Rev. J. R. Houston, eighty years old, widely known Presbyterian minister in Virginia and other sections, and father of Harry R. Houston, of Hampton. Speaker of the House of Delegates, died last night at 8:15 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. R. Ricker. Dr. Houston's health had been failing for some time, and he removed to Richmond about two months ago from his farm in Hototourt County.
Dr. Houston had been a minister in the Presbyterian Church for more than fifty years, having served his first charge when he was about twenty-five years old. Despondency, the fact that he had a retiring disposition, he was well known and named a wide reputation, his health forced his retirement from active work several years ago. Since that time he had made his home on his farm in Hototourt County. About two months ago he was persuaded to make his home with his daughter in this city.
The funeral will be conducted tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock, probably from the home, and the interment will be in Hollywood Cemetery.
He is survived by nine children: Harry R. Houston, of Hampton; Mrs. William M. Miller, of Huckingham County; Mrs. R. T. Patterson, wife of a missionary stationed in China; Mrs. X. K. Spessard, of New Castle, Craig County; Mrs. S. J. Kails, North Carolina; Mrs. W. A.  I'lecker, in this, and Misses Janet, Stella and Olive Houston, of Richmond. Dr. Houston was the son of a missionary, and was born in 1836 in Smyrna, Turkey. He was brought to this country when he was about four years old, where he was raised and educated. 