WILLIAM M. HOULTON

The Abilene Daily Chronicle, Saturday, Feb. 16, 1918, Pg. 4

Obitaury—Wm. M. Houlton.

  Mr. William M. Houlton was born Sept. 29, 1835 in Stuben county, Indiana, and died at his late residence on West Third street, Abilene, Kansas, on Feb. 18, 1918, being therefore 82 years, 4 months and 14 days.  In April 1861, he entered the service of his country by enlisting in the three month service with the second Ohio Regiment Volunteer Infantry and after serving out this engagement he again enlisted and was assigned to the first Virginia Cavalry with which he served until mustered out July 15, 1865, at the end of the war.  He was a good soldier and always regarded as fit for any duty assigned to him.  One of his deeds of daring was the capture of the enemy colors on a fortification which the cavalry charged and took in one of their engagements.  He endured three months of suffering in Libby prison and two months at Bell Isle prison which so reduced him in strength and health that he was sent home on a furlough with permission to remain as long as he pleased or be honorably discharged if he so desired.  But as soon as he was able he returned to his regiment and remained to the close of the war in active service.

  On August 15, 1865, he united in marriage with Miss Eliza L. Wilcox of Chautauqua county, New York, who survives him.  To this union were born five children, Ida, the first born, who died some years ago, Mr. Samuel L. Houlton of Peoria, Ill.; Mrs. Mary Emig of Downey, Cal., Frank H. Houlton and George C. Houlton, both of Abilene, Kas., remain to mourn the loss of a devoted father.

  Mr. and Mrs. Houlton came from Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, to Kansas, some thirty years ago and settled on a farm southeast of Abilene where they resided until they retired and moved into Abilene and made their home on West Third St.  Mr. Houlton united with the Methodist church in early life and retained his membership in his former home as it had ever been his hope to return to his native state.  He was an ardent member of the Grand Army Post of Abilene and found his greatest pleasure in the comradeship of this and its related orders as long as he lived.  He was a man of courage, integrity and efficiency, all elements of noble manhood.  He has passed to his reward, leaving a loving wife and devoted family and half-brother, O. P. King in sorrow.  He was buried in the Abilene cemetery.  After this service with the ritual of the Grand Army Post of Abilene who thus desired to honor their old comrade, the funeral services were conducted at the Presbyterian church of which Mrs. Houlton is a member, by her pastor Rev. Dr. F. S. Blayney on Friday, Feb. 15, 1918.