West, Alexander G. 1845-1910

WEST, HARDER

Posted By: Lois J. Hinshaw
Date: 4/29/2009 at 14:08:18

Alexander G. West was born June 9, 1845, in Kendall county, Illinois, where also the happy days of childhood and early youth were spent. At the age of 16 he responded to the call of his country and enlisted under Captain R. D. Campbell in Company "I" 46th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was honorably discharged from the service on the 15th day of August, 1862 at Chicago, Illinois, by reason of surgeon's certificate for gunshot wounds received in the battle of Shiloh. After getting well he re-enlisted on the 17th of December, 1862, in Company "H" 16th Regiment of Illinois Cavalry Volunteers. He took part in 38 general engagements, and was mustered out after three years' service with honorable discharge on the 19th of August at Nashville, Tennessee.
His constant companion for the last three years of the war was C. H. Harder. After their discharge at Nashville they returned together to Aurora, Illinois, where, on November 30, 1865, he was married to his friend's sister, Emily A. Harder. To this union were born three children, W. H., Frankie H. and E. C. One of these, Frankie H., died in 1872 at the age of 3 years, while the others with their mother are mourning the loss of their father and husband.
Deceased came to Kellogg in 1869 when Kellogg was the terminus of the railway. He has grown up with Kellogg, and was at all times deeply interested in its welfare and development. Thrice he was mayor of Kellogg and at various times has served our community as councilman and member of the school board. It was also through his untiring efforts that Kellogg got its fine brick school building. The citizens of Kellogg are indebted to him for services which he has rendered our town in various capacities.
He was a member of the Grand Army Republic and belonged also to several fraternal orders. His health had been failing for some time. He was confined to the house for the last nine weeks, but his condition was not considered serious, indeed he was gradually recovering when suddenly stricken down by cerebral hemorrhage almost totally paralyzing him. That was on the 12th of February. Since that time he lay in a semi-conscious condition, sinking slowly until the last summons came. He passed away Friday afternoon shortly after 5 o'clock, February 18, 1910. A respected citizen, a good neighbor and a trusty friend has gone.
He attained to an age of 64 years, 8 months and 9 days. May he rest in peace.

Article from the Kellogg Enterprise, February 1910

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the West home, conducted by Rev. J. G. Oltmann, and the remains interred in the Kellogg cemetery.
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CARD OF THANKS.
Mrs. A. G. West and family wish to express their deepest gratitude and most heartfelt thanks to all their friends and the order of the I.O.O.F. for their many kindnesses, their loving sympathy, and great help in their recent bereavement.
A large delegation composed of old neighbors and sympathizing friends of Mr. A. G. West came over from Newton last Sunday to attend his funeral.

Buried in Our Silent City Cemetery, Kellogg, Iowa - Block 4 Lot 5