Biography
DOUGLAS, M.D., C.M., ALBERT HENRY EDWARD, physician; b. 9 December I860 in Head of Hillsborough, son of William Henry Douglas and Elizabeth Coffin; m. 1891, Barbara Anderson of Breadalbane, and they had three children, Irene, Alice, and Olive; Presbyterian; d. 6 May 1908 in Hunter River.
Douglas, a Liberal, was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in a by-election for 2nd Queens on 11 July 1900. He was re-elected in the general elections of 1900 and 1904. His victory in the July 1900 by-election gave the Liberals a working majority. The 1900 general election produced a large Liberal majority, in part due to the time and credibility Douglas' by-election victory provided. He served as Speaker from February 1905 until the spring of 1908.
Douglas attended Prince of Wales College, where he obtained a teaching license. After teaching for several years, he attended McGill, eventually receiving his medical degree. Following McGill, Douglas studied at the University of New York. Upon completion of his medical training, Douglas resided in Breadalbane, Charlottetown, and later Hunter River. According to the Guardian's obituary, "his medical skill coupled with close attention to professional duties and an engaging manner soon gained for him an extended practice and with it a large share of personal popularity." Edward Douglas died 6 May 1908 as a result of pneumonia.
Barbara Douglas died at the age of 99 while living with family in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
References
CPG 1905; Elections PEI; Guardian 7 May 1908; Patriot 6 May 1908; PARO: Marriage License Book 16 1882-1923 p. 51; Douglas Family File; Hunter River Presbyterian Church Records.