Huston served in the infantry in the Regular Army and commanded a volunteer regiment of cavalry during the American Civil War.

When the Civil War began Captain Huston served with the 1st Infantry in Missouri, fighting at the battle of Wilson's Creek.

Gen. James Totten, was called to testify in court at St. Louis and Huston found himself as senior officer in the entire division.

Huston's men made an initial charge against a Confederate battery near the Borden House early in the fighting.

[2] Colonel Huston died in Burlington, New Jersey on December 2, 1884[3] and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.