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BELGIANS IN AMERICA:    Biographies of Belgian settlers  

HOUGARDY BROTHERS.

The firm of Hougardy Brothers of Clifton is composed of Theophile and Eugene Hougardy, sons of Joseph and Victoria (Morreau) Hougardy, who came from Belgium to the United States in 1856, locating near Clifton, afterward purchasing one hundred and forty acres of land on section 2. Upon this farm the family were reared.
Theophile Hougardy was born in Brabant county, Belgium, September 27, 1849, and was therefore only about seven years of age when brought by his parents to the United States. His educational privileges were limited but in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons, gaining a good knowledge of practical business methods. He is now associated with his brother, Eugene Hougardy, in farming interests. The old home farm of the father, comprising one hundred and forty acres of section 2, Chebanse township, is now owned and operated by the sons and in connection with this they also cultivate eighty acres of land adjoining the estate. They are men of good business ability, watchful of opportunities pointing to success, and show keen discernment and unfaltening energy in their management of their interest. On the 18th of august, 1906, Theophile Hougardy embarked from New York city for Belgium and while abroad visited all the principal cities of that country and visited relatives and the friends of his early boyhood days. He is a member of the Catholic church and a communicant in Clifton parish.
Eugene Hougardy the junior partnr of the firm, was born in this county, March 19. 1862, and having arrived at years of maturity was married to Leonie Looze, at Chebanze, October 15, 1889. They have three children, Mabel A ., Joseph E., and Nester H., all still under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Hougardy is independent. He belongs to Park Village camp, No. 2599, M. W. A. of Clifton, and is well known in the town and throughout the surrounding country. The brothers are recognized as representative citizens, who while promoting their individual interests likewise contribute to general progress and improvement through the co-operation, which they give to many measures for the public good.

Source : Kern, J. W. : Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois; Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1907, 739 pgs.