My Genealogy Hound

Gilbert J. Whitcomb, senior member of the undertaking and furniture firm of Whitcomb & Son, of Oxford, Michigan, was born in 1827 in Greene County, New York, and is a son of Azael Whitcomb, who came to Macomb County, Michigan, in 1836, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1861, at the age of 69 years. His widow survived until the age of 86.

Our subject is one of the six survivors of a family of nine children, namely: Seymour A., a resident of Ithaca, New York, aged 81 years; Rev. John G., a superannuated clergyman of the Methodist Church, of Downington, Michigan, aged 79 years; William W., still living on the home farm in Macomb County; Sidney M., who is in the furniture and undertaking business, formerly with our subject at Oxford, now at Davis, Macomb County; and Mrs. Almira R. Springstein, of Pontiac.

Gilbert J. Whitcomb was 10 years of age when the family came to Michigan. After completing his education in the common schools, he went to Romeo, Michigan, where he remained three years, learning the trade and in 1854 opened a furniture and undertaking establishment at Oakwood. He continued in business there until 1876, when he removed to Oxford and for 27 years has been one of the most highly respected business citizens of the village.

In 1854 Mr. Whitcomb was united in marriage with Dorcas E. Throop, who was born in Romeo, Michigan and married at Oakwood. A family of two sons and one daughter has been born to them, namely: Elvira L., wife of Andrew Sutherland 2d; Burton J., a resident of Oxford, who is a traveling salesman, handling school supplies for Haney, of Grand Rapids, has one son, Harold, aged six years; and Charles O., who manages the business of the firm of Whitcomb & Son at Oxford, — he has two daughters, Helen L. and Margaret E.

About 12 years ago Mr. Whitcomb and son erected the commodious brick block which is the largest in the village, with two stories and basement, a fine, substantial structure. Mr. Whitcomb has always supported the Democratic party, but has never cared to accept the duties of office, preferring to pay close attention to his business. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. He is one of the surviving pioneers and is able to recall many of the circumstances of the early days. He has been identified with many of the changes which have taken place for the better in this part of the State and deserves honorable mention with other contemporaries.