Description
“Death Comes to Mrs. Eliza F. Houston, 96 – Aged Woman, Former Slave, Spoke of Bondage with Tears in Her Eyes” Mrs. Eliza Houston, 96, died Monday, January 11, at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Glennie Williams in Wyandotte County near Nearman. Kansas. Mrs. Houston was born a slave, March 18, 1838, in Louisville, Kentucky. When quite young she was brought to Platte County Missouri. She was freed when in her late twenties and made her home in Plattsburg, Missouri. Mrs. Houston was formerly Eliza Fowler, that being the name of her master. Mrs. Fowler did not remember her father, but her mother lived to be quite old and made her home with Mrs. Houston in Plattsburg. Mrs. Houston had 11 sisters and brothers. After slavery only three sisters and two brothers were located. A brother, James Scruggs received an education and taught school many years in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mrs. Houston married Henry Houston soon after freedom. She was the mother of seven children. None of them survive. She would speak of slavery with tears in her eyes. She stated that her master, Mr. Fowler, owned a certain number of slaves and his wife owned slaves also. Mrs. Houston was owned by Mr. Fowler who was very kind to his slaves but Mrs. Fowler was cruel to hers. She stated that her work included both outside labor and house work. She would rise in the early hours of the morning, hitch up the oxen and felled trees all day. More than 50 years ago Mrs. Houston became a member of the Baptist Church in Plattsburg. She was baptized by the late Rev. Mr. Moten of that city. She moved to Kansas City, Mo., 34 years ago and joined the Pleasant Green Baptist church then located on Independence and Tracy avenues. The late Rev. Mr. Morgan was pastor when she became a member. At the time of her death she was a member of the Metropolitan Spiritual church, Thirteenth street and Garfield Avenue, Missouri side. Although Mrs. Houston lost her sight 16 years ago she could darn, lay pleats in garments, dress fowls and do all of her household duties. She could neither read nor write. Her health had been failing for the past few years but she was confined to her home only four weeks. She was liked very much by the young people. Mrs. Houston was a member of the S.M.T. over 20 years. The funeral was held yesterday at the Metropolitan Spiritual Church with hishop William F. Taylor officiating. Besides Mrs. Williams she leaves another granddaughter, Mrs. Eliza Childress of Quindaro, and James Williams, great grandson. Burial was in Westlawn Cemetery. The J. W. Jones undertaking company was in charge of the funeral.Date(s) of Creation
2/15/1934
