Douglass, William, 1849-1925.

William Douglass was born John Willard Douglass on September 17, 1849 near Pittsburgh; he lived as William Douglass until his death in Birmingham, Alabama on June 6, 1925. Douglass worked his entire professional life in the steel industry. He was an educated steel worker and spent many years as foreman or superintendent at various job sites, particularly in the fabrication and installation of boilers and their associated breeching and stacks. The majority of his career was spent in Birmingham, Alabama from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. Douglass' life as a steel worker is representative of a skilled worker's rise to supervisory status based on talent, skill, and education.

From the description of Papers, 1889-1915. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 123466611