Private THOMAS HOUSH, Co. F, 86th Illinois
Thomas Housh was born on December 25, 1829 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly" (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. Adam Housh was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768.
George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly Fleener were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Mary was born on ___________ __, 1793 in Washington County, Virginia, the daughter of ____________ Fleener and __________ (__________) Fleener. A number of children were born to George and Polly, all of whom were born in Washington County, Indiana. The ones that are known include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ___________ __, 1812; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1816; believed to be the Adam Housh who served with Thomas, Jacob and James D. Housh in Co., F of the 86th Illinois; married Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born ___________ __, 1818; married George Huffman August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821; died July 09, 1867 in Knox, IL; married Jacob Booth September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh , Jr., born 1828; married Catherine Booth March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. George and Polly moved the family west to Illinois about 1837 where they settled in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Thomas Housh;
Thomas Housh was married to Elizabeth Mowery on February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth was born on October 31, 1835 in ____________, Ohio, the daughter of John Mowery and Eleanor (Burnett) Mowery. John Mowery was born on February __, 1809 and died on __________ __, 1843, while Eleanor was born on August 13, 1810 and died on ___________ __, 1875.
Thomas and Elizabeth are known to have been the parents of eight children. They include;
1. Milton A. Housh, born Nov. 25, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois; married to Mary Cordelia Ouderkirk (1854 - 1931) on September 10, 1874 in Knox County, Illinois; Milton died on _____________ __, 1933 and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mary Housh, born May 22, 1854 in Knox County, Illinois.
3. John M. Housh, born Oct. 13, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois.
4. Ulysses Grant M. Housh, born April 11, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Charles F. Housh, born September 8, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois; died on ___________ __, 1941 at __________, __________.
6. Jessie Housh, born ____________ __, 1875 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on June 25, 1875 and laid to rest in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
7. Willie Housh, born ____________ __, 1880 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on ___________ __, 1880 and most almost certainly laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
8. Jennie Pearl Housh, born August 24, 1881 in Knox County, Illinois.
On August 7, 1862, Thomas Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832, Adam Housh stated he was 40, but may have actually been closer to 46 and Jacob, who was either 37 or 38. At the time he volunteered, Elizabeth (Mowrey) Housh was pregnant, though she may not have known it yet.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, THOMAS
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 32 Height 5' 10 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY APR 1, 1863 AT QUINCY ILL
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Private Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Among the crowd of family and friends who had gathered to see their fathers, sons and brothers off to the war, may have been a pregnant mother, Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh, who was now 2 months pregnant.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. One of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with his health during this time was Private Thomas Housh.
Whatever his ailment or injury, the doctors in Nashville felt he would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home where with the help of family and some home cooking he could regain his health. So, on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home. Whatever his ailment, Thomas did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently was named Ulysses Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who served out the entire war with the 86th. The others did all survive their stints in the service, though. On February 24, 1863, just days before Thomas was discharged from the service for illness, 40 plus year old Adam was discharged because of illness. However, he didn't let his age keep him from serving again as after going home and regaining his health, he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. By the end of June or July, all four Housh brothers were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Thomas Housh M 40y Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 37y Ohio
Milton A Housh M 17y Illinois
Mary A Housh F 14y Illinois
John M Housh M 11y Illinois
Ulisses S Housh M 7y Illinois
Charles Housh M 4m Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Thomas, Elizabeth and their children are found residing in Haw Creek Township, Knox County, Illinois, where he is farming. His father is listed as having been born in Kentucky while his mother is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania;
Self Thomas Housh M 50 Indiana
Wife Elizabeth Housh F 44 Ohio
Daughter Mary E. Housh F 24 Illinois
Son John M. Housh M 22 Illinois
Son Grant M. Housh M 18 Illinois
Son Charles F. Housh M 10 Illinois
Other Addie M. Housh F 3 Illinois
(Note: As seen below, Thomas and Elizabeth raised this Addie M. Housh, who was born July 14, 1876.)
From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 984.
"Thomas Housh, a farmer on section 28, Haw Creek Township, was born in Washington County, Ind., Dec. 25, 1829. He is the son of George P. and Polly Housh. They removed from Indiana in 1837. They were farmers, and when they came to Illinois bought and improved land and made a home, on which both of the old people died. The mother died a number of years ago; the father in 1864. This family was of German origin. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and in the Black Hawk war.
The subject of this sketch was married to Elizabeth Mowery, Feb. 23, 1851 [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Elizabeth Mowery in Knox County on February 23, 1851]. She is the daughter of John and Elenor Mowery, and was born in Ohio, Oct 31, 1835. Her father, John Mowery, was born in February, 1809, and her mother Aug. 13, 1810. The subject of this sketch and wife are the parents of eight children, as follows: Milton A., born Nov. 25, 1851; Mary, May 22, 1854; John M., Oct. 13, 1857; Grant, April 11, 1863; Charles F., Sept. 8, 1869, and Jennie Pearl, Aug. 24, 1881. Jessie and Willie died in infancy. Mr. H. is raising a girl, Addie M. House [probably Housh], born July 14, 1876. Mrs. Housh died March 20, 1885. [The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index also lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County on September 9, 1886.]
The subject of this notice enlisted in Co. F., 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Capt. J. L. Burkhalter, Aug. 7, 1862, and served nine months. He took part in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and the raid after Gen. Bragg and his forces, and was mustered out at Quincy, Ill., April 1, 1863. He then came home and lived on the farm up to the present. He owns 157 acres of good land, all under fence and has fine improvements. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also is a member of the G. A. R., and politically is a Republican."
Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh died on March 20, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
There is a record of a Thomas Housh being married to a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County, Illinois on September 9, 1886. Is this our Thomas Housh?
Thomas Housh died on
by Baxter B. Fite III and Ken Snow, a great great grandson of Thomas Housh. Ken's email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Housh family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Thomas Housh and the Housh family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of Thomas Housh, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Thomas Housh was born on December 25, 1829 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly" (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. Adam Housh was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768.
George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly Fleener were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Mary was born on ___________ __, 1793 in Washington County, Virginia, the daughter of ____________ Fleener and __________ (__________) Fleener. A number of children were born to George and Polly, all of whom were born in Washington County, Indiana. The ones that are known include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ___________ __, 1812; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1816; believed to be the Adam Housh who served with Thomas, Jacob and James D. Housh in Co., F of the 86th Illinois; married Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born ___________ __, 1818; married George Huffman August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821; died July 09, 1867 in Knox, IL; married Jacob Booth September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh , Jr., born 1828; married Catherine Booth March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. George and Polly moved the family west to Illinois about 1837 where they settled in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Thomas Housh;
Thomas Housh was married to Elizabeth Mowery on February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth was born on October 31, 1835 in ____________, Ohio, the daughter of John Mowery and Eleanor (Burnett) Mowery. John Mowery was born on February __, 1809 and died on __________ __, 1843, while Eleanor was born on August 13, 1810 and died on ___________ __, 1875.
Thomas and Elizabeth are known to have been the parents of eight children. They include;
1. Milton A. Housh, born Nov. 25, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois; married to Mary Cordelia Ouderkirk (1854 - 1931) on September 10, 1874 in Knox County, Illinois; Milton died on _____________ __, 1933 and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mary Housh, born May 22, 1854 in Knox County, Illinois.
3. John M. Housh, born Oct. 13, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois.
4. Ulysses Grant M. Housh, born April 11, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Charles F. Housh, born September 8, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois; died on ___________ __, 1941 at __________, __________.
6. Jessie Housh, born ____________ __, 1875 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on June 25, 1875 and laid to rest in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
7. Willie Housh, born ____________ __, 1880 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on ___________ __, 1880 and most almost certainly laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
8. Jennie Pearl Housh, born August 24, 1881 in Knox County, Illinois.
On August 7, 1862, Thomas Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832, Adam Housh stated he was 40, but may have actually been closer to 46 and Jacob, who was either 37 or 38. At the time he volunteered, Elizabeth (Mowrey) Housh was pregnant, though she may not have known it yet.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, THOMAS
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 32 Height 5' 10 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY APR 1, 1863 AT QUINCY ILL
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Private Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Among the crowd of family and friends who had gathered to see their fathers, sons and brothers off to the war, may have been a pregnant mother, Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh, who was now 2 months pregnant.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. One of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with his health during this time was Private Thomas Housh.
Whatever his ailment or injury, the doctors in Nashville felt he would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home where with the help of family and some home cooking he could regain his health. So, on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home. Whatever his ailment, Thomas did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently was named Ulysses Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who served out the entire war with the 86th. The others did all survive their stints in the service, though. On February 24, 1863, just days before Thomas was discharged from the service for illness, 40 plus year old Adam was discharged because of illness. However, he didn't let his age keep him from serving again as after going home and regaining his health, he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. By the end of June or July, all four Housh brothers were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Thomas Housh M 40y Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 37y Ohio
Milton A Housh M 17y Illinois
Mary A Housh F 14y Illinois
John M Housh M 11y Illinois
Ulisses S Housh M 7y Illinois
Charles Housh M 4m Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Thomas, Elizabeth and their children are found residing in Haw Creek Township, Knox County, Illinois, where he is farming. His father is listed as having been born in Kentucky while his mother is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania;
Self Thomas Housh M 50 Indiana
Wife Elizabeth Housh F 44 Ohio
Daughter Mary E. Housh F 24 Illinois
Son John M. Housh M 22 Illinois
Son Grant M. Housh M 18 Illinois
Son Charles F. Housh M 10 Illinois
Other Addie M. Housh F 3 Illinois
(Note: As seen below, Thomas and Elizabeth raised this Addie M. Housh, who was born July 14, 1876.)
From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 984.
"Thomas Housh, a farmer on section 28, Haw Creek Township, was born in Washington County, Ind., Dec. 25, 1829. He is the son of George P. and Polly Housh. They removed from Indiana in 1837. They were farmers, and when they came to Illinois bought and improved land and made a home, on which both of the old people died. The mother died a number of years ago; the father in 1864. This family was of German origin. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and in the Black Hawk war.
The subject of this sketch was married to Elizabeth Mowery, Feb. 23, 1851 [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Elizabeth Mowery in Knox County on February 23, 1851]. She is the daughter of John and Elenor Mowery, and was born in Ohio, Oct 31, 1835. Her father, John Mowery, was born in February, 1809, and her mother Aug. 13, 1810. The subject of this sketch and wife are the parents of eight children, as follows: Milton A., born Nov. 25, 1851; Mary, May 22, 1854; John M., Oct. 13, 1857; Grant, April 11, 1863; Charles F., Sept. 8, 1869, and Jennie Pearl, Aug. 24, 1881. Jessie and Willie died in infancy. Mr. H. is raising a girl, Addie M. House [probably Housh], born July 14, 1876. Mrs. Housh died March 20, 1885. [The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index also lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County on September 9, 1886.]
The subject of this notice enlisted in Co. F., 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Capt. J. L. Burkhalter, Aug. 7, 1862, and served nine months. He took part in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and the raid after Gen. Bragg and his forces, and was mustered out at Quincy, Ill., April 1, 1863. He then came home and lived on the farm up to the present. He owns 157 acres of good land, all under fence and has fine improvements. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also is a member of the G. A. R., and politically is a Republican."
Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh died on March 20, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
There is a record of a Thomas Housh being married to a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County, Illinois on September 9, 1886. Is this our Thomas Housh?
Thomas Housh died on
by Baxter B. Fite III and Ken Snow, a great great grandson of Thomas Housh. Ken's email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Housh family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Thomas Housh and the Housh family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of Thomas Housh, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Private THOMAS HOUSH, Co. F, 86th Illinois
Thomas Housh was born on December 25, 1829 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly" (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. Adam Housh was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768.
George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly Fleener were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Mary was born on ___________ __, 1793 in Washington County, Virginia, the daughter of ____________ Fleener and __________ (__________) Fleener. A number of children were born to George and Polly, all of whom were born in Washington County, Indiana. The ones that are known include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ___________ __, 1812; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1816; believed to be the Adam Housh who served with Thomas, Jacob and James D. Housh in Co., F of the 86th Illinois; married Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born ___________ __, 1818; married George Huffman August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821; died July 09, 1867 in Knox, IL; married Jacob Booth September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh , Jr., born 1828; married Catherine Booth March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. George and Polly moved the family west to Illinois about 1837 where they settled in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Thomas Housh;
Thomas Housh was married to Elizabeth Mowery on February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth was born on October 31, 1835 in ____________, Ohio, the daughter of John Mowery and Eleanor (Burnett) Mowery. John Mowery was born on February __, 1809 and died on __________ __, 1843, while Eleanor was born on August 13, 1810 and died on ___________ __, 1875.
Thomas and Elizabeth are known to have been the parents of eight children. They include;
1. Milton A. Housh, born Nov. 25, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois; married to Mary Cordelia Ouderkirk (1854 - 1931) on September 10, 1874 in Knox County, Illinois; Milton died on _____________ __, 1933 and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mary Housh, born May 22, 1854 in Knox County, Illinois.
3. John M. Housh, born Oct. 13, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois.
4. Ulysses Grant M. Housh, born April 11, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Charles F. Housh, born September 8, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois; died on ___________ __, 1941 at __________, __________.
6. Jessie Housh, born ____________ __, 1875 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on June 25, 1875 and laid to rest in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
7. Willie Housh, born ____________ __, 1880 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on ___________ __, 1880 and most almost certainly laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
8. Jennie Pearl Housh, born August 24, 1881 in Knox County, Illinois.
On August 7, 1862, Thomas Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832, Adam Housh stated he was 40, but may have actually been closer to 46 and Jacob, who was either 37 or 38. At the time he volunteered, Elizabeth (Mowrey) Housh was pregnant, though she may not have known it yet.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, THOMAS
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 32 Height 5' 10 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY APR 1, 1863 AT QUINCY ILL
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Private Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Among the crowd of family and friends who had gathered to see their fathers, sons and brothers off to the war, may have been a pregnant mother, Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh, who was now 2 months pregnant.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. One of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with his health during this time was Private Thomas Housh.
Whatever his ailment or injury, the doctors in Nashville felt he would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home where with the help of family and some home cooking he could regain his health. So, on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home. Whatever his ailment, Thomas did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently was named Ulysses Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who served out the entire war with the 86th. The others did all survive their stints in the service, though. On February 24, 1863, just days before Thomas was discharged from the service for illness, 40 plus year old Adam was discharged because of illness. However, he didn't let his age keep him from serving again as after going home and regaining his health, he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. By the end of June or July, all four Housh brothers were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Thomas Housh M 40y Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 37y Ohio
Milton A Housh M 17y Illinois
Mary A Housh F 14y Illinois
John M Housh M 11y Illinois
Ulisses S Housh M 7y Illinois
Charles Housh M 4m Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Thomas, Elizabeth and their children are found residing in Haw Creek Township, Knox County, Illinois, where he is farming. His father is listed as having been born in Kentucky while his mother is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania;
Self Thomas Housh M 50 Indiana
Wife Elizabeth Housh F 44 Ohio
Daughter Mary E. Housh F 24 Illinois
Son John M. Housh M 22 Illinois
Son Grant M. Housh M 18 Illinois
Son Charles F. Housh M 10 Illinois
Other Addie M. Housh F 3 Illinois
(Note: As seen below, Thomas and Elizabeth raised this Addie M. Housh, who was born July 14, 1876.)
From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 984.
"Thomas Housh, a farmer on section 28, Haw Creek Township, was born in Washington County, Ind., Dec. 25, 1829. He is the son of George P. and Polly Housh. They removed from Indiana in 1837. They were farmers, and when they came to Illinois bought and improved land and made a home, on which both of the old people died. The mother died a number of years ago; the father in 1864. This family was of German origin. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and in the Black Hawk war.
The subject of this sketch was married to Elizabeth Mowery, Feb. 23, 1851 [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Elizabeth Mowery in Knox County on February 23, 1851]. She is the daughter of John and Elenor Mowery, and was born in Ohio, Oct 31, 1835. Her father, John Mowery, was born in February, 1809, and her mother Aug. 13, 1810. The subject of this sketch and wife are the parents of eight children, as follows: Milton A., born Nov. 25, 1851; Mary, May 22, 1854; John M., Oct. 13, 1857; Grant, April 11, 1863; Charles F., Sept. 8, 1869, and Jennie Pearl, Aug. 24, 1881. Jessie and Willie died in infancy. Mr. H. is raising a girl, Addie M. House [probably Housh], born July 14, 1876. Mrs. Housh died March 20, 1885. [The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index also lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County on September 9, 1886.]
The subject of this notice enlisted in Co. F., 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Capt. J. L. Burkhalter, Aug. 7, 1862, and served nine months. He took part in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and the raid after Gen. Bragg and his forces, and was mustered out at Quincy, Ill., April 1, 1863. He then came home and lived on the farm up to the present. He owns 157 acres of good land, all under fence and has fine improvements. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also is a member of the G. A. R., and politically is a Republican."
Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh died on March 20, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
There is a record of a Thomas Housh being married to a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County, Illinois on September 9, 1886. Is this our Thomas Housh?
Thomas Housh died on
by Baxter B. Fite III and Ken Snow, a great great grandson of Thomas Housh. Ken's email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Housh family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Thomas Housh and the Housh family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of Thomas Housh, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
Thomas Housh was born on December 25, 1829 in Washington County, Indiana, the son of George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly" (Fleener) Housh. George Peleg Housh was born on April 24, 1788 in either Pennsylvania or just after the family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky, the son of Adam Housh and Mary Becca (__________) Housh. Adam Housh was born c. 1756 and died on December __, 1824 in Putnam County, Indiana, while Mary Becca (__________) Housh was born c. 1768.
George Peleg Housh and Mary "Polly Fleener were married on June 17, 1811 in Washington County, Indiana. Mary was born on ___________ __, 1793 in Washington County, Virginia, the daughter of ____________ Fleener and __________ (__________) Fleener. A number of children were born to George and Polly, all of whom were born in Washington County, Indiana. The ones that are known include;
1. John Irwin Housh, born ___________ __, 1812; died December 26, 1829 at ___________, ___________.
2. Adam Housh (III), born ___________ __, 1816; believed to be the Adam Housh who served with Thomas, Jacob and James D. Housh in Co., F of the 86th Illinois; married Eliza Anderson on February 11, 1838 in Indiana.
3. Nancy Housh, born ___________ __, 1818; married George Huffman August 09, 1838 in Washington County, Indiana.
4. Melinda Housh, born March 17, 1821; died July 09, 1867 in Knox, IL; married Jacob Booth September 19, 1844 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Jacob Housh, born January 01, 1825; died December 22, 1900; married Sarah Ann Bailey Cook December 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
6. David Housh , Jr., born 1828; married Catherine Booth March 20, 1849 in Knox County, Illinois.
7. Thomas Housh, born December 25, 1829; died November 11, 1888; married Elizabeth Mowery February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois.
8. Andrew Clinton Housh, born 1831; married Hannah Blakeslee February 12, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois; Andrew is believed to be the C. C. Housh, who is listed in Co. C of the 17th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry; He is believed to have died while in the service on June 23, 1863; His place of burial is unknown.
9. John Erving Housh, born June 03, 1833; married Lovina Booth February 28, 1856 in Knox County, Illinois; John died on ____________ __, 1898 at ___________, ___________.
10. James D. Housh, born November 19, 1835/37; married Hannah Jones February 02, 1860 in Knox County, Illinois; served in Co. F of the 86th Illinois along with his older brother, Thomas Housh; James died on September 28, 1916 at ___________, Nebraska and his mortal remains buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Neligh, Antelope County, Nebraska.
Shortly after they were married George Peleg Housh served in the War of 1812 and later served in the Black Hawk War of 1832. George and Polly moved the family west to Illinois about 1837 where they settled in Knox County, Illinois. At the time of the 1850 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
George Housh M 59 Pennsylvania
Polly Housh F 56 Virginia
Thomas Housh M 20 Indiana
Andrew Housh M 19 Indiana
John Housh M 17 Indiana
James Housh M 14 Indiana
Polly Ann Roberson F 13 Indiana
Evaline Brown F 5 Indiana
Julia Brown F 5 Indiana
Mary Polly Fleener died on October 26, 1854 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. George died on December 21, 1863 in Haw Creek Township in Knox County, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Thomas Housh;
Thomas Housh was married to Elizabeth Mowery on February 23, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois. Elizabeth was born on October 31, 1835 in ____________, Ohio, the daughter of John Mowery and Eleanor (Burnett) Mowery. John Mowery was born on February __, 1809 and died on __________ __, 1843, while Eleanor was born on August 13, 1810 and died on ___________ __, 1875.
Thomas and Elizabeth are known to have been the parents of eight children. They include;
1. Milton A. Housh, born Nov. 25, 1851 in Knox County, Illinois; married to Mary Cordelia Ouderkirk (1854 - 1931) on September 10, 1874 in Knox County, Illinois; Milton died on _____________ __, 1933 and his mortal remains were laid in the Maquon Cemetery in Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
2. Mary Housh, born May 22, 1854 in Knox County, Illinois.
3. John M. Housh, born Oct. 13, 1857 in Knox County, Illinois.
4. Ulysses Grant M. Housh, born April 11, 1863 in Knox County, Illinois.
5. Charles F. Housh, born September 8, 1869 in Knox County, Illinois; died on ___________ __, 1941 at __________, __________.
6. Jessie Housh, born ____________ __, 1875 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on June 25, 1875 and laid to rest in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
7. Willie Housh, born ____________ __, 1880 in Knox County, Illinois; died in infancy on ___________ __, 1880 and most almost certainly laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
8. Jennie Pearl Housh, born August 24, 1881 in Knox County, Illinois.
On August 7, 1862, Thomas Housh and three of his brothers went into Maquon, Illinois where they volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Maquon, Illinois by a local Carpenter, Contractor and Businessman by the name of James L. Burhalter. At the time he enlisted, Thomas stated that he was 32 years of age, James apparently stated he was 25 years of age, which would place his year of birth at 1837, rather than 1832, Adam Housh stated he was 40, but may have actually been closer to 46 and Jacob, who was either 37 or 38. At the time he volunteered, Elizabeth (Mowrey) Housh was pregnant, though she may not have known it yet.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name HOUSH, THOMAS
Rank PVT Company F Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MAQUON, KNOX CO, IL Age 32 Height 5' 10 Hair DARK
Eyes BLUE Complexion FAIR Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity WASHINGTON CO, IN
Service Record
Joined When AUG 7, 1862 Joined Where MAQUON, IL
Joined By Whom J L BURKHALTER Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks DISCHARGED FOR DISABILITY APR 1, 1863 AT QUINCY ILL
When Burkhalter had about 100 volunteers, he led the Maquon company into Peoria, where they went into camp at Camp Lyon, near present day Glen Oak Park. There on August 27, 1862, Burkhalter and 93 of his volunteers, including now Private Thomas Housh were mustered into service as Co. F of the 86th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Burhalter was elected by the men of Co. F to serve as their Captain.
On September 7, 1862, the men of the 85th & 86th Illinois marched out of the gates of Camp Lyon, Capt. James L. Burkhalter proudly leading Co. F, through the streets of Peoria, with much fanfare, and boarded a train bound for Camp Joe Holt at Jeffersonville, Indiana, which was located across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Among the crowd of family and friends who had gathered to see their fathers, sons and brothers off to the war, may have been a pregnant mother, Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh, who was now 2 months pregnant.
Three weeks later, the men of the 85th & 86th were in the field in Kentucky as part of Col. Daniel McCook's Brigade, in the Union army led by General Buell, who were in pursuit of Confederate troops under the command of General Braxton Bragg. On Oct. 8, 1862, the men of McCook's Brigade were briefly engaged with those troops in the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, the 85th & 86th Illinois suffering their first casualties. There would be many more in the coming years. Of the casualties in the 86th, one man was killed and 13 were wounded. There were no casualties reported from Co. F. After the Union victory at Perryville, the Confederate Army withdrew from Kentucky and McCook's Brigade marched on to Nashville, Tennessee, where they went into winter camp.
That first fall and winter in the field in Kentucky and Tennessee were extremely hard on the green troops. Even before the men of McCook's Brigade had left the Jeffersonville/Louisville area the men were were having health issues with the new diet and life style. When Buell's army left the Louisville, there were many soldiers left behind sick in the hospitals. After the Battle of Perryville and on the way to Nashville, still more sick soldiers were left behind sick in the hospitals at Bowling Green, Kentucky and Gallatin, Tennessee. During the winter of 1862/63 and spring of 1863, the hospitals in Nashville were full to overflowing with sick soldiers. Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers died during that first winter in Nashville, who today lie buried in the Nashville National Cemetery. One of the soldiers believed to be having difficulty with his health during this time was Private Thomas Housh.
Whatever his ailment or injury, the doctors in Nashville felt he would be better off in a hospital in the north and he soon was on his way to the Soldiers Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. In March of 1863, the army doctors made the decision that whatever his ailment was, that he would be better off at home where with the help of family and some home cooking he could regain his health. So, on April 1, 1863, 33 year old Private Thomas Housh was discharged from the service for disability and sent home. Whatever his ailment, Thomas did survive with the help of family and that home cooking. Ten days after he was discharged from the service, Thomas's wife, Elizabeth, gave birth to a son, who apparently was named Ulysses Grant M. Housh. It is not known whether Thomas made it home in time for his birth or not.
Of the four Housh brothers, James D. Housh was the only one who served out the entire war with the 86th. The others did all survive their stints in the service, though. On February 24, 1863, just days before Thomas was discharged from the service for illness, 40 plus year old Adam was discharged because of illness. However, he didn't let his age keep him from serving again as after going home and regaining his health, he enlisted in the 14th Illinois Cavalry and somehow finished out the war. On February 5, 1864, Jacob Housh was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps because of health reasons. He is believed to have finished out the war in the V.R.C. By the end of June or July, all four Housh brothers were back home with their families in Knox County.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Housh family is found in Knox County, Illinois;
Thomas Housh M 40y Indiana
Elizabeth Housh F 37y Ohio
Milton A Housh M 17y Illinois
Mary A Housh F 14y Illinois
John M Housh M 11y Illinois
Ulisses S Housh M 7y Illinois
Charles Housh M 4m Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Thomas, Elizabeth and their children are found residing in Haw Creek Township, Knox County, Illinois, where he is farming. His father is listed as having been born in Kentucky while his mother is listed as having been born in Pennsylvania;
Self Thomas Housh M 50 Indiana
Wife Elizabeth Housh F 44 Ohio
Daughter Mary E. Housh F 24 Illinois
Son John M. Housh M 22 Illinois
Son Grant M. Housh M 18 Illinois
Son Charles F. Housh M 10 Illinois
Other Addie M. Housh F 3 Illinois
(Note: As seen below, Thomas and Elizabeth raised this Addie M. Housh, who was born July 14, 1876.)
From the 1886 Portrait and Biographical Album of Knox County, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago, page 984.
"Thomas Housh, a farmer on section 28, Haw Creek Township, was born in Washington County, Ind., Dec. 25, 1829. He is the son of George P. and Polly Housh. They removed from Indiana in 1837. They were farmers, and when they came to Illinois bought and improved land and made a home, on which both of the old people died. The mother died a number of years ago; the father in 1864. This family was of German origin. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and in the Black Hawk war.
The subject of this sketch was married to Elizabeth Mowery, Feb. 23, 1851 [the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Elizabeth Mowery in Knox County on February 23, 1851]. She is the daughter of John and Elenor Mowery, and was born in Ohio, Oct 31, 1835. Her father, John Mowery, was born in February, 1809, and her mother Aug. 13, 1810. The subject of this sketch and wife are the parents of eight children, as follows: Milton A., born Nov. 25, 1851; Mary, May 22, 1854; John M., Oct. 13, 1857; Grant, April 11, 1863; Charles F., Sept. 8, 1869, and Jennie Pearl, Aug. 24, 1881. Jessie and Willie died in infancy. Mr. H. is raising a girl, Addie M. House [probably Housh], born July 14, 1876. Mrs. Housh died March 20, 1885. [The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index also lists a Thomas Housh marrying a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County on September 9, 1886.]
The subject of this notice enlisted in Co. F., 86th Ill. Vol. Inf., under Capt. J. L. Burkhalter, Aug. 7, 1862, and served nine months. He took part in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and the raid after Gen. Bragg and his forces, and was mustered out at Quincy, Ill., April 1, 1863. He then came home and lived on the farm up to the present. He owns 157 acres of good land, all under fence and has fine improvements. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also is a member of the G. A. R., and politically is a Republican."
Elizabeth (Mowery) Housh died on March 20, 1885 and her mortal remains were laid in the Clark Chapel Cemetery near Maquon, Knox County, Illinois.
There is a record of a Thomas Housh being married to a Mary Jane Smith in Knox County, Illinois on September 9, 1886. Is this our Thomas Housh?
Thomas Housh died on
by Baxter B. Fite III and Ken Snow, a great great grandson of Thomas Housh. Ken's email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Housh family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Thomas Housh and the Housh family. Baxter would also like to see copies of any photographs of Thomas Housh, which may have survived the years, added to his Find A Grave site for all to see.)
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