My Genealogy Hound

John B. West is the junior member of the firm of T. M. Neal & Co., general merchants of Dover, Ark. These gentlemen have ably represented the mercantile interests of this portion of this county, and the stock of goods which they carry cannot fail to satisfy the wants of their patrons. He was born near the town in which he is now residing, on May 11, 1857, to Major D. and Lucinda (Latimer) West, and with his parents made his home until 1883, his opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the world of books being extremely limited, for in any year he did not receive over three months’ schooling, and often not that amount. However, he always had a natural inclination toward books, and even in his early boyhood he used his spare time to advantage and was often found poring over his books when others of his age were spending their time in play. By this means he received such education as has elevated him to the position he now occupies and has been the means of the success of his life work. After the death of his father, in 1880, he remained on the old homestead and continued to care for the remainder of the family until the summer of 1883, when he rented out the homestead, and with his mother, moved to town, where he entered the employ of T. M. Neal & Co., as book-keeper, in which capacity he served faithfully and well for six years. At the end of this time Mr. Neal, the general manager, opened an establishment in Morrillton, Ark., and Mr. West took his place in the store in Dover and became general manager for the firm. In January, 1890, he bought an interest in the business, and still retains his position as general manager, and to the admirable manner in which he has conducted affairs, the success of the establishment is largely due. The stock of the firm consists of an excellent general line of goods, together with a complete assortment of farming implements, the annual sales of which are about $26,000. They also deal quite extensively in cotton, which is a leading industry in their vicinity, and although they started with a very small capital, industry, energy and square dealing have built them up their present trade, and they have abundantly prospered. They are now doing business on a capital of about $39,000 and are the heaviest dealers in the town of Dover. Mr. West was married on March 28, 1878, to Miss Maggie Phillips of Dover, by whom he has six children: Caroline, Mary Ruth, Jonnie B., David, Alexander H. and Sallie. Mr. West and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in which he is recording steward, and he also belongs to Lodge No. 17, of the A. F. & A. M., at Dover. In this order he holds the position of treasurer. He is a Democrat, but has never been what might be termed a politician. In May, 1884, he was appointed notary public and is now filling his second term. He still owns an interest in the old homestead, which he still looks after and controls, but aside from this his capital is invested in his business. He is a thoroughly-liberal, public spirited and substantial citizen.