A native of Pennsylvania, his birth taking place in Tioga county, August 8, 1825. In 1854 he removed to Iowa and located in this township engaging in agricultural pursuits until 1873. In that year he engaged in the lumber business in Walker, and was occupied in that line when he retired from active business. Mr. Gitchell always took an active interest in politics and was one of the leaders in the Democratic Party in Linn County. He was elected a member of the Twenty-third and Twenty fourth General Assemblies, 1890 and 1892, and was also a member of the first town council of Walker.

A native of Pennsylvania, his birth taking place in Tioga county, August 8, 1825. In 1854 he removed to Iowa and located in this township engaging in agricultural pursuits until 1873. In that year he engaged in the lumber business in Walker, and was occupied in that line when he retired from active business. Mr. Gitchell always took an active interest in politics and was one of the leaders in the Democratic Party in Linn County. He was elected a member of the Twenty-third and Twenty fourth General Assemblies, 1890 and 1892, and was also a member of the first town council of Walker.