Entry Thursday, March 7, 2024
The Life of Sarah Louise Law - Houser
Part One ~ 1851-1905
Western Migration ~
Law Family migration from Noble County Ohio to Christian County, Ohio
Southwestern Migration ~
Houser Family migration from Christian County, Illinois to McPherson County, Kansas
Sarah Louise Law was born August 15, 1851, in Noble County, Ohio. She was the fourth child of Ada D. Law and Nancy Johnson. Her oldest sister, Selah Ann, was born in 1843.There is no record of her passing. Catherine “Kate” Law was born in 1845, and William N was born in 1848. Sometime after Sarah’s birth, the family moved to Christian County, Illinois. Her twin brothers, Leander and Leroy were born in 1855 in Illinois.
George Washington Houser came from Pennsylvania after the Civil War and reconnected with his family. George became a friend of the Law family. In February of 1871 George and Sarah married.
In September of 1871, their first child, Alice Rebekah, was born. Alice’s sister, Ora Dell, wrote the following about Alice, “Alice Rebecca (or Rebekah) Houser was born in Christian County near Pana, Illinois. On account of failing health her father was obliged to move his family west.”
According to Mr. J. A. Miller, a good friend of both the Law and Houser Families, George and William Law bought a corn shelling machine. George had a very nice crop of corn and needed to speed up the shelling process.
Southwestern Migration ~
Houser Family migration from McPherson County to Harper County, Kansas
One day, George got his arm caught in the shelling machine. The accident nearly tearing his limb from his body. The accident was so serious that it nearly killed George. Neighbors came to assist the family in their time of need. It took some time for George to recover from this injury, but he did recover with his beloved Sarah at his side.
Soon after Alice’s birth, Sarah’s mother Nancy died. Little Adaline Catherine Houser was born to George and Sarah on September 6, 1873, and died on August 1, 1874. Adaline was buried next her grandmother, Nancy, in the Buckeye Prairie Cemetery, in Christian County.
The Houser family continued to farm in Illinois. Ada Houser was born February 14, 1886. Two years later, Jennie Lee Houser came. Ora Dell writes, “Jennie Lee Houser was born near Pana, Illinois, July 27, 1878. She came with her parents to Kansas when she was but an infant.”
After 1878, George and his family, Ada Law, Catherine Law Secrest and her family, William, Leander and Leroy decided to head south to settle in Kansas under the Homestead Act. Several other family members joined them as well.
Houser Farm
Ada Law Passes at age 7
Published in the Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Saturday, August 25, 1883
Page 5
Sarah sojourned as a child from Ohio to Illinois. Then she became a wife and mother of four children. She lost a child and her mother, cared for an injured husband, and survived. Then she packed up her living children and moved in a wagon with her family to Kansas where new roots were established. They lived in McPherson County for one year and then settled in Harper County.
On March 2, 1882, Leander Law, Sarah’s younger brother passed away. The reason for his death was not recorded as far as I have been able to find.
On September 15, 1882, Ora Dell Houser was born. She was the first Houser child born in their new home. According to the writings of Ora Dell, herself, she says, “They tell me I was born on a claim near Anthony, Kansas, Harper County, in a small frame house adjoining the dugout used for shelter in the early days.”
Life continued for Sarah with four living children. Irvin Houser, my grandfather, told the story that there was little wood available in the prairies of Kansas in those years. He was told that George had to go many miles to find lumber. Sarah stayed in the dugout with her children, while George went foraging for wood. That must have been a bit frightening for her and her children. She persevered.
Sarah Visited School
Published in the Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, April 10, 1891
Page 4
Published in the Alliance Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, April 17, 1891
Page 3
On August 21, 1883, little Ada Houser died. He was a little guy of seven years. Again, I have not found any recording of what happened to Ada, but there was a discussion from Granddad that his leg shriveled, and they thought, perhaps, it was like polio, but there is no record of this.
Now George and Sarah had three daughters, a homestead, and a life on the prairie to continue. They worked hard. Sarah had a brilliant mind and I imagine kept the family accounting records. From the newspaper articles and things written about her that I have read, she was very savvy in business.
Sarah was very interested in her daughters’ education. Newspaper articles tell of her visiting the school to check on the progress of her children. Education was not taken for granted in those days. It was a privilege to go to school.
Words spoken to the newspaper by, J. A. Miller, “I believe it was in 1887, at the Blue schoolhouse on Beaver Creek that a big protracted meeting was being held by a Cumberland Presbyterian preacher named Walcher. It was at this meeting that Mr. and Mrs. Houser gave up their old way of living and accepted Christ as their leader. To this day they have been faithful in their calling. It was at this place where this meeting was held that the Hopewell Presbyterian Church was organized.”
Ada D Law Passes
Published in the Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, January 22, 1892
Page 5
Published in the Weekly Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, January 22, 1892
Page 3
So, Christianity became a life commitment for Sarah and George about that time. That change of heart has been a blessing to George, Sarah, their children, and to the generations that followed them to the present day.
In 1887, Charles Raymond Houser was born. Words from Ora Dell’s writings, “Charlie, as he was always called, was born August 4, 1887, on his parents from southwest of Anthony. He received his education in what was known as the Goss school, which was nearly three miles from his home.”
Two years later on November 1, 1889, Irvin Palmer Houser was born. Ora Dell writes, “Irvin was born on his parents' farm in the Hopewell neighborhood, located seven miles southwest of Anthony. He received his grade schoolwork at the Goss School.”
On January 20, 1892, Sarah lost her father, Ada D. Law. He was 72 years of age and was a pioneer moving from Ohio to Illinois, then on to Kansas with his beloved family. I imagine Sarah and perhaps her daughters spent time caring for Ada in his last years.
A few months after the death of Ada, Sarah’s last child, Grace Eleanor came. Ora Dell writes, “Grace was born July 9, 1892, at her parents’ home in the Hopewell neighborhood. She attended grade school at Goss.”
Catherine “Kate” Law - Secrest Passes
Published in the Anthony Journal
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, August 31, 1894
Page 6
George and Sarah had eight children, of which six survived into adulthood. Four girls and two boys became strong members of the Harper County Community, due to George and Sarah’s good parenting and growing faith.
On October 10, 1894, Sarah lost her sister, Catherine “Kate” Law-Secrest. Kate had many life struggles but persevered and was the good mother to four children. Her grave is not marked, but it is buried somewhere in the Spring Grove Cemetery near her father, Ada. The document in this file stated “George” was Kate’s brother. George was actually her uncle, brother to Ada. Kate’s brothers were William and Leroy Law. Sarah was left with only her two brothers from her birth family.
The Houser home was a place of hospitality. George and Sarah very often invited friends home for Sunday dinners after church. Sarah and her girls prepared lots of good meals for family and friends.
Albert E Harmon & Alice R Houser Marriage
Published in the Anthony Journal
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, November 1, 1895
Page 4
On October 29, 1895, Sarah’s oldest child, Alice Rebekah married Albert Ellsworth Harmon. The wedding was conducted at the home of Sarah and George. It was an elegant and wonderful day for the Housers and Harmons.
Published in the The Weekly Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, November 8, 1895
Page 5
Henry Y Hazel and Jennie L Houser Marriage
Published in the Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, June 24, 1898 Page 5
Alice and Albert had their first child, Sarah’s first grandchild, Alma Ellen Harmon, born June 22, 1896. A year later, grandchild number two arrived, Miss Ethel May Harmon, born September 13, 1897.
Three years after Alice married, Jennie married Henry Younes Hazel at the home of the minister on June 12, 1898, in Anthony. Sarah’s two oldest girls were married, starting their own families. Time had moved on.
On March 12, 1899 Jennie delivered a little baby boy. According to Ora Dell’s writings, the child was named Dewey. Sadly, three days later on March 15, 1899, the little fellow died. The record in the family Bible only called him their “infant son.”
1899 brought George and Sarah another grandson, and fourth grandchild. Olin Ellsworth Harmon was born on July 11, 1899.
In February of 1900, William, Leroy and Sarah took a train trip back to their old home area for a visit. It had been 21 years since the Laws and Housers moved to Kansas. It must have been a wonderful time of seeing old friends and family. The newspaper mistakenly mentioned George Law. Leroy was Sarah’s brother. George Law, Sr. was her uncle, and George Law, Jr. was her first cousin. Leroy had to return home unexpectedly due to the illness of his wife at the time.
The Law Siblings Visit Christian County
William Law Marries Martha Catherwood
Published in the The Weekly Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Thursday, October 25, 1900 Page 4
Published in the The Weekly Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Thursday, February 8, 1900 Page 5
During the visit to Illinois in February, Sarah’s brother William reconnected with a friend back home. Miss Martha Catherwood came to Harper County and married William on October 12, 1900. It was a delight to everyone that bachelor William had finally found happiness in marriage.
George and Sarah were among the witnesses at the marriage ceremony that was held in Winfield, Kansas.
Spring Grove Cemetery Maintained
Published in the The Weekly Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Thursday, July 4, 1901
Page 8
Sarah Houser was very interested in her community. In July of 1901, Sarah contributed to the upkeep and fencing of the Spring Grove Cemetery. It was a hallowed place where her little son, her brother, sister and father were buried. Reading this newsclip made me smile for her wisdom and insight.
Published in The Harper Advocate
Harper, Kansas
Friday, February 13, 1903
Page 1
Ora Dell Houser Receives Teaching Certificate
To I am sure the pride of George and Sarah, Ora Dell Houser received a certificate to teach third grade in February of 1903. Ora graduated from school with high marks, and accomplished earning certificate to teach school, giving her independent income. I imagine George and Sarah were very delighted with her accomplishment.
William N. Law Passes
On February 17, 1903, Sarah’s beloved older brother William N. Law died. He succumbed to cancer of the pancreas just three short years after his blessed marriage to Martha Catherwood. This was a devastation to the entire Law and Houser family. William was a solid man of honor all his days.
Shortly after William’s death, Martha went back to Illinois to spend time with family during her mourning period. Once she returned to Kansas, she managed the probate affairs of William’s estate.
Published in the The Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, February 20, 1903 Page 1
Hopewell Ice Cream Social
Published in the The Anthony Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Thursday, August 6, 1903
Page 1
Berniece Louise Hazel
George and Sarah were blessed with a new grandchild on May 21, 1903. Berniece Louise Hazel was born to Henry and Jennie Lee.
Published in the The Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, August 7, 1903
Page 5
Houser’s Masquerade Party
Published in the The Anthony Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, February 12, 1904
Page 5
A happy day came in August of 1903, when George and Sarah hosted a lovely ice cream social for the Hopewell Community. The Christian Endeavor Social sponsored this event along side the Housers.
In February of 1904, George and Sarah hosted a masquerade party for the young people in the area. They were very hospitable in opening their home. This was an opportunity for their children to enjoy a fun evening with other young people.
Grace Houser’s 12th Birthday Surprise Party
Published in the The Anthony Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, July 15, 1904
Page 4
On July 9, 1904, Grace Houser turned twelve. Her mother had a pleasant surprise party for her. Thirty of her friends were at their home when Grace returned home on an errand her mother sent her on. Sarah was a beautiful hostess once again for the sake of her child.
Grace Eleanor Houser
The Houser’s and Friends Attend World Fair
Published in the The Anthony Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, October 4, 1904 Page 1
Published in the The Anthony Republican
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, October 14, 1904 Page 5
Published in the The Anthony Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, October 21, 1904 Page 8
In October of 1904, George, Sarah and Ora, along with several neighbors hopped on the train and went to the St. Louis World’s Fair. What amazing things they must have seen at such a monumental event. More information on the fair be seen by clicking on the image.
Charles Houser BIrthday Party
Published in the The Anthony Bulletin
Anthony, Kansas
Friday, August 11, 1905
Page 5
On August 4, 1905, Charlie Houser turned eighteen. His parents hosted a nice celebration for him. Cousins and friends were in attendance to honor him at this fun event.
Gladys Marie Harmon
Published in the The Medford Star
Medford, Oklahoma
Thursday, September 28, 1905 Page 8
Circa 1906 Harmon Family
Albert, Olin, Alice, Alma, Ethel
and baby Gladys Marie
On September 17, 1905, George and Sarah received word that another granddaughter had come. Albert and Alice had little Gladys Marie Harmon. A happy time for the Harmon’s and Grandpa and Grandma Houser.
To be Continued ~
My plan for this story was to honor Sarah as a memorial for the anniversary of her passing in 1924, one hundred years ago. That plan hasn’t changed, however, the story is much longer than I originally anticipated, so I have broken it into sections. Enjoy part one. I will be publishing part two in a couple of weeks. As in the newspaper, this article will continue in the next issue!
