Springfield-Greene
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GAYLARD DOUGLASS. Among the enterprising business men of Springfield and Greene county of the present day is Gaylard Douglass, widely known dealer in farm loans, with offices in the Landers Building, suite No. 934-36, a man who has succeeded in life partly because he has inherited commendable traits from his sterling Buckeye ancestors, and partly because he has dealt honorably with his fellow men, thereby winning and retaining their good will and confidence, and his reputation in the several localities where he has lived has ever been above idle cavil.
Mr. Douglass was born near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, February 16, 1851. He is a son of Samuel and Diana (Edgington) Douglass, both natives of the state of Ohio, the father's birth occurring near Mansfield. These parents grew up and were married in their native locality and established their home on a farm in Allen county, Indiana, where they were known as honest, industrious and neighborly people, and they spent their lives on a farm and both died there, the mother passing away when the subject of this sketch was but a child. They were the parents of twelve children, our subject being the only survivor.
Gaylard Douglass grew to manhood on the home farm and he did his full share of the work there when a boy. He received a limited education in the public schools, but this lack of learning has later been supplied by wide miscellaneous reading and by contact with the world, until he may well be called a successful self-made man. In 1876 he left his native state and came to Bates county, Missouri, where he spent ten years engaged in general farming and, working hard and managing well, he got a good start. He took much interest in live stock and handled a good grade. Although liking the farm and live stock business, he finally decided that the city held greater attractions and opportunities for him and removed to Clinton, Henry county, this state, where he engaged in the real estate business for some time, then went to California and remained in that state two years, after which he returned to Clinton, Missouri, and went into the loan business, and made his first loan at Schell City, Vernon county, this state. He was successful in this line of endeavor and, seeking a larger field for his operations, he came to Springfield in 1904, where he continued to the present time, building up a large business in farm loans and real estate. He maintains an up-to-date office in the Landers Building, and is regarded as one of the best posted men in the value of Missouri farm property or in the city. He is assisted by his son, J. M. Douglass, and enjoys a constantly growing business.
Mr. Douglass was married on December 21, 1872, to Catherine Lovinia Dolley, who was born and reared near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. She died in Red Bluff, California, February 12, 1898, leaving two sons, namely: James M., who married Nellie N. Danley, lives in Springfield; Clark, who married Mary Lee, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; later they moved to Seymour, Webster county, where they now live. Mr. Douglass was married a second time to Alice Davis, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Wilbur Davis and wife. This second union has been without issue.
Mr. Douglass has been very successful in a business way, and he has a beautiful home at 724 East Walnut street, Springfield. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian church.
[1877-1878]
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