McDonough ILGenWeb

HUSTON, John, a much respected retired farmer of Blandinsville, McDonough County, Ill., who is living in the enjoyment of a handsome competency, was born in Blandinsville Township, September 6, 1848. He is a son of John and Anna (Melvin) Huston, natives of the State of Tennessee, where the father was born in White County. John Huston, Sr., came to Illinois in 1829, and located near Jacksonville. In the spring of 1830 he moved to a point six miles northeast of Blandinsville, where he lived on his farm during the remainder of his days. He was a man of unusual ability and much force of character. He was a member of the convention held in 1847, for the purpose of framing a new Constitution for the State of Illinois, also served as Representative in the State Legislature 1850-52, and was the first County Treasurer elected in McDonough County. John Huston, the son, is one of a family of eight children, of whom seven were boys, four of whom are still living. He grew to manhood on the paternal farm, at intervals attending the country schools and afterward taking a course in Abingdon College. Up to 1901 he continued his occupation as a farmer and fine stock-breeder, but is now Vice-President of the Huston Banking Company. He owns a number of large farms in McDonough County, which he rents out, and, while actively engaged in farming, he devotes much attention to importing and breeding French Percheron horses. On retiring from the farm he built a fine residence in Blandinsville, which he now occupies.

On May 1, 1870, Mr. Huston was married to Allie Lovitt, a native of Ohio, who was educated in Abingdon College. Six children are the offspring of their union, namely: Lowell, Wendell, Guy, Elgin (Mrs. Schee), Ross and Errett. Religiously, Mr. Huston is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has officiated as elder since 1871. Politically, he is a Democrat, and fraternally, is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M. The subject of this sketch is a much read and much traveled man, of high intelligence and upright character, is one of the most prominent citizens of Blandinsville, and is regarded as a pillar in the business and social fabric of the community.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 916, extracted 09 Mar 2019 by Norma Hass.