In Shiloh, N. J., July 8th, 1876, of consumption, Eld. J. C. West, in the 52d year of his age. He leaves a wife and five children, three daughters and two sons, to mourn his loss. They are comforted in the thought that their loss is his eternal gain. He died as he lived, trusting in Jesus, and as his last Sabbath on earth faded away into evening twilight, the glorious light of the heavenly day of rest dawned upon his waiting soul.
Bro. West was born in Shiloh, April 29th, 1825, experienced a hope in Christ at the age of fifteen, baptized by Eld. Wm. B. Maxson, and became a member of the 1st Brookfield church. He then went to DeRuyter and attended school for a time, after which he returned to Shiloh, where he taught school a few years, was licensed to preach in connection with Wm. C. Whitford, now President of Milton College. He then married Miss E. Melvina Crandall, and moved into the vicinity of DeRuyter, and commenced missionary work with Eld. J. R. Irish in the Otselic church. From thence he went to Preston and taught school during the Winter, and while teaching, the Preston church called him to be ordained to the gospel ministry. He labored very successfully for two years in building up the cause of his Master in that church, when he was called to become pastor of the Nile church, which call he accepted; laboring with them for nearly eight years. During the last year of this time, he preached for the Third Genesee and Portville churches.
Then came an urgent call from Trenton, Minn., which he accepted, laboring there six or seven years, suffering many hardships, but feeling he was doing it all for the Blessed Saviour. He labored as missionary, for a short time, preaching in the Wasioja church. He then moved from Trenton to Milton, Wis., where he remained two years, laboring at Edgerton and Milton Junction, as opportunity offered. He then came back to Shiloh, which was a little more than two years ago; since returning, he has engaged in teaching as his health would allow. His religious life has been one of steady growth, coming nearer and nearer to the divine pattern. His death was glorious as the close of the midsummer day, whose setting sun gilds the heavens with its reflected glory. D. H. D.
