From A Biographical History of Central Kansas, Vol. I, p. 705
published by The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago & New York, 1902 

WILLIAM WEST 

   William West, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Rice county, has been connected with the history of this locality since its early pioneer days, has been a witness of its growth and upbuilding and has done much for its advancement.  He was born in Branch county, Michigan, February 4, 1853.  His father, James B West, was born in the state of New York, and in Buffalo, that state, was married to Olive L Roberts, who proved a faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life.  She was born, reared and educated in the Empire state.  After their marriage James and Olive West removed to Ohio where they remained for a time and then located in Branch county, Michigan.  They were the parents of seven children, - Isadore,

Albert J, Charles, William W, Esther and Eva and Clua, twins.  The father of this family followed farming as a life occupation, was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his political support to the Republican party.  He was honored and respected by all who knew him, and his life was ever in harmony with his Christian belief.  His widow is still a resident of Michigan, and has reached the ripe old age of eighty-one years.

   William W West, whose name introduces this review, was early inured to the labors of field and meadow, and his education was received in the public schools of his native state.  For seven years he worked in the pineries of Michigan, lumbering in the woods and on the river, and he became an expert in that line.  In 1874 he located in the neighborhood of where he now resides, first securing one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land, and as time has passed he has placed his land under a fine state of cultivation.  The place is located four miles from Mitchell, and is one of the finest farming properties in this locality.  All the equipments and improvements of a model farm are there found, and he annually garners rich harvests.

   At the age of twenty-eight years Mr West was united in marriage, in Rice county, Kansas, to Myra R Cummings, a lady of intelligence and culture and a daughter of Caleb F Cummings, who was born in Vermont.  When a young man he came west with his parents, and in Wisconsin he was united in marriage with Myra Johnson.  They became the parents of two children, and the son, Henry R Cummings, is now a resident of Portland, Oregon.  The father was a gallant soldier in the war of the rebellion, serving in a Wisconsin regiment, and his death occurred in Rice county, Kansas.  The union of our subject and his wife has been blessed with the following children:  Pearl M, the wife of Charles Wycoff, of Galt township, Rice county; Myrtle, Clayton, Esther, William and Lester.  Mr West casts his ballot in favor of Republican principles, and in his social relations he is a member of the Woodmen of America and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  Personally he is a man of sterling qualities, prominent among which are his strict integrity, his industry and his frank and genial manner.  Those who know him best esteem him most.