Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-03
A NOTABLE CITIZEN GONE.
Death Of DR.. John DOuglass-A Career OF
Great Mental Activity and Distinction
Minister, Journalist and Lawyer.

Death OF DR.. John DougIass-A Career OF
Great Mental Activity and Distinction
Minister, Journalist and Lawyer.
The community lost one of its most nota-
BILE members yesterday morning in the
death of DR.. John Douglass, which took
place after brief illness at the residence of
deceased in Sewickley. 1t was only last
Tuesday that DR.. Douglass was visible upon
the streets and at his law office near the
Court House; and while in his walk and
general bearing there were signs of feeble
ness, still none expected the end was SO
near. He had been suffering for some years
from complication of ailments, chiefly
asthma. On Tuesday pneumonia set in, and
from this, after painful illness, he passed
away peacefully Yesterday morning.
DR. Douglass was one of the most inter-
esting figures in the professional circles of
Pittsburg. Sturdy of physical build, he
was not less pronounced in his mental atti-
tudes. A mere glance at him sufficed to
show that he was man of great mental
force and decision of character, who having
once taken the position which he believed
to be right would upon no account yield it.
Combined with the firmness was, however,
a kindly disposition and even a keen sense
of humor. DR.. Douglass was born in County
Armagh, Ireland. 81 wears ago, and was
educated at the University OF Glasgow. He
came to this country in 1854, and assumed
the pastorate of the Oak Alley Reformed
PRESBYTERIAN Church in which he succeeded
Dr. Black Deceased continued to minister
there with great success for about ID years,
meanwhile taking a conspicuous part In the
discussion of public affairs. He was
delegate to the first Republican Convention,
held in Lafayette Hail. was friend of
President Lincoln and Senator Cameron;
and was one of the most ardent and eloquent
advocates of the abolition of slavery.
While acting as pastor of his congrega-
ton Dr. Douglass contributed to the edi-
torial columns of the Pittsburg Gazette, and
later, in 1873, he became regularly one of the
writing editors of THE DISPATCH. He was
a man of notable learning; his literary style
was clear and vi gorous vet ornate and
finished, and abounded with evidences of
his ample scholarship. DIR. Douglass con-
tinued his journalistic work until 1873,
when he retired for time to his farm at
Sewickley. Later, to engage his ever active
mind, he studied law; and about eight
years ago was formally admitted to the
Allegheny county bar. The asthmatlc
affection to which he had long been subject
developed, however, so seriously that he
was prevrnted.in great degree from a!ten-
tion to details of practice. But he con-
tinued to the last to take keen interest in
public affairs, and was at all times, even
when racked by pain, most entertaining
and instructive companion and :, warm
friend to those he liked. His death was
yesterday heard of with genuine regret by
all who knew deceased. The courts of
the county adjourned upon its announce
mcnt and appointed a committee to draw up
suitable resolutions. The funeral services
will take place at Samson's rooms, on Sixth
avenue, at o'clock tomorrow.