Henry E. Westlake was a lade of twelve summers at the time of the removal, and in the Linden high school completed his literary education.  He then began fitting himself for life’s duties by learning the carpenter’s trade, at which he served a regular four-years apprenticeship, gaining in that time an excellent knowledge of the business and becoming familiar with every detail of the work.  He then worked in Linden and vicinity until 1880, when he removed to St. Ignace, remaining in that place until 1883.  That year witnessed his removal to Marquette, Michigan, and in September, 1885, he came to Sault de Ste. Marie, where he has since engaged in contracting and building.  On all sides stand evidence of his handiwork, which add to the beauty and substantial appearance of the city.  In 1888 the firm of Westlake, Irwin & Vogel was formed and continued under that name, doing a profitable business, until the fall of 1893, when Mr. Irwin withdrew and the firm assumed the present style of Westlake & Vogel.  They have erected many of the most important buildings of the city, including the Fort Brady work, Judge Steere’s “stone box,” the Fleming and Hogarth residence and many other dwellings and public buildings.  The members of the firm are both men of good business ability, wide-awake and enterprising, and their earnest desire to please their patrons and the faithfulness with which they fulfill their part of a contract have gained them a liberal clientage.

On the 3rd of December, 1885, Mr. Westlake was joined in wedlock with Miss Lillian A. Campbell, the marriage being celebrated in Sault de Ste. Marie.  Her father was Peter Campbell, of Ontario province, Canada.  He married Flora Currie and eight children were born to them of whom the following are living: Sarah, wife of W.W. Stillwell; Mrs. Westlake; Mary, wife of George Comb, who makes his home in this city; Jennie, wife of Le Barron Lockwood, formerly of New York and later of Marquette; and Marguerite.  Mr. Campbell formerly followed farming, but is now living a retired life in Sault de Ste. Marie, where he has made his home since 1885.  To Mr. and Mrs. Westlake have been born a daughter, Florence, March 3, 1890.

In his political views Mr. Westlake is a stalwart Democrat and is recognized as a leading member of his party in this locality.  In 1894 he was nominated on that ticket for the office of Comptroller and won the election by 230 votes.  He takes some interest in civic societies and belongs to the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Knights of the Maccabees, of which he is Recorder.  He is also C.C. of the Woodmen of the World.  For ten years he has been identified with the business interests of this locality and in all his dealings he is straightforward and honorable.  He is a man of methodical principles and whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his well directed efforts.  As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive, and all who know him esteem him for his sterling worth and strict integrity.