Life in England

Charles Henry John West came of middle class stock. He was born January 12, 1833 in St. Luke Old Street, London (Finsbury) Middlesex County, England, to John and Lydia Johnson West. His father was a vellum or book binder; his mother a silk weaver. Charles was the third son. His brothers were John Francis, John, Benjamin William and William Walter; his sisters Lydia Maria, Elizabeth Eliza and Maria Eliza.

"Nothing remarkable took place in my early days," said Charles, quoting from his journal. He lived at the home of his parents having perhaps the usual family problems but also many good times with his brothers and sisters, and as he grew old enough he worked with his father as "stationer" until he was sixteen years of age. This work probably consisted of helping his father in the binding and selling of books, and also in selling articles used in writing such as paper, notebooks, etc. Probably many fine books must have crossed his desk because he seemed to have a love of books and their

beautiful bindings.