WEST, Samuel K. - 1912 Bio (1843-1915)

WEST, KEYS, REEDER

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 10/6/2007 at 13:43:42

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 199-201

Samuel K. WEST, who since 1901 has been cashier of the Fairfield National Bank and is also interested in valuable farming properties adjoining the city of Fairfield, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1844 (sic - 1843), his parents being Otho and Elizabeth (KEYS) WEST, both of whom were natives of Greene county, Pennsylvania. After their marriage, they resided for some years in Washington county, whence they removed, in 1868, to Fairfield, Iowa, spending their remaining days in this city. The father died in 1899, the mother in 1905, and their remains were interred in the Fairfield cemetery. They were both in their eighty-fourth year at the time of their demise. Throughout his business life, Otho WEST had followed the occupation of farming and was the owner of a valuable tract of land six miles north of Fairfield, in Black Hawk township. He lived upon that place for some years, but returned to the city in 1880. Unto him and his wife were born five children, of whom Samuel K. is the eldest, the others being: John, a retired farmer now living in Fairfield; J. A., also a retired farmer of this city; A. P., living in Hays, Kansas; and Lizzie, the wife of C. W. REEDER, likewise of Hays.

Samuel K. WEST spent his youthful days in his native county. In young manhood he came to Iowa with his parents, with whom he resided for a year, after their arrival in Fairfield. For a number of years, he was engaged in the live-stock business here, during which period he proved his ability as an enterprising, energetic and sagacious business man. He then turned his attention to banking and was made cashier of the Fairfield National Bank, on the 3d of September, 1901, when the Jefferson County State Bank was reorganized under the present name. He has since figured prominently in the financial circles of the city, and his work in the management and conduct of this institution constitutes an important factor in its growth and success. He is a popular, courteous and obliging official, and his sound judgment is manifest in his careful control of the interests of the bank. In addition to his stock in the bank, Mr. WEST owns a farm of two hundred and twenty acres adjoining the corporate limits of Fairfield on the north, and makes his home thereon. He is likewise the owner of a half interest in two hundred acres in Wayne county, and his farm property returns him a desirable income.

Mr. WEST is entitled to wear the grand army button, for at the time of the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union cause by active service at the front, enlisting in July, 1862, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, as a member of Ring's Cavalry, an independent batallion, which a year and a half later was recruited and attached to a regiment known as the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry. His command was attached to the Army of the Potomac and was on active duty in the Shenandoah valley under General Phil Sheridan, Mr. WEST receiving an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party; and his fellow townsmen appreciating of his worth and ability, have called him to office. He served two terms, or four years, as county treasurer and for six years was a member of the board of education, acting as its president for three years. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is prominent in Masonic circles, holding membership in Clinton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., McCord Chapter, R. A. M., Council No. 5, R. & S. M. and Gethsemane Commandery, K. T. He is in thorough sympathy with the beneficent and fraternal spirit of the craft, and is equally loyal to his professions as a member of the Methodist church. In fact the princples of his life are those of honorable, upright manhood and citzenship and have brought him the high regard and esteem of his fellow townsmen.

[Transcriber's note: The 'grand army', or G.A.R., is the Grand Army of the Republic, the fore-runner of the American Legion.]

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.