Background
Couzens, James was born on August 26, 1872 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Son of James J. and Emma (Clift) Couzens.
Couzens, James was born on August 26, 1872 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Son of James J. and Emma (Clift) Couzens.
At the age of 12, he left the soap factory and found work as a bookkeeper at a flour mill, without any experience. However, he lost this job when his employer decided Couzens was too young. In order to avoid the soap works, he returned to school.
Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 with John S. Gray as president, Ford as vice-president, Malcomson as treasurer, and Couzens as secretary. Couzens took over the business management of the new firm. In 1906 Couzens became vice president and general manager of the company. The company made both Ford and Couzens wealthy, due in no small part to Couzens's business acumen.
Couzens was appointed November 29, 1922, as a Republican to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Truman H. Newberry. Couzens' actions in Congress generally followed those of the Progressive Republicans, advocating acts such as high graduated income tax and public ownership of utilities.
Couzens established the Children's Fund of Michigan with a $10,000,000 grant. He also gave $1,000,000 for relief in Detroit and began a fund to make loans to the physically handicapped.
In the 1930s, Couzens donated $1 million to Children's Hospital of Michigan, in response to a birthday request from his wife for "a simple box in which to keep my pearls." Couzens complied, including a note within the box describing the $1 million gift, stating "My dear, your new pearls will be all the children who are eventually treated there." My dear, your new pearls will be all the children who are eventually treated there.
Member United States Senate, since 1922, appointed to fill vacancy, November 29, 1922, and elected, 1924, to fill unexpired term of Truman H. Newberry and for full term, 1925-1931, reëlected for term 1931-1937.
Married Margaret A. Manning, August 31, 189S. Began manufacturer.