ROBERT HOUSTON, farmer, Sec. 30; P. O. Bath; was born in Wheeling, Ohio Co., W. Va., Aug. 2, 1822; when about 12 years of age his father's family removed to Jefferson Co., Ohio. The subject of this sketch removed to Illinois, in the spring of 1853, locating in Havana Township, this county, where he was employed on a farm till 1856, when he purchased a farm of 115 acres in Bath Township, and now owns 360 acres in the same locality. Mr. Houston has served one term as Commissioner of Highways. He was married, in 1842, to Miss Sarah Moore, who was born in Belmont Co., Ohio; they have had nine children by this union, seven of whom are living:  Edward S., Ann E., wife of H. Allen, Sabina, wife of J. Keefer; Virginia, wife of I. Pirish; Caroline, wife of William Matthews ; Julia, wife of G. W. Taylor, and Mary; West and William R., are deceased. In March, 1862, Mr. Houston enlisted in the 51st I. V. I., and in November following was transferred to the Engineer's Department, serving under General O. P. Morton. In March, 1863, they were ordered to Nashville, Tenn.; here Mr. Houston assisted in building two gun boats and was placed in command of one. He served till the fall of 1863, and then resigned. In the fall of 1862, he received his commission as First Lieutenant. Mr. Houston first came West as early as 1837, and located in Iowa, but returned, after a residence there of about two years, to Ohio.



Maintained by Mason County Coordinator Donna Mayer