The Architects: Oran Alonzo Hougland

SUDDEN DEATH OF O.A. HOUGLAND

The Chariton Patriot, Aug. 15, 1912

A telephone message was received here last Thursday evening, August 8th, 1912, conveying the shocking news that O.A. Hougland, of this city, had dropped dead that afternoon at Lenox, where he and his wife had gone the week before in their automobile for a visit with her sister, Mrs. J. F. Noble. Mr. Hougland was in the bank at Lenox and had just finished signing a contract for the plans for a hotel at that place, when he suddenly fell over and expired before medical assistance could reach him. The remains were brought to his home in Chariton on Friday evening, accompanied by the grief stricken wife and other relatives, and on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, largely attended funeral services were held at St. Andrew's Episcopal church, conducted by Rev. Geo. H. Chambers, under the auspises of the Masonic fraternity. The body was viewed at the church by friends from 1:00 until 2:30 o'clock. The floral tributes were profuse and beautiful, and bore testimony to the high regard of friends for the dead as well as sympathy for the living.

Oaren (sic) Alonzo Hougland was born in Missouri on September 6th, 1859, and at the time of his death was 52 years, 11 months and 2 days old. He went from Missouri to Moulton, Iowa, where he was employed for a time, coming to Chariton about 1875. He learned the carpenter trade here with his uncle, B.W. Hougland, and in 1880 formed a partnership with Wm. Layton, now deceased. Mr. Hougland later became an architect and was considered one of the best in this section of the state. He furnished the plans for some of the finest public buildings in the state, including churches, school houses, libraries, etc., as well as private residences.

He was married here on October 15th, 1877, to Miss Harriet Ida Neff, who survives him. To them four children were born, three sons and one daughter, all of whom preceded their father to the better land. They were Justin B., who died January 2d, 1879, aged 3 weeks and 3 days; Joseph Emory, who died September 16th, 1897, aged 17 years, 4 months and 3 days; Daisy May Wishart, died June 18, 1908, aged 26 years, 11 months and 4 days; (and) George Frederick, who died but a few weeks ago, on July 14th, 1912, aged 26 years, 8 months and 12 days. He is survived by his wife, and one sister and by his little grandson, Oaren Hougland Blous. the sympathy of the entire community goes out to these stricken ones in their double bereavement.

Mr. Hougland was a Scottish Rite Mason, the only one in the city. He was also a member of the I.O.O.F., Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Elks, Eagles, and their auxiliary orders. He was also one of the early members of the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department. He was public spirited, always lending his aid to the upbuilding of the city and her interests. He was devoted to his family and was a kind neighbor and friend. He was genial and courteous to all with a pleasant word for each and every one, and had a large number of friends throughout the the county and state who will mourn his demise.

DEATH OF O.A. HOUGLAND

Chariton's Well Known Architect Died Suddenly at Lenox

The Chariton Leader, Aug. 15, 1912

On the first of last week, Mr. and Mrs. Hougland went to Lenox in their auto to look after business matters and to remain a few days at the home of their brother-in-law, Mr. John Noble. For some time past he had not been in his usual rugged health but this condition was not thought to be serious. He was nervous and easily affected by any excitement, and especially had the recent death of his son told on him. This death having transpired but a few weeks since.

After arriving at Lenox he required the services of a physician but on the day of his death was able to transact the business for which he went to Lenox, and was in the office of a business man, where he had submitted building plans for a contract as architect, and the agreements had been signed by all interested parties when he was noticed to gasp and throw up his hands as if in intense pain. Within a few moments he had expired. His remains were brought home and the funeral occurred on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in St. Andrews Episcopal church, of which he was a member, Rev. George Chambers reading the service. The funeral was under the auspices of the Masonic frathernity, he being an honored member. The body was held in state in the church from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and many friends for the last time viewed his face.

Mr. Hougland was one of Chariton's best citizens; was public spirited, kind and affable by nature and bore his part in affairs well --- just in his relations with men and true to his friends --- and just, though having no enemies, yet that would have been is relations to them. For many years he was a contractor and builder, but for the the past decade had devoted his entire time to his profession as architect, with marked success, for he was a man of fine capablilties. He was of that quality of manhood whose influence in the community will endure, and in future affairs, business and social, memories will return to the days when Lon Haugland was active among us and much more than passing regret will form the sensation which test those ties which bind. This is the best enconium that can be spoken.

Interment was made in the Chariton Cemetery.

O. A. Haugland was a native of Missouri, born Sept. 6, 1859. In early life he came to Chariton and was united in marriage to Miss Ida Neff, surviving. To them four children were born, all passing away, their son, Fred, dying only four weeks preious. Thus they shared the bitterest of earth's sorrows and now the wife has been left alone in bereavement, the worth recipent of human sympathy.