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- RICHARD HOUFE, a leading and
- representative farmer, residing on section 9, town of Fulton,
was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 3d day of November, 1821,
and is a son of Thomas and Ann (WORMLEY) HOUFE. His father was
a farmer, and followed agricultural pursuits during his entire
life, which he passed near York, England. He and his wife were
the parents of seven children, but of that family only two are
now living - Beckwith, who still resides in his native land,
and Richard, the subject of this sketch.
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- The death of Mrs. HOUFE occurred when Richard was but five
years of age, and his father
- died before he had reached his eleventh year. He then made
his home with an elder brother, who was a bricklayer and plasterer,
and with him learned that trade. His education was received in
the common schools of his native land, and at the age of twenty-one
years, he started out in life for himself, receiving at that
time his inheritance from his father's estate, which amounted
to $1,500. He continued to work at the trade which he had learned,
and at the age of twenty-three years was united in marriage with
Miss Ann LEEDLE, their wedding being celebrated Dec. 3, 1843.
The lady was also a native of England, and their union was blessed
with seven children, but four of whom are now living, Richard
and Lizzie, the two elder, are deceased; Ann has also passed
away; Anna M., born July 5, 1850, is the wife of F. H. GREEN,
a resident of Nebraska; Richard Henry , born May 15, 1853, is
living in the town of Porter; Emma G., born July 31, 1859, is
now the wife of R. W. PHILLIPS, a resident of Evansville; and
Thomas B., the youngest, born Oct. 26, 1862, is still at home.
The children all received liberal educational advantages and
are now respected men and women in the various communities where
they reside.
- Mr. and Mrs. HOUFE began their domestic life in their native
land, where the husband worked
- at his trade of bricklaying and plastering until 1849, when
he resolved to try his fortune in the New World, and accompanied
by his family came to America. He embarked on a vessel which
sailed from Liverpool, and after a long and tedious voyage of
five weeks and three days landed in New York City. His destination
was Wisconsin, and after a short stay in the eastern metropolis
he continued his journey until reaching Cooksville, in the town
of Porter. Looking about him for a desirable location, he purchased
eighty acres of land in Dane County, and erected a small brick
house; but after a year he sold out and resumed work at his trade,
which he followed for ten years. He was an expert workman and
found no difficulty in getting employment, as the services of
an able laborer are always in demand. After a decade spent in
that line, he once more turned his attention to farming, and
purchased 142 acres in the town of Porter, which was but partially
improved. The next ten years were spent in its cultivation and
improvement, when he sold out and removed to Edgerton, where
he engaged in buying and selling stock. He also operated a meat
market in connection with his other business, carrying on the
two lines for twenty years. in 1880 he purchased 187 acres of
arable land on section 9, in the town of Fulton, where he has
resided continuously ever since. His farm, which is one of the
best in the town, is in a high state of cultivation, and is pleasantly
situated adjoining the city limits of Edgerton. He gives special
attention to the raising of fine stock, especially Norman horses
and short-horn cattle, of which he has a very fine herd. Mr.
HOUFE has filled the office of Treasurer of the town of Fulton
and since becoming a resident of the United States, has cast
his ballot with the Republican party. He encourages by his influence
and financial support all public enterprises for the up-building
of the community, and is recognized as a man of sterling worth
and strict integrity. His wife, who is a most estimable lady,
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Edgerton and
an earnest believer in the faith of that denomination. Mr. HOUFE
and his family are well known throughout Rock County, and a brief
sketch of their lives is deserving of a place in its permanent
record.
- An interesting feature of this volume are the portraits of
Mr. HOUFE and his wife, which may be
- found on another page.
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-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 605-606; lithograph from
same book.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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