Almon J. Houston

Born in Ohio, Almon Houston lived in the community of Wayne where he and his brother worked together as blacksmiths.

Almon Houston enlisted in company D on August 2, 1862 at Detroit. Almon's enlistment was probably a major influence on his younger brother William's decision to enlist in company D on August 13, 1862. At the time of their enlistment Almon Houston was 22. and William Houston was 19.

The State Adjutant General's records have the name spelled "Alman Huston", but all other sources, indicate the correct spelling was "Almon Houston".

Not very much is known about Almon's service. He was captured by the Confederates on July 1, 1863 during the first day's fight at Gettysburg. He spent more than a year in a Rebel prisons, including both Belle Isle and Andersonville. Fortunately his prison memoirs were included in the O. B. Curtis. Almon was eventually released on October 8, 1864. He eventually returned to the Regiment and mustered out with the them on June 30, 1865 at Detroit.

Not very much is known about his post war life. He did, however attended the Dedication of the 24th Michigan's Monument at "Michigan Day at Gettysburg" , June 12th-14th, 1889.

Photograph courtesy of the Wayne Historical Museum