| Notes |
- Courtesy bio on https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81890496/john-west
John West was born in England, the son of Thomas and Ann (or Rachel) Gilpin West.
John married Elizabeth Beisley in 1714 at the Warborough Monthly Meeting. John came to America without Elizabeth who was pregnant with their son, expecting to return. Thomas was born in 1716. Elizabeth died in childbirth.
John remained in America and married Sarah Pearson, daughter of Thomas and Margery Smith Pearson in 1718 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Sarah Pearson was born February 8, 1697 in Marple Township. Thomas and Margery Pearson came to America on the ship "Endeavor" in July 29, 1683, with William Penn. Thomas was a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1708. Margery was the daughter of Robert and Ellen Smith of Pownall Fee, Cheshire, England.
John and Sarah had ten children:
Joseph (1719-1802) married Jane Owen
Sarah (1719-?) married Mr. Howell
Mary (1721-?) married Jonathan Morris
William West(1724-?)married 1)Sarah Ennis and 2)Hannah Shaw
Samuel (1732-?)
Hugh
John, Jr.
Rachel
Elizabeth
Benjamin (1738-1820) married Elizabeth Shewell
Note: Benjamin West was a famous painter and artist to King George III
John West spent some years in sea commerce and later farmed and ran a tavern. Some biographers indicate John became a major advocate against slavery and helped move the Quakers toward denouncing the practice among their faithful members.
After Sarah Pearson died in 1756, John's oldest son, Thomas, and youngest son, Benjamin were living in England. Before going abroad, Benjamin had won the heart of Elizabeth Shewell but Elizabeth's brother did not approve of the match. All his efforts to prevent the marriage failed when Benjamin's friends, one of whom is reported as Benjamin Franklin, conspired to help her escape her brother's home and sail to England. John West accompanied Elizabeth on the voyage in June, 1764 and gave her away as she married Benjamin.
John remained in England the rest of his life, living with his sister and with his son, Thomas. John died just months after American declared independence from Great Britain.
|
1690 - 1776 (85 years)
