Nathan A, West

WEST, HALLETT, KEMPTON, FLEMING, FOLLETT

Posted By: Lois Shaul (email)
Date: 12/14/2018 at 16:26:30

Malvern Leader
May 17, 1888
Page 4

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 1828 he was married to Miss Mary Hallett. He emigrated to Missouri in 1813. Here his wife died, leaving two children, but one of whom, Mrs. Marie Kempton, of Glenwood, survives him. In 1816 he was married to Miss Adaline Follett, who died about four years ago. He was after this married to Mrs. John A. Fleming, who survives him.
Squire West, as he was familiarly called in the community, should receive more than a passing notice. He was one of the old landmarks of Mills County. He came here in 1843- before the birth of Mills County. He saw its organization in 1831, 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 of exchange. He was a resident of this 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 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 away from his door, nor the homeless refused a 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.