Douglas, Charles

Charles Douglas was the oldest son of Hugh Douglas and Catherine Nasmythe Douglas. His father was a prominent landowner in Loudoun County and was active in local and state politics. Despite the available information on his father, little is known about Charles. His exact date of birth is unclear, but he was likely born between 1793 and 1796. His parents were married in 1790; his mother died in 1812, and his father died in 1815. Charles married Ann B. Waterman, though the couple do not appear to have had children. 

Though Charles Douglas was listed in the Loudoun County militia book in 1812, his service with Loudoun County does not appear to have extended past that date as he is not mentioned in the militia book again. The Mason family manuscript account book shows that he served as the executor of his father’s estate following his death in 1815. His father’s will provided for the equal division of wealth among his children, and for their education. While the place and type of education is unknown, Douglas likely received an education on par with other males from elite Virginia families. While his occupation and wealth are unknown, it appears he was a relatively wealthy man. He was noted as the owner of three enslaved individuals in 1857.  

Douglas died in 1872 and was buried at Saint James Episcopal Cemetery with his parents and siblings.  

by Dierdre Gottert