Josephine "Jose" Bell West

WEST, Josephine B. - One of the saddest deaths we have ever been

called upon to record is that of Miss Josie West, daughter of Mr. K.J. West

of Viney Grove. She died last Thursday, the 9th day of her sickness of pneumonia.

She was young, beautiful, very intelligent and was surrounded by

friends wherever she went. She had every inducement to want to live and

no reason to fear an early death. It was a great surprise to the entire community

when the announcement was made that she was no more. A cloud

of gloom hangs over her numerous friends and relatives and her immediate

family is buried in grief. [Fayetteville Democrat 4/23/86]

Miss Josephine B. West, daughter of Robt. J. and Martha West, was born

near Viney Grove, Ark. Oct. 23,1863 and was baptized in infancy by Rev.

Newland. She professed faith in Christ and joined the Methodist Episcopal

church South in 1882 under the ministry of Rev. J.P. Calloway. She

died of pneumonia April 15, 1886. This lovely young woman had just entered

womanhood with all the promise of a happy and useful life surrounded

by fond parents and affectionate brothers, sisters and friends. But she was

suddenly called to endure the sufferings of a short but severe illness which

in one week terminated her earthly existence. Not without the Christian

faith and its blessed triumphs. May the God of the Bible bind up the bereaved

hearts of the loved ones she has left in this world. J.A. Walden. April 26, 1886 [Fayetteville Democrate 4/30/1886]