IRA HOUSTON

Ira Houston was a representative of one of the pioneer families of Lee county and did his share in the early development of this section of the state. He passed away May 17, 1889, at his home on section 35, Denmark township, after having resided in this county for fifty-two years. His birth occurred in 1826 at Lyndeboro, New Hampshire, and his parents were Ira and Elizabeth (Epps) Houston, the latter a sister of Lewis Epps, one of the earliest settlers and extensive landowners of Lee county. Ira Houston, Sr., secured a farm on section 35, Denmark township, and for a number of years devoted his time to its cultivation. Later he turned the work of the farm over to his son, the subject of this review, and he engaged in other business. He manufactured shingles used in the construction of the early houses and in many ways aided in transforming the county from a wild region to a section of well-developed farms. His death occurred in 1872 when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years, and his wife survived him for a year, her demise occurring when she was eighty-two years of age. Both were members of the Congregational church.

Ira Houston of this review was one of twelve children, most of whom were born in the east, where three passed away. The death of one occurred in Lee county not many years after the arrival of the family here. All have now gone to their reward. The subject of this review was a farmer and stock raiser and as he followed practical and well-tried methods of agriculture he gained a competence. He added to the homestead and eventually became the owner of two hundred and ten acres of valuable land, which is not the property of his widow, who resides in Denmark.

Mr. Houston's marriage occurred October 12, 1856, in Tallmadge, Ohio, the lady of his choice being Miss Olivia P. Porter, a native of that locality. She is a daughter of a pioneer family and her birth occurred in a log cabin in the woods, as that part of the Buckeye state had not then been cleared of its standing timber. Her parnets were Horace and Phoebe N. (Sperry) Porter, the former of whom died in Ohio, September 25, 1869, at the age of seventy-two years, and the latter survived until February 5, 1899, passing away at the venerable age of ninety-five. Both were Presbyterians in their religious affiliation. Mrs. Houston is one of four children. Albert is now a resident of Newark, Ohio. Harriet C. married Miles Morris, a resident of Akron, Ohio. Edward completed the family. Mr. and Mrs. Houston became the parents of three children: Ellen Olivia, who died at the age of nine months; Herbert John, who died in 1876 when but three years of age; and Hattie Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. H. L. Henn, of Denmark, Iowa.

Mr. Houston was a consistent member of the Congregational church and his widow also holds membership in that organization. He was a republican in his political belief and always manifested a laudable interest in all movements inaugurated for the welfare of his community. The work which he did many years ago in developing the county is now bearing its fruit and the present generation enjoy advantages which would not have been theirs if it had not been for such men as he.

Source: "The Story of Lee County, Iowa" ³⁴⁸⁸