His failing eyesight and powerful oration led to the title Blind Man Eloquent.

He was born on the anniversary of William Henry Harrison's birthday, and was named in his honor.

[4] In 1852, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Logan County, Ohio, where he lived at Bellefontaine the rest of his life.

[2] In 1869, he was appointed United States Consul to Rio de Janeiro by President Grant, and confirmed by the Senate, but declined.

In 1871, West was elected a judge on the Ohio Supreme Court, but resigned after about a year due to failing eyesight.

A railroad strike was in progress at the time of the convention, and West spoke to an assembled crowd.

[6] West continued to argue cases at the Logan County Courthouse until his 80th birthday in 1904, with only the steep steps and lack of an elevator leading to his retirement.