Lavaca Co., TX - Bios: John Fleming Houchins ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: Deborah Smith USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** John Fleming Houchins is a most popular citizen and official of Lavaca County, Texas, and is the efficient and able Sheriff, whose conduct of the affairs of that office has won him the good will of all, irrespective of party. Mr. Houchins' paternal grandfather, John Houchins, came originally from the Buckeye State to Texas, and was one of the pioneers of the latter State. He settled in Austin County, opened up a fine farm, and became wealthy. This worthy citizen was quite a genius, and was the first man to erect a mill in Austin County. He used to make his own wagons, and became extensively known as a wagon-maker. After the death of his wife, he divided his property among his children and then married again, afterwards removing to Bell County, where he died. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Fleming Rees, was born in Tennessee, but when a young man went to Alabama, married there, and later came to the Lone Star State, settling in Austin County. In 1866 he moved to Colorado County, where he died when in his seventieth year. John Fleming Houchins was born in Lavaca County, Texas, in 1837 (sic--1857), and was the eldest of twelve children born to G. W. and Sarah F. (Rees) Houchins, natives of Ohio and Alabama respectively. The father came to Texas at an early date, and now resides in this county. In the common schools of Lavaca County our subject received his education, and when it became necessary to choose an occupation, he selected agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of a farm of 500 acres of good land, 200 acres under cultivation, most of which he has improved himself. For several years he has been active in politics. In 1883 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Smothers, and served for three years. Later he was appointed Constable, served two years, during which time he moved to town, and he was then elected Sheriff, and is serving his third term at the present time. Miss Susan Oliver, who became his wife in 1879, was a native of Austin County, and daughter of D. R. Oliver, one of the early settlers of that county. Six children were born to this marriage: Horace was killed by a horse running away with him in 1888, when eight years of age; Fleming, Warren, Pickney, Maud who died in infancy, and Oscar. Mr. Houchins has shown his appreciation of secret organizations, and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F, G.A.R., K. of P., and A.O.U.W. He has made an excellent official, and is held in high esteem. --from Rees family folder in Nesbitt Library, Columbus, Texas, origin unknown.