HOUSER, James H.
Source: Indianapolis News 17 Nov 1922 Fri p 25
Hillsboro, Nov 17 – James H. Houser, age 78, a Hillsboro farmer, who gained much notoriety more than 3 years ago when he had his funeral sermon preached died today at the home of his son, Martyn Houser who lives near Hillsboro. When Mr. Houser was in ill health, a few years ago he announced that he intended to have his funeral sermon while he was alive in order that he might know what was said about his life. A friend, Miles Cooper, also a farmer, was called on to conduct the service which was held in Union Center Church near Hillsboro on a Sunday late in Sept, 1919. The text was, “Prepare to Meet Thy God.” Persons from miles around attended the service and a number of newspaper reporters were present. Mr. Houser sat in the front of the church and flowers were arranged in the pulpit. At the close of the service, Mr. Houser addressed the audience. Mr. Houser had lived alone several years. A month ago however he was taken to the house of his son. He is survived by two other sons, John of Chicago and Daniel of Indianapolis and a sister, Elizabeth Neal of Hillsboro. Burial will be in a cemetery near Hillsboro. The services will be brief. - kbz
Source: Attica-Fountain-Warren-Democrat 23 Nov 1922 p 1
James Houser, 78, Hillsboro farmer who gained much notoriety about 3 years ago by having his funeral sermon preached while still alive died last Friday morning about 7 o’clock at the home of his son, Martin where he had made his home for a short time. About three years ago, Mr. Houser was in feeble health and he announced that he was going to have his funeral preached while still alive so he could hear what was said about his life. An old time friend of Mr. Houser, Miles Cooper also a farmer was called upon to have charge of the services which were held in a country church near Hillsboro. The text used was Prepare to Meet Thy God. People for miles around attended, the services and special news writers were present from many metropolitan newspapers it being the first time that such an event had been held. Mr. Houser was seated in the front of the church while the floral offerings were piled up in the pulpit. At the close of the service, Mr. Houser who had just listened to his own funeral service made a talk. The deceased was a pioneer settler of Cain Township having located in the vicinity of Hillsboro when that part of the county was covered with timber. He cleared up two fine farms. Since the death of his wife, several years ago Mr. House had resided alone until about a month ago when he was found unconscious and taken to the home of his son. The deceased is survived by three sons: John of Chicago, Martin at whose home he died and Daniel of Indianapolis. One sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Nel of Hillsboro also survives.