Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County, Illinois; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.

George HOUCK, of the firm of Houck & Brown, tanners and curriers, wholesale and retail dealers 
in sole-leather and shoe findings, etc., Joliet; was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, Dec. 13,
1827; when he was about 12 years of age, his parents came to this country, and purchased a farm 
in Erie Co. N. Y.; Mr. HOUCK remained on the farm until 1846, when he went to Buffalo, and 
entered the employ of ex-President Millard FILLMORE, where he continued one year; he then 
served three years at the tanner and currier's trade, learning thoroughly every branch of the 
business; in 1850, he came to Chicago, living there until 1853, when he came to Joliet, and 
entered the employ of Mack & Cleghorn; in 1863 the firm of Mack, Cleghorn & Co. was formed, 
Mr. HOUCK becoming partner; the same year, they built the Joliet Tannery; the present firm of 
Houck & Brown was formed in 1876; they give employment to twenty men. Mr. HOUCK was married in 
1853, to Miss Anna HOHMAN, of Chicago, a native of Hess Cassel, Germany; they have three 
children living - Mary, now Mrs. William GRASSLEY, of Chicago; Lizzie, wife of Frederick 
STEINBURN, of Joliet, and Annie S.