Gilchristc
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
COLIN GILCHRIST, M. D.
Upon no class of men do greater responsibilities rest, regarding the issues
of life, than upon the physicians of our land. Therefore it is that
the popular spirit demands that they be men of high moral character, recognized
ability and unswerving integrity. As no exception to this high ideal,
which is justly required, stands the gentleman whose name initiates this
paragraph. Dr. Gilchrist has won for himself in the Columbia valley
a reputation which can only be gained as the result of merit and wisdom.
He is well known throughout Douglas and Chelan counties, and stands at
the present time at the head of a constantly increasing practice, being
located in the town of Wenatchee. His reputation extends over both
counties mentioned and his time is so occupied in attending to the calls
of the sick that he is unable to attend to the duties of coroner of Chelan
county, to which his fellows called him. He did serve for several
terms in that capacity when living in Waterville but pressing calls now
demand his entire time. He has a good office and a cosy home in Wenatchee,
and also owns a choice trace of fruit land of ten acres on the border of
the city, where he expects in the near future to erect a commodious hospital,
which will be a great addition to Wenatchee. A details account of
his career will be very acceptable to the citizens of these counties, and
it is with pleasure that we append the same.
Colin Gilchrist was born in Ontario, Canada,
on February 5, 1861, the son of James and Marion (Campbell) Gilchrist,
natives of Scotland and married in Canada. The father dwelt in Canada
forty-five years and was known as one of the stanch men of his section.
His death occurred on December 16, 1902. The mother still resides
on the old homestead where she has already spent forty-six years.
Our subject was reared on the farm and participated in the invigorating
exercise there to be found until twenty-one. He had in the meantime
received a thorough educational training from the grammar and high schools
of Ontario, which are famed over the world as the best in the domain of
the English language. Then he spent several years teaching in Michigan,
saving his means to gain a medical education. In 1885 Mr. Gilchrist
entered the College of Medicine in Detroit and three years later received
his diploma with honor. Five years after graduation, he spent three
months in an additional course in Detroit, and in 1903 he took a second
post-graduate course, this time in Chicago. He soon came from the
scenes of his study and triumph to the far west, selecting Waterville as
the place of his first practice. He at once began his life work and
from the outset was favored with a practice which only skill and erudition
can win. In addition to this work, he opened a drug store and dispensed
medicines during his practice. In 1897 Dr. Gilchrist came to Wenatchee,
and since that time has continued here and in the adjoining territory in
active practice. The doctor secured a quarter section of land by
the pre-emption right while in Douglas county but later sold the property.
At present he is county physician of Chelan county, chairman of the board
of health, and school director.
On April 7, 1889, Dr. Gilchrist married Miss
Mary C., daughter of Charles and Mary V. (Chenoweth) Aberly, natives of
Germany and West Virginia, respectively. Mrs. Gilchrist was born
in Lagrande, Oregon and there received her education. Her father
died in 1875. The mother married Charles Preston of Lagrande, where
he is now a boot and shoe merchant. She came from an old and prominent
Virginia family and crossed the plains with her parents when young.
Mrs. Gilchrist has two half sisters, Charlotte and Myrtle. To Dr.
and Mrs. Gilchrist two children have been born: Marion V., and Hazel B.,
who died when fifteen months old. The doctor and his wife belong
to the Rebekahs, while he is affiliated with the I. 0. 0. F., the Brotherhood
of American Yeomen, the W. W., the M. W. A., the Royal Neighbors, and the
Eagles. They are both exemplary citizens and in their church relations
are identified with the Episcopalians.
Dr. Gilchrist has one brother, William, and
three sisters, Mary, Sarah, and Maggie, all in Canada. William is
on the old homestead.