Houseman, Julius, 1832-1891

Julius Houseman (December 8, 1832 – February 8, 1891) was a U.S. businessman and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably served two terms as Mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan and as the U.S. Representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district.

Born in Zeckendorf, Bavaria (then part of the German Confederation), he was educated in the national schools of Zeckendorf and Bamberg and finished with a two-year course of study at a commercial school at Munich. He then worked as dry goods clerk in a store in Bavaria, where he remained for three years. He immigrated to the United States in 1851, working as a clerk in Cincinnati, Ohio and New Vienna, Ohio before moving to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he engaged in the merchant tailoring and clothing business, shortly thereafter moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, becoming the first permanent Jewish settler of the city. Successful in his tailoring and clothing business, 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. He was one of the largest holders of real estate in the Grand Rapids area and also held large tracts in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in other states.

...