James Marion West, Sr.

Who was James Marion West, Sr.?

James Marion West Sr. was a wealthy Houston, Texas businessman who substantially influenced the city's development during the early 20th century.

He came to Texas as a boy from Mississippi in 1880. He grew up on a farm in Trinity County where he later built a lumber business. He married Jessie Gertrude in 1895.

He built a business empire that included ranching, banking, lumber, oil, real estate, and newspaper publishing. He was heavily involved in politics both in Houston and at the state level. He served as an officer and board member for various banks, universities, and other business interests. He later became a publisher of the Dallas Journal and the Austin Tribune in part because of his interest in politics.