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1907 Past and Present Biographies
W. B. LivingstonA native of Ohio, he was born in Belmont county, April 25, 1836, his parents being William and Dardania (Fred) Livingston, both of whom were natives of Virginia, the former born in 1800, while his death occurred in 1874. In the family were the following children: T. F., who is living in California; Mrs. Euphemia Garrett, a widow, whose home is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; W. B.; and H. R., also of Cedar Rapids. The old home farm in Belmont county, Ohio, was Mr. Livingston’s training ground in youth. There he worked in the fields, as his age and strength permitted, while in the public school, not far from his father’s home, he mastered the common branches of English learning. At the age of fourteen years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and was married. It was in 1858 that he wedded Miss Jane Garrett, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1838. They remained in the Buckeye state until 1866, when they left the old home state and came to Iowa, settling in Cedar Rapids. In 1868 they arrived in Greene county, locating on section 31, Highland township, where Mr. Livingston purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land, which, though then uncultivated, was rich in possibilities. He at once took up the arduous task of breaking the sod and bringing the fields into a state of rich fertility, continuing actively in farm work until 1882, when he came to Churdan and entered the mercantile business in partnership with J . H. Hunter, under the firm name of Hunter-& Livingston, and they conducted the store successfully for some time. The store building occupied by them was erected by Mr. Hunter and was the first in the town. Mr. Livingston also bought grain for the McFarlin Grain Company until 1884, when he retired from the grain business and sold his interest in the store in 1891. He next turned his attention to carpentering, following that trade for three years in the summer seasons. On the 1st of July, 1897, he was appointed postmaster of Churdan and by re-appointment continued in the position for eight years, or until August, 1905, when he retired from the position as he had entered it - with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He has since lived a retired life, enjoying well earned ease. In 1901 Mr. Livingston was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who, after a happy married life of forty-three years, was called to the home beyond. In the family were two children: Etta Adora, now the wife of R. T. West, a resident of Churdan; and W. A., who married Maude Holloway and is living in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Mr. Livingston is an honored veteran of the Civil war, having served as orderly sergeant in Company E, One Hundred and Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the last months of the war, and he was always found at his post of duty. He now receives a pension in recognition of his services. He has always been active in politics since age gave him the right of franchise and has supported republican principles from the organization of the party to the present time, never faltering in his allegiance. For nine years he has served as a member of the board of supervisors and in that office manifested the same efliciency and loyalty which he showed in administering the affairs of the post office. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Knights of Pvthias lodge and has been a life-long member of the Baptist church, his Christian faith being manifest in his honorable relations in every walk of life, in his consideration and charity for others and in his straightforward purposes. He still owns the old home farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Highland township, which he purchased on his removal to this county and which is now a finely improved property, yielding to him an excellent annual income. He has stood in the door of his home upon that farm and seen the deer and elk run by, while smaller game was to be had in abundance; in the spring the prairies were starred wflh wild flowers; in December covered with the glistening snow. Now the wild prairie grasses are replaced with splendid corn fields and rich crops of other grain are annually harvested, showing that man has done an effective work. In all this labor Mr. Livingston has borne his part and in all matters of citizenship he has stood for reform, progress and advancement. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |