Lykins, David, a member of the first territorial legislature of Kansas, was born in Iowa about 1820 or 1821. He received a good education and became a physician. In early life he became interested in missionary work among the Indians and in 1845 came to what is now the State of Kansas to engage in that work among the tribes there. In 1853 he was connected with the Pottawatomie mission, and two years later was made superintendent of the mission for the Weas, Piankeshaws, Peorias and Kaskaskias. He was an ardent pro-slavery man and advocated the annexation of Cuba in order that the slave power might have more territory. At the first territorial election on March 30, 1855, he was elected a member of the legislative council from the 4th district. The present county of Miami was originally named Lykins in his honor. After the ascendency of the free-state men Dr. Lykins disappeared from the political arena.