Biography of Captain F. R. West
An early settler and prominent man in business affairs was Captain F. R. West. His title was gained from his former connection with a Packet Line on the old Pennsylvania Canal, long ago abandoned. He came to Des Moines in 1854, with some capital, and at once made investments in real estate, a large portion of which is now in North Des Moines. In 1856, he built what is now the Register and Leader Building. The ground floor was occupied by B. F. Allen’s Bank, the rear portion by the United States Land Office, the second floor by the Congregational […]