Adam Louis Houltshouser 1849-1927

HOULTSHOUSER, FRANK

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 4/2/2011 at 22:24:11

Obituary of Adam Louis Houltshouser
Adam Louis Houltshouser was born on a farm in Iredell County, North Carolina, May 23, 1849. He was the youngest of ten children born to John and Mary Houltshouser, and was the last surviving member of the family. His early days were spent on the farm and at the district school. At the age of 18 he applied to become a machinist and served his apprenticeship in a shop in Massachusetts. Afterward he worked for some years in Manchester, New Hampshire, and Buffalo, New York. In 1884 he came to Estherville and was employed in the shops of the B.C.R. & N., now the Rock Island railroad. Two years after coming to Estherville he was elected a member of the city council, and served in that capacity for six years. After a period of ten years in the employ of the railroad here he retired from his trade and spent the latter part of his life looking after his real estate and other interests. He was a successful businessman as well as a good mechanic. During his 43 years of continuous residence here he naturally acquired a wide acquaintance in this community.

In 1897 he was united in marriage to Miss Paulina Frank of Estherville, who with the daughter, Anita, survive him. All of his relatives reside in the east with the exception of one niece living in Kansas. Most of his kin have gone before him.

Mr. Houltshouser suffered from failing eyesight and for some years had not been in firm health. However, he kept about with considerable activity around his home, especially in mild weather. His last illness was of several weeks duration, which together with his advanced age brought his life to an end on last Friday, in his 77th year.

The funeral service was held on Sunday afternoon in the Methodist church. Burial took place in the Oak Hill cemetery in charge of the Masonic order of which he was a member. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, March 23, 1927)