Biography - J. M. Housh
J. M. HOUSH, living on a beautiful farm of one hundred six acres on
section 1, Flat Branch Township, Shelby County, is one of the thrifty and
prominent general farmers and breeders of stock of this township. The
property of which he is the happy possessor, was accumulated by his own
efforts and industry. He has greatly beautified the place by keeping it in
perfect order and erecting thereon an attractive home and a fine and
modernly constructed barn, with other outbuildings that bespeak the care and
attention bestowed by the owner.
Our subject began his successful financial career in 1874, since which time
he has accomplished all that so evidently marks him to be a man with
practical ideas of agriculture. He has not only improved his place and
erected the buildings thereon, but has also freed it from debt and stocked
it with fine grades of horses, sheep, swine and cattle. Yet young, his
energy and ambition destine him to be a rich man and a prominent figure in
his community.
The original of our sketch has spent his entire life in this county, with
the exception of four years during which he was in the Golden state, and on
the shores of the Pacific Ocean. He was not, however, engaged there as a
miner, although he was an eager searcher for the precious metal bearing the
Government stamp, and this he acquired by honest labor, being variously
engaged, but spending the greater part of his time in teaming, which
commanded at that time, the best prices. He went West in the fall of 1869,
and returned four years later; his journey out was made by the overland
route, and while the privations and discomfort of traveling in that way were
many, it offered unsurpassed opportunity of seeing the country and observing
its various features.
Mr. Housh was born May 25, 1849, on the farm which he now owns, and near
where his own house now stands. As he grew up he early learned the necessity
of hard labor, and realized the truth in the expression, the "survival of
the fittest" and thus determined to show himself as strong as any in the
struggle for a livelihood. As soon as he developed into manhood he began to
better his condition. He is the second son of John and Elizabeth (Armstrong)
Housh, the former having died near Hastings, Neb., in 1888, at the age of
seventy-four years. He was a native of Virginia, and came to Illinois while
young, being then a single man. He first located in Shelby County, and was
one of the early settlers in Flat Branch Township, helping with the general
improvements at the same time, making a good farm and home for himself, and
was fairly successful in his career. His wife was a native of this State,
having been born in Madison County, although reared from childhood in Shelby
County, near Pickaway Township. She is yet living and owns a neat little
farm of her own on section 1, Flat Branch Township, and at the age of
sixty-seven, her faculties are undimned, and she is as bright and energetic
as ever. She is now recognized as the oldest settler of Pickaway Township
now living, she has a large circle of friends who are the comfort and
pleasure she promises her declining years. For many years she has been a
prominent member of the Old School Baptist Church.
Our subject was married in 1871 to Miss Rebecca Lord, who was born in Macon
County, Ill., in 1857. There she was reared to womanhood. She was a daughter
of Andrew and Mary Lord, both still living and prominent farmers of Macon
County. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Housh, one, the first
born, died young. The little one had been christened Nora N. The living
children are: Lottie N., Gid., Nellie, Earl, Luella and Jessie. All of the
children live at home, and are at the same time the joy and care of their
devoted parents.
Extracted 05 Feb 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 660-661.
