Ex-sheriff of Pike county, was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, February 22d, 1817, He is the second son of
John and Rachael Houston, who were also natives of New Hampshire. His father's vocation was that of a farmer, and
on the old homestead the subject of this sketch grew up, alternately spending his time at school and at work. In
the fall of 1837 he arrived in Illinois, locating at Griggsville, which has since been his home. In 1847 he married
Miss Mary L. Lane, who was also a native of the "Granite State." They have had a family of eight children,
of whom only five are now living.
In 1859 Mr. Houston was elected sheriff of Pike county by the democratic party, serving a term of two years with
honor to himself and satisfaction to the people of his county, irrespective of party views. He says he advocated
and adhered to the Douglas sentiment of democracy until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he became a strong
war democrat, and in favor of measures best calculated to subdue the rebellion.
His vocation is that of contractor and mason, and as a mechanic his superior is not to be found in Pike county.
He is also a generous, open-hearted gentleman.