Alvin was one of Amos and Sophia Westerhouse's twin sons.
Alvin and his brother Allen were twins, born on 9 May 1906. As a young boy, Alvin worked on his parents' farm, helping with farming and other chores around the home. He attended school at the Hopewell East School #68 located a half mile east of his home. While attending school, Alvin played on the Hopewell basketball team. After graduating from eighth grade, he continued his education in Eudora, graduating from Eudora High School May 1926.
(L-R) Allen and Alvin - 1915
After graduating from high school, Alvin attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Crawford, Kansas, working towards a degree in Education. After three years at Pittsburg State University, Alvin moved to Joplin, Jasper, Missouri to start a teaching career in 1929. The 1930 census shows Alvin living at 2114 Joplin Street as a roomer and high school teacher.
Alvin Westerhouse 1930 Federal census for Joplin, Jasper, Missouri
While living in Joplin, Alvin met Nancy M Taylor Ward, who went by the name Billie. She had recently divorced Floyd Ward. Alvin and Billie married 4 Jan 1931 in Carthage, Jasper, Missouri.
Alvin Westerhouse and Nancy Ward marriage license 4 Jan 1931
Alvin and Nancy made their home at 1832 Moffet Avenue in Joplin, based on the 1933 City Directory for Joplin. The 1940 Federal Census shows them continuing to live there and renting. Lists Alvin working as a carpenter and completed three years of college. Describes Nancy (Billie) not working and completed one year of high school.
Alvin registered for the World War II Draft on 16 Oct 1940. The Registration card shows his name as Alvin Wheeler Westerhouse; his age 34; living at 1832 Moffet, Joplin, Jasper, Missouri; He was born on May 9 1906 in Eudora, Kansas; telephone as Joplin Exchange and number 5504; Nancy Marie Westerhouse (wife), 1832 Moffet, Joplin, Jasper, Missouri will always know his address; employed as self at 1832 Moffet, Joplin, Jasper, Missouri; race of white; color of his eyes are blue; his hair is brown color; he has height of five feet and ten and half inches and weight of 165; Has a light complexion.
Alvin Westerhouse WWII draft card (front)
Alvin Westerhouse WWII draft card (back)
Billie and Alvin Westerhouse at their Joplin home in the kitchen – 1970
Three generations of twins
(L-R) Allen Westerhouse, Maxine Westerhouse (Melanie Claggett),
Eugene Westerhouse (Melissa Claggett), Alvin Westerhouse – Dec 1983
Alvin and Nancy Westerhouse gravestone
at Mount Hope Cemetery (Webb City, Missouri)
Alvin and Nancy did not have any children. Nancy had a child,
Nancy, from her previous marriage. Alvin enjoyed woodworking, making all kinds
of bowls, puzzles, and other items. The twins died within 5 months of each
other. Allen died in Jun 1986 and Alvin died Nov 1986.
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