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.

Houseman was also active in the political arena. He was member of the board of aldermen of Grand Rapids for eight years, from 1863 to 1870. He represented the first district of Kent County in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1871 to 1872, He served two terms as mayor of Grand Rapids in 1872 and 1874 and was an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor in 1876. He was elected as a Fusion candidate and seated with the Democrats in the United States House of Representatives from Michigan's 5th congressional district, serving from 1883 to 1885, the first Jewish representative from Michigan. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1884 and resumed his former business pursuits.

Houseman died in Grand Rapids in 1891 and is interred in Oak Hill Cemetery there.