Encyclopedia Dubuque
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WEST, George
WEST, George. (Cayuga Co., NY, Apr. 21, 1809--Dubuque, IA, Mar. 20, 1892). West moved to Huron County, Ohio where he was involved in the mercantile business for several years. In September, 1844 he came to Galena and bought an interest in a MINING claim with a Scotchman named Gilbert.
West came over to Dubuque one Saturday and that night his partner was murdered in his cabin. Upon his return, Mr. West was advised for his own safety to give up his claim and not return to it. He moved to Dubuque in the 1850s and bought an interest in diggings here. He was also involved in the forwarding and commission business from a building he had constructed on the levee. (1)
When the CIVIL WAR broke out, West was appointed recruiting agent. He afterward enlisted in the 37th I.V.I., and was elected and commissioned captain. After the war, he returned to Dubuque but did not get into active business except buying grain at times when the market was favorable. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living Iowan to have served in the CIVIL WAR.
See: G. R. WEST and G. R. WEST AND SON
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Source:
1. "Death of Col. West," Dubuque Daily Herald, March 22, 1892, p. 4
Col. G. R. West. http://iagenweb.org/boards/dubuque/biographies/index.cgi?read=180988
