HOUDESHELDT, George W.

HOUDESHELDT, SNAVELY, PIERCE, GOULD

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/25/2015 at 12:24:08

Obituary ~ George W. Houdesheldt
August 23, 1810 ~ February 21, 1898

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa

GEORGE W. HOUDESHELDT was born in Shenandoah county, Va. August 23, 1810, and died at the residence of his grandson, J. W. SNAVELY, in Leon, February 21, 1898, aged 87 years, 8 months. The cause of his death was heart trouble and pneumonia.

In his early boyhood the subject of this sketch emigrated with his father’s family to the state of Ohio, settling in Jackson county, the name being subsequently changed to Vinton county. On May 7, 1835, he was married to ELIZABETH PIERCE. As a result of this union seven children were born – WESLEY, WILLIAM, ELIZA JANE SNAVELY, who died May 24, 1896, JAMES, who died September and ISABEL GOULD, who died June 13, 1881.

In 1854 the subject of our sketch removed to Decatur county, arriving in Long Creek township, October 28, and from that time down to the time of his death he was a resident of this county. He was representative of the sturdy yeomanry who wrested our western county from its primeval solitude and made it attractive to the western emigrant.

He was a man who was very positive in his likes and dislikes and one who never forgot a friend. In his early manhood he united with the United Brethren church and ever after continued a faithful member. He was remarkable in the child like faith in which he lived the religion he professed.

In politics his opinions were no less pronounced than in his religious views. Believing in the principles of the republican party he supported its nominees unfalteringly.

While he span of his years, from beginning to close, mark the greatest period in governmental history, yet in the simple life he lived and the high concept of human character which ever entertained he has left an example worthy of imitation in those who survive.

[Interment was made at Shy Cemetery.]

Transcription by Sara Rose Joan LeFleur