I've "rescued" an old photograph identified only as "DOUGLAS"
which was
taken at the Jones Studio in Providence, Rhode Island. The photograph
appears to have been taken in the 1870's with the man in the photograph most
likely in his 30's at the time the photograph was taken. In addition to his
name, someone has written "Registrar's Clerk" on the front of the
photograph.
The photograph was recovered along with others belonging to the Class of
1878 at Brown University including both students and faculty. With that
information I was able to locate two possible matches in university alumni
records, the most likely match is Francis Wayland DOUGLAS who became the
Registrar in 1879 at Brown University. William DOUGLAS was also a Registrar
at Brown University from 1864-1879, however, he was born in 1812 so that
would make him in his 50's during the 1870's, too old I believe to be a
match with the man in this photograph.
Based on limited research and thanks to DOUGLAS Family Researchers, I was
able to gather the following information regarding Francis and his family:
Francis Wayland DOUGLAS was b. Jul 1846 or 1847 to parents William DOUGLAS
and Sarah SAWYER in RI. Francis was married first to Elizabeth Jane NICHOLS
in RI in 1875 and his second marriage was to Anna Louise BURGESS (b. Aug
1855 in Lewiston, ME) on 31 Mar 1891 in Marion, IN. Together they had two
children including, Louise Dyer b. 1895 and Theodore W. b. 1897, both in
Indianapolis, IN.
Francis came to Indianapolis, IN in 1886 and died in Urbana, IL in 1921.
His obituary indicates that five children survive him including Theodore W.
of Urbana, IL; William DOUGLAS of Mercersburg, PA; Samuel T. DOUGLAS of
Waban, MA; Francis Wayland DOUGLAS Jr. of Cincinnati, OH; and Louise DOUGLAS
of Urbana, IL.
Francis' father William DOUGLAS was the first registrar at Brown University
identified above.
I am hoping to locate someone from the family so that the photograph can be
returned to their care. If you are a member of this family, or you know
someone who might be, please contact me.
Thanks,
Shelley