The West Families of Clinton County, Ohio

JOSEPH H. WEST (deceased). Mr. West was a most prominent attorney of the Clinton County bar for many years. He was born in this county November 22, 1822, and was the second of eleven children of Peyton West and Sarah Hadley. Peyton West was a native of Pittsylvania County, Va., and by occupation a surveyor. In 1807, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Clinton County, on the East Fork of the Little Miami River, where he died August 22, 1870. He was identified with the growth of Clinton County, taking a prominent part in all enterprises of public moment. Peyton West was one of the first surveyors of Clinton County, discharging the duties of that office for about twenty-five years. For several years he was Collector of Taxes for his county. Sarah (Hadley) West was a native of Guilford County, N. C., and daughter of James Hadley, an early pioneer of Highland County, Ohio, locating there in 1804. The subject of this sketch was bred to a life of industry and morality, under the best of home influences. He was employed at farm work until he reached manhood. His education had been so meager that up to this time he could scarcely read. The spur of ambition impelled him to seek means to improve his mind, and fit himself for a life of usefulness. In 1843, he walked barefooted to Wilmington, a distance of twelve miles. Here he attended school for about one year, doing any honest work the while that would enable him to pay his board. He improved his time so well that he secured a teacher’s certificate, and immediately took charge of a school in Clinton County. He remained in this position, discharging his duty faithfully, reading law and cultivating his mind generally, for one year, when he returned to Wilmington and pursued his law studies for six months. In November, 1845, he went to Cincinnati, and for the next six months was employed as salesman in a wholesale dry goods house. In 1846, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and started for Mexico. He went with the regiment as far as New Orleans to be mustered into the service. In consequence of a disabled shoulder, he was unable to pass muster, and was therefore honorably discharged. He found himself away from home and without money. He worked his way on a steamboat up to Vicksburg, where he remained a few weeks, and then went up the Yazoo River to engage in lumber rating. After being thus employed for several months, he landed with his raft at New Orleans, June 29, 1847, en route for home. From New Orleans, he took passage for Cincinnati, where he obtained employment as a salesman in a wholesale grocery house. He remained in this situation until November, 1848, when he took a stock of goods and opened a store for his firm at Williamstown, Grant Co., Ky. In this way, he conducted business for the firm until September, 1851, when the latter failed. By the failure of his principals, he lost what money he had, and was obliged to borrow money from a friend in order to reach Martinsville, in this county. In January of 1852, he was employed as the driver of a notion wagon, but one month of such employment sufficed to turn him to other pursuits. In 1853, he located again at Martinsville, and resumed reading law. July 14, 1854, he was admitted to the bar at Xenia, Ohio, and immediately opened a law office at Wilmington. Six months after his admission to the bar, he was engaged as attorney to the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville Railroad Company, holding that position until 1860. In the meantime, he had been admitted to practice in the United States Courts. In October, 1860, he was elected Probate Judge of Clinton County, and was re-elected in 1863, discharging the duties of that position for about six years. From 1866 to the time of his death, he was actively engaged in the management of a large legal practice. He was an ardent Republican from the organization of that party, and a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1864. He was a man of forcible character, affable demeanor and highly respected by all with whom he had acquaintanceship. September 19, 1850, he married Henrietta Stroud, a native of Williamstown, Grant Co., Ky. Edward J. West, his eldest son, was born at Blanchester, Marion Township, December 8, 1851. He passed his boyhood on a farm, and received a liberal education at the Wilmington High School. He commenced reading law at the age of sixteen, and pursued his studies with great diligence. For two years he taught school, devoting his leisure hours to his law books. January 29, 1873, he was admitted to the bar. In 1875, he was brought out by his fellow-citizens, and elected Prosecuting Attorney of Clinton County. He has been twice re-elected (third term commencing January 2, 1882), and is probably the youngest man in the State filling such a position. Before he was of age, Mr. West had made a reputation as a newspaper correspondent, and was prominent as a lawyer. He is a member of Royal Arcanum, M. E. Church, and especially known to the people of his county as a vigorous and enthusiastic temperance lecturer and Sunday school worker, having been sent as the representative of Clinton County to the Ohio State Sunday School Conventions of 1872-73-74-75. Mr. West has thus far displayed great energy in the practice of his profession, and his popularity bids fair to rank with that of his revered father. He was united in marriage, January 3, 1878, to Katherine E. Bowshier, a native of Circleville, Ohio. They have two daughters — Winnifred C. and Kathleen C.

As printed in the source². Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

PEYTON M. WEST, farmer, P. O. Martinsville. About 1806, Owen and Elizabeth (Martin) West, natives of Pittsylvania County, Va, came to the territory now included in Clinton County, locating on the East Fork of the Little Miami, in Clark Township. With them came a large family of children, viz.: Owen, William (who was a married man), James, Thomas, Peyton, John, Nancy, Jane, Mary, Susan and Rebecca Owen, Sr., was a surveyor, as were also his sons Owen and Peyton, and at an early day did much of the surveying throughout this portion of Clinton County. The family were Friends in religious belief, and the parents lived and died on the farm which they entered. Peyton, the father of our subject, was also a native of the Old Dominion and grew to maturity in Clark Township, where nearly all his days were passed. He learned the art of surveying from his father, following that vocation in connection with farming all his life. He was County Surveyor of Clinton County from October, 1840, until October, 1846, serving two terms. He was the agent for some of the original land owners in this region of country, and surveyed and sold their laud. Peyton West was married to Sarah Hadley, a daughter of James and Ann Hadley, who boro him the following children: James H., Joseph H., William IT., Peyton M., Elisha B., Edith, Sarah Ann, Esther Jane, Caroline, Jeremiah IT. and Hannah M., all of whom became the heads of families, excepting the last mentioned, who died in girlhood, since which two others have passed away, viz.: Joseph H., who died in Wilmiugton, and Jeremiah H. on his farm in Washington Township. At an early day, Peyton West was engaged for two years in merchandising in Wilmington, and, with that exception, always resided on his farm in Clark Township, where he died August 22,

18G8, hia wi fn surviving him and dying Juno 23, 187(5. Thoir bodies worn interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery of Clark Township. Peyton West was a man of large, muscular frame and strong determination of character, possessing a good education and hard common sense; he became a very successful farmer, giving to every one of his children a good start in life, all of whom living arc residents of Ohio. lie was one of the first to introduce tiling into his township, and ever took a deep interest in the growth and improvement of stock The old homestead, now the property of one of his daughters, is said to be one of the finest farms in Clinton County, and in fact there were few more useful men in the community than this old surveyor of Clinton County. Peyton M. West, the fourth son of Peyton and Sarah (Hadley) West, was born upon the old homestead August 22, 182G, and there grew to manhood, having such educational advantages ns the log schoolhouse of his neighborhood afforded. He was reared to farm life, but in later years was ongngod in many different calling. lie wns married, May 2G, 1853, to Sarah Jackson, daughter of Josiah and Huth Jackson; she was a native of Clinton County, Ohio, and beeaino tho mother of seven children, viz.: Mariotta, Emerson B. (’deceased), Clara M., Frank, Josiah E. and two died in infancy. Mrs. West died October 28, 18(18, and ho wns again married, October 25, 18(59, to Anna Dean, who has borne him tho following children: Harry D. (deceased), Roy, Musa, Carl and Pearlo. Politically, Mr. West was a Whig in early life, hut since tho formation of tho Republican party has supported and voted that ticket. He is the owner of 2(10 acres of fine land in Clark Township, also some lots in Wilmington and 400 acres in Southeast Missouri. Ho resides at Martinsville, but looks after his farm, which lies some distance south of that village. Mr. West is a man who has traveled considerably, possesses broad views and a well-informed mind, and, like his ancestors, adheres to the Friends’ Church.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

COL. OWEN WEST.

Among those men of sterling attributes of character, who have impressed their personality upon the community life of Clinton county and who buve borne their full share in the agricultural, industrial, commercial and financial development of this great county, few men have had a larger part than Col. Owen West, of Lynchburg. He has exerted a strong influence for good on the entire county and is a man of upright principles, one who has always desired the advancement of the community along moral, educational and material lines. He is the inventor and manufacturer of the West tile ditching machine and In years past has invented useful fences and gates. In addition to all of his other activities, be has been an extensive contractor and builder and wbb one of the organizers and is still president of the Lynchburg Exchange Bank.

Col. Owen West was born on March 4. 1835, in Clurk township, the son of James and Elizabeth West. In the veins of this family flows the warm and ardent blood of artistic temperament which gave to the world the celebrated artist, Benjamin West, who gained an international fame in his day and generation.

Before the year 1710, John W. West, who had married Sarah Pearson, came from England and settled in Pitts county. Pennsylvania. They had seven children: Joseph, Mary. William, Sarah, Samuel, Rachel and Benjamin. Benjamin, the youngest child of this family, was an artist heretofore referred to. whose work was well known on two continents. Joseph, the eldest, married Jane Owen, the daughter of John Owen, and they had nine children: Isaac, Tacy, Owen, Jobu. Sarah. Joseph, Hannah, George and Benjamin. A boat 1750. Owen West, the third child of this family, and the nephew of the celebrated Benjamin West, was born. He married Elisabeth Martin ami moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia and later from Virginia to Clinton county. Ohio. He and his wife bad thirteen children: Nancy. Jane, William. Mary, Susan. Owen, Thomas, James, Payton, Elizabeth, Amelia, Rebecca and John. Of this family, James, the eighth child, whose wife was Elizabeth West, was the father of Col. Owen West. The grandfather. Owen West, came to Ohio from Vlrgiula and located in the valley of the East fork of Little Miami river, where be purchased nineteen hundred acres of government land, all In Clinton county and nearly all In Clark township, where he and his wife died. James West, their son, was a farmer during his life and remained on the old estate, adding to his Inheritance until he owned one thousand acres of the original nineteen hundred. He and his wife died on the old borne estate. For nine years he was a Justice of the peace In this county.

Col. Owen West, farmer, manufacturer, inventor nud soldier, was reared to manhood on his father's farm and educated In the Martinsville schools and at Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. For twelve consecutive years, with the exception of two years in which he was engaged In the mercantile business at Morrlsvllle, he wus engaged in teaching. During the War of the RebeBion he assisted In the organization of the Cincinnati Home Guards, and in 1883 he was chosen their major-general. In the early part of 1864, he was given the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regimental Battalion of Ohio National Guards. He had commanded them for one year while at Fort Federal Hill and Baltimore, Maryland, and in the battle of Monocacy. in September. 1864. he and his regiment were honorably discharged for valuable services rendered to their country.

At the close of his military services. Colonel West returned home and resumed farming and lumbering. For some time he owned and operated two saw-mills, each with a capacity of five thousand feet a day. In 1914, after five years' labor, he placed on the market the West tile ditching machine of his own Invention. He manufactures this machine at his factory on his farm just out of Lynchburg. The company is Incorporated as the West Tile Ditching Machine Company. Some years ago he also Invented a fence and a gate which were successes In their day. He operates three hundred acres of land which he has reclaimed by dies and which Includes considerable bottom land. Colonel West has also been a contractor and builder and there are many buildings standing now In Lynchburg and vicinity which he erected. He has also operated a brick and tile plant on his farm and is the present president of the Lynchburg Exchange Bank.

On September 20. 1K55, Colonel West was married to Elizabeth A. Roberts, the daughter of James and Hannah E. Roberts, a native of Washington township, who was born on December 23, 1835. Nine children were born to this union: Margaret. James W., Anna M., Owen A., Hannah E., Amos F., Cborles H., Laura E. (deceased), and Mary I. (deceased). Margaret married Rev. McLean Sfmington; Owen A. is a physician at Sahlna. Ohio; Laura E. and Mury I. are deceased. Mrs. West passed away on February 1, 1879.

Colonel West is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, he Is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He Is a stalwart adherent of the principles of the Republican party and supports its candidates.

Colonel West married, secondly, September 19. 1882. Frances Alta Kelly, daughter of Rollln and Sarah Kelly, who are natives of Highland county. Ohio. To this second marriage the following children were born: Martha, who lives at home; George, who operates the home farm: Sylvia, a teacher at Lynchburg. Highland county, Ohio; Frances, deceased; Manetta. deceased, and Benjamiu. who lives at home.

George P. Worrell, the proprietor of one hundred and eleven acres of good farming land In Clark township, and a brother of James G. Worrell, of this township, was born on August 10. 1868. in Mnson county. West Virginia, the son of Granville and Louisa (Hubbard) Worrell, both natives of the eastern part of WeBt Virginia.

The paternal grandfather of George P. Worrell was James Worrell, who spent all his life In Virginia. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Worrell was Samuel Hubbard, who lived and died In Mercer county. West Virginia.

Granville Worrell was educated in the early subscription schools of Carroll county, West Virginia, and. after his marriage there, moved to Gallia county. Ohio, during the Civil War, living there until 1870. when he returned to West Virginia and settled on the Kanawha river. He died In Nicholas county. West Virginia, as did also his wife. During the Civil War. he was drafted in the Confederate army but later deserted and. upon immigrating to Ohio. Joined an Ohio regiment of the Union army and served until the close of the war. He wan a drummer l his regiment and during his entire service was not wounded nor taken prisoner. He nnd hj8 wife had twelve children. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George I'. Worrell was educated in the schools of West Virginia and began life on his own responsibility, by working by the month in Clinton county, Ohio. On.March 4, 1!M>4. he purchased one hundred and eleven acres of land In Clark township, where he now lives.

George P. Worrell was married on December. 1S9H, to Magnolia Emma Emery, of Highland county. Ohio, the daughter of John Emery, a farmer of Highland county. John Emery was born near New Market. Highland county, March 27. 1*19, son of, Samuel and Sarah (Anderson) Emery, early settlers of Highland county. They came to Highland county, likely, from Pennsylvania. The former was a farmer and was educated in the early schools of Highland county. John Emery became a farmer also and owned fifty acres of land. He was married on March 25, 18S2, to Barbara Emery, the daughter of William and Phoebe Emery, of Xew Market. William Emery, who was. for some time, a resident of near Xew Market, later moved to Missouri, where he and his wife died. John Emery died in 1910. on the farm. His wife had died previously. In 1W>7. They had eleven children. During the Civil War he served for one hundred days in the Union army, ne and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected.

OWEN A- WEST, M. D.

Clinton county has every reason to be proud of ber medical men and on the roll of honored names which Indicate* the service of distinguished citizens in this profession there should be mentioned Dr. Owen A. West, who is descended from distinguished ancestry and who has long been regarded as one of the leading physicians in this section of Clinton county. Early in life he realized that there is no honor that is not founded on worth and no respect which la not founded on accomplishment His life and labors have been eminently worthy because they have contributed to a proper understanding of life and its problems.

Owen A. West was born on May 10, 1864, in Martinsville, Clinton county, Ohio, and is the son of Col. Owen and Elizabeth (Roberts) West, the former of whom, a farmer, miller, business man and inventor, was born in Clark township, March 4, 1835. the son of James and Elizabeth West. Col. Owen West was reared on his father's farm, educated In the Martinsville schools and Ohio Wesleyan University. He was a teacher for twelve years and during the rebellion, aided in organizing the home guards at Cincinnati. In 1803 he was chosen their major-general and In the early part of 1864 was given the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regimental Battalion of the Ohio National Guards. He bad commanded them while at Fort Federal Hill and Baltimore, Maryland, and in the battle of Monocacy, September, 1864, he, with his regiment were honorably discharged for the valuable services they had so efficiently rendered in defense of the flag. Colonel West was married to Elizabeth Roberts, September 20, 1855. She was the daughter of James and Hannah E. Roberts and a native of Washington township, born on December 23, 1835. She died at the age of forty-six years. They bad ten children: Margaret, James W., Anna M., Owen A.. Hannah E., Amos F., Charles H., Laura E., Mary E. and Benjamin. Mrs. West died on February 1, 1879. Colonel West Is a member of the Methodist church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Masonic fraternity and the Republican party.

The West family In America dates from some time before the year 1716. Before that time Johu W. West, who had married Sarah Pearson, came from England and settled in Pitts county, Pennsylvania. They bad seven children: Joseph, Mary. William. Sarah, Samuel, Rachel and Benjamin. Benjamin West, the youngest of this family, became an artist with International fame and today is considered one of the foremost artists ever produced by this country. Of this family, Joseph, the eldest, married Jane Owen, the daughter of John Owen, and they bad nine children: Isaac, Facy, Owen, John, Sarah, Joseph, Hannah, George and Benjamin. Owen West, the third child of this family, was born about 1750 and married Elisabeth Martin. They moved to Virginia and from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio. He and bia wife had thirteen children: Nancy, Jane, William, Mary. Susan. Owen, Thomas. James, Flyton, Elizabeth, Emilia, Rebecca and John. Owen West, the father of these children, brought his family to Ohio and located in the valley of the East fork of the Little Miami, where be purchased nineteen hundred acres of government land, all in Clinton county, and nearly all In Clark township. There he and his wife died. James West, who was the eighth child in his family, was a farmer during his life and remained on the old estate, adding to his inheritance until he owned one thousand acres of the original nineteen hundred. He and his wife died on the old home place. For nine years he was Justice of the peace. His wife was Elizabeth West and they were the parents of Col. Owen West, the father of Dr. Owen A., of Sablna.

Owen A. West was educated In the public schools of Blanchester. Ohio, and wab graduated from the Blanchester high school. After finishing his practical education, he engaged In managing a general store at Lynchburg for two years. In 1888 he sold out the business and entered the Bellevue Medical College at New York City. After being there two terms, be entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati and was graduated there in 1891. After his graduation he located at Leeaburg, in Highland county. After being at Leeeburg for two years, he came to 8ablna and took up the practice of Dr. A. J. Ga akin a.

Doctor West owns the Clinton Manufacturing Company and was one of the organizer* of the National Bank at Sabina and was a director for three years. The Clinton Manufacturing Company Is a thriving business which manufactures barrel pumps.

Doctor West was married In September, 1901, to Mabel Sanderson, the daughter of Frank and Frances (West) Sanderson. Doctor and Mrs. West have had no children.

The Wests are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Doctor West Is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, and be Is also identified with the Republican party. He Is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. In 1910 be built an office and house combined and has one of the most thoroughly equipped physician's offices and laboratories to be found in Sabina. His practice has grown from year to year and today he is regarded as one of the most popular men in the community.

Among the prominent citizens of Sabina, Ohio, are Howard and George C. Barns, the former of whom, since 1908, has been editor and publisher of the Sabina Tribune, and the latter of whom was formerly the proprietor of the Xenta Herald, but who, since 1907, has been engaged in the practice of law at Sabina. The Sabina Tribune was started by James H.. Howard. George C. and M. D. Barns twenty-live years ago.

Howard Barns was born on December 14, 1871, in Sabina, and his brother, George C, on February 2, 1875. In Sabina. They are the sons of John H. and Maria (Sbewalter) Barns, the former of whom was born In 1839, In Winchester. Virginia, and died on November 10. 1884, and the latter of whom was born on September 11. 1837, in Wilmington. Ohio, the daughter of Ellas and Eliza (Hale) Shewulter.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ALLEN M. WEST.

The great state of Ohio has been honored by the careers of Its professional men, Its Industrial managers, its commercial magnates and especially by its farmers and stockmen. In every section are to be found men born to leadership, men who have dominated because of their superior intelligence, natural endowment and force of character. It Is always profitable to present the salient facts In the lives of such men, seek out their ancestral origin, weigh their motives and examine their achievements. These reflections are suggested by the career of Allen M. West, farmer, stockman and public-spirited man of affairs, of Cuba, Clinton county. Ohio. No citizen in this part of Clinton county has achieved a more honorable position or occupied a more conspicuous place in public affairs than Allen M. West. He owns and operates a large farm of three hundred acres near Cuba and Is perhaps the largest individual live stock dealer in Clinton county, but he has always taken a commendable Interest in public affairs, especially In educational development and to him. *perhaps more than to any other man. Is due the splendid school system which now prevails at Cuba. He is related collaterally to the great Benjamin West, the artist who gained lasting fame, not only (pr himself and the West family, but for his native land.

Allen SI. West was born on October 1. lNffi), in Washington township, near Cuba, and Is the son of Allen L. and Martha J. fSIaxfleld) West, the former of whom was a native of Clark township, Clinton county, and the latter of whom was a native of Clermont county and the daughter of James SInxfield. The paternal grnndjwirents were James and Klizabeth West.

About the year 171*t John W. West, who had married Sarah Pearson, came from England and settled in I'ltts county. Pennsylvania, where they reared a family of seven children: Joseph. Mary. William. Sarah. Samuel. Hachel and Benjamin. Benjamin, the youngest child In this family, was an artist, whose work came to be well-known on two continents. Joseph, the eldest child In the family, married Jane Owen, the daughter of John Owen. To them were born nine children: Isaac, Facy, Owen. John, Sarah. Joseph, Hannah. Oeorge and Benjamin. About 1 75i Owen West, the third child of this family, was born. He married Klizabeth.Martin and moved to Virginia from Pennsylvania and later from Virginia to Clinton county. Ohio. Owen and Klizabeth i Martin West had thirteen children: Nancy. Jane. William. Mary. Susan, Owen. Thomas, James. Plyton, Klizabeth. Emily. Rebecca and John. Of this family, James, the eighth child, whose wife was Elizabeth West, was the father of Allen I.. West ami the grandfather of Allen SI. The great-grandfather. Owen West and his wife. Klizabeth (Martin) West, came to Ohio from Virginia and located In the valley of the east fork of the Little Miami river, where they purchased nineteen hundred acres of government land all In Clinton county and nearly all in Clark township, where he and his wife died. James West was a farmer, who remained on the old estate and added to his inheritance until he owned one thousand acres of the original nineteen hundred. He and his wife died on the old home estate. For nine years he was a Justice of the peace in Clinton county.

Allen I.. West was educated in the common schools of Clark township and when a young man began farming in the township of his birth. About ist*" he moved to Washington township, where he farmer the remainder of his life, owning, at the time of his death, three hundred acres of laud in that township. He was an extensive stock breeder. To Allen I., and Martha J. <Slaxticld> West were born nine children, of whom Allen SI., the subject of this sketch, was the seventh. The other children were Silss B.. Susannah. Klizabeth. James. (Jeorge. Jennie, Slartha II. and Slary J. The parents were members of the.Methodist church and Allen I.. West was a trustee In the church for many years. He was a brother of Col. Owen West, farmer, manufacturer. Inventor and soldier, of Clark township, and a distinguished citizen of this county.

Born and reared in Washington township near Cuba. Allen SI. West was educated

In the schools of Cuba, Ohio. When a young man, he began farming in Washington township. After farming here for fifteen years or until September, 1003, he moved to Cubn, where he has since lived. Mr. West owns two farms near Cuba, comprising three hundred acres, and overseas them personally. For the last fifteen years he has dealt In hay, grain and live stock and Is probably the most extensive individual stock buyer In the whole county.

On December 25. 1880, Allen M. West was married to Rhoda S. Biggs, the daughter of George and Ituth (Wright) Biggs. She was born on June 4, 1865. George Biggs, the son of William II. and Rhoda Biggs, was born lu Washington township, December 23, 1824, and reared on a farm. After 1847 he was engaged in lumbering and, at this time, built the first steam suw-mlll in Washington township, at Cuba. lie was married in January, 1849. to Ruth Wright, the daughter of Daniel and Teresa Wright, and they had seven children, three of whom died early in life. At the time of his death. Mr. Biggs owned a farm of one hundred and five acres in Clinton county.

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Mr. and Mrs. West and family are members of the Christian church. Mr. West is a Democrat and for sixteen years he has been a member of the school board. He Is possessed with a natural Interest In education and deserves much credit for the high standard of the schools in this community.. Mr. West was township clerk for twelve years.

Alfred S. Penqulte is a thrifty farmer of Washington township. Clinton county, and a man not only of strong character but of pleasing personality and who is exceedingly popular with the people of this township.

Horn on February 8. 1807. in Marion township. Clinton county. Ohio. Alfred S. Penquite Is the son of Alexander and Susannah (Vandoren) Penqulte. The father was born in Clarksville in Warren county and the mother also was born near Clarksvllle. She was the daughter of William and Athtlna Vandoren.

The paternal grandfather of Alfred 8.. William Penqulte, was a sea captain along the Atlantic coast and was lost at sea. His children were William, John. Alexander. Nancy and Elizabeth.

Alexander Penqulte received a good education In the schools of Warren county and farmer In that county until about 1*05. when he moved to Clinton county and located In Washington township. He remained in that township only one year, however, when he moved to Marion township in Clinton county. There he spent the remainder of his life on a farm of one hundred acres which he owned. Alexander and Susannah Penqulte had four children, of whom Alfred S.. the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. The three elder children were: Ixmlsa, who married J. II. Pennington; Amanda, who became the wife of J. K. Mitchell: and Lucian. who married Lizzie Hallstead. The father's family were members of the Free-will Baptist church. He was a Republican In politics.

Educated In the common schools of Marlon township. Alfred S. Penqulte began farming In that township. In 1!>2 he moved to Washington township, where he rented the farm which he purchased in 1W7. and which consists of one hundred acres. He Is a general farmer and stock raiser, but his standing as a citizen consists not so much in his success ns a farmer as in his natural powers of leadership, his wide information and his cordial relations with his neighbors.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

J. FRANK WEST.

Clinton county has been fortunate in the character of her farmers and much of the material prosperity of the county can be attributed to the fact that the farmers have kept abreast of the times. The farmers ore an index to the civilization of any community and if they are progressive and up-to-date, it follows that the standard of living in the community will be high. The business men of the towns are drawing the men from the country and everywhere it is noticed that men rising to prominence in the various activities of life were born and reared on the farm. Clinton county has lung been known as one of the best farming counties of the state and lis excellent farmers have l>ecn one of the big factors in the material advancement of the county. Among the exceptional farmers of Clinton county is J. Frank West, the son of an old and distinguished family of this county.

J. Frank West was born on August 1. 1ST2. In Clark township. Clinton county. Ohio, the son of James M. and Amy tChnney) West, the former a native of Clark township and the latter a native of Highland county, having been born near Onnns chapel.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. West were James and Elizabeth (Loggett) West, the former of whom was a native of eastern Virginia, who came to Ohio very early in life. His maternal grandparents were Joseph and Sarah (Rlchner) Chaney: the former of whom was a native of Maryland, horn near Hagersfown In 1777, who came to Highland county. Ohio, early In life, and died there on April IS. \H\2. and the latter was a native of Pennsylvania, horn near Philadelphia in March. 17V. nnd died on October M. 1STl. In Highland county. Ohio.

Aiming (he celebrated men whom the West family of America has given to this country and to the world is the celebrated artist, Benjamin West. Itevertlng to the earlier ancestry, it may be said that about 1710 John W. West, who had married Sarah Pearson, came from England and settled in Pitts county. Pennsylvania. They had seven children. Joseph, Mary. William. Sarah. Samuel. Rachel and Benjamin. Benjamin, the youngest child In this family, was the first great American artist and his work came to be known not only In America, but in the fashionable salons of Europe Joseph, the eldest child in this family, married Jane Owen, the daughter of John Owen, and they had nine children. Isaac, Facy, Owen, John, Sarah, Joseph, Hannah, George and Benja- - min. Owen West, the third child of the above family, was born about 1750. He married Elizabeth Martin and they moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia, and later from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio. He and his wife had thirteen children, Nancy, Jane, William, Mary, Susan. Owen. Thomas, James, Payton, Elizabeth. Emily, Rebecca and John. James, the eighth child in this family, married Elizabeth Leggett and they were the paternal grandparents of J. Frank West.

James M. West, the father of J. Frank, was educated in an old log cabin school house, the frame of which Is now a part of the garage on the farm of J. Frank West He became a farmer on land adjoining that now owned by his son and owned altogether about eight hundred acres. His family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To James M. and Amy West were born nine children, among whom were five sons.

Educated In the public schools of Clinton county. J. Frank West engaged in farming in Clark township upon attaining his majority. He owns two hundred acres of land and, for the past twenty-six years, has lived where he now resides. With the exception of the house. Mr. West has erected all of the buildings now standing on his farm.

On October 4, 18S3. J. Frank West was married to Elva Leaf, who was born on March 6, 1850. a native of Clinton county, and the daughter of John T. and Belinda (Dumford) Leaf. They have been the parents of three children: Carl J., who is an instructor In mathematics in Ohio State University; Grace B.. who Is now a post-graduate student in Ohio State University; and Howard R.. who Is a student in the Cincinnati Academy of Fine Arts.

Mr. and Mrs. West and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Not only are they prominent in the church, but they are prominent in the social life of this township and are highly-respected citizens.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EMERSON B. WEST.

Emerson B. West, a well-known farmer of Green township, this county, was born in Clinton county, June 16, 1861, a son of George and Matilda A. (Radcllffe) West, the former of whom was born In CUnton county on April 10, 1815. and the latter. In Highland county, August 18, 1828.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. West were Henry and Nancy (Terrell) West, both natives of Virginia, and pioneers in Clinton county, where both spent the most of their lives, their last days having been spent in Clark township. Mr. West's maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Garner) Radcllffe. early settlers in Highland county, Ohio, who located in that county when Mrs. George West, the mother of Emerson B., was an infant six months old. Mrs. West's mother had come to Clinton county with her parents, James Garner and wife, who had previously lived in North Carolina. In 1811 they left that state and settled near Snow Hill, in this county.

The late George West was a carpenter by trade, but owned a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres. Including thnt where his son, Emerson B., now lives, ne died on this farm, October 21, 1&8K, and his widow survived him a few years, her death occurring on October 30, 1892. He hnd been an adherent of the Republlcnn party, but during the later years of his life had become Independent In his political views. Of the Ave children born to George and Matilda West, three— Sarah Elizabeth. Mary Jane and Stelln May, are deceased. The living children are Emerson B. and Florence Emma. George West had been previously married to Sainantha McMain, and to that union there were born three children, two of whom died In infancy. Hortense and nu infant son. The third child was a daughter, Annetta.

Emersou B. West spent his boyhood days on the old homestead farm. He attended the public schools of his home neighborhood, and assisted his father with the work of the farm. After leaving school he took up farming on the old home place and there he has lived ever since. Mr. West and his only living sister, Florence, make their home on Hie old farm. They opened their home to a twelve-year-old child from the children's home, Bessie Kldd, whom they have reared to womanhood.

Mr. West has an excellent farm of ninety-two acres where he lives, and where he carries on a general system of farming and stock raising. He Is a Republican In politics, and while living In Clark township, served as trustee of that township for four years. Fraternally, he is a member of Martinsville Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

PROF. E. P. WEST, Principal of tho Martinsville Public Schools, was born in Clark Township, Clinton County, February 2, 1851. He is a son of James and Helena West. Prof. West was reared to manhood on his father’s farm in his native place. He acquired his education in the schools of Martinsville and in the Friends’ College of Wilmington, from which ho graduated with special honors from the President, Benjamin Trueblood, in Juno, 1878. He then engaged in the congenial profession of

': ti/fi teaching, and has since pursued that business in Martinsville, occupying the chair of Principal. Prof. West is considered one of the ablest and most efficient instructors that the Martinsville schools have ever had. The schools at the present time are prospering finely. Prof. West is identified with the Masonic Fraternity of Martinsville as Master. He is a member of the Clinton County Teachers’ Association, of which he was President in 1880. In April, 1881, he was elected a member of the Board of Examiners of Clinton County, and performs the duties of that office with excellent ability.

As printed in the source³. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.