Who was Van Ness Douglas (1846-1918) – Well he was
General Manager (Secretary/Treasurer) Lock City Brewing Company in the late
1880’s to his death. He was also a teacher of writing and penmanship in
Lockport schools and taught penmanship and bookkeeping privately. He belonged
to many organizations around Lockport and was considered a prominent
businessman. At his funeral The Knights Templar was the escort. His wife was
Almeda Armstrong (1846-1888), a social lady and housewife. Daughter Camille
(1877-1924) was Superintendent and a “prominent” member for 25 years of All
Saints Alter Guild. She was only 47 when she succumbed to a 10 week illness on
April 4, 1924. Olivia C. Douglas (1876-1938) was the only daughter of William
and Olivia Stratton Douglas and a niece of Van Ness. After her parents died
when she was very young, she spent time in Michigan with relatives and then
came to live the rest of her life with Van Ness and Camille. She suffered all
her life with crippling infantile paralysis, but even with her disabilities
went on to study of law, did missionary work and was a substitute Bible school
teacher . Olivia went to work with Chief Judge Cuthbert Pound and saved a
considerable amount of money. When she passed, she left her monies to many
people and groups around Lockport. She lived at Van Ness Douglas’ 343 East Ave.
house until her death of a 2 week illness and heart problems.