My Genealogy Hound

PERSIS D. HOUSTON, dentist, is a son of Benjamin F. and Necie B. (Usery) Houston, both natives of North Carolina, the father born in 1805, and the mother in 1814. They were married in Marshall County in 1834, and to them were born ten children, seven of whom are living. Both parents were active members in the Christian Church. Until forty-five years of age he was an infidel, but after his reformation he became zealous in the cause of Christianity. He had been a school-teacher in his early days, but of late years was a successful farmer. For many years he filled the office of magistrate, and during his entire life he was an industrious, energetic worker. In politics he was a Democrat. He died in 1861, and the mother in 1878. The father was a relative of Gov. Samuel Houston. The subject of this sketch was born January 8, 1843, in Marshall County, was reared on the farm and received an academic education. At the age of seventeen he began teaching in order to raise sufficient means for taking a course in college. But these plans were frustrated by the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he volunteered in Capt. R. C. Williams’ company, and four years was engaged in the war’s bloody struggles. After returning home he engaged in the mercantile business and later farmed for five years. Having studied and practiced the dental profession for a number of years he graduated from the dental department of Tennessee University in 1881. Previous to this, in 1868, he wedded Medora A. Pickens, by whom he had seven children, five of whom are living. Mr. Houston and wife are both members of the Christian Church. He has been alderman of Lewisburg for three terms. For twelve years Mr. Houston has successfully practiced his profession in his town.