WEST, Dr. William R., D.D.S.

WEST, WILKINSON, HILL, HANEY

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/16/2014 at 12:46:37

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. 380-81. Chicago. 1915.

Dr. William R. WEST

Although Dr. W. R. West has been engaged in the practice of dentistry in Leon for but a few brief years, he has already gained a good clientage and deserves to be classed among the successful professional men of Decatur county. He was born in this county, upon a farm in Long Creek township, in 1886, a son of I. W. and Florence (McKee) West, who now reside near Leon on a farm, whereon they took up their abode in 1915. The father is likewise a native of Long Creek township, his birth having occurred on the home farm in July, 1862. Being reared to agricultural pursuits he has always followed that occupation and is also interested in the stone and sand business, these two products being found upon his farm. Mrs. West was also born in Decatur county, near Grand River, and was one of the prominent teachers of the county for several years prior to her marriage which occurred March 18, 1885. For many years Mr. West was identified with farming interests in Long Creek township but in 1915 took up his abode upon a finely improved tract of land near Leon.

His family numbers two sons and a daughter: W. R., of this review; Virginia, who is a trained nurse, located in Chicago; and Clifton A., who is attending high school at Leon.

Dr. West spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and assisted his father in the work of the fields and care of the stock from an early age. He acquired his elementary education in the public schools and also completed a general course of instruction in Iowa City Academy at Iowa City in 1908. After reaching mature years he decided that a professional career would prove more congenial to him than life upon the farm, and accordingly he entered upon a course of study in the dental department of the State University of Iowa being graduated with the class of 1911. In July of that year he fitted up a suite of rooms in the Biggs building on Main street, Leon, and began the practice of his profession, which has grown as the years have gone by until he now has a large clientage, which is increasing very steadily.

Dr. West chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Lucette Edith Wilkinson, of Iowa City who is also a graduate of Iowa City Academy and has taken considerable work in the colleges of Liberal Arts and Music at the State University of Iowa. They now have a little daughter, Edith Virginia.

The Doctor's study of the political questions and issues has caused him to give support to the republican party. He is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery while both he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star. He keeps in close touch with the advance that is being made in the dental profession through his connection with the National, State, District and County Dental Associations. Dr. and Mrs. West are popular young people and have a wide circle of warm friends, to w^hom the hospitality of their pleasant home is cordially extended.

NOTE: Dr. West died in 1920. Lucette Edith (Wilkinson) West was born April 6, 1890, Cedar Co. IA, the daughter of Gilpin and Sophronia (Jennings) Wilkinson, and died in April of 1974, Iowa City IA. They were interred at Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City IA.

Of William and Lucettes's two daughters:
Edith Virginia (West) Hill, born 12 Jan 1914, Leon IA, died 19 May 1998, Baytown Tx, interred Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City IA

Edith married Walter Lee Hill, born 22 Sep 1915, Somervill TX, died 09 Oct 2009, Temple Tx, interred Oaklawn Cemetery, Somerville TX
Edna Lucille (West) Haney, born 19 May 1917, Leon IA, died 10 May 2000, Coralville IA, interred Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City IA

Edna married William L. Haney, born 05 Apr 1908, died 20 Apr 2000, Wellman IA, interred Oakland Cemetery

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2014