Georgia Biographies       Bio of Rev. T. L. Houck 1830 - 1882
                                      
Submitted by Charlene Parker <laurel43@bellsouth.net> Sep 2002
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From "History of Bethel Association Including
Centennial Meeting", by Alexander Lee Miller

T. L. HOUCK
1830--1882
 
Again we record the history of one who is a pioneer among pioneers, that man was T. L. Houck, 
and whose work was highly appreciated by the Bethel Association for on his death at the session 
in 1882 the Bethel Association said:
 
"Rev. T. L. Houck was born November 3rd, 1830, in Culpepper County, Va.  On the 25th day of 
October, 1849, he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at Zoar Church, 
Culpepper County, by a council, of which R. A. Waller was Moderator, and Samuel Fleming, Clerk.  
After preaching for a few years in his native State, and being impressed that it was his duty 
to preach to the Indians, he went West.  Not finding any board to sustain him at that time, 
he determined to carry the red men the gospel anyhow, and so became agent of the North 
American Fur Company.  This work led him direct among the Indians, to whom he preached the 
unsearchable riches of the gospel of Christ.  This work he had to abandon after a few years, 
on account of the loss of his sight, which was occasioned by his coming in contact with 
poisonous vines in the wilds of Missouri.  Nothing daunted by this sore affliction, 
Bro. Houck continued preaching, sometimes as a missionary or an independent evangelist.  
Coming home from a tour of preaching in Middle Georgia, on account of bad health, he rested 
but a few days and started off to fill a list of appointments in Northeast Georgia.  
To his wife's remonstrances, who urged him to stay a while longer and get stronger, urging 
upon him the probability of his dying away from home, if he went off as feeble as he was, 
he replied:  "I made these appointments some time ago, and I feel that I ought to go and 
fill them.  If I die, I want to die at my post."  Leaving home he went directly to 
Habersham County, and while in the pulpit of one of the churches near Mt. Airy, on 
Sunday morning, was taken violently ill, and continued to grow worse until he died--
his death occurring on October 17, 1882.  We are glad to know that, though away from home, 
he was ministered to by loving hands, and that all was done for him that human kindness 
could suggest.  Bro. Houck was twice married, and leaves a wife and four children to mourn 
their loss.
 
Bro. Houck was a good man.  In mental gifts he was much above the average.  We grieve over 
the loss of such a Christian, but are comforted with the reflection that our loss is his 
everlasting gain.