William Howard Kivett

ELLMORE, GIVEN, GRISWOLD, KIVETT

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/29/2006 at 09:43:48

William Howard Kivett occupies the old homestead of the family in Grand River township. He was born August 5, 1854, in Morgan county, Indiana, and was brought to Madison county in his mother's arms during his infancy. He is a son of William and Annie (Ellmore) Kivett, who were married in Morgan county, Indiana, November 20, 1846. The father was born in North Carolina in October, 1826, and the mother was born near the Mammoth cave in Kentucky on the 20th of December, 1827. They came to Madison county in 1855, settling on a farm in Grand River township, where they owned a good property. The land was naturally rich and productive and, owing to the cultivation bestowed upon it, became a valuable farm. The father there made his home until his death, which occurred February 13, 1915. The mother survives and occupies the old homestead with her son William Howard. After coming to this county William Kivett taught school and was otherwise actively identified with the development and improvement of the county. He voted with the democratic party but did not seek nor desire office and held only the position of justice of the peace. He was a lifelong member of the Baptist church and his actions were always guided by his Christian faith and belief.

To Mr. and Mrs. William Kivett were born seven children, of whom three died in infancy. Those still living are: Mrs. Mary Griswold, who resides near Macksburg; William Howard, occupying the old homestead; Mrs. Elmira J. Craven, of Webster township; and Leroy L., of Creston, Iowa.

William Howard Kivett has always lived upon the old homestead farm since brought to this county by his parents during his infancy and his life has been devoted to its further cultivation and improvement since age and strength made him old enough to take up the work of the fields. He married Miss Maggie Given, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Henry and Ann Given, who came to Madison county thirty years ago, but who are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kivett have five children, Elmer, Eugene, Lee, Annie and Grace, all at home. The parents are members of the Baptist church and they have a wide acquaintance in the part of the county in which they reside.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.