Legislator Details


Columbus C. Douglas
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Gender: Male
Age at election: 48

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 8/22/1812
City: Springfield, NY
County:
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 12/17/1874
City: London, England
County:
Country: England
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date:
City: Algonac, MI
County: Saint Clair County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery:

Marital Information:
married Lydia Reed Smith, dau. of John K. Smith of Algonac, MI; children: 2, Courtney C. and ?? Mrs. N.Y. Worrall

Number of Children: 2


Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: mining agent, real estate
Race:

Education:
liberal education in Mt. Clemens

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Christopher Douglass who moved to Mount Clemens about 1833. C.C. first went to the UP in 1838 with Douglass Houghton was one of the pioneers of the copper region of Lake Superior and a partner of Ransom Shelden in all the prominent business enterprises of early days. He was a large property owner, and at one time he and Mr. Shelden owned the principal mining lands in this section. They also opened and operated a number of mines, and were instrumental in developing the country to a greater extent probably than any other two men. He moved to Mount Clemens, MI, when a youth. In 1844, he assisted Dr. Douglass Houghton in his geological surveys of the Upper Peninsula. He later engaged in mining in Ontonagon, Keweenaw, Isle Royal and Houghton Counties. For many years, he was a partner of Ransom Shelden in mercantile and other business. He helped to organize a number of mining companies, and was instrumental in inducing a large amount of capital to be invested in this region. About 1863, he moved to New York City, retaining his business interests in the UP. Mr. Douglas was a cousin of Hon. Stephen A. Douglas. The family were originally from Vermont. His wife and his two children survive him, and are residents of New York City.

Notable Facts:
Worked with his cousin, Douglass Houghton, in the geological survey of the Upper Peninsula. His wife and his two children survive him, and are residents of New York City. Biographical Record gives birth place as Fredonia, NY


Sessions Served:

Chamber: House
Party: Unknown
Committees Served On: Public Lands , Mines and Minerals
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Houghton
County of Residence Houghton
District: Houghton and Ontonagon Counties
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/6/1860
Date Sworn In: 1/2/1861
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:

Bibliography:

Manual 1861 p.115; Andreas (U) p.278; BiogRec p.64-65; MIBiog 1:249