My Genealogy Hound

JOEL J. NASH. The vocation of the pharmacist is unquestionably a highly important one in any and every community, for upon his care and skill, almost as much as upon that displayed by the medical profession, oftimes depends the physical welfare, nay, the life or death, of the sick and ailing. Among the favorably-known druggists of this section maybe mentioned the name of Joel J. Nash, whose elegant and attractive store is one of the principal features of Marcellus. He is junior member of the firm of Goodrich & Nash, which carries a full line of drugs, books, stationery, paints, oils, etc., and is one of the pushing, energetic young business men of the town. The stock of goods includes everything usually needed in the trade, consisting of pharmaceutical preparations, patent medicines, physicians’ supplies, fine perfumery and such fancy articles as are usually found in a first-class pharmacy. A fine assortment of books is also kept in the store.

Mr. Nash was born in Galesburg, Kalamazoo County, Mich., February 13, 1857, to which State his father, A. J. Nash, emigrated from New York State. The latter settled in Galesburg with his parents when eighteen years of age and followed the trade of a wagon-maker. He was married to Miss Julia Wheaton, daughter of Joel Wheaton, who was a resident of Kalamazoo County, Mich., and a prominent farmer of that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Nash were born six children, five of whom are living. One son, A. D. Nash, runs a barber shop in this own; Ernest Nash is foreman in the Gazette office at Kalamazoo; A. O. Nash is a farmer and lumberman in Kalkaska County; and Bertha is at home. The one deceased, Ada, died at the age of twenty-seven. The father of these children was in sympathy with the Democratic party and took an active interest in its welfare.

Our subject was about fourteen years of age when his father removed to Volinia Township, this county, and he remained in that township until 1879, when he moved to Marcellus Township. In 1885 he moved to the town of Marcellus and subsequently bought an interest in the drug store now conducted by himself and partner, and has continued this up to the present. In February, 1887, Mr. Nash was married to Mrs. Phelira Goodspeed, daughter of Jonathan Nichols, who was an old settler of the county. Politically, Mr. Nash is a Republican and a strong advocate of the principles of that party. He was appointed Postmaster on the 1st of July, 1889, and has held that office ever since, discharging the duties incumbent upon that position in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. He has been on the Village Council for two years, and several times has been President pro tem.

Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and was Secretary of Lodge No. 291 at this place for three years, and Junior Warden for one year. He takes a great deal of interest in the lodge and is one of its most worthy members. In addition to his business he carries on a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, has it well cultivated and improved, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Good buildings are on this farm, and everything about the place indicates that a thorough hand is at the helm. Our subject has a very fine residence on West Main Street. He and his partner are agents for the National Express Company and also agents for the Telephone Exchange.

Mr. Nash and his partner were Deputy County Treasurers for six years and filled that position in an able and very satisfactory manner. He and his partner carry the largest stock of drugs, books, stationery, etc., of any house in the town and are doing a flourishing business. They own their own building, and have one of the best arranged post-offices in the State. Wide-awake and enterprising, they cannot fail to make a success of all their undertakings.