West, William 1831 - 1907

WEST, BOLAND, SMITH, UNDERWOOD

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/11/2019 at 08:53:36

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 10 Oct. 1907.

At the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Boland, in Highland twp., early Friday morning, Oct. 4th, 1907, occurred the death of William West, one of the pioneer settlers of that township. He suffered a stroke the week previous and passed away as stated, at the age of about 76 years.

Mr. West was born in Northampton, England, Nov. 13, 1831, the son of William and Charlotte Smith West. He worked on his father's farm until he became of age and then in 1853 came to America, coming direct to Clayton county. He remained here three years, until May, 1855, when he went to Minnesota, remaining there two years, and then returning to Iowa. In 1860 he spent ten months in Kansas, New Mexico and Pikes Peak, Col., and then returned to this county. On Oct. 28th, 1862, he married Betsey Underwood. To them were born eleven children, ten of whom, with the aged wife, survive to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and father.

The funeral services were held at the Congregational church at Elkader on Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. B. H. Cheney, pastor of the Congregational church at Monona, the choir of this place assisting in the service. The funeral was attended by many old friends and neighbors who came to pay their last respects to a worthy friend, one who in the years past had taken a prominent place in the affairs of Highland twp. Among those present from abroad were two nephews, Wm. and Richard West, of Green county, Iowa. The interment was in the East Side cemetery.