Samuel J. Douglas
 Justice Samuel J. Douglas (10 October 1812 – 14 November 1873) was an
American politician and jurist. A Democrat originally from
Virginia, he served on the Florida Territorial Court of Appeals
(during the era of Florida Territory) 1841–45 and the Florida
Supreme Court 1866–68.
Douglas was born in Petersburg,
Virginia. He graduated from the University of Virginia and
entered into the practice of law in Southampton County,
Virginia.Tyler, a family friend, appointed
Douglas to the Florida Territorial Court of Appeals on October
12, 1841, after a mutual friend refused the post and recommended
Douglas instead. He subsequently appointed him to a four-year
term on February 15, 1842.
This was a tumultuous time in
Florida history, and Douglas met the task of restoring the rule
of law to curb both criminal offenders and planters and
businessmen trying to escape responsibility for their debts. His
firmness made him sufficiently unpopular that after statehood,
the Florida Legislature did not reappoint him to the Bench. He
then opened a legal practice in Tallahassee until he was
appointed Collector of Customs at Key West in 1849.
In
1847, he married Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Brown, the daughter of
Governor Thomas Brown, after the death of his first wife. He
opened a law office in 1853, and practiced law on Key West until
outbreak the Civil War. His secessionist tendencies made him
persona non grata to Federal authorities, and he returned to
Virginia. He served the Confederate States of America as a
military judge, and returned to Florida after the cessation of
hostilities.
In the summer of 18In the summer of 1865, he became a private
secretary to Governor William Marvin. In 1866, Governor David S.
Walker appointed Douglas to replace Justice Augustus E. Maxwell.
He was one of four Justices appointed by Governor Marvin. In the
uncertainty of Florida under Federal occupation, Douglas'
efforts centered on resolving conflicts Florida and military
officials. In 1868, he left the Court to return to private
practice.
He died November 14, 1873 in Tallahassee of a
stroke.
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