Julius Houseman - Political Career

Political Career

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 1872-1873 and 1874–1875 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.

He became a member of the Freemasons in 1854 and was a member of the Odd Fellows and of the B'nai B'rith. He was a charter member of the local Peninsular Club and was a member of the local Owashtanong club. He was influential in forming the Temple Emanuel, (Grand Rapids, Michigan) in 1857, the fifth oldest reform congregation in the United States, and in founding the first Jewish organization in Grand Rapids, the Jewish Benevolent and Burial Society.