FREDERICK M. WEST
The life record of Frederick M. West constitutes an important chapter in the history of Corydon, where he ranks with the most energetic, enterprising and prosperous citizens. He never falters in the accomplishment of anything that he undertakes, his well formulated plans being such as are carried forward to successful completion. He was born in Wayne county, Iowa, September 2, 1874, and is a son of Humphrey and C. A. (Mohler) West. The father, a native of Illinois, was a son of Marcus West of Virginia, who on leaving the Old Dominion removed to Illinois and subsequently to Iowa, arriving in the latter state about 1872. Humphrey West accompanied him and all located in Wayne county. For an extended period the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county but is now living retired in Corydon, his former labors having brought to him a most comfortable competence. He has figured prominently in public connections and at all times has labored earnestly and effectively to promote the welfare and upbuilding of this section of the state. From 1881 until 1885 he filled the office of county treasurer and the record which he made in that connection was most commendable. Unto him and his wife were born five children, three sons and two daughters, namely: Stella, now the wife of W. S. Augden, a resident of Oklahoma; Lewis, who follows farming in Wayne county; Frederick M.; W. E., a physician of Corydon who is specializing in the treatment of the eye; and Mrs. M. J. Evans.
Frederick
M. West acquired a high-school education and has since learned
many valuable lessons in the school of experience. He was reared in
the usual manner of farm lads, dividing his time between the
labors of the field, the duties of the schoolroom and the
pleasures of the playground.
He continued to work with his father on the home farm
until twenty-two years of age, when, thinking to find
commercial pursuits more congenial, he established a hay and
grain business in Corydon.
This has continuously grown in volume and importance
and is now conducted along both wholesale and retail lines. He also does a mail
order business and is now extensively handling hay, grain,
field seeds, fuel and poultry supplies. Year by year his
patronage has grown and the business now returns to him a
gratifying annual income owing to his capable management and
well formulated plans. In
1911 he erected what is known as the West block, a two-story
brick structure twenty feet front with eighty feet in depth. It is situation on
the site of the old bank which was the scene of the memorable
robbery by the James brothers in 1871. Mr. West is also
proprietor of the only grain elevator in Corydon, having a
capacity of twenty thousand bushels.
On the 24th of June, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Frederick M. West and Miss Floy Freeland, a daughter of Judge Freeland, one of Corydon’s most distinguished and honored citizens. They have become parents of two children, Freeland H. and Ruth. Both Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Methodist church and are actively and helpfully interested in its work. His political support is given to the republican party and for six years he served as one of the councilmen of Corydon, exercising his official prerogatives to further many progressive public movements and interests. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has purchased the old Freeland home, which he has improved and is occupying and under its present control the old spirit of hospitality for which it was celebrated is maintained. Both Mr. and Mrs. West occupy a prominent social position and have an extensive circle of friends here.