USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > Past and present of Washtenaw County, Michigan > Part 46
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occupies the old homestead at Harrow. and the sisters, Nora and Minnie, also reside there.
Dr. Woodbridge supplemented his early edu- cational privileges by a four years' course in the high school at Leamington, and in 1809 he en- tered the University of Toronto, from which he was graduated in 1903 with the degree of M. D. Having pursued a full and thorough course in medicine, he then entered upon the general prac- tice of medicine in Assiniboia province, settling in the town of Craik, where he remained for a year and a half and on the expiration of that period came to Saline on the 12th of May, 1905. Here he purchased the drug store of Weinmann & Mathews and at the same time entered upon the general practice of medicine. His attention is now given to the conduct of his store and the duties of his practice and already he has secured a good business and has proven his right to the public confidence and trust in his capable care of a number of important cases.
Dr. Woodbridge was married on the 5th of September, 1905. to Miss Rosie Wright, a daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Wright, of Kings- ville. Ontario. Fraternally the Doctor is con- nected with the Canadian Order of Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of America, while he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church. Although their residence in Saline cov- ers a comparatively brief period they have already made many warm friends here and the hospitality of many of the best homes is extended to them.
JOSEPH MILLS GELSTON, D. D.
Rev. Joseph Mills Gelston, for seventeen years pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Ann Arbor, was born in Rushville, New York, June 27. 1847. Three successive generations of the family have been represented in the ministry. His paternal grandfather was the Rev. Maltby Gelston, who for fifty-three years was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Sherman, Connecticut, which he founded in 1706. He was born in Southampton, Long Island, in 1766, and studied
theology under the direction of Rev. Jonathan Edwards, the foremost minister of his day.
Rev. Maltby Gelstou, Jr., a native of Sherman, Connecticut, also devoted his active life to the ministry and for many years engaged in preach- ing in various cities of Michigan, where his schol- arly attainments, his zeal and consecration in the work and his broad, humanitarian spirit won him the devotion of all denominations. He wedded Miss Marcia Harriett Merwin, a native of Con- necticut, who was an able assistant to him in his holy calling. Her death occurred in the year 1884. while Rev. Maltby Gelston passed away February 19. 1893. He had served as pastor of the church in South Lyon, Michigan, and in 1861 removed to Ann Arbor in order that his sons might enjoy the advantage of intellectual train- ing in the University of Michigan. In the family were five children, of whom three are living : Sarah G., who resides on Washington street, in Ann Arbor: Rev. Henry W. Gelston, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Kalamazoo. Michi- gan ; and Dr. Joseph Mills Gelston.
Joseph Mills Gelston has spent the greater part of his life in this state. He is a graduate of the Ann Arbor high school of the class of 1865 and of the University of Michigan in 1869, having completed the classical course in the literary de- partment. He then entered the Union Theological Seminary of New York city. from which he was graduated in 1873. subsequent to which time he was called to the Presbyterian church in Plymouth, Michi- gan, where he remained for two years, having in the meantime been licensed and ordained by the Detroit Presbytery. He removed from Plymouth to Pontiac, Michigan, where his pastorate covered nearly fourteen years and for seventeen years he has been pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Ann Arbor.
On the 9th of May. 1876. Dr. Gelston was married to Miss Margaret Lord, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a daughter of Jabez Lord, and a niece of the celebrated Dr. Willis Lord. Dr. and Mrs. Gelston have two children : Henry M .. who is now a teacher of Latin and history in the high school at Bay City, Michigan; and Rev. Willis Lord Gelston, of Coldwater. Michigan, who is
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the representative of the fourth generation of the family in the ministry.
Dr. Gelston is a man of broad, literary knowl- edge and scholarly attainments as well as of comprehensive knowledge in biblical lore, pos- sesses superior oratorical power and in his public addresses follows a logical line of thought that appeals strongly to the intelligence of his audit- ors. Moreover there is in him an abiding human sympathy that has won for him the respect of the people of all denominations. Earnest in present- ing the great truths which affect the design of the individual and of the race, his simplicity of manner, his kindliness and his geniality have en- deared him to all, while his superior intelligence has made him a congenial spirit to many of the most prominent men of the city.
WALTER C. MACK.
Walter C. Mack is a son of Christian Mack, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. There were four children in the family: Edwin F., who is the vice-president and treasurer of the Royal Trust Company of Chicago and who mar- ried Isabella Dooley of that city, by whom he has one son, Edwin Christian ; Amanda Marie, who became the wife of Willis J. Abbot and died July 13, 1903, leaving a son, Waldo ; and Clara L., the widow of Harry W. Hawley, who died in the fall of 1905, by whom she has one son, Harry W.
W. C. Mack, the youngest member of the fam- ily, was born in Ann Arbor which city has ever been his home. Early in life he entered his father's employ as salesman and upon the same footing with other employes in the store. Soon his earnestness of purpose, indefatigable and persist- ent efforts and natural ability manifested them- selves and demanded recognition. In 1880 he purchased one-third interest in the firm and so great was the confidence reposed in him, the ahso- lute management in every detail was placed in his hands. This event marked the beginning of the remarkable growth of this great establishment. With an enthusiasm that youth alone inspires, a determination that takes no thought of failure.
keeping in close touch with the progressive spirit of the times, no ideal was too lofty for his aim that lay in the direction of the advancement of the institution whose progress rested upon his shoul- ders.
In 1895 the business was incorporated under the present firm name, Mack & Co. He had from time to time previous to this purchased the greater part of his father's interest and now became in fact as well as in management its virtual head. Again did the spirit of enterprise-a desire for something greater and something better dominate his policy. Ever a close student of modern methods. all the best appliances and improvements for broadening the scope and facilitating the con- duct of his business were employed. With an eye looking ever to the ultimate instead of the imme- ciate present results, his fine perception, keen business acmmen, sagacity and thorough mastery has developed the enterprise to its present com- manding importance-a business institution of Washtenaw county that stands in a class by itself. possessing every worthy feature of the great me- tropolitan stores, where every want of the person and home may be obtained, with Tea Room, Sav- ings Department, United States Post Office, Rest Room, Lavatory, Toilet Rooms, etc., for the com- fort and convenience of its patrons.
Mr. Mack is also a director and member of the finance committee of the Ann Arbor Savings Bank and a director of the Michigan Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Detroit, succeed- ing his father in those offices.
In 1002 was celebrated the marriage of Walter C. Mack and Miss Florence Kinkel. They now have three children : Christian, Florence and Vir- ginia. Mr. Mack has never affiliated with any fraternal organizations but has concentrated his energies and attention upon his business interests and his family life, finding his greatest enjoyment at his own fireside. He is a man of strong domes- tic tastes and his best traits are reserved for the members of his own household. Honored and re- spected by all, there is no man in Ann Arbor who occupies a more enviable position than Walter C. Mack in mercantile and financial circles, not alone on account of the brilliant success he has achieved but also because of the honorable, straightfor-
TRONGFURNITURE CARPET HOUSE
ORY GOODS CLOAKS. SHOES, HOUSEROED GOOD!
STORE OF MACK & COMPANY.
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ward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception. forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. It is true that he became interested in a business already established but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed, and he has demon- strated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius but the outcome of clear judg- ment and untiring effort.
WILLIAM CLARK.
William Clark, who is interested in general farming and is the owner of four hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Dexter township. was born in Putnam township, Livingston county. Michigan, on the oth of March, 1847. His par- ents were Hugh and Annie ( Gillchrist ) Clark, both of whom were natives of County Down, Ire- land. The father, who was born in 1812, died in 1903, at the age of eighty-one years, and the mother, who still suvives, reached the eighty- sixth anniversary of her birth on the 15th of September. 1905. It was in the year 1832 that Hugh Clark came to America, sailing from Liv- erpool to New York, where he resided for about three years. He then made his way westward on a sailing vessel to Detroit, after which he walked from that place to Livingston county and entered eighty acres of land from the government. Then he had to walk back to Detroit in order to secure his patent, for the land office was located in that city at the time. This was about the time the Michigan Central Railroad was being built and in the winter months he worked for the railroad company, aiding in the construction of its line. In the summer he cleared his land and built a log house, but during three winter seasons he was connected with railroad construction. As time passed he converted his land into richly cul- tivated fields and also extended the boundaries of his property until he had three hundred and forty acres. The greater part of it was timber land and he cleared away the trees, stumps and
brush and developed an excellent farm. He also assisted his three sons in getting a start in life. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children, three sons and eight daughters, namely : Hugh ; Esther, deceased ; Mary Ann; William ; Thomas ; Eliza : Jennie : Eleanor : Amelia : Edith and Ida. There was also an adopted daughter, Sarah.
William Clark was reared under the parental roof in the usual manner of farm lads, working in the fields through the summer months and attending the district schools in the winter sca- sons. He was also a student in the schools of Dexter and acquired a fair English education to fit him for life's practical and responsible duties. When about twenty-five years of age Mr. Clark made investment in a farm, becoming owner of one hundred and eighty acres and he has since devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now has four hundred and forty acres in the home place, for as his financial resources increased he made judicious investment in property and has become the owner of a valuable tract of land, to which he has added many modern improvements. He raises wheat, annually harvesting from eight to nineteen hundred bushels, his crop in 1905 being fourteen hundred bushels. He also finds stock raising a profitable source of industry and he keeps on hand from one hundred to two hun- dred head of sheep and from twelve to fifteen head of cattle, also nine to ten head of horses. His land is kept free from weeds and the fields present a most attractive appearance, giving promise of golden harvests. In all of his busi- ness he is systematic, careful and capable and as the years have passed has met with a high meas- ure of prosperity.
Mr. Clark was married to Miss Eva Ferris, a daughter of Edward and Ellen ( Crum) Ferris, both of whom were natives of Washtenaw county. Michigan, and in their family were four sons and four daughters, as follows: Edwin, Eva. Laura, Ransom, Maggie. Bertha, Hiram and Charles. The father is still living and devotes his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits but the mother passed away in 1900.
Mrs. Clark was born on the 22d of December, 1866, and their marriage was celebrated February 6. 1888. The children of this union are: Ruth,
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born January 1, 1893; Paul, born October 2, 1894; William, born February 27, 1897; Amelia. October 31, 1899; George, February 22, 1902; and Norman, April 27, 1904.
In his political views Mr. Clark is a stalwart democrat, giving unfaltering support to the men and measures of the party. He has served as justice of the peace and a member of the board of review and also as school trustee. His entire life has been spent in this section of Michigan and for a third of a century he has lived upon his present farm, which in its splendid appearance indicates the careful supervision of the owner.
WALTER SAMUEL MOORE, D. D. S.
The practice of dentistry is unique in the pro- fessions in that it demands of its successful fol- lowers three distinct, yet essential, elements- mechanical ingenuity, scientific knowledge and financial ability. Dr. Moore as a representative of his calling has gained for himself an enviable place in the ranks of the dental fraternity in the state and has a well appointed office in Ann Ar- bor. His birth occurred in Ypsilanti, Michigan, May 22, 1867, his parents being Eli W. and Elizabeth C. ( Moore) Moore. The father is a manufacturer and now makes his home in Ann Arbor. In the family are three sons: Wendell P., who is manager of the Ann Arbor Machine Company : Eli L., a dentist of Bay City, Michi- gan : and Walter Samuel.
Dr. Moore of this review is a product of the Ann Arbor schools, having continued his studies here until he passed through the successive grades and completed a high school course. Sub- sequently he entered the University of Michigan and was graduated from the dental department with the class of 1893. He then located for prac- tice in this city and maintains a well equipped office on Main street, South. He stands high in his profession because of his thorough mastery of scientific principles and his excellent workman- ship in the practical duties of the laboratory and the operating room. He has all the modern appli- ances for the successful conduct of the profession
and his labors are certainly highly satisfactory to the public if a large practice is any criterion of public trust. He is a member of the State Dental Society and also of the Washtenaw County Den- tal Society.
In 1894 Dr. Moore was married to Miss Mary Blodgett, of Washtenaw county, and they had three children, Walter Edwin, Lawrence W. and Mary Blodgett. The wife and mother died March 20, 1901, and the Doctor was again married Au- gust 19, 1903. his second union being with Miss Fannie Van Gieson, a native of Washtenaw county.
Dr. Moore is a republican in his political views and in religious faith a Congregationalist, while fraternally he is connected with Golden Rule lodge, No. 159, A. F. & A. M. His church and society relations indicate the character of the man and in his native county his best friends are num- bered among those who have known him from early life-a fact which indicates his fidelity to truth, justice and right. In his practice he has won a reputation that many an older man might well envy, being now classed with the leading dentists of the city.
WILLIAM H. STARK.
William H. Stark of the Polhemus Transfer Line, doing all the hotel and depot, bus and hack business in Ann Arbor and also conduct- ing a general livery, was born in the township of York, Washtenaw county, October 18, 1876.
William H. Stark pursued a public school edu- cation and since 1900 has been engaged in the livery business in Ann Arbor, being at the head of the Polhemus Transfer Line and doing all of the hotel and depot, bus and hack business of the city. He also conducts a general livery stable which is located near the postoffice at No. 220 Main street, North. He enjoys a very liberal patronage, his trade constantly growing.
In 1900 William H. Stark was married to Miss Mary Polhemus, of Ann Arbor, and they have one daughter, Ruth, now eighteen months old. Mr. Stark is a member of the Benevolent and Protec-
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tive Order of Elks and of the Odd Fellow's lodge. In his political views he is independent nor has he ever sought or desired office. preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business inter- ests. He is resolute and energetic in what he undertakes, and with laudable ambition he is steadily working his way upward toward the plains of affluence.
Freme B. Stark, brother of William H., was born in York township, July 22, 1874, and attend- ed the public and high schools of Ann Arbor. He is now engaged in the livery business at No. 207 North Main street, where he has a large line of fine rigs and good horses. He was married in 1898 to Miss Julia Esslinger, of Ann Arbor, and they have a son, Bert, now five years of age. In politics Mr. Stark is a democrat and in his re- ligious views is a Methodist. The family have long resided in Washtenaw county and the broth- ers are enterprising young business men.
GEORGE A. BEGOLE.
George A. BeGole, a representative of finan- cial interests in Chelsea, being assistant cashier of the Kempf Commercial Savings Bank, was born in Sylvan township, June 21, 1860, his par- ents being W. A. and Elizabeth ( Kanouse ) Be- Gole. They were married in 1855. The father came to Michigan from Steuben county, New York, where he was born in 1806. He was a son of Thomas BeGole, whose birth occurred in the Empire state in 1775 and who was of French Huguenot descent, his ancestors coming to Amer- ica from France at an early day in the. history of the new world. William A. BeGole arrived in Michigan in 1829 and was one of the first settlers in Sylvan township, Washtenaw county. This was a number of years before Michigan attained statehood and the region in which he located was all wild and unimproved. In 1830 he se- cured a claim of eighty acres on section 26, Syl- van township, to which he afterward added a forty-acre tract and in the course of years he de- veloped his farm of one hundred and twenty acres into a productive property. He has carried
on general farming and also made a specialty of the raising of sheep and as one of the pioneer agriculturists of this part of the state well de- serves mention in this volume, for he aided in the reclamation of the county from the domain of the savage and in the work of converting it to the uses of civilization. In his family were ten children. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Abigail Nowland, whom he wedded in 1831 and who died in 1853. They were the parents of eight children : Andrew, now deceased : Matilda, the widow of Lewis Harlow and a resident of Ypsilanti ; Charles, who died in California ; Augustus, who died in Denver, Colo- rado: Mary, who passed away in childhood ; Davis, who is living in Missouri: Cynthia, the wife of John P. Parson, a resident of Denver ; and Mrs. Emily Davis, a widow who is also liv- ing in Denver. After losing his first wife, Mr. BeGole wedded Miss Elizabeth Kanouse and there were two children of that union : Dora A .. the wife of Willard BeGole, who is living on a farm south of Marshall, Michigan; and George A. In his political views the father was a repub- lican, always giving his support to the men and measures of that party from the time of its organ- ization. He died in July, 1880, while his wife survived him only until October of the same year.
George A. BeGole pursued his early education in the district schools and afterward attended the public and high schools of Chelsea and Gold- smith's Business College at Detroit, Michigan. He then returned to Chelsea and in 1879 entered the employ of H. S. Holmes as an accountant. He was with him for eight years, after which he spent a few years in Detroit and Cleveland and two years in Jackson, Michigan. In January. 1892, he returned to Chelsea and accepted the position of assistant cashier in the private bank of R. Kempf & Brother. He continued with that institution until the change of the bank in 1898 to the Kempf Commercial & Savings Bank. Of the latter institution he was also made assistant cashier and has since acted in that capacity. In 1900 he was placed on the board of directors and has therefore since had a voice in the manage- ment of this financial concern. In 1001 he was
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chosen treasurer of the William Bacon-Holmes Company, dealers in lumber and produce.
In 1881 Mr. BeGole was united in marriage to Miss Dora Sargent, a daughter of Letson Sar- gent, of Chelsea, one of the early settlers of the county. He had three children. William Augus- tus, who is teller in the savings department of the Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank of Ann Arbor, was married in 1905 to Miss Ethel Cole, a daugh- ter of J. B. Cole, of Chelsea. A. Zoe is the wife of George Weeks, Jr., who holds an important position in Hoag's store in Ann Arbor. Lamont C. is a student in the high school of Ann Arbor.
In politics Mr. BeGole has always been a stanch republican and was township clerk for four terms. He has also been township treasurer for two terms, village clerk for four terms and village treasurer for two terms. Fraternally he is con- nected with Olive lodge, No. 156, A. F. & A. M., and was chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias lodge for eight terms. He has been very active in the latter organization from its formation in 1806 and with the exception of two years has served as its chief officer. Over the record of his business life and official service there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil and he has made an honored name that makes him a valned and respected citizen of Chelsea.
OTTMAR EBERBACH.
Ottmar Eberbach was born in Ann Arbor, No- vember 23. 1845, and is of German lineage. He has manifested in his life many of the strong and sterling characteristics of his Teutonic ancestry together with a ready adaptability and unfaltering enterprise which have been so characteristic of the citizenship of the middle west. His grand- father, a native of Germany, married a Miss Haller, who was also born in that country and was a sister of the wife of J. H. Mann. His father, Christian Eberbach, was born in Stuttgart. Germany, in 1817, and came to the new world in 1839. when a young man of about twenty-two years, making his way at once to Ann Arbor. He
was a pharmacist by profession and had acquired a superior education in that line in the fatherland. In this city he entered the employ of William S. Maynard, a druggist, being the first to compound prescriptions in Washtenaw county, a work which he executed at the request of the physicians. He remained with Mr. Maynard for four years, doing all the work in compounding prescriptions as well as serving as a general salesman and then in 1843 entered business on his own account as proprietor of a drug store on Huron street opposite the courthouse. Subsequently he built a business block on Main street, adjoining the present loca- tion of Ottmar Eberbach, opening the store there in 1847. He entered into partnership with Eman- nel Mann under the firm style of Eberbach & Company, this relation being maintained until 1874, when Mr. Mann retired from the firm and was succeeded by the subject of this review under the firm style of Eberbach & Son, which name is still maintained although the senior member re- tired about six months prior to his death, which occurred September 23. 1901, when he was eighty-four years of age.
In his political belief Mr. Eberbach was a whig until the dissolution of the party, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party, his store being a great meeting place for the leading poli- ticians of his day. He was deeply interested in all political questions having bearing upon the state and national welfare as well as local inter- ests, and various offices of trust and responsibility were conferred upon him. He was one of the presidential electors of Michigan in 1864, support- ing Abraham Lincoln, and at one time was mayor of Ann Arbor. He greatly opposed misrule in municipal affairs and gave to the city a valuable administration characterized by the same dili- gence and practical methods that marked the con- trol of his private business interests. He was one of the founders and earnest members of the old Bethlehem church and was most highly esteemed by all who knew him.
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