Houston, Robert L.

HOUSTON, WRAY, OWNBY

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 6/30/2019 at 18:56:42

Biography ~ Robert L. Houston

"Biographical and Historical Record of
Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa"
(Lewis Publishing Company (1887)), p. 509:

ROBERT L. HOUSTON, deceased was born in the State of Tennessee, September 9, 1834, a son of MATTHEW and JANE HOUSTON, who were among the pioneers of Decatur County, Iowa. They became widely known and much respected throughout the county, and made their home in Decatur Township, where Decatur now stands, and died one-half mile north of the village. ROBERT L. HOUSTON was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he made his life work, in which he met with gratifying success. His father entered 1,000 acres of Government land, within two miles of Decatur. He was united in marriage August 20, 1865, to Miss AMANDA WRAY, who was born in Virginia, January 1, 1843, and to this union were born three children – JOHN M., NETTIE L. and MARY D., all living at home. Mrs. HOUSTON’S father, DANIEL WRAY, died during the war, and she came to Decatur County, Iowa, in 1861, with her uncle JAMES OWNBY. Her mother now makes her home in Adams County, Iowa, she having left Virginian in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. HOUSTON commenced married life on section 22, Decatur Township, where Mr. HOUSTON lived till his death, which occurred September 20, 1878. He was a man of sterling worth, and was much respected by all who know him, and his early death was a cause of universal regret. In his political view Mr. HOUSTON affiliated with the Republican party. Mrs. HOUSTON and her family sill occupy the old homestead on section 22, which contains 190 acres of choice land, this being one of the most beautiful homes in Decatur Township.

Transcribed by Sara LeFleur, Decatur County Historial Society Musuem, January of 2014