Couzens, James

Couzens, James (kŭz'unz) [key], 1872–1936, U.S. Senator, industrialist, and philanthropist, b. Ontario, Canada. He moved (1887) to Detroit, and after he entered (1903) into partnership with Henry Ford, he became vice president and general manager of the Ford Motor Company. In 1919 he sold his interests to the Fords for $35 million. As mayor (1919–22) of Detroit, Couzens installed municipal street railways. Serving (1922–36) in the U.S. Senate, he acted with the Progressive Republicans, advocating such measures as high, graduated income taxes and public ownership of utilities. He established the Children's Fund of Michigan with $10 million, gave $1 million for relief in Detroit, and began a loan fund for the physically handicapped. His support of the New Deal cost him (1936) the senatorial renomination.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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