History of Northfield, (Fairfield County) Connecticut United States of America

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Biographies:

Biographical Sketch of William Douglas

William Douglas, soldier, was born at Plainfield, Conn., Jan. 27, 1742; son of John and Olive (Spaulding) Douglas. In 1758 he engaged as a soldier in the French and Indian war, rising to the rank of orderly sergeant and taking part in the capture of Quebec. After the war he went to sea and later became a shipmaster, continuing successfully in the business until the Revolutionary war, when he raised and became captain of a company. In the fall of 1775 he was placed in command of the flotilla on Lake Champlain with the rank of commodore, and in 1776 raised a regiment in Connecticut and was appointed its colonel. He saw active service in the engagement of Long Island, Phillpse Manor, Croton river, White Plains and Harlem Heights. His health became completely undermined by exposure and labor and he returned to his home. He was married, July 5, 1767, to Hannah, daughter of Stephen Mansfield of New Haven, and sister of Col. Jared Mansfield, U.S.A. They had two sons, William and John. He died at Northfield, Conn., May 28, 1777.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor