Richard Wellesley Douglas came from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA about 1900. Richard W. Douglas was born probably about 1880 in Massachusetts. Prior to his arrival in Seattle, his work as a labor organizer had taken him to most of the 48 states and 10 Provinces of Canada. He was quite successful as an organizer. He became engaged and married Frances Thompson. She had a primary interest in 160 acre homestead that had belonged to her family. This homestead was located on the Wahluke Slope on the Columbia River. By 1912, they had moved on to the homestead. They were hoping that the homestead would be irrigated by water pumped by a hydroelectric plant to be built at the head of the Priest Rapids on the Columbia River. They lived on the homestead until right before World War I. They left the homestead and went to Seattle, WA where they worked until after the War. After the War they traveled to CA and eventually arrived in Spokane, WA where they decided to stay until their homestead was irrigated from the Priest Rapids. Members of both political parties from Seattle, WA wanted to draft Mr. Douglas for the position of King County Auditor. Mr. Douglas declined. However, he was very active in organizations and Democratic politics in Spokane and throughout the State through the years. By 1941, Mr. & Mrs. Douglas still did not have water on their homestead. They received an inquiry by mail about selling the property and responded to it. But, it is unclear at this time when and to whom they sold their homestead. Frances T. Douglas passed away in Spokane on 13 Dec. 1948.
From the description of Confessions of a displaced native of the United States, 1941-1942. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 187322090
