Born in Waubeek, Linn County, Iowa, West moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1891, and read law in the office of his uncle, William H.

He served in the Company F, Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry from May to September 1898 during the Spanish–American War and was a private.

[1] On December 10, 1928, West was nominated by President Calvin Coolidge to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio vacated by Judge David C. Westenhaver.

West was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 17, 1928, and received his commission the same day.

West served in that capacity until his death on October 5, 1938.