Herbert P. Douglas Sr.

Herbert P. Douglas, Sr. was the first African American to use a seeing-eye dog. Born in 1886 Douglas lost his eye-sight in a 1927 automobile accident and began to use the seeing-eye or guide dog service in 1930. Until his death in 1978 he had used six guide dogs. In 1976 the Seeing Eye, Incorporated of Morristown, New Jersey had recognized Douglas as the oldest person in the country and the longest use of a seeing-eye dog. Despite the loss of his sight Douglas was a successful businessman operating a Shadyside garage that serviced automobiles and provided chauffeurs and rentals.