George H. Westlake, D. D. S., who served the city of
Virden as mayor for five consecutive years, and is one of the leading
dentists of Macoupin County, was born in New York City, September 19, 1856,
and is one of a family of six children born to Dr. Albert and Cornelia
(Carter) Westlake.
Dr. Albert Westlake is a prominent dental surgeon
of New York, his dental offices, at No. 500 Fifth avenue, corner of 42nd
street, being the largest and his equipment the most complete of any
practitioner in that metropolis. He was instructed in dentistry by an old
Quaker practitioner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and then, according to
the custom of the time, traveled in the practice of his profession for some
years. In 1839 he became established in New York City and as a dental
surgeon has made a great reputation.
Dr. Westlake, of Virden, was
educated in New York City and was encouraged by his father to enter upon the
practice of dentistry and was instructed by the latter until he was prepared
to enter the New York College of Dentistry, where he was graduated. After a
short term of practice at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1879, Dr. Westlake
removed to Virden, Macoupin County, and in November of the same year was
united in marriage with Virginia Squires, a daughter of John and Betsy
Squires, who were the loth family to locate in Virden. Dr. and Mrs. Westlake
have adopted a son.
There is no question as to Dr. Westlake's
position as a member of the dental profession in Macoupin County. He
possesses professional skill of a high order and has fitted up at Virden
offices which compare favorably with those in much larger places. Here every
kind of dental work is done and here may be found every appliance for the
work necessarily pertaining to dental surgery. Dr. Westlake's equipments
include the modern inventions which no more make a visit to a dentist one of
dread. He has been particularly successful in the management and treatment
of the dental troubles of children.
Ever since locating at Virden,
Dr. Westlake has taken a public spirited interest in the place, and has been
honored on many occasions with marks of public approval. He served one term
as supervisor of Virden township and ably filled the office of mayor during
1899, 1900, 1901, 1902 and 1903 — rather a remarkable record.
Fraternally Dr. Westlake is a Mason and Knight Templar. The family belong to
the Presbyterian Church.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 511-512.
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