HOUSH, Louisa Gorrdon

Source: Valley Falls, Kansas Vindicator Fri 14 Jan 1898 p 5

Last Saturday night Jan 8^th exactly as the clock struck nine, peace came to Mrs. George Housh who has for the last 360 days been a constant sufferer. Monday at 10 o’clock a large number of old settlers old friends and neighbors of the deceased gathered at the well known Housh residence west of this city to see for the last time and pay their last respects to one known and beloved by all. Reverend Rothwel of the Christian Church conducted funeral services and a doleful procession moved slowly over muddy roads to the old cemetery west of the city, where her remains were laid to rest beside loved ones that had gone before. The day was cloudy and filled with gloom and the damp air chilled the mourners almost like the touch of Death. It was after three o’clock when burial was completed. An internal tumor was the cause of her long suffering and death. Drs. Van Meer and England were the physicians.

Louisa Elizabeth Gordon was born December 22^nd 1832 in Putnam County, Indiana. Was married to George W. Housh Jan 15, 1851 and moved to Ohio that year. In 1855 they came to Kansas returning to Missouri for the winter. In 1956 (sic – 1856) they made their permanent home 5 miles west of this city. The last three weeks of her life were spent at the old home. 12 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Housh:

Josiah born December 19^th 1851. Married Miss Eliza Goar Feb 18, 1874. Resides in Topeka.

John Wesley born March 7, 1853. Resides at Valley Falls.

William born March 3, 1855. Married Jan 6^th 1897. Resides in California.

Henry D born May 7, 1857. Married Miss Ida Kennedy March 13 1885. Resides in Denison.

Almira E born July 16, 1859. Died Jan 21, 1861.

Thomas Milton, born Nov 7, 1861. Married Miss Jennie McDaniel in November 1882. Resides at Denison.

Dorothy A born November 7, 1861. Married JG Blakely Sept 30, 1883. Resides in St. Louis

Paulina A. (Tina) born February 7, 1864. Married William Thomas July 19, 1896. Resides at Neely, Kansas.

An infant Jan 1869.

Goerge W. born Jan 26, 1870. Married Miss Mamie Hedrick Jan 30, 1893. Residesin Oklahoma.

Oliver W. born March 21, 1872, married Miss Maggie Lyons November 15, 1893. Resides at the old home.

Anderson Gordon who occupies the old James Shires place northwest of town is a brother of the deceased. He married Miss Clara Van Horn, daughter of Charles Van Horn east of town.

Her brother John Gordon of Topeka attended the funeral.

James Gordon who formerly lived here is also a brother of the deceased. He now lives south Oskaloosa. Mrs. DV Hosler of Osawkie is his daughter.

The old settlers and new ones too are very rapidly passing away. Life’s lease is made out for a definite time to all and every second one or many of these mortal contracts expire. No living creature can know that its individual life process can continue another hour or minute. There is but one lesson to be learned, one determination to be formed. So live that thy deeds shall be productive of the greatest amount of true happiness possible. Both in self and others. Both in the present and in the future.