WEST, Joshua Avery

WEST, SELBY, GULLETT, CLARK, MCTIER, CLAWSON, FULLERTON, RAMSEY, EMLEY, WOODS

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/25/2014 at 07:36:06

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.

Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors

The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. pp. 409-11. Chicago. 1915.

Joshua Avery West

Joshua A. West, who owns seven hundred acres of excellent land and recently gave his children two hundred acres, resides on section 1, Richland township, and is recognized as one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers in Decatur county. He was born August 2, 1847, in Knox county, Illinois, a son of Samuel West. The latter was a native of Vermont and was reared partly in that state and partly in northern Indiana, where his parents removed when he was a boy. In early manhood he went to Knox county, Illinois, and there conducted a sawmill. For some time he traveled extensively over Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois but later formed a partnership with P. B. Selby, who subsequently became his brother-in-law, and they operated a sawmill for years. Mr. West was married in Knox county to Miss Mary Ann Gullett, a native of Indiana, who had removed to Winnebago county, Illinois, when a young woman. They died in the Prairie state, the former in January, 1860, when fifty-one years of age, and the latter in 1910 when ninety-four years old. They were the parents of eight children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth. Annie became the wife of Rev. Clark, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and passed away in Knox county, Illinois, leaving a family. John, who was a soldier in the Civil war and was incarcerated for ten months in Andersonville prison, is now residing in that county. Elizabeth is the wife of a Mr. McTier and lives in Knox county, Illinois. Joshua A., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Daniel is residing upon the old homestead in Knox county. Philamon, who owns several farms, is now living retired in Galesburg, Illinois. Mary Ann died when five years of age and one child died in infancy.

Joshua A. West was reared upon the home farm in Knox county, and attended the public schools in the acquirement of his education, which was somewhat limited, as he had to shoulder the responsibilities of a man at an early age. He was not only compelled to make his own way while still a boy, but it was also necessary for him to contribute to the support of others. He turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and after farming independently for some time in Illinois he removed to Decatur county, Iowa, arriving here in 1881. As the years passed his resources increased and he became the owner of nine hundred acres of excellent land, two hundred acres of which he has recently given his children. His home place is on section 1, Richland township, besides which he owns one hundred and eighty-one acres in Long Creek township and two hundred and forty acres in Clarke county. He has come into possession of all of his land since arriving here in 1881 and the extent of his holdings is proof of his energy and business ability. He raises the usual crops but also gives a great deal of attention to raising stock of a high grade and owns a pedigreed Norman horse.

Mr. West was married in Knox county, Illinois, in 1873 to Miss Lydia Ellen Clawson, who was born in 1855 in Auglaize county, Ohio, but who removed with the family to Knox county, Illinois, as a child. Several of her brothers are now living in Richland township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. West have become the parents of seven children: Oscar, of Long Creek township, married Blanche Fullerton, by whom he has seven children. Asa, who is farming in Richland township, married Miss Ella Ramsey, and they have one son living and lost a daughter, who died at the age of nine years. Franklin died when seventeen months old. Amos, who is at home, married Miss Nellie Ramsey, and they have lost two children. Huldah, who is living in Richland township, is the wife of Perry Emley, and they have two daughters. Samuel, a farmer of Richland township, married Miss Bertha Woods, by whom he has two sons and a daughter. Everett is at home.

Mr. West is a democrat and for twenty years has served as school treasurer of district No. 1, his long continuance in the office proving his efficiency. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Grand River, of which is son Amos is also a member. Both he and his wife are identified with the Christian church, the teachings of which constitute the guiding rules of their lives. Mr. West is thoroughly progressive and up-to-date, and these qualities are manifested not only in the many improvements which he has made upon his farm but also in his willingness to cooperate with movements seeking the advancement of his community along material or moral lines.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2014