John Henry Westcott, of Council Bluffs, traces his lineage back to the early settlement of Rhode Island, thus: The title to Providence Plantations (Rhode Island) from the Indians, made in 1637, was vested in Roger Williams alone.

Roger Williams born in Wales, in 1599, landed in America in 1631, in the sloop "Lyon," and settled at What Cheer Point, Seekout River, Rhode Island, in 1636. His first act was to divide by deeds, of date 1638, to twelve of his "loving neighbors," equal portions of the land and rights of said plantation, reserving to himself only equal rights with them.

Among these twelve were Stukely Westcott and Richard Waterman, ancestors on his father's and mother's side of Mr. Westcott, Stukely Westcott being first named in the deed. Stukely Westcott and Roger Williams, while in Salem, Massachusetts, were "separators from the church of England," the former and wife being baptized by the latter July 1, 1639. Both had passed upon them the "grand censure," which alienated them from the Salem Colony. In the line of family succession was Stukely Westcott, Stukely, Jr., Jonah Nathan, Thomas and Samuel,- all of whom were active and influential in public affairs.

Thomas Westcott, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a civilian of note in Rhode Island, and was also a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary war. Samuel Arnold, his son, was born in Rhode Island, December 11, 1794, was engaged in a cotton mill until he moved to Wheeling, Virginia, in 1820, and with the Moores, Reesides and Zanes was among the most active in developing that section of the country.

January 1, 1821, Samuel A. Westcott married Miss Sarah Loring Edgerton, a descendant of Richard Waterman, named above, whose parents, moving from Connecticut, were among the early pioneers of Ohio at Marietta.

John Henry, of this writing, their eldest son, was born in Wheeling, Virginia, May 28, 1823, resided there until 1835, then in Brooklyn, New York, in 1835-'36; was at the great fire in 1835; moved to Marietta, Ohio, in 1837; was in the employ of Dudley Woodbridge, formerly a partner of Blennerhasset, of historic fame, and afterward he engaged in the mercantile business. June 16, 1853, he was married in Rochester, New York (at Grove Place, the residence of her grandfather, Levi Ward), to Miss Fannie M. Ward, a lady of fine intellectual culture, of rare accomplishments, lovely in disposition and withal a Christian of high spiritual attainments.

In 1854 Mr. Westcott moved to Madison, Indiana, and engaged in the foundry business until the death of his beloved wife and child changed his plans of life. In July, 1855, he moved overland to Keokuk, Iowa, engaged in the stationery and book-binding business for a time; then was employed as accountant in the banking house of George C. Anderson & Co., and afterward for fourteen years in the office of R. F. Bower, wholesale grocer.

Without desire or solicitation, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for three years, and then County Trustee. While Justice of the Peace Hon. John H. Craig, seconded by Hon. Dan F. Miller, attorneys, in view of some judicial decisions, moved the Circuit Court, Judge Jeffries presiding, that Mr. Westcott be admitted to the Keokuk bar ex gratia, all the members of the bar present assenting. The Honored Judge with much cordiallity expressed the pleasure he felt in complimenting Mr. Westcott with this unusual honor, and ordered it done.

July 28, 1859, Mr. Westcott married Miss Adelaide Virginia Holsey, a young lady highly esteemed, of great energy of character and superior judgment, his present wife.

In May, 1883, he, and later his family, moved to Council Bluffs, accepting a position in the Council Bluffs Insurance Company,- J. Q. Anderson, Secretary,- and later and among the most pleasant duties of his life, acting as Secretary to the Hon. M. F. Rohrer, during his administration as mayor of this city. The ability, integrity and success of Mayor Rohrer's administration as Mayor of Council Bluffs, is commended by his Secretary up to the intimate knowledge he has of the same.

Mr. Westcott emphasizes his membership in the church and particularly in his relation to the Presbyterian Church. As early as fourteen years of age he connected himself with the Congregational Church at Marietta, Ohio. Soon there after he was elected trustee; afterward, upon request of Governor Ralph P. Lowe, he was elected deacon in the First Westminster Presbyterian Church, Keokuk, Iowa, and at present is serving as Elder in the First Presbyterian Church in the city, and recenly was elected director in the Omaha Theological Seminary. He has represented the latter church in its higher courts. To promote the interests of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is his highest ambition.

Contributed By: Mona Sarratt Knight