HOUK, William Alexander: Died 1911

HOUK, JOHNSTON, CAMPBELL, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 5/5/2016 at 07:00:41

OBITUARY.

W.A. HOUK.

William Alexander Houk was born June 12, 1851, near Winchester, Van Buren county, Io. He was united in marriage with the only daughter of the late David and Anna E. Johnston. To this union were born twelve children, seven of whom survive, with the wife and mother, are left to mourn his death. There are also eleven grandchildren. The surviving children are Mrs. T.E. Campbell, Keosauqua, Io.; Wallace, of Oklahoma City, Ok.; Edwin M., Milwaukee, Wis.; Mrs. H.L. Williams, Boone, Ia., Lloyd and Ethel at home. He was converted at the age of nineteen and joined the Presbyterian church at Mt. Zion. For many years he served as teacher and superintendent of the Sunday school. Some fifteen years ago he transfered his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church in Mt. Zion. Three years later he moved his family to Valley Junction, Io., and joined the First Methodist church of that city.

Five years ago he was appointed marshal and with the exception of seven months has acted in that capacity to the present time. He was a man who made himself indispensable because of his faithfulness and great service rendered. He will be greatly missed and it will be hard to find another Brother Houk. He was a man that tried to do his duty and yet all loved him for his manly qualities and his gentle and loving spirit. The Dark Messenger came in the form of cancer of the stomach, September 25th, 1911, making his earthly pilgrimage 60 years, 3 months and 13 days. Mr. J.H. McPherrin, of Des Moines, a life-time friend of the deceased, sent a beautiful tribute, which was read at the funeral service and closed with the following lines:

"Let fate do her worst, there are moments of joy;
Bright dreams of the past which cannot destroy;
They come in the night time of sorrow and care
And (bring) back the features that (missing) wear."

.....were held at ..... Valley Junction, ..... Presbyterian ..... Iowa, Sept. 23 ..... remains placed ..... cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book F, Page 294, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, Iowa