ELZA LEE ‘DODGE’ TAYLOR died August 18, 1993 in
Owensboro, Kentucky. He was born at Livia in McLean County,
Kentucky, on February 28, 1907. He was a World War II Army veteran,
a member of the DAV, Chapter 4, Owensboro, Kentucky, and the
American Legion Post 9, Owensboro. He was also a member of Pleasant
Hope General Baptist Church, Buel, Kentucky.
Dodge Taylor began his life with steam engines in 1930, when he
purchased a 12 HP Case and a tobacco plant bed steaming outfit from
a friend, William C. Carpenter of Livermore, Kentucky. The next
year he bought a Keck-Gonnerman Pony mill and soon established a
productive sawmill operation. He later bought a 15 HP Case to go
with the 12 HP Case. In 1939 he bought a 20 HP Advance-Rumely and
used this engine to steam plant beds and power the sawmill for over
20 years. With the Advance-Rumely engine belted up to the
Keck-Gonnerman mill, and his natural ability, he became one of the
top sawmill men in the state of Kentucky.
At Adams, Tennessee, in 1982, the Tennessee-Kentucky
Threshermen’s Association honored him with their ‘Old Steam
Man of the Year Award.’ He was justifiably proud of this award
and the framed certificate was placed in his casket and buried with
him.
He enjoyed the distinction of having several articles written
about his steam engine days. These stories appeared in Iron-Men
Album, The Heritage Eagle, The Kentucky Explorer and the McLean
County News.
He is survived by two sons, Elza Lenwood and Wesley Carroll; a
daughter-in-law, Vickie; and a granddaughter, Kim.
Submitted by his son, Carroll Taylor, 1382 Kentucky 798,
Calhoun, Kentucky 42327.
ROBERT L. LIVINGSTONE, 69, a lifelong resident of the
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, area passed away on May 7, 1993 after an
extended illness. Bob was a steam engine owner and a charter member
of the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association in
Brownsville. He donated the first five acres of ground and much of
his time to the Association which is now in its 13th year. Bob
faithfully operated his steam-powered sawmill at the show grounds
for the annual National Pike Festival in May, and the annual show
in August. He was also owner of a 1918 Frick steam traction
engine.
On October 28, 1950, Bob married Christine Pearl Rathbone
Livingstone, who survives. He is also survived by a granddaughter,
Christine Vuono of Irwin; a brother, Harold Livingstone of Belle
Vernon; two sisters, Mrs. Mario (Shirley) Lepore of Belle Vernon
and Blanch Kuharic of Allenport; and several nieces and nephews. He
was a retired steel mill worker.
Bob was a member and past president of the National Pike Steam,
Gas and Horse Association, Brownsville, Pennsylvania; Gummert Lodge
#252 of the F & A Masons; Charleroi (PA) Elks; and the
Consistory of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked many hours over
the years on the showgrounds, clearing the original land and making
improvements as the show developed and more land was purchased. He
will be sadly missed by all of the members and friends of the steam
show, as well as the community.
WILLIAM (POSY) FLOWERS, 59 years old, of Adena, Ohio passed into
the ‘Land of the Golden Whistles’ on May 2, 1993, following
an illness of one year. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, whom
he married in April of 1953, four daughters, and ten
grandchildren.
He was a member of the Stumptown Steam Threshers for thirty
years, was secretary for eighteen years, and a director for twenty
five years. He was selected as Thresherman of the Year in 1981. He
was also a member of the Tuscarawas Valley Pioneer Power
Association, the Ohio Valley Flywheels, the Washington County
Antique Engine Association, and the Northeast Ohio Two-Cylinder
Club.
He exhibited his 1922 Greyhound 24 HP steam engine at Dover and
Stumptown for many years. He enjoyed showing his John Deere
tractors, his many gas engines and collecting and blowing his steam
whistles.
He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
Submitted by Jay Graham, Sec. Stumptown Steam Threshers
Assoc., Inc. P.O. Box 382, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950, and by
Daniel Aldrich, 34540 Sherwood Drive, Solon, Ohio 44139.