History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 126 - 127

William P. Westbrook

 

Most men past the meridian of life who have devoted all their years to agricultural pursuits and have been successful therein, have too much timidity to venture into a different calling, one new and wholly untried. When such a venture is made, in a majority of cases it proves disastrous. While men possessed of the requisite versatility to make a success under such circumstances are not numerous, there are instances of the kind where success has been remarkable. The subject of this review, William P. Westbrook, has displayed most creditable versatility in this respect. Farming has been the labor of his life, but in the spring of 1902 he decided to embark in the mercantile business at Manton. Associating with him his kinsman by marriage, O. E. Burns, he embarked in the retail mercantile trade and from the very first the enterprise has been a gratifying success. Location and conditions were right, two very important features, and judicious management did the rest. William P. Westbrook, who resides on a part of section 13, Greenwood township, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, March 14, 1859. His father was Ethan A. Westbrook, a native of New York, and his mother, Mary (Lockwood) Westbrook, a native of Michigan. He died in Newaygo county, Michigan,, the latter part of April, 1902, while she is still living at the family home in Newaygo county. The subject of this review is the only child born to his parents. When he was about six years old his parents moved to Newaygo county, Michigan, and settled in Dayton township. There he attended the public schools, received a good common school education and grew to manhood. His father's farm and the labors thereon supplied him with all the advantages of an industrial school. Hard work developed his muscles and his strength and, having profited by the time he spent in the school room, it quickened the intellect, so that by the time he attained his majority he was physically and intellectually a well developed man. July 4, 1883, in Newaygo county, Michigan, William P. Westbrook was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Burns, a native of Clinton county, Michigan, born January 2, 1859. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Burns, residents of Newaygo county. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Westbrook, two of whom died when about two years old. The other children are Frank, Ethel, Winnie, Leslie and Wilber. In June, 1885, about two years after marriage, Mr. Westbrook moved his family to Wexford county and located on the farm where he now lives and where he has since resided. He is a thorough farmer, having devoted nearly all the years of his life to the business. He owns one hundred and twenty-four acres of good, fertile land, one hundred acres  of which is clear and well improved. He is a prudent, careful business man and guards his interests more zealously than the average farmer. His talent for business caused his neighbors to elect him to the position of supervisor of Greenwood township and held him in the position a number of years. He also served as justice of the peace of the township. He is a Republican in politics and does not confine his political activity to local affairs, the affairs of the county and state receiving a good deal of attention from him, particularly during campaigns. He never aspired to or held any public office outside of the township of his residence. In the spring of 1902 his business tact and keen observation of conditions pointed out to him an opening for a prosperous mercantile business in the little town of Manton. Associating with O. E. Burns, they purchased a good stock of merchandise and opened it up in one of the business rooms of the little town. Within a short time patrons became numerous and at the present writing the proprietors of the establishment are enjoying a most flourishing trade. There need be little doubt that the business will grow and flourish. There is a wide scope of rich agricultural country to draw from and the business tact already demonstrated in the management of the new enterprise is the surest guarantee of success.