Benjamin F. Houck - Civil War Soldiers Buried in Farmer Cemetery

Member of Farmer G.A.R.

When Benjamin Houck joined the Union Army on November 7, 1862, he was placed into an elite group known as the 5th Independent Company, Ohio Sharpshooters.  He had just turned 23, and he probably traveled to Cleveland to muster in, as that was where the group organized.  The Sharpshooters were a hand-picked group, chosen because of their physical abilities and their results on tests of markmanship.



He left his parents and a houseful of siblings  in Williams County to join in the cause.  His unit spent several months drilling and practicing near Cleveland.  They were one of the first groups to obtain the new Spencer rifles which could shoot seven shots without reloading, a big change from the guns then in use.  
 
Once they left Cleveland, in March, 1863, they were attached to the Army of the Cumberland and General Rosecrans for special service.  They had some engagements, but mostly they were near headquarters and sent out when needed in tight situations.  Part of the time, they were positioned on gunboats in the Tennessee River, watching for raiders and Rebels.

Unidentified 5th Ohio Sharpshooter

At some point in 1864, Benjamin must have had a military leave because he married Synthia (Syntha, Cynthia, Sindy) Jane Donley on November 5 in Defiance.  But he did return to battle where he stayed until the very end of the war, mustering out on May 26, 1865, in Cleveland, Tennessee. 

Benjamin and his wife could not be found in the censuses of 1870-1900, but the birth records of their children indicated they were in Washington Township when Nellie was born in September, 1872, and still when Edith was born in October, 1886.

By the 1890 Veterans Census, Benjamin was enumerated in Farmer.  He indicated he suffered from rheumatism and a general disability as a result of the war.

In 1900, Benjamin, 70, and Synthia, 65, lived in Farmer with their grandson, Burnell F. Smith, 7.  The census revealed that the couple had four children, three living.  One of those was a son, W. F. Houck, who married Mable Ilett.  

At some point, they moved to Bryan and settled into 416 South Walnut Street where they were found in the 1920 census.  Burnell, then 17, still lived with his grandparents.  On March 12, 1922, Benjamin died in Lucas County.  Perhaps he was in the hospital there or a home of some kind.  

His obituary appeared in the Bryan Democrat on March 24, 1922:

BENJAMIN F HOUCK

The funeral of Benjamin Houck was held from the residence Wednesday, March 15.  He was born October 21, 1839, and died March 12, 1922.  He was married to Syntha Jane Donley on November 3, 1864.  To this union were born four children: John, who departed this life at the age of 21 years, William F., Mae, and Pearl.  Besides these, he is survived by his wife, one sister, Mrs. G. Goller of Ney and three grandchildren, Dale F. Everitt, Burnell F. and Carl Smith.  Also one great grandson, Charles Franklin Everitt.

He was a Civil war veteran, being a member of the G.A.R. for many years.  His church relations were with the Church of God at Ney.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. C. F. Pearce of the Christian church, assisted by the G.A.R. who rendered their beautiful service.  Interment was made at Farmer cemetery."