HOUGHKIRK, James (1877-1917)

HOUGHKIRK

Posted By: Lisa Reilmann (email)
Date: 4/4/2006 at 18:13:14

James Houghkirk died of pneumonia at his home in Highland township last Saturday, March 3, at the age of 39 years, 4 months and 11 days. The funeral services were held from the Congregational church in Mentour Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, that paster, Rev. W. H. W. Webster having charge of the services. The pall bearers were the six brothers-in-law, Charles, Albert, Ira, Irvin adn George Wall and Charles Matney. Interment was in Maple Hill cemetery, Mentour.

Mr. Houghkirk was born in Toledo, October 20, 1877, and spent his entire life in Tama county. On November 26, 1903, at Toledo he was married to Della Wall. Six children were born to them: Rosetta, Wardell, Ora Bell, Marie, Mary and William Charles.

Since last fall, the home of Mr. Houghkirk has been the scene of much sickness. The children each diphtheria and Wardell was then attacked by pneumonia. While moving from Montour to the farm Wardell was stricken with a second attack of pneumonia after which Mr. Houghkirk was stricken with that disease. All that loving hands could do was done to save the life of the father who was so needed in his home, but their efforts were unavailing. It was the first real ilness he had ever had and it was destined to be his last.

Mr. & Mrs. Houghkirk were both members of the Mentour Congregational church and one of the bright spots in Mr Houghkirk's life was his association with Christian people at the Sunday school and church services.

Mr. Houghkirk was a loving husband and father, a kind neighbor and a good citizen. The sympathy of many friends go to the bereaved family.