My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. HOUT. For the past quarter of a century this gentleman has been classed among the enterprising and pushing business men of Warrensburg, and is one who has been greatly interested in its progress and upbuilding. He is now engaged in the lumber business, dealing in builders’ materials, sash, blinds, etc., and specimens of his handiwork as a contracting carpenter are to be seen in all parts of the city and vicinity. To the latter line he gave his entire attention for a number of years after locating here, and it was not until 1880 that he opened the lumber-yard. He is a leading Democrat, and, though not desirous of holding official positions, has served to the satisfaction of his constituents as Alderman for some ten years.

The birth of our subject occurred at Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, W. Va., August 7, 1844. His parents were David and Margaret A. (Miller) Hout, who were natives of Virginia, and both of whom are still living. The former was born in 1821, and the latter in 1824. The Hout family was of German origin. The Millers are supposed to be of Irish descent, though the name points to a distant German ancestry. David Hout in his youth served an apprenticeship to the carpenter’s trade with a man who was also his guardian. In his keeping had been left the patrimony of Grandfather Hout’s estate, which should have been turned over to our subject’s father when he arrived at age, but the guardian proved false to his trust and no money was forthcoming. David Hout was first a Whig, and later affiliated with the Democracy.

The boyhood days of G. W. Hout were passed in the town of his birth, and, though his educational privileges were not of the best, he managed to pick up a fair knowledge of the elementary branches, and with this as a foundation afterward became well informed on practical topics by reading and observation. At the age of eighteen years, in 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Second Virginia Infantry. He was in Stonewall Jackson’s brigade, and with him took part in many important engagements. For some time he was a member of the band, and remained with the army until the surrender at Appomattox Court House, at which time he happened to be in that locality. In 1867 Mr. Hout decided to come West, having lived in the meantime at his old home. Proceeding direct to Warrensburg, he at once began working at his trade, which he had learned of his father. He has been quite successful in his various undertakings and possesses a secure income.

December 28, 1868, Mr. Hout and Miss Eliza G. James, of this city, were married. The lady was born in 1847, in Alabama, and grew to womanhood in Mississippi, but at the time of her marriage was residing with a brother in Warrensburg. Of the six children who came to bless the union of this worthy couple, but three are now living, namely: Walter, Leslie and Earl. Those deceased were Burton Lockwood, Daniel Miller and India Lenore. Those living have all had good public-school advantages in this city, and are bright and intelligent young men. The family have a pleasant home, and often throw open its hospitable doors for the entertainment of their many friends.