West, Frank M.

The following data is extracted from Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.

FRANK M. WEST, box manufacturer of Springfield, Massachusetts, was born June 27, 1855, in Monson, Massachusetts, the son of George L, and Amanda (Clary) West. The father was a wood worker, and became associated with his son in the Springfield box industry. The Wests of pioneer New England were of a disproportionately large number. They appear to have been characterized by a bold and enterprising spirit. Edward West is mentioned as living in Lynn in 1637; Francis West in Duxbury in 1643; John West in Saybrook in 1635; John West in Saco in 1640; Nathaniel West in Newport in 1644; Robert West in Providence in 1641; Thomas West in Salem in 1634; and Twyford West in Boston, 1635.

Frank M. West was educated in the public schools of Springfield. He found his first employment after leaving school with H. M. Conkey & Company, of Springfield. This concern ran a planing mill, and Mr. West was employed as a wood worker for a year. He followed this by working for a year as clerk in a local store. Returning to the planing mill he worked for two years, and went to the western mining country where he remained for two years. Returning to Springfield he was employed by the Chapman Valve Manufacturing Company of Indian Orchard, for a short time. He engaged in the box manufacturing business on July 16, 1878, with a factory on Worthington Street, Springfield, and the business was continued at that address until 1901. From 1901 to 1922 it was conducted at its second address on Liberty Street, Springfield. Mr. West sold out his interest in 1920 to the New England Box Company, and became manager and director of the concern. The business was moved to West Springfield in 1922, and continues at that address, the factory and offices being on Lowell Street Mr. West is a director of the Third National Bank of Springfield, and a trustee of the Eastern States Exposition. He is treasurer of the Hampden County Aid to Agriculture. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Springfield. He is a member of the Baptist Church.

Mr. West married, in Springfield, in 1888, Helen A. Pierce, daughter of Samuel L. Pierce. They are the parents of two children: Marion, born February 20, 1900; and Barbara, born February 14, 1907, at Springfield. He has lived in Springfield since 1863. His office address is on Lowell Street, West Springfield. His house address is No. 300 Forest Park Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts.

Source: Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925

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