Orin Huston Biography Contributed by Jan Cortez

Orin E. Huston was born at Cumberland, Me, Dec. 5, 1847. He is a son of two of Oceana County's earliest pioneers, Adam and Eliza A. Huston. He came with his parents to Oceana Co. in December, 1852, and lived with them upon the farm on Sec. 27, Claybanks, until the breaking out of the war when he enlisted as a private in Co. K. 23rd Mich. Vol. Inf., and served two years and three months. At the time of his enlistment he was but sixteen years of age and was the youngest soldier carrying a musket in his regiment. He participated in the battles of New Hope Church, Kennesaw Mountain, Ga., Columbia, Duck River, Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville, Tenn., Fort Anderson, Town Creek and Wilmington, N.C. Returning home in June, 1866, he remained on the old homestead until 1870 when he made a start on Sec. 34, Claybanks, where he now has 240 acres, 100 acres under improvement, with an orchard of 400 apple and 150 pear and plum trees. That he is an energetic, pushing man his surroundings show. June 5, 1870, he married the daughter of two pioneers of the county, viz., Miss Emma Tower, daughter of Harvey and Laura Tower. She was born in this county Dec. 27, 1850. She lived with her parents in Benona, Pentwater and Claybanks until her marriage. She was among the first of Oceana's lady teachers, commencing to teach when 15 years of age, teaching in Ferry, Benona and Claybanks. Mr. and Mrs. Huston are the parents of 7 children, 3 sons and 4 daughters. They had in their earlier days no school advantages but those afforded by the common schools of the county, which in those times were none of the best. No people in their part of the county now take a greater interest in school affairs than they. They possess in a marked degree the esteem of their neighbors and acquaintances. Mr. Huston has been honored by his fellow townsmen with the offices of Township ClerK and Treasurer.