William A West

WEST

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/15/2010 at 13:06:00

William A West, chief of the fire department, was born July 6, 1868, in Boone, where he still makes his home. He was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children, whose parents were David A and Margaret (Conley) West, the former a native of Canada and the latter of St John, New Brunswick. It was about the year 1865 that David West brought his family to Boone, where he engaged in ditching, working oxen in that connection. He afterward engaged in the laundry business in Boone until 1890, when his life's labors were ended in death. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Boone. Among their children were four who died in infancy, while those who survive are William and Clayton, the latter a resident of Perry, Iowa.
The public schools of his native city afforded William A West his educational opportuniteies and in his intitial step in business circles, he joined his father, who was then engaged in the laundry business, and with whom he contined until the father's death. He then carried on the business alone until his establishment was destroyed by fire in the year 1900. It was in 1903 that the fire department of Boone was organized and six months later Mr West was made captain of the hose department. In 1908 he was made chief of the fire department and has since acted in that capacity. He has raised the department to a high standard of efficiency and has the loyal service and indorsement of the men who are under him.
On November 7, 1892. Mr West was united in marriage to Miss Jessie McAllister, a native of Des Moines, and they became the parents of two children, James and Gladys, but both are now deceased. The parents are members of the Christian church and in its work are interested and active. Mr West has always resided in Boone, and his cordial relations with many of his fellow townsmen indicate an upright, honorable life, worthy the regard of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

1914 Boone County History Book