Mr. and Mrs.  J. D. Livengood

    Mr. J. D. Livengood is a lineal descendant of Peter Livengood, who settled in Elk Lick township in 1760.  John Livengood, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer and followed this vocation on the farm now owned by J. B. Keim, until his death, which occurred February 19, 1839.  He married a Miss Hardman, who survived him some ten years.  Both were members of the German Baptist church.  The issue of this marriage was five children:  Daniel, John, David, Elizabeth (Arnold) and Susan (Lichty).

    David their third son, was born October 11, 1809.  Reared a farmer, her purchases a portion of the old homestead.  His death occurred October 31, 1870.  He was numbered among the prosperous, successful and progressive farmers of this township.

    In early days whisky was freely used by all classes.  Becoming convinced that its use, as a beverage, was detrimental to the best interests of the community, he was one of the first to abandon its use in the harvest- field, where it had been considered indispensable.  By so doing he incurred the displeasure of many, but he was not the man to shrink from doing what he considered right -- principle, not policy or expediency, being his motto.  He was possessed of many ennobling traits of character, which made him universally esteemed and respected.  His opportunities for obtaining an education were comparatively meager, but this deficiency was largely made up in after years by extending reading and close observation, which tended to make him liberal in his views, especially so in the cause of education, of which he was an ardent friend and supporter.  He gave his children opportunities for a liberal education, which was considered almost an heinous offense in the eyes of some of his conservative neighbors.  He was elected a minister in the German Baptist church, of which he was a member.  He was married to Nancy, daughter of Michael Meyers, who was born August 11, 1812, and departed this life April 25, 1849.  He then married Sally Meyers, who died in Falls City, Nebraska, in the spring of 1883.  By his first wife he became the father of six children, who reached mature years:  Samuel D., Barbara (Bachus), Jacob D., Susanah (Lichty), Ann (Saylor), and Adeline (Smith).

    Jacob D. Livengood was born April 2, 1839.  Although reared on a farm, he has not followed this vocation, his tastes and inclinations leading him to pursue a business life, largely of a speculative nature.  He early went to Chicago, Illinois, where he engaged as a clerk in a commission house, where he remained something less than a year.  In 1861 he returned home and formed a copartner ship with Silas C. Keim and they engaged quite extensively, not only in purchasing produce in large quantities, but also in droving.  In the latter branch of the business they extended operations into Virginia.  In their business operations they were almost uniformly successful, thus evincing good business tact and judgment.

    In the spring of 1871 they established a private bank in Salisbury, the first and only bank in the place, under the firm name of Keim and Livengood.  They continued to do business for about eight years, when the hard times -- the results of the panic of 1873 -- rendered the business unprofitable, and it was accordingly closed out to their satisfaction.  Of late years Mr. Livengood has been interested in the coal business, which has proven a successful venture.

    Mr. Livengood has inherited quite largely the prominent traits of his father's character; a keen business man, he is at the same time thoroughly honest and reliable, and an active promoter of projects of a public nature.

    He was married February 25, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Beachy, daughter of J.W. who was born December 15, 1852, and departed this life May 7, 1883.  A lady of rare qualities of mind and heart, she was a most affectionate wife and mother.  Three children survive her:  Olive May, David Roy and Albert Earnest.
 

Information taken directly from: "History of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania 1884 "Waterman, Watkins and Co."

Provided by Ardi Deal