[p. 1012] is the owner of a farm of fifty acres located about eight miles east of New Castle, in Slippery Rock Township, and is of the third generation of the family to own and occupy the place. He was born on this farm on November 4, 1852, and is a son of Philip and Margaret (Kleinfelter) Houk, and a grandson of William Houk.
William Houk (the grandfather) was born in New Jersey and upon crossing the mountains of Pennsylvania to Lawrence County took up his residence first in Shenango Township. Later he moved to what has since been known as the Houk homestead in Slippery Rock Township and resided there the remainder of his days.
Philip Houk was also born on the old Houk farm in Slippery Rock, and lived there throughout life. He always followed farming and was one of the substantial men of the community. He married Margaret Kleinfelter and they were parents of the following children: Eliza Jane, now deceased; Mary Emiline, deceased; William Henderson; David C., deceased; Harriet Agnes, wife of L. L. Book; Jannette Ellen, wife of E. Wilt; and Susan, who married Emery Book.
William H. Houk received a good schooling in the district school of his home community, and began the occupation of a farmer at an early age. He worked for his father until the latter's death, and then for himself on the home place, which he inherited. He met with much success in his farming operations, and is at the present time practically retired from that kind of work, devoting his time to the barber shop which he owns and conducts in Princeton. He is a man of enterprise and spirit and enjoys a wide acquaintanceship through this part of the county. He is a strong Republican in politics, whilst religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Princeton. Mr. Houk is unmarried.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 15 Feb 2002