Biographies
WILLIAM SYLVIO DURAND, M. D.
Dr. William Sylvio Durand, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Everett, has by reason of broad study and wide experience gained distinction as one of the eminent physicians of western Washington. He occupies one of the finest homes in the city at No. 2329 Rucker street and his residence is the visible evidence of a well spent life, for he started out upon his business career empty handed. His realty holdings in Everett are extensive and he has unbounded faith in the future growth and prosperity of the city.
Dr. Durand was born in Champion, Michigan, December 27, 1870, his parents being Alexander and Julia (Beaudoin) Durand. The father, a native of Canada, was born September 29, 1829, and was of French descent. In 1869 he removed to Michigan, becoming a pioneer settler of Marquette county, establishing his home in the primeval forest. He became a heavy timber contractor, hewing the logs for mine timbers, the work being done by hand. He passed away in July, 1893, at the age of sixty-four years, his remains being interred at Champion, Michigan. His wife, who was born November 16, 1829, and was also of French lineage, passed away May 26, 1896, and was buried at Champion. They reared a family of seven children, of whom four are yet living: Ernest, a stationary engineer of Republic, Michigan; Telesphore, who is a hotel man of Baraga, Michigan; and Lida, the wife of Philip Foucault, also of Baraga, Michigan.
The youngest of the family is Dr. Durand, who was educated in the public and high schools of Champion and in the Michigan State Normal College at Ypsilanti, where he attended two years, 1890-91-92. He then became a school superintendent, passing the state examination for first-grade certificate, and for three years he was school superintendent at National Mine, Marquette county, Michigan. At a later date he entered the University of Michigan, which he attended for four years, and during that period he was for two years instructor in anatomy, teaching under Professor J. Playfair McMurrich, A. M., Ph. D., now professor of anatomy in the University of Toronto. Dr. Durand was graduated in 1899 with the M. D. degree and located for practice at Nashville, Michigan, where he remained for a year.
Attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest, Dr. Durand arrived in Everett, Washington, in August, 1900. He passed the state board examination in January, 1901, and has since been continuously and successfully engaged in practice, devoting his attention largely to general surgical work. He belongs to the Snohomish County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.
On Tuesday, April 16, 1901, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Durand was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Reynolds, a native of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, and a daughter of Joseph and Nellie (Cousins) Reynolds, who are residents of Vancouver, British Columbia. Mr. and Mrs. Durand have three children, as follows: William Raynor, who was born in Everett, Washington, on the 7th of July, 1902; Charles Reynolds H., whose birth occurred in Everett, October 7, 1903; and Margaret Helen, born in Everett; June 15, 1908.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church and Dr. Durand is also connected with the Knights of Columbus. He has been called upon for many important public services, professionally and otherwise, and has discharged his duties with marked capability and fidelity. Under appointment of Mayor Roland H. Hartley he became a member of the Everett civil service commission and also served for many years as United States pension examiner. He has likewise been a member of the state board of health through appointment of Governor McBride. He has long been active in politics and has supported the republican party since casting his first presidential ballot. From the age of thirteen he has made his own way in the world and his therefore is the notable record of a self-made man who by the sheer force of his determination and ability has gained prominence and success.
SOURCE: Washington, West of the Cascades Volume II By Herbert Hunt, Floyd C. Kaylor published 1917