USA > Iowa > Washington County > History of Washington County, Iowa from the first white settlements to 1908. Also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county, Vol. II > Part 15
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for he possesses a keen, logical mind, plus the business sense and in argu- ment is strong and forceful. He presents his case cogently and convincingly and is ready at all times to meet every possible point of attack. On the Ist of March, 1907, he admitted S. W. Livingston to a partnership under the firm style of Eicher & Livingston and the most liberal clientage is now accorded them.
On the 26th of June, 1888, Mr. Eicher was married to Miss Frances Celia McKee, who was born in Washington and who spent her entire life here. Her parents are Samuel E. and Hannah (Harris) McKee, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. They became early residents of Washington and her mother died in 1887. while the father now lives in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of four children : Charles C., David H., Paul N. and Frances Celia. The last named became the wife of Mr. Eicher and unto them have been born two daughters and a son, Han- nah Harris, Lydia Sommer and Heinrich Martin.
Mr. Eicher was a member of the Mennonite church until 1906 when he transferred his membership to the Second United Presbyterian church of which his wife was a member. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he has served as city attorney, while during his teach- ing days he was assessor of his township. He has always been interested in progressive public measures, giving stalwart support to every movement which is a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. Moreover he possesses a courteous, genial manner which makes him popular with his many friends, while in his profession he has attained that success which is the logical sequence of close application, thorough and discriminating study and careful analysis.
LEE W. GORDEN.
Lee W. Gorden, the owner of a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he is now devoting his time and energies, was born in this township on the 19th of October, 1874, his parents being James and Martha (Simpson) Gorden, who were natives of Ohio. They came to lowa at an early day and are still living in Washington county, being numbered among its respected and worthy residents. Their family numbers three children, namely: Lec W., of this review ; Andrew M., who is a resident of this county ; and Ellen B., at home.
Lee W. Gorden obtained his education in the common schools and re- mained under the parental roof until he reached adult age. Subsequently he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm for five years and on the expiration of that period purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Cedar township on which he now resides. He has placed many substantial improvements on the property and the well tilled fields annually produce golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. In carrying on his farm he displays modern methods of agricul-
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ture, is practical and energetic and has gained recognition among the pros- perous and progressive citizens of his native county.
On the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Gorden was united in marriage to Miss Anna Dittmer, who was born in Logan county, Illinois, January 16, 1882, and came to Iowa in 1895. Her father is deceased but her mother is still living in Washington county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dittmer were born four children: Christopher and Henry, both of whom are residents of this county ; George, at home ; and Mrs. Gorden. The last named has become the mother of one son, Wilbur James, whose birth occurred September 17, 1906.
In politics Mr. Gorden is an unfaltering republican and is now serving his second term as assessor. Both he and his wife are devoted and con- sistent members of the Presbyterian church, the teachings of which they exemplify in their daily lives. Having always lived in this county, Mr. Gorden is well known within its borders, while his many excellent traits of character have won him the regard and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
JAMES LUKAVSKY.
James Lukavsky, who is capably serving his fellow townsmen as a mem- ber of the board of trustees of Iowa township, is actively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of this county, owning and operat- ing an excellent farm of two hundred and thirty-seven acres in Iowa town- ship. His birth occurred in Bohemia on the 13th of January, 1861, his parents being Anthony and Catherine (Zakan) Lukavsky, who were born, reared and married in that country. In 1865 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States with their family of four sons and four daughters, locat- ing in Lime Creek township, Washington county, Iowa. The father there purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he gave to his oldest son, Joseph, at the end of five years and then removed to Highland township, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. After residing thereon for a number of years he divided the property between his sons James and Frank and purchased a tract of land of one hundred acres in Jackson township. there continuing to make his home until called to his final rest in 1893, at the age of sixty-four years. He was widely recognized as one of the county's substantial agriculturists and prosperous citizens and his demise was the occasion of deep regret to his extensive circle of friends.
James Lukavsky was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. When he had attained his majority his father gave him eighty acres of the home farm and he thus began his career as an agriculturist. He energetically and industriously carried on the work of the fields on his Highland township farm for five years and then disposed of the property to his brother, purchasing a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Oregon township, where he made his home for two years and then
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sold the place. Subsequently he bought the Hiram Reynolds farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township, continuing its cultivation and improvement for five years, on the expiration of which period he leased the property and removed to Riverside. At that place he was successfully en- gaged in the buying and shipping of stock for about five years, at the end of which time, in 1902, he sold his Jackson township farm and bought his present place of two hundred and thirty-seven acres in Iowa township. Sub- sequently he purchased seventy-six acres of the C. S. Cole farm, which property he has recently given to his son Edward. Twenty-six years ago he started out in life on his own account with a capital of seven hundred dollars and owing to his indomitable energy, enterprise and capable manage- ment has prospered in his business career until he has gained recognition as a leading agriculturist and representative citizen of Washington county.
In 1883 Mr. Lukavsky was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Sadle, a resident of Jackson township, this county, but a native of Bohemia. By this union there have been born eight children, as follows: Edward, who carries on farming in Iowa township; Elmer, at home; Frank, who is a graduate of Brown's Business College at Davenport and is now engaged in the life insurance business at that place ; and James, William, John, Mary and Anna, all of whom are still at home.
In his political views Mr. Lukavsky is a stalwart democrat and is now serving his fourth term as a member of the board of trustees of Iowa town- ship, proving a most efficient and reliable public official. Both he and his wife are devoted communicants of the Catholic church and are highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives. He has gained his present position of pros- perity by methods which neither seek nor require disguise, and over the record of his business and private life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
FRED HUGH SMITII.
Fred Hugh Smith, treasurer of the George H. Paul Company, in which connection he sustains important relations to extensive real-estate operations, contributing in substantial measure to the development of the west, was born in Washington, Iowa, April 23, 1874. His parents were Andrew Graham and Anna Josephine (Peck) Smith. The father was born in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, which was also the birthplace of the mother, who is now residing in Washington. They became the parents of five children, three daughters and two sons: Jennie, now the wife of John B. McCartney a traveling salesman living in Washington ; Fred Hugh, of this review ; Kate, a resident of Washington : Edward L., who is cashier of the State Bank of Kemmerer, Wyoming ; and Gertrude, a teacher in the Washington public schools.
Fred Hugh Smith is indebted to the public school system of his native city for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which qualified him
HE NEW YORK FUB .. IC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX BILDEN FOUNDATION
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for life's practical and responsible duties. IIc left school at the age of fifteen years, having graduated with the class of 1890, and made his initial step in the business world in the Western Union Telegraph office in this city, learning the business. He was with the Rock Island and also with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company as operator for five years. at the end of which time he accepted a clerical position in the Washington National Bank, serving in that capacity until October, 1908. In the mean- time he had been promoted to the position of assistant cashier. In 1908 he entered the real-estate firm of the George H. Paul Company, incorporated, as treasurer, and is still holding that position. As the manager of its finan- cial interests he displays marked ability and executive force and is regarded as one of the foremost representatives of real-estate dealing in this part of the country. He possesses strong and determined purpose, enabling him to care- fully execute well defined plans.
In December, 1895, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Bertha M. Simmons, who was born in the state of New York in 1875 and is a daughter of Charles R. and Jeannette (Smith) Simmons. Her father was a railroad engineer and died in 1896, but the mother still survives and is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Two children have been born unto this marriage: Katherine Jeannette, who was, born August II, 1898; and Charles Maurice, born June 30, 199. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr: Smith also belong's to the Masonic fraternity and to the Knights of Pythias lodge, being an exemplary representative of those organizations. His political allegiance îs .given to the republican party and he served as city treasurer of Washington for five years but otherwise has not held office nor has he -desired political preferment. He is never remiss in his duties of citizenship and has given substantial aid and co- operation to many movements for the public good but rather than hold office he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and his ability and enterprise have carried him into important relations and gained for him a place among the leading men of the community.
SCHUYLER WILSON LIVINGSTON.
Prominent among the successful attorneys-at-law in Washington is Schuyler Wilson Livingston, junior partner of the firm of Eicher & Living- ston. In no profession does advancement depend more entirely upon indi- vidual merit and, realizing the fact that the successful lawyer must base his rise upon thorough understanding of legal principles and a correct applica- tion thereof to the points in litigation, Mr. Livingston has ever remained a close and thorough student of the law. He stands as a typical representative of the progressive western spirit. One of lowa's native sons he was born at Ainsworth, October 14. 1872, and is a son of William J. and Eva E. (McMillan) Livingston. the former a native of New York and the latter of Iowa. The Livingstons were among the old families of the Empire state,
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the grandfather. William Henry Livingston, having also been born there. He was a farmer by occupation and also acted as general adviser to his neighbors in all matters of vital importance to them. Ile was a man of unquestioned integrity, of sound judgment and of helpful spirit and his life was in harmony with his profession as an elder in the United Presbyterian church. He married Miss Catharine Bain, a representative of the same stock as Peter Bain of Revolutionary war fame. Removing westward when Iowa was still a frontier district they settled in Washington county but eventually took up their abode in Leslie, Sumter county, Georgia, where both died and were buried, Mrs. Livingston reaching the very advanced age of about ninety years. Their family numbered two sons, William J. and Thomas and a daughter, Sarah, who became the wife of Edward Benson The elder son, reared in Iowa, became a school teacher in early manhood and afterward turned his attention to surveying and the practice of law. Prior to the war he came to lowa, settling in Washington county, near Ainsworth, the family home being established on a farm. He, therefore, grew to manhood on the home farm there and followed his preliminary busi- ness experience, as a teacher, by the practice of law and surveying. At the time of his death he was in the employ of the Duluth & Winnepeg Railroad Company and was superintendent of the construction of the road from Duluth to Winnepeg. He died as the result of exposure on the 22d of November, 1882, when he had just passed his thirty-fourth year. At one time he served as county surveyor of Washington county and is yet remem- bered by many of the older settlers here. His wife still survives him. She bore the name of Eva E. McMillan and was born in Iowa, her parents being Richard Bouten and Mary ( Currie) McMillan. Her father was a native of New York and devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He came to Iowa with his father, Thomas McMillan, who entered land from the government just east of the present site of Washington and removed into the old Jonathan Wilson home, living with him that winter. Richard McMillan was reared to manhood and married in this county. Unto him and his wife were born a number of children: Edward C .; Thomas Chalmers ; William W. ; Richard A. ; Eva E. ; Emma, the wife of Rev. J. A. Alexander, of Crafton, Pennsylvania ; Cora F., the wife of the Rev. J. U. Stotts, both being missionaries in China ; Grace, the wife of William A. Gibson, of Wash- ington, Iowa: Frances, the wife of the Rev. John Ferguson : and Lorenzo and Adda, who died during their infancy.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Livingston were two in mini- ber: Schuyler W. and Ralph L. The former was reared in Washington county, Iowa, and following his father's death lived on the farm of Colonel D. J. Palmer who sent him to college. After attending the public schools of Washington and the academy here he pursued a classical course in Mon- month ( 111.) College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. His education completed he became superintendent and treasures of the gas and electric light plant at Centerville, lowa, where he remained for two years. He was associated there with T. P. Shonts, president of the company and D. C. Campbell. With them he went to Chicago, where he remained for
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three years and during that period he devoted his time, outside of business hours, to studying law, pursuing a night course until he was admitted to the bar in that city in 1898. He did considerable legal work for this firm and thus added to his theoretical training beneficial practical experience. In the spring of 1901 he returned to Washington, where he has practiced con- tinuously since, remaining alone for five years and then entering into part- nership with Henry M. Eicher.
On the 22d of April, 1897, Mr. Livingston was married to Miss Alice I. Samson, a daughter of H. F. and Isabel ( Mckenry) Samson, and a native of Wyman, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston have become parents of three children : David Palmer, Alice Louise and Schuyler William. The parents are members of the Second United Presbyterian church, of which he is presi- dent and politically Mr. Livingston is a republican. His interest in com- munity affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen who withholds his coopera- tion from no movement or measure calculated to prove of public good. His standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability and indicates his thor- oughness in his preparation of cases and his correctness in the application of legal prnciples.
HON. B. F. BROWN.
When the history of Washington county and its representative citizens shall be written it will contain the name of no man more worthy of represen- tation in the volume than Hon. B. F. Brown, who for fifty-two years has resided here and throughout the entire period has been identified with its agricultural life and its public interests. His influence has always been on the side of progress, reform and improvement and in business circles he has made steady advancement along honorable lines. He resides in Cedar town- ship where he owns a good farm property. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 3d of May, 1833. His parents were Joseph and Rachel (Hood) Brown, natives of Brooke county, West Virginia, and of Baltimore county, Maryland, respectively. Following their marriage they established their home in Knox county. Ohio, where they lived for a number of years and then removed to Brooke county. West Virginia, where they resided until 1863. They removed westward to Washington county, Iowa, settling in Marion township where the mother died in 1871. There the father lived until his death which occurred in 1882 and in his passing the life of a good man was ended. For over a half century he had been a devoted, faithful and loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal church and had guided his life by its teachings. He ever endeavored to do unto others as he would have them do unto him and as the years passed his honesty of purpose and ster- ling worth won him the respect of all with whom he came in contact. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, of whom nine were sons, the daughter being Mary Ann, now the widow of David Counselman and a resident of Howard county, Iowa.
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B. F .. Brown spent his youth in Ohio and West Virginia and since coming to lowa has been identified with general agricultural pursuits. He is today the owner of an excellent farm in Cedar township, comprising two hundred and forty acres of land and the place is well developed and highly improved, being supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories found upon the model farmn of the twentieth century. He is persistent, diligent and pro- gressive in his work and his work has been attended by a gratifying measure of success.
That Mr. Brown has not confined his time and energy solely to his busi- ness affairs is well known, for he has ever found opportunity to cooperate in the measures and movements which are put forth for the public good. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and at all times keeps well informed concerning the important issues and questions before the public In 1874 he was elected a member of the fifteenth general assembly of Iowa, in which he served for one term. He was chosen for the office on the anti- monopoly ticket and was one of the men who framed and secured the passage of the first railroad tariff law. He was also identified with other restrictive and regulative legislation and also with progressive movements which have been important elements in the welfare of the state since that time.
Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Sarah I. Kinkade, who was born in Union county. Ohio, a daughter of Eleazer and Hannah (Lyons) Kinkade. Her father was a native of Brooke county, West Virginia, and her mother of Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born a son and daughter: Charles R., whose birth occurred October 1, 1862, is a preacher, now located in Oakland, California. Ella M., born June 25, 1871, is the wife of Seth Thomas, now principal of the high school at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the mother of one daughter, Eleanor. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are widely known in this county, where they have now resided for many years and their many sterling traits of character have gained them a place with the leading citizens of the county. Mr. Brown is a man of force and enter- prise in business, of keen discernment in public affairs and of unquestioned loyalty and patriotic purpose. While working toward high ideals he uses practical methods and, therefore, accomplishes substantial results.
HORACE SEELEY.
Horace Seeley is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty- five acres in Brighton township and in addition he has real-estate holdings in Texas. His home place is well improved, presenting a neat and attrac- tive appearance. He has spent the greater part of his life in Washington county, although his birth occurred in Ashtabula county, Ohio, on the 15th of September, 1855, his parents being Julius and Lucinda ( Hagarty ) Seeley. The father, who was a native of the state of New York, removed westward to Ohio prior to his marriage and there lived until 1865. when he came to Iowa, locating on section 7, Clay township, Washington county. He at
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once began to develop and improve a farm and continued its cultivation until his life's labors were ended in death in 1875. His demise was occasioned by a gunshot wound inflicted by unknown parties, who attacked him while he was returning home from Brighton, supposed to have been the work of a cowardly enemy. His wife was born and reared in Ohio and, long surviv- ing her husband, spent her last days in Brighton, where she died in 1908, at the home of her son, Horace, her remains being interred in the Brighton cemetery. In their family were three children: Harriet, the wife of D. E. Nordyke, of Brighton ; Horace ; and one who died in infancy.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Horace Seeley in his boyhood and youth. He was educated in the common schools and remained at home until the death of his father, after which he and his mother came into possession of two-thirds of the old home- stead and he has since continued to farm this land. His life has been char- acterized by thrift and industry, by diligence and determination. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-five acres on sections 7 and 8, Brighton township, and the farm is well improved, giving every indication of the careful supervision and practical methods of an owner whose progressive spirit is shown in the well tilled fields and the substantial improvements upon his place. He also has one hundred and sixty acres of land in Texas. From his home farm he annually gathers rich harvests, his labors bringing to him substantial success.
In 1884 Mr. Seeley was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Stucker and unto them have been born five children: Ezra, at home; Myrtle, the wife of Warren Kintz, a resident farmer of Brighton township; Vernon, Grace and Imogene, all at home. In his political views Mr. Seeley is a stalwart republican, thoroughly in harmony with the principles and policy of the party and has held some minor township offices but prefers to give his undi- vided attention to his business affairs, which, capably managed, are bringing to him well merited success.
HENRY STICHTER.
As Iowa became settled by a class of progressive and enterprising men, its broad prairies were used for general agricultural pursuits and it was found that no state in the Union produced finer or larger crops of grain and other cereals. Then came a period of experimentation in fruit growing and it was proven that this soil was as productive in this direction as in the culti- vation of grain. Henry Stichter is well known as one of the most suc- cessful horticulturists of this part of the state. He was born in U'nion coun- ty, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1845, his parents being Levi and Catharine (Wingart) Stichter, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and on his removal from Pennsylvania to Ohio settled in Miami county of the latter state, where he lived for five years. He then removed to Stephenson county, Illinois, where he engaged
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in farming, giving his attention to general agricultural pursuits there until his death in 1890. He was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, and was married in 1855. His wife, also a native of Union county, born in 1824. passed away in 1893. They were the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters: Henry, of this review : Elizabeth, the wife of A. Sowers. of Abilene, Kansas ; Sarah, the deceased wife of Herman F. Hanke : George, of Freeport. Illinois ; David and Martin, also of Freeport. Illinois : Catharine, the wife of A. S. Marigold. of Bloomington. Illinois; Lucinda, the wife of H. M. Wolford. of Freeport, Illinois ; Mary, the wife of Andrew Phillips. also of Freeport, Illinois; Orange, of Freeport ; and a child who died in infancy.
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