Houck, A. J. 1845 – 1895

HOUCK

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/4/2021 at 13:15:20

Source: Decorah Republican Mar. 21, 1895 P 4 C 1

SUDDEN DEATH.
Heart Disease results in the Death of Lon. Houck, of the Hesper Stage Line.
The people of this community were again shocked last Friday morning to learn of the sudden death of Mr. A. J. Houck, the proprietor of the Mabel stage. Although he had been complaining for some time of a pain in the region of the heart, it was thought to be nothing serious and did not give him nor his family much concern. He was able to continue his work and as usual last Thursday made his regular trip with the mail, and seemed to be in better health than usual, even remarking it himself to his friends both at Mabel and Decorah. The immediate cause of death was probably heart failure, brought on by excitement in attempting to quell a disturbance near Tollefson’s hotel where he was lodging, in Mabel. He ran for an officer and upon returning remarked on the foolishness of his act, and asked the boys to feel how his heart was “thumping.” He retired to his room but could not sleep, and in about a half-hour returned to the bar-room and summoned a physician. After this he gradually became worse and in about an hour breathed his last.
He was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., May 17, 1845. His father immigrated to this county when his son was ten years of age and took up government land near Bluffton. Mr. Houck has been a resident of this county ever since, with the exception of the last twelve years that he has lived in Mabel, and even during this time his interests have boon as closely linked with Decorah as with his own town. His family have the sympathies of a host of friends and acquaintances in this sad hour of bereavement.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he was born in 1843 which doesn’t agree with the above. It shows he is buried in the Mabel Cemetery.