25 Facts About Julius Houseman

Julius Houseman was born in Zeckendorf, in the Kingdom of Bavaria in the German Confederation.

Julius Houseman's father, Solomon Houseman, was a merchant and manufacturer of silk and cotton goods in Zeckendorf.

Julius Houseman then worked as dry goods clerk in a store in Bavaria, where he remained for three years.

Julius Houseman immigrated to the United States in 1851, at the age of nineteen, stopping first in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was clerk in a clothing house for a few months.

Julius Houseman then moved to New Vienna, Ohio, where he remained as clerk in a general store until March 1852.

Julius Houseman moved to Grand Rapids in August 1852, before he was twenty years old, and established a branch of the Battle Creek firm.

Julius Houseman is recognized as the first permanent Jewish settler of Grand Rapids.

The firm continued until 1870, when it was dissolved, with Mr Julius Houseman retaining possession of the Grand Rapids establishment.

Julius Houseman had developed an active interest in other lines of business and investments, notably in timber lands and the manufacture of pine lumber in Michigan, and after 1876 devoted himself largely to those interests.

Julius Houseman was one of the largest holders of real estate in the Grand Rapids area and held large tracts in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in other states.

Julius Houseman became involved with other business interests in Grand Rapids.

Julius Houseman was one of the organizers of the Grand Rapids chair company, serving as a director and vice president.

Julius Houseman was a director of the Grand Rapids Brush company and a leading stockholder, director and president of the Grand Rapids Fire Insurance company.

Julius Houseman was one of the founders and directors of the Michigan Trust company and was identified with many other enterprises.

Julius Houseman was member of the board of aldermen of Grand Rapids for eight years, from 1863 to 1870.

Julius Houseman was elected as a Fusion candidate and seated with the Democrats in the United States House of Representatives from Michigan's 5th congressional district, serving from 1883 to 1885, the first Jewish representative from Michigan.

Julius Houseman was not a candidate for reelection in 1884 and resumed his former business pursuits.

Julius Houseman became a member of the Freemasons in 1854 and was a member of the Odd Fellows and of the B'nai B'rith.

Julius Houseman was a charter member of the local Peninsular Club and was a member of the local Owashtanong club.

Julius Houseman was influential in forming the Temple Emanuel in 1857, the fifth oldest reform congregation in the United States, and in founding the first Jewish organization in Grand Rapids, the Jewish Benevolent and Burial Society.

Julius Houseman died in Grand Rapids and is interred in Oak Hill Cemetery there.

Julius Houseman left a large property, estimated to be worth approximately a million dollars.

Julius Houseman was survived by his daughter, an only child, Mrs David M Amberg and family of Grand Rapids; his sister, Mrs M Alsberg of New York city; William Houseman, a half brother; Mrs Simon Mainzer, a half sister, and his cousin, Mr Joseph Houseman and family.

In 1907, his daughter, Hattie Julius Houseman Amberg, donated six acres of land to the Grand Rapids Board of Education for use as an athletic field in memory of her father.

The Julius Houseman Field continues be shared by several Grand Rapids area high schools.