John G. Houston, a farmer of the 7th District, was born March 11, 1824, in Warren County, TN. His father was a native of Indiana who went to KY and in 1818, came to TN. About that time, he married Jane Graham. They were the parents of 9 children, John being one of these. At the age of 18, John became a surveyor and continued in that business for about 30 years. November 2, 1847, he married Martha Ann Arnold and to them 9 children were born: Mary Jane, Eliza Ann, John L., James C., Martha U., Jefferson P., Ezra J., William F., and another who died in infancy. In 1868, he was elected sheriff of Decatur County. He was a Mason, Whig, and a Republican.
"Tennessee Trails"
