An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The
Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, page 326
	
	
	CHARLES S. WEST, superintendent and State agent of the Columbia River Paper
Mills, is a resident of La Camas. Although the mills are located in this State,
the industry is really an Oregon enterprise, and is owned almost exclusively by
Portland capital. The plant was established about eight years ago, and is now
worth about $250,000. The mills are located at one of the most picturesque
points along the Columbia river, are among the largest on the coast, and their
product will compare favorably with those of any of the leading paper mills in
the country. They give employment to about eighty men, without including those
engaged in getting out cottonwood for the pulps. They consume about 3,000 cords
of wood annually for pulps alone. The mills run continuously day and night, and
are lighted by their own electric-light system. Mr. West, who superintends the
entire plant, has spent his entire life in the manufacture of paper, as has also
his father, who is an expert in the business. The latter was at particular pains
to extend to his son his full knowledge; and the result is that our subject is
familiar with the entire process, and has passed through every department. He
works continually for the upbuilding of the reputation of the company, quickly
adapts any new ideas that will tend to improve the quality of the products of
the mill, and to him the company owe much for the reputation they enjoy on the
coast as in manufacturers of superior paper.
	Charles S. West was born in Massachusetts, March 24, 1847, a son of George
W. and Laura A. (Smith) West. The father was born in England in 1822, and came
to America in 1844. The mother was a native of Connecticut, and her death
occurred the same year as our subject's birth. Charles S., his parents' only
child, was reared and educated in Massachusetts, and in early life began the
business which he has since continuously followed. He served as Superintendent
of the Vandalia Mills, of Illinois, five years; held a similar position at
Batavia four years, and has five years' experience with the Turner Falls Mills,
of Massachusetts. Mr. West took charge of the La Camas plant in February, 1890,
and through his efforts the property and products have been brought to a high
state of perfection.
	At Watertown, New York, February 11, 1868, Mr. West was united in marriage
to Miss Margaret A. Green, a native of that State. They have three living
children: George C., employed in the mill; Catherine C., wife of F.F. Pittock, a
journalist, and connected with the Daily Oregonian; and Laura A., at home. The
deceased children are Joseph and Mary A. In political matters Mr. West is a
stanch and active Republican. Socially, he affiliates with the F. & A.M., and
now fills the official chair in the East of La Camas blue lodge, No. 75. He is
also a member of Chapter No. 9, of Vancouver, Washington.
	
	
Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in September 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer
	
	
	
	
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Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
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