West, Nathan

WEST

Posted By: Lois Shaul (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 19:47:47

Malvern Leader
May 17, 1888

Nathan A. West

Died- Near Malvern, Mills County, May 8, 1888, Nathan A. West. He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, April 10, 1808, and grew to manhood in that county. In 1928 he was married to Miss Mary Halett. He emigrated to Missouri in 1843. Here his wife died, leaving two children, but one of whom, Mrs. Maria Kempton, survive him. In 1846 he was married to Miss Adaline Follett, who died about four years ago. He was after married to Mrs. Julia A. Fleming, who survives him.
Squire West, as he was familiarly called in our community, should receive more than a passing notice. He was one of the old landmarks of Mills County. He came here in 1848- before the birth of Mills County. He saw its organization in 1851, and was the first Justice of the Peace in Silver Creek Township, elected in 1853. This township then included almost one-half of Mills County, yet but 20 votes were cast at this election.
He saw our unbroken prairies developed into cultivated farms, and the rude cabin give place to the home of comfort. He saw the old trading points, where goods were given in exchange for grain, no longer a necessity for the railroads were almost at his door, and money the medium for exchange. He was a resident of the great Northwest when there was no town of any size north of St. Louis, and lived to see and take part in the wonderful development and prosperity of a section of country whose growth finds no parallel in the history of the nations.
He was a man of more than ordinary ability and has been recognized as a leading citizen of the county. genial and kind, the hungry were never turned from his door, not the homeless refused shelter. His last sickness was one of lingering helplessness, yet he often spoke of the kindness of neighbors and friends and patiently bore his sufferings.