My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD HOUGH, a very popular and clever young citizen of Sedalia, is serving in the responsible position of City Clerk, having been appointed to the office September 7, 1892, by Mayor Stevens, and the appointment being confirmed by the Council. In 1893 he was re-appointed, and again in 1894, giving full satisfaction to all. He is quite prominent in the ranks of the local Democracy, with which he has been identified since becoming a voter, and has served as a Committeeman from the Second Ward. The father of the gentleman above mentioned, Michael Hough, was born in Ireland, and upon coming to the United States landed at New Orleans. About 1850 he went to St. Louis by way of the Mississippi River. Later he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, working in their car departments in St. Louis, Jefferson City and Sedalia for thirteen years. He died in the faith of the Catholic Church, to which he had been reared in this city, in the year 1883. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gaffney, was a native of the Emerald Isle. She survived him a few years, passing away in 1888. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, of whom Edward is the eldest. Margaret is living with her brother and sister. Mathew works for the Dexter Book and Paper Company of this place; and Eliza lives with our subject.

Edward Hough was born January 18, 1868, in Jefferson City, Mo., during his parents’ residence there, but from the time he was five years of age he lived in Sedalia. He received a good education and was a student in Professor VanPatten’s school for some time. When he was eighteen years of age he entered the employ of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, with which his father was connected, and was a machinist in their shops until the strike of 1886. Thence he went to St. Joseph, Mo., and for six months was in the machine-shop and foundry of H. C. Burkes. Preferring Sedalia, however, he returned, and obtained a clerkship in a grocery owned by Mr. McGinly, and there he continued for three years. At the end of that time he resumed railroading, being made fireman on the Ft. Scott & Wichita Railroad, in which capacity he served for several years.

As a public official Mr. Hough is making a good record, being very systematic and exact in his methods, and faithful to the demands and best interests of the public. He is a member of the Catholic Benevolent Society, and in the Legion of Honor occupies an official position. He adheres to the faith of the Catholic Church, holding membership with the congregation of St. Vincent de Paul.