FORDYCE, Hon. Lewis Franklin - 1890 Bio (1820-1912)

FORDYCE, GARD, MILLER, NEWBY, HARVEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/5/2007 at 14:34:09

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 395-396

Hon. Lewis FORDYCE, who resides on section 14, Des Moines Township, Jefferson County, is widely and favorable known throughout Southeastern Iowa, and with the growth of this portion of the State has been prominently conneeted (sic). He represents one of the honored pioneer families, the head of which was Jarius FORDYCE. He was a son of a Revolutionary hero and his birth occurred in Pennsylvania. Removing westward in his youth, he became acquainted with Miss Susan GARD, a native of Ohio, whom he married. He served under Gen. Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe. In 1815, they emigrated to the Territory of Illinois. During his stay in the Prairie State, he opened up two or three farms, but in 1837 he determined to try his fortune on the opposite side of the Mississippi, and made a settlement in Lee County, Iowa. Two years later he went to Van Buren County, where his death occurred the following year. His excellent wife survived him fifteen years, dying in 1855. The members of their family now living are Seth, of Union Township, Van Buren County; Lewis, whose name heads this sketch, and Mary, now Mrs. MILLER, of Lee County, Iowa.

Lewis FORDYCE was about seventeen years of age when he accompanied his family to Iowa. His early life was passed amid the wild scenes of frontier settlements, and his education was acquired in the subscription schools of Wabash County, Ill. After becoming a citizen of Lee County he aided in developing a farm. With his parents he went to Van Buren County in 1839, but returned to Lee County in 1845, and the following year was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary NEWBY, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Gabriel and Rebecca (HARVEY) NEWBY, both of whom were born in North Carolina, but at an early day they became residents of Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both passed from this earth many years ago.

Upon his marriage, Mr. FORDYCE settled upon a farm in Lee County, but at the end of three years removed to Van Buren County, where he purchased a partially improved farm. No one is better conversant with the correct methods of agriculture than he, and his efforts were consequently attended with success. Continuing his residence in Van Buren County until 1873, he then came to Jefferson County, where he purchased an improved farm of three hundred acres, one hundred of which he has since given to his children, retaining two hundred acres for his own use. Working his way upward from a humble position, he overcame the hardships of pioneer life, surmounted the obstacles which lay in his path and at length reached a position of affluence, his property now being amply sufficient to provide for all moderate wants through the remainder of his life, but he has not devoted his time entirely to business pursuits. He has faithfully discharged the duties of citizenship and has represented his district in the General Assembly of Iowa. He was honored with an election to the Fourth General Assembly, representing Van Buren County, and in the Twentieth General Assembly occupied the seat assigned to the representative of Jefferson County. In the legislative halls, he was an honored member and one who faithfully looked after the best interests of his constituents and the general community. He has been an influential member in local circles of the Republican party and was one of the organizers of that party in Van Buren County. He has also held minor offices, was Township Clerk in Union Township, Van Buren County, and while a resident of Lee County assisted in the organization of its school system. A more important part of his work has been his labors in the ministry. For many years he has been a member of the Christian Church and for the past thirty-five years has engaged in preaching the Gospel, his labors extending into Missouri and throughout Southeastern Iowa. He is now President of the State Association of his church, and for thirty-three years held the office of Secretary in its assemblies. His fervent and earnest words have been instruments for good in the land, but his own upright and Christian life has been a no less potent factor in the cause.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. FORDYCE was born a family of eight children and with one exception all are yet living. Winfield is married and is now engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Glasgow, Jefferson County; Eugene is married and makes his home in Ventura County, Cal.; Harry is married and makes his home in the same county; Thornton is married and resides near the old homestead; Carl is yet with his parents; Oscar is married and devotes himself to the practice of medicine and surgery in Guthrie County; Lew completes the number.

From the time when Iowa contained a population of but twenty thousand, Mr. FORDYCE has made it his home. Few men now living have witnessed so much of its growth or been so prominenly (sic) identified with its interests. He is an honored pioneer, a worthy citizen and an upright Christian gentleman, whose influence for good in the community will still be felt long after he has passed away. In all his work, he has found a helpmate in his estimable wife, who has shared with him his joy and sorrow, his adversity and prosperity.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.