Benjamin Houston was born Aug. 22, 1842 in Monroe County, Ind. When he was 20 years old or on the 2nd of Sept., 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Civil War in the 125th Illinois Infantry, commanded by Captain Lester, and with Sherman's army. On the 9th of June, 1865 he received an honorable discharge at Washington, D.C.
He was married March 1, 1866, to Miss Sadie Strauss. To this union were born three children, all of whom survive their father. About 8 years ago he united with the Christian Church at Rantoul, ILL. About 1878 they moved from Champaign County, ILL., to Cherokee County, Kans., and settled on a farm about two and one half miles east of Neutral. He was an active, energetic man all of his life, or until the last few years. About six weeks ago he took worse, having been poorly for some time, and the doctor was called. He grew weaker gradually. He was not thought to be critically ill. A few days prior to his death he remarked that he would not recover. He died Wednesday, May 22nd., 1912, at 8 p.m. at his home near Neutral.
He left prepared to go, as he was a humble disciple of Jesus. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Sarah Jane Houston, three children, Mrs. Maud Shultz, Bert Houston, Mrs. Daisy Strauss and an adopted son, Otis Houston, besides other relatives and friends.
He was 69 years, 9 months old.
Funeral services were conducted at the Neutral Christian Church on Thursday, May 23rd., at 2:30 p.m., after which the remains were taken to Brush Creek Cemetery for interment..