BIO: Bryson HOUCK, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Lana Clark Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, pages 296-297 __________________________________________________________ BRYSON HOUCK, retired farmer, Trough Creek, was born in Tod, then Union, township, Huntingdon county, Pa., May 17, 1813, son of Michael and Sarah (Clark) Houck. His grandfather, Jacob Houck, was a native of England, came to this country and for many years conducted the mill owned by Oliver Cook. He died there. Michael Houck was born in Maryland, and spent the major part of his life at farming in Tod, then Union, township. He was also a mason. He was married in Tod township to Sarah, daughter of Neal Clark, who, being an early settler in the county, had many experiences with the Indians. Their children were: Lloyd; Neal; Lazarus; William; Bryson; Elizabeth; Margaret; and Eliza. Mr. Houck was a Whig. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. He died on the well known Adam Keith farm in 1830, and his wife died August 19, 1861. Mr. Houck rendered valiant service for his country in the Revolutionary war. Bryson Houck attended the subscription schools of Tod township. For eight winters he taught school, and served later as school director. He assisted on the farm, and after his father's death he and his brothers managed the place for a few years. For some time he worked for wages for farmers in Blair county, near Warriors Cove, and then was engaged in chopping wood for the Paradise Furnace for three years. He then bought forty acres of timber land, of which he has twenty acres under cultivation. He was married December 24, 1846, to Nancy, daughter of Frederick Crum, horn in 1829. Their children are: Clara, deceased wife of H. Neville; Walker L.; James L.; Catharine (Mrs. Amos Hess); Frederick; Nancy, widow of Henry Nugert; Amanda; Celva, of Coalmont; Isadore, deceased wife of Adam Wright; Jane (Mrs. Isaac Weaver); Almer; Effie; and two who are deceased. Mr. Houck is a Republican and has served as assessor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.