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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
COLIN GILCHRIST, M. D.
Upon no class of men do greater responsibilities rest as touching the issues
of life, than upon the physicians of our land. Therefore it is that
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
article. 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 large and constantly increasing practice,
being located in the town of Wenatchee. His reputation extends over
both counties mentioned and his time is so fully 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 have called him. He did serve
for several terms in that capacity, then located 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 tract 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 detailed account of his career will be very acceptable to the citizens
of these counties, and it is with pleasure that we append the salient points.
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 honors. Five years later he took a three month post-graduate
course in Detroit and in 1903 took two courses in Chicago. He soon
came from the scene of study and triumphs to the far west, selecting Waterville
as the place of his first practice. He at once began his life work
and from the onset he was favored with a patronage 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 in active practive
here and in the adjoining country. The doctor secured a quarter section
of land under the preemption right while in Douglas county but has sold
it since. At the present time he is county physician, chairman of
the board of health, and school director. He has one brother, William,
on the old homestead in Canada; and three sisters, Mary, Sarah, and Maggie,
all in Canada.
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, who
is now a boot and shoe merchant there. 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, Marion V. and Hugh B. have been born.
The youngest died when fifteen months old. The doctor and his wife
belong to the Rebekahs, while he also is a member of the I. O. O. F., the
Brotherhood of American Yeoman, the W. W., the M. W. A., the Royal Neighbors,
and the Eagles. They both belong to the Episcopal church and are
exemplary citizens.
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