William Webster, the efficient and popular County Clerk of Chippewa county, came to Sault Sainte Marie in the year 1877. Being then buta a youth in his teens. He received his education in the public schools, being permitted to take full advantage of the opportunities thus afforded, and when he attained sufficient age and discretion to rendeer reliable service he here secured employment as a clerical assistant int he mercantile establishment of C.W. Givens. He subsequently wsa engaged in a similar capacity with C.H. Pease, with whome he remained until 1886, when he embarked in business on his own responsibility, as junior member of the firm of Tubbs & Webster, dealers in dry goods. Two years later he sold his interest in the business in his partner, and in the fall of the same year he received the Republican nomination for County Clerk, an office to which he was duly elected, receiving the flattering majority of 538 votes at the polls.

His efficiency in handling the manifold details of this important office, his fidelity to the trust imposed and his popular strength as a winner of votes hae been recognized by his party, which has acorded him three successive renominations to the important, office which he has filled so acceptable from the start. His nomination on each occasion has been magnificiently ratified at the polls, where he has been accorded flattering majorities. In 1890 his opponent withdrew from the contest and left him a clear field; in 1892 his majority was 506; and in 1894 the notable ajority of 1,152 votes was rolled up in his favor. During the time that he has been the incumbent as County Clerk Mr. Webster had incidentally devoted himself assiduously to the study of law, an din 1893 he secured admission to the bar. Upon retiring from office he will engage in the practice of his profession, for which he is eminently qualified both by natural aptitude and thorough preparation.

Our subject's father, James Webster, is a well known carpenter and builder of Sault Ste. Marie, being a native of Scotland, where he remained until he had reached mature years and where hismarriage to Miss Morrison was consummated. They subsequently emigrated to America, taking up their residence in Canada, where they remained until their removal to Michigan. Their children are: Marrie, married and living in Goderich Canada; Marjorie, also married and a resident of Seattle WA; George a resident of Chicago; William, our subject who was born in St. Helen's, Huron County, Ontario, Feb. 10, 1863; and John, Andrew, Ellen, Jennie and Sarah, all of whom are residents of Sault Ste. Marie.

The marriage of our subject was in August 1889, to Bertha Bateman. Their children are Bertha and Bessie. In his fraternal relations Our subject is prominently identified with the Masonic order, retaining a membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery. He is Past High Priest of the chapter and at present the incumbent as Master of Bethel lodge, F. & A.M. He has acquired valuable real-estate in the city and portions of this property are well-improved. He is recognized as one of the progressive young men of the thriving little city and enjoys an unmistakable popularity.

Memorial Record of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895

Copyright © Christine Walters All Rights Reserved

Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895