Born in 1756 in Scotland, John West was later considered extremely intelligent especially in the field of mathematics. Samuel West was his father. A Church of Scotland minister, John's father died when he was around ten years old. His mother was left to support the family and she struggled financially.

John attended the University of St. Andrews in 1769 at the young age of only thirteen years old. He was successful in math and physics and would have graduated with honors but he didn't pay the fees required to "graduate".

From 1775 until 1780, John worked as Nichalas Vilant's assistant. During that time, he was the main instructor for the St. Andrews math classes. However, the pay was minimal.

In 1777, John's mother died. Feeling responsible for his sisters, John took on the financial obligations of helping his sisters. He left the University of St. Andrews soon after his mother's death and with his sisters in tow, met up with his other siblings in Jamaica.

Around the time that he left St. Andrews, John West published Elements of Mathematics and A New System of Short Hand. Both would become recognizable works earning considerable respect.

In 1785, John returned to England and became an ordained priest. At some point, John met and married Anne Kelly and the couple had several children.

John died in 1817 in Jamaica.