Houghtaling, James E.

HOUGHTALING

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/29/2021 at 12:06:01

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.463

JAMES E. HOUGHTALING
James E. Houghtaling, well known in Indianola and throughout Warren and Polk counties as dealing in shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Poland China hogs, resides on section 29, Lincoln Township, where he owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located within four miles of Indianola. He was born in Peoria County, Illinois, July 13, 1861, the son of William and Isabella (Stewart) Houghtaling.
His father was a native of New York State and came west to Illinois while yet a young man. He located in Peoria County, where he engaged in farming. While residing there he met and married Isabella Stewart, also a native of New York. He followed farming in Illinois for some years when in 1874 he removed to Iowa, where he first rented land for a few years. In 1879 he bought the place which is now the property of our subject, moving on it in the spring of 1880. Here he spent his remaining years in the full contentment and enjoyment of an independent livelihood and the companion­ship of his wife and children. He died in Illinois while on a visit to that state. His wife survived him for a few years. They were the parents of four sons and six daughters, of whom but two sons and two daughters are now living.
James E. Houghtaling was born and reared in the country and received his education in the common schools. He aided his father in the conduct of the farm up to the age of twenty-one years, when he was married to Miss Martha E. Chew, July 13, 1882. Mrs. Houghtaling is a native of Warren County. After his marriage, Mr. Houghtaling rented land for a few years and engaged in farming in his own behalf. He was quite successful and the excellency of his judgment and management was indicated by the fact that in a few years time he was able to buy the home place. Since acquiring this property he has built a large barn on it, added improvements to the house and fenced in a large part of the land, thus dividing it off into the necessary fields and pastures for the proper maintenance of his farming and stock-raising interests, the latter being his particular pride. He has been a member of the county fair association for about thirteen years, in which he served as chief marshal for a number of years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Houghtaling have been born five children: four sons and a daughter, Ruth, who died at the age of three months. Of the sons, Walter W. is married and resides on a farm in White Oak Township; Frank, Gerald A., and John A., reside at home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Houghtaling is a Democrat in matters of national import, though on questions and issues pertaining to local affairs he gives his support to the candidate whom he deems most worthy. He has never aspired to public office, though he ever gives his hearty support to all educational matters and has served on the school board for a number of years. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Indianola. Mr. Houghtaling is a mem­ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal insurance society, and is widely and favorably known as one of the most popular and influential men of his community.