Description: Offered here is a rare signed photograph pasted to a heavy backing sheet of Massachusetts Governor William L. Douglas, with photograph 3 3/4" x 5 3/8," on sheet 8" x 10." Very minor edge wear (mostly to corners of sheet), light pencil note date on term as Governor-- overall very good. WILLIAM LEWIS DOUGLAS (1845-1924) the forty-fourth governor of Massachusetts, was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts on August 22, 1845. His education was limited and attained in the public schools of his native state. Shortly after the death of his father, young Douglas went to work for his uncle, learning the shoemaking trade. Eventually, he established his own shoe and boot business, the W.L. Douglas Shoe Company, which grew into seventy stores across the country. During the Civil War, he served in the 58th Regiment, but was discharged shortly after being wounded in the Battle of Cold Harbor. Douglas entered politics in 1884, serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, a position he held until 1885. He also served in the Massachusetts State Senate in 1887, was elected the mayor of Brockton in 1890, and served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1884, 1892, 1896 and 1904. In 1904, Douglas secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, and then went on to win election to the governorship on November 8, 1904. During his tenure, the first leprosy treatment institution was established on Penikese Island. After completing his term, Douglas left office on January 4, 1906, and retired from political life. Governor William L. Douglas passed away on September 17, 1924, and was buried in the Melrose Cemetery in Brockton, Massachusetts. Douglas' single term in office did not particularly help the Democratic cause. He bypassed Irish Americans (a significant force in the party) in appointments, leading to accusations of anti-Catholic sentiment. He also undermined his own position by announcing early in 1905 that he would not run for reelection. According to Charles S. Hamlin, Douglas may have been forced into this position by the discovery by Republicans that he had apparently fraudulently acquired an honorable discharge after deserting during the Civil War. The quid pro quo for this information not being revealed was that Douglas not run again. Douglas, despite his labor support, did not have the support of Democrats in the legislature, who helped override several of his vetoes. In the 1905 election, Douglas promoted Hamlin as his successor; the election was won by Republican Curtis Guild Jr.
Price: 20 USD
Location: Georgetown, Massachusetts
End Time: 2024-08-06T23:44:59.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.25 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Historical
Signed: Yes
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
