, daisies, flox, honeysuckle, lilacs, and other flowering shrubs.
His wife’s rose garden was started at the same time as Mrs. William
McKinley’s, and was one of the first private gardens in Payson. The old
home became somewhat of a showplace and was awarded a brass plaque
engraved with the following: “Winner of the Sanitary and Home Beauty
Contest 1914 Awarded by the High School Civics Class.”
Samuel’s
life was not a long one. He died August 7, 1918 at the age of
sixty-eight. His funeral services were held at home, and he is buried in
the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
ESTEEMED CITIZEN OF PAYSON
PASSES AWAY
______________
Samuel Douglass, son
of William and Agnes Cross Douglass, one of the more highly respected
citizens of Payson for over 55 years and one of the most potent factors
in the upbuilding of that little city and its environs, passed away
peacefully at his home at an early hour yesterday morning.
Mr.
Douglass was born in this city March 1, 1850, and spent his early
boyhood days here, his parents later removing to Payson, where he became
a successful business man and enjoyed the esteem of all who knew him. He
was one of the most ardent promoters of the building of the Strawberry
reservoir and his satisfaction upon its completion by the government was
very great.
Mr. Douglass filled a mission for the Church in the
Southern States Mission in 1877-8 and was over a generous donor for
Church, civic and Red Cross activities, the latter in spite of fast
failing health.
Long before the people of Payson enjoyed a system
of waterworks, Mr. Douglass spent a considerable sum in building a
private pipe-line from a spring located in the southern part of town to
his beautiful country home located in the northern section of Payson. He
was a lover of flowers, a friend to animals, ad known for his generosity
and kindliness.
Mr. Douglass is survived by his widow and the
following children: Mrs. John J. McClellan, Mrs. Robert S. Wimmer of
Salt Lake City; Mrs. Newell K. White, Miss Henrietta Douglass, Mrs. Dave
Huish, Miss Marguerite and Miss Kathryn Douglass; Samuel Douglas, Jr.,
Charles D. Douglass, William D. Douglass and Stanley Douglass. Two
sisters, Mrs. Hyrum Lemmon and Mrs. Mathilda D. Dixon, with many
friends, also mourn his departure. He is survived by 15 grandchildren
and one great-grandchild, the latter being little Miss Genevra McClellan
Jennings, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Gordon Jennings. Mr. Jennings now
being with the Sprague ambulance corps at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill.
Funeral services will be held at the residence in Payson tomorrow
(Friday) morning at 10 o’clock and a number of Salt Lake relatives and
friends will attend. Among them will be Elder Richard R. Lyman, Prof.
Anthony C. Lund, Prof. Willard. E. Weihe, friends of the departed and
fellow artists of his son-in-law, Prof. J. J. McClellan. These will take
part in the brief services and then the body of Mr. Douglass will be
brought on the 1 o’clock train to this city where interment will be made
in the city cemetery.[7]
PAYSON
Death Calls
Prominent Citizen of Utah County
________
Payson,
Aug. 9. – Samuel Douglass, son of William and Agnes Cross Douglass, died
Wednesday at his home here and was buried today. Mr. Douglass was
connected with some of the biggest enterprises of this section. He was a
faithful Church member and ward worker and a prominent citizen of Payson
and Utah County.
The deceased is survived by his widow, one
brother Joseph S. Douglass, and the following children: Mrs. John J.
McClellan, Mrs. Robert S. Wimmer of Salt Lake City. Mrs. Newell K.
White, Miss Henrietta Douglass, Mrs. Dave Huish, Miss Marguerite and
Miss Kathryn Douglass, Samuel Douglass, Jr., Charles D. Douglass,
William D. Douglass and Stanley Douglass. Two sisters, Mrs. Hyrum Lemmon
and Mrs. Mathilda D. Dixon. He is survived by 15 grandchildren and one
great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held at the residence in
Payson. Beautiful floral offerings were artistically arranged around the
casket. Elder Levi Edgar Young was the principal speaker. He eulogized
the life of the deceased.
Music was furnished by Prof. A. C. Lund
and Willard E. Weihe, accompanied on the organ by Prof. J. J. McClellan,
son-in-law of Mr. Douglass.
Bishop Brown of the Payson Second ward
presided and made a few remarks. Bishop Joseph Fairbanks,
formerly…..(missing words)..….Annabella, Utah, offered the opening
prayer and Bishop Justin A. Loveless of the First ward, Payson,
pronounced the benediction. The services reflected the strong character
of the pioneer and the devotion of the father, husband and friend.
The body, accompanied by the family, was taken to Salt Lake, where
burial took place in the City cemetery. President Charles W. Penrose, a
warm personal friend of the family, offered the dedicatory prayer at the
grave, prefacing the same with an impressive but brief discourse in
which he paid strong tribute to the noble character and the successful
life of this well known citizen.[8]
Samuel
Douglass
Dies at Home of
Heart Trouble
--------
Samuel Douglass died at his home in this city of heart trouble Wednesday
morning, August 7, 1918. His parents were William and Agnes Cross
Douglass.
He was born in Salt Lake City March 1, 1850.
During the “move” south in 1858 in company with his parents, he came to
Payson and since that time has made this his home.
His father,
William Douglass, started in the mercantile business for himself and his
sons, under the firm name of Douglass and Sons, in the year 1869, and
did a successful business.
After the death of his father Samuel
continued in the same business for himself and only retired a few years
ago.
Deceased was a public spirited man, ready to help in any public
enterprise that was for the up-building of the community, was
charitable, kind and honest in all his dealings.
He was married
to Emma J. Dixon, in Salt Lake City, Oct. 26, 1874, and is survived by
his widow and the following children: Samuel Douglass, Jr., Charles D.
Douglass, William Douglass, Stanley Douglass, Mrs. J. J. McClellan, Mrs.
R. S. Wimmer, Mrs. N. K. White, Mrs. Dave Huish, Miss Henrietta
Douglass, Miss Marguerite Douglass and Miss Kathryn Douglass. Fifteen
grandchildren and one great grandchild; one brother, Joseph S. Douglass;
two sisters, Mrs. M. D. Dixon and Mrs. Hyrum Lemmon also survive him.
Funeral services were held at his residence Friday morning, Bishop
Elisha Brown presiding. Elder Levi Edgar Young was the principal
speaker. Music was furnished by Prof. Willard Weihe and Prof. A. C.
Lund, accompanied by Prof. J. J. McClellan. Invocation was offered by
Joseph Fairbanks and benediction pronounced by Bishop J. A. Loveless.
The many beautiful floral offerings was a symbol of his character.
The remains were taken to Salt Lake City for interment.
President C. W. Penrose delivered a beautiful discourse at the grave,
after which he dedicated it.
Samuel Douglass was of a retiring
disposition but true to his convictions and lived and died a true
Latter-day Saint.[9]
Samuel Douglass, Born March 1, 1850,
Salt Lake City, Utah Married Oct. 26, 1874 – Died Aug. 7, 1918, Payson
Utah Buried Salt Lake City
Emma Jane Dixon, wife of Samuel Douglass,
Born Oct. 16, 1855, Kirtland, Ohio. Married Monday Oct. 26, 1874. Died
June 4, 1943 Buried Salt Lake City, Utah
Children of Samuel and
Emma Jane Douglass, all born at home in Payson, Utah
Mary Estella
Douglass – Born on Wednesday, Oct 27, 1875 at 6:03 P.M.
Blessed by
Elder David Lant Baptized 1884
Married John J. McClellan July 15,
1896
Died-Feb. 23, 1957
Armanella B. Douglass – Born Tuesday
April 10, 1877 at 6:50 A.M.
Blessed by Elder David Fairbanks Baptized
June 2, 1887
Married Robert S. Wimmer Dec. 29, 1897
Died – Sept
24, 1953
Samuel Douglass -- Born Sunday Oct. 27, 1878 at 10:15
P.M.
Blessed by Elder Gary Wride – Thursday, Dec. 8, 1878
Married
– Minnie White Dec. 23, 1914 Baptized June 2, 1887
Died – Jan 31
11:30 A.M. 1965
Charles Dixon Douglass – Born on Saturday Aug.
21, 1880 at 5:30 A.M.
Blessed by Elder David Fairbanks Thursday Oct.
7, 1880
Married Winnie Nebeker Dec. 15, 1909 Baptized Aug. 1, 1889
Died – June 19, 1968
William Douglass – Born on Sunday Feb. 26,
1882 at 2:10 A.M.
Blessed by Elder Thomas E. Daniels Thursday May 4,
1882
Married – Pearl McClellan June 15, 1910 Baptized Sept 4, 1890
Died – Feb 19, 1968
Emma Douglass – Born on Monday March 31, 1884
at 5:06 P.M.
Blessed by Elder L. S. Huish June 5, 1884 Baptized March
2, 1893
Married – Newel Knight White[10] Dec. 30, 1908
Died – May
14, 1961
Henrietta Douglass – Born on Friday Feb. 5, 1886 at 9:00
A.M.
Blessed by Elder John B. Fairbanks Thursday June 3, 1886
Married - Baptized – Aug 1, 1895
Died – 13 September 1980[11]
Edith Douglass – Born on Saturday Nov. 26, 1887 at 5:30 P.M.
Blessed
by Elder W. S. Tanner (unable to read) 1888
Married – Dave Huish Dec.
12, 1909 Baptized July 2, 1896
Died – June 4, 1955
Stanley
Douglass – Born April 30, 1890 at 4:27 P.M.
Blessed by Elder W. S.
Tanner Sept. 4, 1890
Married – Amanda E. Hanson Aug. 27, 1914
Baptized May 4, 1913
Died – 9 November 1976[12]
Marguerite
Douglass – Born on Wednesday Dec. 18, 1895 at 10:50 A.M.
Blessed --
Baptized June 5, 1904
Married Winslow Charles Cole Nov. 15, 1924
(divorced)
Died – Aug. 20, 1960
Kathryn Douglass – Born on
Friday Dec. 15, 1899 at 7:00 P.M.
Blessed by C. W. Brewerton Aug. 5,
1899
Married – John Rowe Groesbeck June 30, 1942 Baptized –
Died –
15 January 1988[13]
Among the descendents of Samuel and Emma Jane
Douglass are doctors, dentists, teachers, druggists, nurses, musicians,
accountants, salesmen, cattlemen and farmers. One grandson served in
World War I; four in World War II, and two grand-daughters in World War
II (one as a nurse, the other in the Red Cross). One grand-son, a
paratrooper, was killed in an airplane crash the day of Emma Jane’s
funeral. Another, his brother was serving on the U S S Battleship
Oklahoma when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese.
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