Houghton Surname Project

Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D.^1,2,3,4,5

M, #8491, b. 21 September 1809, d. 13 October 1845

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass⁶ b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Family: Harriet Stevens b. 3 Nov 1809, d. 10 Aug 1869

Marriage*: Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D. married Harriet Stevens on Oct 9, 1833 at Fredonia, NY, USA, MLM: Sept. 10, 1833.^{6,17,10,11,12,18}

Harriet Douglass Houghton+¹³ b. 8 Jun 1837, d. 18 Jan 1921
Mary Houghton+ b. 30 Oct 1840, d. 17 Jun 1920
Catherine Houghton¹⁶ b. 21 Oct 1841, d. 15 Apr 1842

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Notable

Birth

Sep 21, 1809

Troy, Rensselaer Co., NY, USA, Who's Who, MLM: Sept. 21, 1809; Caldwell: 21 Sep 1809, Fredonia (Troy?); his memoir: 21 Sep 1809; others 1810^{6,2,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,5,14}

Education

Fredonia Academy, Fredonia, NY, USA, a student of Austin Smith, principal¹⁵

Graduation

1828

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA, and was adj. prof. of chemistry and natural history there, 1829-1830. At the age of 18 he had been admitted to practice of medicine by the Chautauqua County Medical Society.^9,16

Immigration

Nov 17, 1830

MI, USA, and was appointed to the General Cass expedition. In 1831 he served with Henry R. Schoolcraft as the physician and botanist for the expedition organized to discover the source of the Mississippi River.¹⁶

Occupation

between 1832 and 1836

Detroit, MI, USA, a physician and surgeon in partnership with Dr. Randall S. Rice¹⁶

Marriage

Oct 9, 1833

Fredonia, NY, USA, MLM: Sept. 10, 1833^{6,17,10,11,12,18}

Note

1834

first met

Land Recrd

between May 5, 1837 and Aug 3, 1839

Detroit, MI, USA, Michigan land records: dozens of land purchases totalling more than 9840 acres

1840 Census

1840

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, 8 Total: 1 male 10 to 15 (1825-1830), 1 male 30 to 40 (1800-1809) // 2 female under 5 (1836-1840), 1 female 15 to 20 (1820-1825), 1female 20 to 30 (1810-1819), 2 female 30 to 40 (1800-1809)¹⁹

Association

His affiliations inclued: co-founder Detroit Temperance Society, President of Detroit Board of Education, President of Detroit Young Mens Society, member of National Institute of Washingtion, member of Boston Society of Natural History, member of College of Natural History of Vermont, member of Literary & Historical Society of Quebec, Honary member of Academy of Sciences of Philadelphia, Vestryman of 2nd Protestant Episcopal Church of Detroit, member of Hartford Natural History Society of Connecticut, Honorary member of Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen Denmark, 1st ward delegate to Detroit Democratic Convection, member of Geological and Historical Society of Newark Seminary in Ohio, Professor of Mineralogy and Chemistry at the University of Michigan, founding member and treasurer of the Association of American Geologists²⁰

Office

Jul 17, 1844

MI, USA, U. S. Deputy Surveyor¹¹

Death

Oct 13, 1845

Eagle River, Lake Superior, MI, USA, while traveling in a small boat along the south shore of Lake Superior near Eagle River. (MLM, Caldwell: Oct. 14)^{6,7,10,16,12,13,5}

Obituary

Nov 4, 1845

Fredonia, NY, USA, in the Fredonia Censor

Burial

May 15, 1846

Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, MI, USA, site S-5
also:
Forest Hill Cemetery *
Fredonia
Chautauqua County
New York, USA¹⁶

Biography

Chautauqua Co. Hx: "educated under Prof. Eaton, Troy; went to Detroit, Mich., as lecturer on different scientific subjects; returned to Fredonia, and studied medicine with Dr. Walworth. He married Harriet Stevens, of Fredonia, and settled in Detroit at the age of twenty-four. He there practiced medicine and surgery; but left the practice for the, to him, fascinating studies of geology and botany. He was physician to the expion under Schoolcraft that discovered the sources of the Mississippi river. He was also sent out as physician, by the general government, to vaccinate the Indians on Lake Superior. He was state geologist of Michigan, and passed through Lake Superior several summers in birchbark canoes."

JWH: "He was a graduate in medicine and the first state geologist in Michigan. He was the first one to give to the world an intelligent description of the immense deposits of iron and copper in the Lake Superior region, and his reports led to the development of those mines in this country. He was drowned at the mouth of Eagle River, in Lake Superior, in a sudden snowstorm, while coasting the above in an open boat with four companions. The original survey of the state was undertaken and continued until his death. He issued seven annual reports, which are now exceedingly rare and valuable. Under his direction, the state was among other things to be mapped by counties, and six maps were prepared, beautifully engraved and printed, and the work on the other had progressed, almost to completion. With the death of Houghton, the work ceased, after an expenditure of $32,829.03. Much of the material gathered by the geologist was lost with him in Lake Superior, and much more which he gathered in the form of notes was unavailable, as none other than himself could put them in shape for publication. But the work that Houghton did for Michigan was most important, first calling attention to the mineral resources of the upper peninsula, first discovering salt, and also being the first to discover gypsum. His reports are scholarly efforts, and are remarkable for their accuracy and comprehensiveness. The matter of reprinting them has often been discussed in scientific circles."

Who Was Who, p. 261: "grad. Rensselaer Poly. Inst., Troy;m. Harriet Stevens, 1833, 2 daus. Asst. prof. chemistry and natural history Rennselaer Poly. Inst., 1829; Lectured on biology, geology and chemistry, Detroit, 1830; licensed [Chautuaqua Co.] as med. practicioner, 1831; apptd. surgeon and botanist H.R. Schoolcraft's expdn. to find sources of Mississippi River, 1831-32; practicing physician and surgeon, Detroit, 1833-1837; prof. geology and mineralogy U. Mich., 1838-45; mayor Detroit, 1842-43; mem. Literary and Hist. Soc. of Que., Boston Soc. Natural History. Drowned in Lake Superior, Oct. 13, 1845."

Ray Nelson: He was "selected as one of two boys from Chataugua to attend Rensselear Institute...and was Mr. Eaton's asst. in scientific escursion to Niagra; sent to Detroit to lecture in Geology; stud. medicine and began practice in Detroit...surgeon on expedition under Schoolcraft that discovered the source of the Mississippi R....abondoned medicine and became Professor at Univ. of Michigan and the state geologist..."Campbells' Outline..Hist. of Michigan": says he was U.S. Geologist and member of several foreign societies."

Cyclopaedia of Amer. Biog.: "At an early age he removed to Fredonia, N.Y. He erected a hermitage in his father's orchard, where he began his research into the laws of nature. Among his experiments was the manufacture of percussion-powder, which had been recently invented. An explosion occurred in which he was blown up with his manufactory. Although receiving no serious injury, he bore evidence of this accident through out his life. He was graduated at the Rensselaer polytechnic institute in 1829, remained there as adjunct to the junior professor of chemistry and natural history. He delivered a course of scientific lectures in Detroit in 1830, which attracted large audience. In 1831 he was licensed to practice medicine by the medical society of Chautauqua country, and at this time served as physician and botanist on the government expedition organized by henry R. Schoolcraft to explore the sources of Mississippi river. His report on the botany of this region proved his extensive knowledge of the flora of the northwest, and extended his reputation. He settled in Detroit, where he practised as a physician and surgeon from 1832 to 1837, when he projected the geological survey of Michigan, and received the appointment of state geologist. In 1838 he was appointed professor of geology, mineralogy, and chemistry in the University of Michigan. In 1840 he explored the sourthern coast of Lake Superior, the results of which research he reported to the legislature. In 1842 he was elected mayor of Detroit. He was a member of the National institute of Washington, D. C., of the Boston society of natural history, an honorary member of the Royal antiquarian society of Copenhagen, and of other scientific and literary associations. He lost his life while engaged in a new government survey on Lake Superior. Anxious to arrive at his destination, he did not heed the warnings of the threatened snow-storm, his frail boat encountered the violent sea, and he was drowned."

Biog Dict. of Notable Amer. V:
Houghton, Douglass, naturalist, was born in Troy, N.Y., Sept. 21, 1809; son of Judge Jacob and Mary Lydia (Douglass) Houghton. His paternal ancester came from england about 1658. He removed with his parents to Fredonia, N.Y., in 1812 and as a boy made investigations and experiments in explosives which came near ending his life. He was graduated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1828; was adjunct professor of chemistry and natural history there, 1829-30, was licensed to practice medicine by the medical socity of Chautauqua county in 1831; served as botanist and physician on the Schoolcraft government expedition to the head waters of the Mississippi in 1831-32 and made a valuable report. He practiced medicine in detroit, Mich., 1832-37; was state geologist of Michigan, 1837-45, and professor geology, mineralogy, and chemistry in the University of Michigan, 1839-45. He declined the presidency of the university. He explored the southern coast of Lake Superior and reported his observations to the legislature in 1840, and was mayor of Detroit, 1842-3. He was a member of the National Institute of Washington, D.C; of the Boston Society of Natural History, and an honorary member of the Royal Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen. While making a government survey of Lake Superior he lost his life in a storm, Oct. 13, 1845.

Herringshaw's Enc.: He erected a hermitage in his father's orchard and engaged in research. . Among his experiments, he manufactured the newly invented percussion powder.

The county, town, and Lake Houghton, Roscommon Co., MI, were named after him.

He was supt. of the Salt Works project in Saginaw Co. on the Tittabarrapee? River.

He was 5'5" in height. He and schoolmate, William Hart, in 1825, made gunpowder for a year as a business, until, while carrying some gunpowder, a spark hit the oven, and the gunpowder exploded. It threw him through the mill door.

Dict. of Amer. Biog.: "When he was born, Douglass was undersized and feeble, but he increased in health and strength as he grew to boyhood. His early training was gained at te then newly established Fredonia Academy where his record was that of a good student, high-spirited, and well meaning. He was early recommended as a candidate for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N.Y., from which he graduated as a bachelor of arts in 1829, a few months later receiving through the influence of Amos Eaton an appointment as assistant professor in chemistry and natural history. In 1830 when Eaton was asked by Gov. Lewis Cass and members of the Michigan Legislature to recommend to them a person to deliver a course of lectures on chemistry, botany, and geology at Detroit, he promptly named Houghton, somewhat to their astonishment, owing to his yourth and still more youthful appearance. His success as a lecturer was immediate and in 1831 he was given an appointment as surgeon and botanist to an expedition under Henry R. Schoolcraft, organized for the purpose of discovering the sources of the Mississippi. Before entering Rensselaer Institute, when but seventeen years of age, Houghton had studied medicine under a local physician and in the spring of 1831 he had qualified as a practicioner. After his return from the expedition he practised for five years (1832-1837) as physician and surgeon in Detroit. It is stated that he was also an adept in dentistry. Throughout this time, however, he carried on studies in the natural sciences, and in 1838 he was appointed professor of geology and mineralogy in the University of Michigan. This position he held until his death. In 1842 and in 1843 he was elected mayor of Detroit.
In 1837 he matured a plan for a geological survey of Michigan, which was favorably received by the legislature. An organization was formed with Houghton at its head, but its life was short owing to failure of appropriations in1841. Houghton then conceived the idea of a thorough geological, mineralogical, togographical, and magnetic survey of the wild lands of the United States, contemporaneously and conjointly with the linear survey of the public domain already projected by the government. In advocacy of this plan he went to Washington where he finally convinced Congress of its feasibility, though not until he had given his personal guarantee ot carry it out at the cost estimated. Field work was begun in 1844. What might have been accomplished must remain conjectural owing to his death by drowning the year following, when he and four others, in an open boat, were overtaken by a storm on Lake Superior.
Houghton was of slender build, quite boyish in appearance, and a trifle lame owing to a severe hip trouble which he suffered in boyhood. Because of burns occasioned by the accidental explosion of gunpowder in one of his youthful experiments his ears, nose, and mouth were slightly scarred. He was a man of unusual power of perception, and of independent thought. His social and conversational powers were also exceptional and he had more than common capacity for friendship; "the little doctor" and "the boy geologist of Michigan" were terms applied to him. His local popularity is futher shown by the frequent recurrence of his name as applied to lake and township. He was an honorary member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen, and a member of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, the Boston Society of Natural History, and other societies of local importance. In 1833 he had married Harriet Stevens of Fredonia, by whom he had tow children, both girls." [Bela Hubbar, "A Memoir of Dr. Douglass Houghton," Am. Jour. of Sci. and Arts, Mar. 1848; Alvah Bradish, Memoir of Douglass Houghton (1889); R.C. Allen, memoir of Houghton, in Mich. Hist. Colls., vol XXXIX (1915); G. P. Merrill, "Contributions to a Hist. of Am. State Geol. and Natural Hist. Surveys," U.S. Nat. Museum Bull. 109 (1920); full bibliog. of Houghton's writings in J. M. Nicles, "Geologic Literature on North America," U. S. Geol. Survey Bull. 746 (1923); H. R. Schoolcraft, Narrative of an Exped. through the Upper Mississippi to Itasca Lake (1834); H. B. Nason, Biog. Record of the Officers and Grads. of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1824-86 (1887); J.W. Houghton, The Houghton Geneal. (1912); Democaratic Free Press (Detroit), Oct. 28, 1845, and following issues; Geol. Reports of Douglass Houghton (1928), ed. by G. N. Fuller.] G.P.M.

http://www.geocities.com/histmich/houghton.html:
Dr Douglass Houghton was a versatile physician who came from New York to Detroit in 1830, to lecture about geology and chemistry, and later became the states first geologist, in 1837. Earlier, he had explored the northern reaches of Michigan on two trips with Indian Agent, Henry Schoolcraft, and civic activist, Bela Hubbard, where he found copper traces on the Keweenaw Peninsula. As state geologist, he discovered the Saginaw Valley salt beds, and in his 1841 report to Legislature about copper findings in the Upper Peninsula, he triggered a mining rush.
In 1842, he was elect Mayor of Detroit, and the first free public schools opened during this tenure. He died in 1845, when his boat capsized in Lake Superior.
A city, county, and the state's largest inland lake, are all named in his honor.

http://www.chsbs.cmich.edu/Robert_Root/Guide/Houghton.htm:
An Example of a Historical Text

The handwritten text that follows comes from the 1840 journal of Douglass Houghton, describing Isle Royale. Try to read the handwriting on your own before consulting my transcription of the text. I have transcribed the manuscript page so that the lines of the manuscript and the lines of the transcription have the same length. After you’ve read the manuscript once, read it a second time with particular attention to the following problematic elements of the handwriting:

Transcription of Houghton’s Journal Page Above Line by Line Isle Royale is situated upon the northerly side of lake Superior & its central portion falls very nearly in the parallal of the 48th degree of Lat. & the 89th of Longitude. It has a length of about 45 miles & an average breadth
of from 6 to 7 miles stretching in its length in the same general direction of the north coast of the lake from S. W. to N. E. Its south westerly extremity approaches most nearly to the mainland being about 15 miles distant. Between this island & the main land, it will be recollected
the boundary between our own & the British possessions passes. Isle Royale in the distance appears as an irregularly Elevated island composed of a chain of hills having the same general direction as the island itself & a more close inspection shows it to be almost wholly composed
of rocky hills covered with a dwarf & for the most part sparse growth of timber, & with low marshy grounds & small lakes filling
up the spaces between these hills. The hills upon the N.westerly side rise quite abruptly from the water & their more Elevated
portions are probably elevated from 3 to 400 feet on the southest Easterly side the ascent is less sudden there usually being an intervening
comparatively level plateau of from 1/4 to 1/2 mile in width. Although there are many bare knobs of rock & in fact it may be said

Find a grave:
Detroit Mayor, Scientist. He was Michigan's first geologist and naturalist, coming to Detroit in 1830 at the request of Territorial Governor Lewis Cass as well as John Biddle and Lucius Lyon, the Territorial Delegates to Congress. In 1831, he joined his friend Henry Rowe Schoolcraft on a federal expedition to discover the source of the Mississippi River. Not only did he report on new plants discovered along the difficult canoe voyage, but he also gave smallpox vaccinations to hundreds of Indians. His reports regarding the copper regions of Keweenaw played an important role in the economic development of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. During his absence in the wilderness in 1841, he received word that he had been elected mayor of Detroit, and office he served in in 1842. In 1844, he came very close to being elected Governor during another absence in the northern wilds. On October 13, 1845, he and four others lost their lives en route from Eagle Harbor to Eagle River in the Keweenaw Peninsula when a sudden storm overturned their boat. His body was found the following spring on the Lake Superior shoreline and was brought back to Detroit. He was buried in the Family Plot that would eventually include his Jacob. Jacob led an expedition that discovered many iron ore deposits in the remote regions of the Upper Peninsula in 1842.In 1852, Jacob Houghton sold Andrew Carnegie, also in the exploration party, his first iron mine.

Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001:
HOUGHTON, Douglas, naturalist, born in Troy, New York, 21 September, 1810; died 13 October, 1845. At an early age he removed to Fredonia, New York He erected a hermitage in his father's orchard, where he began his research into the laws of nature. Among his experiments was the manufacture of percussion-powder, which had been recently invented. An explosion occurred in which he was blown up with his manufactory. Although receiving no serious injury, he bore evidence of this accident throughout his life. He was graduated at the Rensselaer polytechnic institute in 1829, remained there as assistant, and in the following year was appointed adjunct to the junior professor of chemistry and natural history. He delivered a course of scientific lectures in Detroit in 1830, which attracted large audiences. In 1831 he was licensed to practise medicine by the medical society of Chautauqua county, and at this time served as physician and botanist on the government expedition organized by Henry R. Schoolcraft to explore the sources of Mississippi river. His report on the botany of this region proved his extensive knowledge of the itora of the northwest, and extended his reputation. He settled in Detroit, where he practised as a physician and surgeon from 1832 till 1837, when he projected the geological survey of Michigan, and received the appointment of state geologist. In 1838 he was appointed professor of geology, mineralogy, and chemistry in the University of Michigan. In 1840 he explored the southern coast of Lake Superior, the results of which research he reported to the legislature. In 1842 he was elected mayor of Detroit. He was a member of the National institute of Washington, D. C., of the Boston society of natural history, an honorary member of the Royal antiquarian society of Copenhagen, and of other scientific and literary associations. He lost his life while engaged in a new government survey on Lake Superior. Anxious to arrive at his destination, he did not heed the warnings of the threatened snowstorm, his frail boat encountered the violent sea, and he was drowned.

His portrait hangs in the Lansing, MI capitol building.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Douglass Houghton (September 21, 1809–October 13, 1845), was an American geologist and physician, primarily known for his exploration of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan.
Early Life and Education
Houghton was born in Troy, New York, the son of Jacob Houghton, a lawyer and later a county judge, and Mary Lydia Douglass. Raised in a closely-knit, cultured home in Fredonia, New York, Douglass was a small person with a nervous, active temperament inclined toward the practical and scientific. He exhibited early his lifelong interest in the natural world, and in spite of a slight speech impediment and facial scarring from a youthful experiment with gunpowder he was at ease with all levels of society.
In 1829 Houghton entered the Rensselaer School at Troy, New York where, under the direction of Amos Eaton scientific training was emphasized, particularly in geology. That same year he received both the bachelor's degree and a teaching appointment in chemistry and natural history there. He also studied medicine with a doctor friend of his family and was licensed to practice in 1831.

Career
His association with the Michigan Territory began the previous year, when the city fathers of Detroit took their search for a public lecturer on science to Eaton, who strongly recommended the youthful Houghton. He was enthusiastically received in Detroit and rapidly became one of its best-known citizens, with the young men of his acquaintance soon styling themselves “the Houghton boys.”
Houghton quickly was selected by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft to act as physician-naturalist on expeditions through Lake Superior and the upper Mississippi valley in 1831 and 1832. On these trips Houghton did extensive botanical collecting, investigated the Lake Superior copper deposits of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and provided medical services to the Indian tribes they encountered.
In 1833 he married his childhood friend Harriet Stevens, with whom he had two daughters. The establishment of a flourishing medical practice in Detroit earned him the affectionate designation, "the little doctor, our Dr. Houghton," but by 1836 he had largely set aside the medical profession to concentrate on real estate speculation. His scientific interests remained strong, however, and as Michigan achieved statehood in 1837 he returned again to public life and his love of the natural world.
One of the first acts of the new Michigan state government was to organized a state geological survey, following a pattern already established in other states. Houghton's appointment as the first state geologist was unanimously hailed, and he occupied that position for the remainder of his life.
In 1839 he was also named the first professor of geology, mineralogy, and chemistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, but he continued to reside in Detroit. He and his survey assistants spent many weeks in the field each season, mapping and evaluating Michigan's natural resources, and his personal influence with state legislators kept the project moving in the face of many financial difficulties. His fourth annual report, based on field work done in 1840, appeared February 1, 1841. It helped trigger the first great mining boom of American history, and earned him the title of "father of copper mining in the United States."
He was a founding member and treasurer of the Association of American Geologists and Naturalists (the predecessor of the American Association for the Advancement of Science) and served on several of its committees. A lifelong Episcopalian and staunch Democrat, he was elected to a term as mayor of Detroit in 1842, apparently against his wishes, but his competent administration raised the possibility of higher political office, perhaps governor.

Death
In 1844, with the state survey moribund because of the lack of funds, Houghton organized a combined linear and geological survey of the Lake Superior region that was funded by the federal government, but while working on that survey he and two companions were drowned in Lake Superior near Eagle River when their small boat was swamped in a storm. His demise sent waves of shock through Michigan and the entire country, but his reluctance to yield to the expressed concerns of his voyagers about the worsening weather conditions may have contributed to the disaster. His remains were discovered on the shoreline the next spring and returned to Detroit, where they were buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Neither of the surveys on which he was working at the time was ever completed.

Legacy
Following his death, an enduring tradition arose claiming that many of Houghton's geological insights had been notably in advance of those of his contemporaries. In particular, it has been repeatedly asserted over the years that Houghton was the first geologist to recognize that the unique native copper deposits of the Keweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior could be profitably mined, contrary to what all previous mining experience would have suggested. These claims, however, cannot be supported by the available evidence, which indicates, rather, that his geological conclusions did not differ significantly from those of his professional colleagues, and that credit for that recognition belongs to Charles Thomas Jackson.
Houghton's place in American history is somewhat problematic. Although he was the state geologist of Michigan for eight years, for reasons not entirely clear he never wrote the long-anticipated final report that had been the goal of the survey from its inception and which could have fully established his scientific reputation. His multiple abilities were ideally suited to the needs of the society of his day, but he was not always successful in reconciling the conflicting demands of the various roles he filled. As a scientist his potential seems to have been considerable, but his tragic death prevented that potential from being fully realized.
The city of Houghton, Houghton County, and two Houghton Lakes are Michigan features named in his honor, as is Douglass Houghton Hall, a dormitory at Michigan Technological University. A plaque commemorating Houghton is at the entrance to the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Michigan. He and three other professors are also memorialized by a monument near the University of Michigan's Graduate Library that features a broken pillar symbolizing lives cut short.

References
Helen Wallin, Douglass Houghton, Michigan's First State Geologist 1837-1845, Michigan Geological and Land Managment Division (2004).
Laudatory biographies are:
Alvah Bradish, Memoir of Douglass Houghton, First State Geologist of Michigan (1889).
Edsel K. Rintala, Douglass Houghton, Michigan's Pioneer Geologist (1954).
A brief introduction to Houghton and the Lake Superior copper deposits can be found in:
Ira B. Joralemon, Copper: The Encompassing Story of Mankind's First Metal (1973).
A revisionary analysis of Houghton's geological work is found in:
David J. Krause, The Making of a Mining District: Keweenaw Native Copper 1500-1870 (1992).

Further Reading
Significant Houghton papers are in the Bentley Historical Library of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and in the Clarke Historical Library of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant. His annual geological reports are compiled in George N. Fuller, ed., Geological Reports of Douglass Houghton 1837-1845 (1928).
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglass_Houghton"

Michigan Historical Collections, Vol. 4:

DOCTOR DOUGLASS HOUGHTON,
The following is a brief abstract of a paper read February 5th, 1879, by Prof. Bradish, of Detroit, on Michigan's first geologist: DOUGLASS HOUGHTON was born in Troy, N. Y., Sept. 21, 1809. He graduated at the Van Rensselaer school in that city in 1828, and was soon after appointed assistant professor of chemistry and natural history in that institution, then under the control of Prof. Eaton. In 1830 General Cass, Major Biddle, Major Whiting, and others of Detroit applied to Professor Eaton for a person qualified to deliver a course of public lectures on chemistry and geology. Lucius Lyon, then a delegate in Congress from the territory of Michigan, on his return from Washington, called on Prof. Eaton to make the proper inquiries. Eaton listened to Mr. Lyon's request, then opened the door to the laboratory, and introduced the boy Houghton to the member of Congress, calling him by the familiar name "Douglass." Mr. Lyon was astonished and could hardly believe Prof. Eaton to be in earnest.
Young Houghton did not hesitate, and while retaining his professorship at Troy, came to- the border towm of Detroit. Thus commenced the career of the brilliant Houghton in the State of his adoption. Before he was 19 years old he had been admitted to practice medicine by the medical society of Chautauqua county, N. Y. He landed at Detroit before he Avas 20, a total stranger save the letter he brought, and he had just ten cents in money. He speedily made friends, and his lectures aroused great enthusiasm. Only a few months after his arrival in Michigan he received the appointment of physician and botanist to the expedition for the discovery of the source of the Mississippi, organized under the direction of Henry B. Schoolcraft. Houghton's labors with that expedition Avere skillfully performed, and his researches did much to extend our knowledge of the flora of the northwest. From 1832 to 1836 he practiced as a physician and surgeon in Detroit. He was also a. skillful dentist. He gained an extensiA'e practice, but never relaxed his studies in science. In 1834, when the cholera visited Detroit with such fearful results, no one could have been more devoted or made greater sacrifices to solace the sick and dying than young Houghton. Among his schoolmates he was a young Napoleon, organizing and leading in many mischievous and dashing enterprises; and the
same trait of character led him to stand courageously by the bedside of the cholera patients, and to be a leader in all his undertakings. His social qualities were singularly happy. He could not drop into a store or office without being surrounded by a group of admiring friends. In his habits he Avas absolutely temperate. His mind AA-as acute, disciplined, and ready,—not classical, perhaps not polished, but open, frank, and truthful. I t s culture had been scientific rather than classic or literary, and it was disciplined by wrting and lecturing, and made ready and accurate by a wide and' responsible intercourse with men, even before he was 20 years old. He read a great many books and plaved the flute with exceeding skill. In 1837 he matured the scheme for a geological survey of Michigan. There were few persons then in the State whose acquirements fitted them to give counsel in a, scheme of this kind, hence the labor and responsibility of projecting and maturing such a survey fell almost wholly on
him. He proposed to himself a system that should comprise four departments; namely, geology, zoology, botany, and topography, each having an official head, and all united under the general guidance of the State geologist. The first thing was to bring the matter before the Legislature and get its approval. The members of that body were not familiar with the fa'cts or the value of geologic science, and zoology and botany would appear to them, perhaps, of even less practical importance. Michigan had just entered the great family of States. She was inexperienced in public works of all kinds. Her people were sparsely scattered over a wide field of dense forests and oak openings. Through confidence in himself, a knowledge of men, tact, vigilance, courage, and labor, Houghton went before the Legislature and accomplished his purpose. Governor Mason, on the passage of a law establishing a geologic department, appointed Houghton State geologist. His able reports of his researches and discoveries are familiar to the public, but the arduous duties and sacrifices which he imposed on himself in developing the geology and the mineral wealth of Michigan can never be known. As an illustration of his intrepidity in time of danger, Prof. Bradish relates the following incident, which happened in 1840 or 1841. In that open Mackinac sail-boat (the same that was subsequently dashed to
pieces) he was making his way along the rock-bound coast of Lake Superior. Night was approaching. Black clouds suddenly overcast the heavens and the darkness of midnight approached. He was opposite the celebrated "pictured rocks," well out to sea, some 15 miles from his destination. His men, obedient to his will, tried hard to keep the boat off shore. But the wind blew a gale. Thunder and lightning added their horrors to the scene. Despite all their efforts, the storm was taking them directly on to the rocks, against Avhich the waters were heard to dash. Houghton saw there was no escape, and the frail barque was speedily sweeping to inevitable destruction. He knew that at intervals along the perpendicular ledges there were narrow breaks or rifts cut away by rivulets. Such a break might, if reached in time, admit of shelter. While the winds whistled and moaned, and the waves broke in thunder tones, leaping high up the cliffs, the geologist stood firm at the proAV of the tossing boat, watching with intense eagerness for one of these slight breaks in the frowning shore. The boat was almost touching the dreaded rocks. Suddenly there came a lurid flash of lightning. Houghton perceived an opening in the rocks, and the frail barque with its precious freight was Avhirled in and shot up the slope, safe on the gravelly beach. Labor and hardship had no terrors for Douglass Houghton, and although he died at the early age of 36, he had performed an amount of work rarely excelled, and made for himself a name and fame as enduring as the history of the peninsular State. I t was on October 14, 1845, that Dr. Houghton was lost on Lake Superior. It was ten o'clock at night, and in an open Mackinac sail-boat with five companions he was making his way over the rough waters of that inland sea. They had only a few miles before them to reach Eagle river, where he expected to send dispatches to Detroit in the morning. They were not far from land, a snow storm: prevailed, and the wind blew a gale. The leader of the band was anxious to get around a point of rocks, a low, broken promontory that shelved to a considerable distance seaward. He encouraged his men to brave the storm. The waves had increased and were running high. Accustomed to steer his own boat, Houghton trusted to his own judgment, skill, and good fortune, to overcome and master even the elements. His men proposed to> go ashore. Houghton encouraged them to proceed, and said, "Pull away, my boys, we shall soon be there; pull steady and hard." Amid the increasing
violence of the gale the boat was capsized. They all went under for a moment. Houghton was raised from the water by his trusty companion and friend Peter, Avho told the doctor to cling to the keel, then uppermost. "Never mind me," cried Houghton; "go ashore, if you can; be sure that I will get ashore Avell enough." All his valuable instruments and specimens were lost and his notes and papers scattered on the waters. Very soon the boat Avas righted and these devoted heroes Avere all at their oars again. But this bright interval was of brief duration. In a moment after, a wave struck her with such violence that the boat, receiving the blow at the stern, was dashed clear over endwise, and all Avere again thrown into the fatal waves. Two of the hardy mariners were thrown on the shore in a. helpless condition, but the leader of that heroic band went down, not again to rise. Such was the fate of the noble Douglass Houghton, Michigan's first geologist.

Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan 1808-2000 compiled by Norman C. Caldwell, p. 204:
HOUGHTON, DOUGLAS
U. S. Deputy Surveyor 17 July 1844.
Detroit Mayor 1842
BORN: 21 September 1809 in Fredonia (Troy?), Chautauqua County, New York, son and 4th child of Judge Jacob and Mary Lydia (Douglass) Houghton.
MARRIED: Harriet Stevens in 1833, formerly of Frederick, New York. (The widow Mrs. Houghton later married the Reverend R. R. Richards)
DIED: Drowned 14 October 1845 while traversing in a small boat along the south shore of Lake Superior near Eagle River. The body was recovered in the spring and internment took place in Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, site S-5, 15 May 1846.
SIBLINGS: Alured (B:1807, D:1829, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.)
Alexander
Sarah
Richard (B:1812, New York, D:12 September 1834)
Jacob Jr. (B:1827, D:1903)
sp:Theodosia P. Gillett (1833-1898)
Lydia
sp:Bradish
Christopher Columbus
CHILDREN: Harriet Douglas (B:8 June 1837)
Mary (B:1840+/-)
Katherine (B:21 October 1841)

A graduate of the VanRensselaer school in Troy, New York, in 1828, he was appointed as professor of chemistry and natural history at the school. At the age of 18 he had been admitted to practice medicine by the Chautauqua County Medical Society. He came to Michigan in 1830, arriving about 17 November, and was immediately appointed to the General Cass expedition and in 1831 served with Henry R. Schoolcraft as the physician and botanist for
the expedition organized to discover the source of the Mississippi River. From 1832 to 1836 he practiced as a physician and surgeon in
Detroit in partnership with Dr. Randall S. Rice. In 1837 he developed the concept of the Michigan Geological Survey, and became the first State Geologist. Bela Hubbard (DS 1846) in a report printed in the Pioneer Society annual, volume #3 from pages 189 to 201 recites: "The Michigan State Geological Survey was organized in 1837. In that year Geologist Douglas Houghton, accompanied by three assistants, C. C. Douglas, Bela Hubbard, and a dog named "Dash", set out to explore the Shiawassee and Saginaw River drainage system. The paper is far too voluminous to recite here in its entirety. The reader is encouraged to obtain a copy as it sets forth a very enlightening description of life and conditions in Michigan at this time. Mr. Hubbard is a very explicit writer and deals carefully with his observations and facts. One of the geology assistants was Harvey B. Lewis, formerly of Hardscrabble, Chittenden County, Vermont that moved to Michigan in 1833 and resided south of Battle Creek in 1835.

Others that aligned themselves with this energetic and knowledgeable leader were U. S. Deputy Surveyors William Austin Burt, Bela Hubbard, William Ives, Samuel W. Hill and Sylvester W. Higgins. Higgins is acknowledged as the assistant that helped compile the office reports and served as topographer for the expeditions. Houghton was one of the seven founding members of the "Young Mens Society of Detroit" in 1832. Others were Jacob M. Howard (U.S. Senator), George E. Hand, Franklin Sawyer Jr (editor), Charles W. Penny, Sidney S. Hawkins and Silas Titus. He was involved in the banking industry, being President of the Michigan Insurance Company and United States Deposit Bank at Jefferson and Griswold Streets, Detroit.
His affiliations included: Licensed Physician, Mayor of Detroit, Co-founder Detroit Temperance Society, President of Detroit Board of Education,
President of Detroit Young Mens Society, member of National Institute of Washington, member of Boston Society of Natural History, member of College of Natural History of Vermont, member of Literary & Historical Society of Quebec, Honorary member of Academy of Sciences of Philadelphia, Vestryman of
2nd Protestant Episcopal Church of Detroit, member of Hartford Natural History Society of Connecticut, Honorary member of Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen Denmark, lst ward delegate to Detroit Democratic convention, member of Geological and Historical Society of Newark Seminary in Ohio, Professor of Mineralogy and Chemistry at University of Michigan, founding member and treasurer of the Association of American Geologists.
1845 Voyagers on his last trip on Lake Superior: Peter McFarland, Baptiste Bodrie, Tousin Piquette & Oliver Larimer. A compass and tools used by Houghton are archived at the Museum at Houghton Lake, Michigan

Detroit Mayor, Scientist. He was Michigan's first geologist and naturalist, coming to Detroit in 1830 at the request of Territorial Governor Lewis Cass as well as John Biddle and Lucius Lyon, the Territorial Delegates to Congress. In 1831, he joined his friend Henry Rowe Schoolcraft on a federal expedition to discover the source of the Mississippi River. Not only did he report on new plants discovered along the difficult canoe voyage, but he also gave smallpox vaccinations to hundreds of Native Americans. His reports regarding the copper regions of Keweenaw played an important role in the economic development of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. During his absence in the wilderness in 1841, he received word that he had been elected mayor of Detroit, an office he served in in 1842. In 1844, he came very close to being elected Governor during another absence in the northern wilds. On October 13, 1845, he and four others lost their lives en route from Eagle Harbor to Eagle River in the Keweenaw Peninsula when a sudden storm overturned their boat. His body was found the following spring on the Lake Superior shoreline and was brought back to Detroit.^{6,2,7,8,9,10,13,5,21,22,23,16}

Notable

Houghton, Houghton, MI, USA, City of Houghton in Portage Township, Houghton Co., MI, was named after Dr. Douglas Houghton, the 1st state geologist of MI. Houghton, Michigan was named for the geologist Douglass Houghton who explored the area in the 1830s - 40s. Houghton County, MI, was named for Douglass Houghton by the MI Legislature.

Note

His compass and tools are archived at the Museum at Houghton Lake, MI.

As a side note, the State of Michigan named the city of Houghton, Houghton County, and two Houghton Lakes in his honor, as well as Douglass Houghton Hall, a dormitory at Michigan Technological University. A plaque comme-morating Houghton is at the entrance to the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Michigan. He and three other professors are also memorialized by a monu-ment near the University of Michigan's Graduate Library that features a broken pillar symbolizing lives cut short. In 2006, the University created the Douglass Houghton Scho-lars Program, designed to encourage students interested in careers in science.

Author

1889

Author: Bradish, Alvah, 1806-1901.
Title: Memoir of Douglass Houghton: first state geologist of Michigan. With an appendix, containing reports, or abstracts of the first Geological survey, and a chronological statement of the progress of geological exploration in Michigan / by Alvah Bradish.
Imprint: Detroit : Raynor & Taylor, printers, 1889.
Description: xii, 302 p. : ill. (port) col. plates ; 23 cm. [In Houghton Project]^24,25

Research

Who's Who. 1974
Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biography. 1988-1989
Dictionary of American Medical Biography, 1928.
Index to Scientists of the World form Ancient to Modern Times.1962
National Cyclopaedia of American Biography. 1891.
Allibone's Critical Dictionary of English Literature. 1858-1871
American National Biography. 1999
Biographical Dictionary of American Scientists. 1979
Biographical Index to American Science. 1990.
Biography Index 1956, 1968
Dictionary of American Biography. 1928-1936
Dictionary of Scientific Biography. 1970-1976
Drake's Dictionary of American Biography. 1872
Who's Who in America. 1967.

Duplicate

Research

1825

1825 Journal contains a Houghton genealogy

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 366 #821.
[S111] Who Was Who, p. 261.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 87 #2964.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 201-204.
[S1157] Dumas Malone, American Biography Dict. Vol. 5, p. 254-255.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 366.
[S768] Unknown author Cyclopaedia of Amer. Biog. III, p. 271.
[S779] Unknown author Encyclopedia of Amer. Biog., Herringshaw's, p. 499.
[S810] Earl Cranston Am. Biog. Libr.: Notable Amer., V.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 87.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 201.
[S1116] Lois Barris, Fredonia NY Censor Death Notices 1819-1899, p. 282.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 9.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 611.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 63:114.
[S401] Interview by phone with Judy Lena, Sep 9, 2003: She has possession of Doughlass Houghton's journal.
[S1225] 1840 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: 212; Page: 168.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 203.
[S923] " Knights Templar, "Dr. Douglass Houghton, Explorer and Masonic Mediator", p. 23.
[S768] Unknown author Cyclopaedia of Amer. Biog. III.
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglass_Houghton
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , American Antiquarian Society Online Catalog: http://catalog.mwa.org/
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton.

Richard Henry Houghton^1,2

M, #8492, b. 29 June 1812, d. 12 September 1834

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Jun 29, 1812

Cattaraugus, Cattaraugus Co., NY, USA^3,4,5

Education

1824

Fredonia Academy, Fredonia, NY, USA⁶

Note

Detroit, MI, USA, studied medicine with his brother Douglass^5,7

Death

Sep 12, 1834

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 23, of cholera^3,4,5,8

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #822.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2965.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 9.
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 10.
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 11.

Lydia Douglass Houghton^1,2

F, #8493, b. 20 July 1815, d. 6 May 1902

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton³ b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass³ b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Family: Prof. Alvah Bradish b. 4 Sep 1806, d. 20 Apr 1901

Marriage*: Lydia Douglass Houghton married Prof. Alvah Bradish on Sep 25, 1839 at Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA.^4,8,6,3

Sarah Houghton Bradish⁷ b. 19 Jul 1840, d. 17 May 1912
Mary Lydia Bradish⁹ b. 11 Apr 1852
Alice Theodosia Bradish b. 23 Feb 1854

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Jul 20, 1815

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 35 in 1850 census; age 39 in 1855 census^4,5,6,3,7

Marriage

Sep 25, 1839

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA^4,8,6,3

1855 Census

1855

Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 48, artist⁹

Death

May 6, 1902

^8,6

Burial

Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, Plot: C/104

Note

Lydia Douglass Houghton married Professor Alvah Bradish in Fredonia on September 25, 1839. Together they had the following children:

1) Sarah Houghton Bradish, b. Fredonia, July 19, 1840; m. April 24, 1867, E. F. Swart, C. E; res. Meadville, PA

2) Mary Lydia Bradish, b. Detroit, April 11, 1852; m. April 6, 1875, Rev. L. W. Applegate, Episcopal clergyman; res. (1877) Indianapolis, IN

3) Alice Theodosia Bradish, b. Fredonia, Feb. 23, 1854.

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #823.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2966.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, Vol. 80, p. 187.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Pomfret, Chautauqua, New York; Roll: M432_485; Page: 232; line 34, dwl 725-747.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 80:186.
[S1516] 1855 State Census , New York, State Census, 1855 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.

Sarah Douglass Houghton^1,2

F, #8494, b. 7 December 1817, d. 30 August 1840

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton^3,4 b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass³ b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Dec 7, 1817

Mayville, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA^5,6,4

Death

Aug 30, 1840

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, after a long illness^5,6,3,4

Obituary

Sep 9, 1840

Fredonia, NY, USA, in the Fredonia Censor³

Note

A poetic genius.³

Burial

1840

Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, transferred from Fredonia Old Ground⁷

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #824.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2967.
[S1116] Lois Barris, Fredonia NY Censor Death Notices 1819-1899, p. 282.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://interment.net/data/us/ny/chautauqua/foresthill/…

Alexander Houghton^1,2

M, #8495, b. 15 July 1820, d. 22 December 1906

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Jul 15, 1820

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 30 in 1850 census; age 34 in 1855 census; age 40 in 1860 census; age 48 in 1870 census; age 59 in 1880 census; age 79 in 1900 census^3,4,5,6

Occupation

1855

farmer

1870 Census

1870

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 89, property $16,000-2500; and Sarah Douglas, 79, CT⁷

Residence

1875

Fredonia, NY, USA, a farmer⁶

1880 Census

1880

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 59, a farmer, single⁸

1900 Census

1900

Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 79, single; a boarder.^9,10

Death

Dec 22, 1906

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA¹¹

Obituary

Dec 27, 1906

Houghton, Alexander; ; Fredonia NY; Tonawanda News; 1906-12-27

Burial

1906

Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA¹¹

Duplicate

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #825.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2968.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1900 US Census, Fredonia, NY, Vol. 200, ED 155.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, Roll 913, p. 564, line 1, dwl 432-443.
[S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Fredonia, Chautauqua, New York; Roll: T9_816; Family History Film: 1254816; Page: 539D; Enumeration District: 66; sheet 48, line 21, dwl 2-495.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1900 US Census, Fredonia, NY, Vol. 20, ED 120.
[S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., New York; Roll: T623 1015; Enumeration District: 120; Sheet 21A; line 15, dwl 48.
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://interment.net/data/us/ny/chautauqua/foresthill/…

William Houghton^1,2

M, #8496

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton³ b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Death

in infancy⁴

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #826.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2969.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.

Theodore Houghton^1,2

M, #8497, b. 22 June 1824, d. 29 January 1825

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton³ b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Jun 22, 1824

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, dd calc⁴

Death

Jan 29, 1825

Fredonia, NY, USA, ae 7 m³

Obituary

Feb 2, 1825

Fredonia, NY, USA³

Burial

1825

Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, transferred from Fredonia Old Ground⁴

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #827.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2970.
[S1116] Lois Barris, Fredonia NY Censor Death Notices 1819-1899, p. 282.
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://interment.net/data/us/ny/chautauqua/foresthill/…

Jacob Houghton Jr^1,2

M, #8498, b. 28 May 1827, d. 28 April 1903

Father*: Judge Jacob Houghton b. 15 Feb 1777, d. 30 Jul 1861
Mother*: Lydia Douglass b. 10 Dec 1780, d. 2 Jan 1872

Family: Theodosia Petite Gilett b. bt 1832 - 1836, d. 6 Feb 1898

Marriage*: Jacob Houghton Jr married Theodosia Petite Gilett on Apr 28, 1853.^3,7,5

Mary Lydia Houghton b. 30 Apr 1854
Theodocia G. Houghton b. 18 Dec 1856, d. 28 Nov 1887
Philip Stanhope Houghton+ b. 6 Apr 1860
Douglass G. Houghton b. 31 Jan 1863
Sarah Frances Houghton b. 9 May 1865
Annie Gilette Houghton b. 17 Jan 1868
Annie Houghton¹⁶ b. Oct 1872
Sadie Houghton¹⁶ b. May 1873

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

May 28, 1827

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 23 in 1850 census; age 35 in 1860 census; age 50 and 53 in 1880 census; June 1826, age 73 in 1900 census^3,4,5

Note

between 1844 and 1845

MI, USA, He participated in the geological surveys of the upper MI peninsula with his brother Douglass Houghton.

1850 Census

1850

Detroit, Wayne Co., NY, USA, age 23, a civil engineer, in a boarding house⁶

Marriage

Apr 28, 1853

^3,7,5

1860 Census

Jun, 1860

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 35, supt. water works; property $20,000-4000; and S. and Mary Gillett, 60 & 57, fisherman⁸

1870 Census

1870

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 42, a civil engineer, personal property $1000⁹

Author

1877

contributed article on "Ancient Copper Mines of Lake Superior."¹⁰

1880 Census

1880

Park, Park Co., CO, USA, age 53, a mine superintendent; living with John Thomas^11,12,13,14

1880 Census

Jun 1, 1880

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 50, a mining engineer¹⁵

1900 Census

1900

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 73, widower^16,17

Death

Apr 28, 1903

Detroit, MI, USA¹⁸

Burial

Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA

Biography

JWH: "Living in Detroit in 1899. Went to Detroit in 1842. Civil engineer and mining expert.'; Chautauqua Co. Hx: His residence is in Detroit (1875); but his buisness is at Michigamme, Marquette Co., MI. He was a civil engineer, and owned a saw-mill and part of an iron mine.^3,5

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #828.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88 #2971, 135 #2900.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: M432_365; Page: 24/ p. 47, line 40.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88, 135.
[S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit Ward 1, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: M653_565; Page: 27; line 1, dwl 210-215.
[S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, Reel 713, p. 384, line 23, dwl 868-889.
[S96] NEHGR, 34 [1880]:332.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1880 Soundex, Park, Park Co., CO, Reel 3, Vol. 4, ED. 96, Sh. 17, Ln. 13.
[S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, CO 1880 Federal Census Index, Dudley, 13th Prect, Park Co., CO, p. 209.
[S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Park, Park Co., CO, Roll: T9_92; Family History Film: 1254092; Page: 209A; Reel 3, Vol. 4, ED. 96, Sh. 17, Ln. 13,.
[S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Park, Park Co., CO, Roll: T9_92; Family History Film: 1254092; Page: 209A; Reel 3, Vol. 4, ED. 96, Sh. 17, Ln. 13.
[S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T9_612; Family History Film: 1254612; Page: 264A; Enumeration District: 282; sheet 5, line 15, dwl 51-38-43.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex, Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, Reel 92, V. 77, E.D. 4, S. 19, Ln. 30.
[S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Ward 1, Wayne Co., Michigan; Roll:T623; Enumeration District: 4; Sheet: 19A; line 30, dwl 51-312-330.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.

Harriet Stevens¹

F, #8499, b. 3 November 1809, d. 10 August 1869

Family 1: Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D. b. 21 Sep 1809, d. 13 Oct 1845

Marriage*: Harriet Stevens married Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D., son of Judge Jacob Houghton and Lydia Douglass, on Oct 9, 1833 at Fredonia, NY, USA, MLM: Sept. 10, 1833.^4,5,6,3,7,8

Harriet Douglass Houghton+ b. 8 Jun 1837, d. 18 Jan 1921
Mary Houghton+ b. 30 Oct 1840, d. 17 Jun 1920
Catherine Houghton¹¹ b. 21 Oct 1841, d. 15 Apr 1842

Family 2: Rev. R. R. Richards

Marriage*: Harriet Stevens married Rev. R. R. Richards.

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Nov 3, 1809

NY, USA, bp per 1920 census of Mary Houghton²

Origin

Frederick, NY, USA³

Marriage

Oct 9, 1833

Fredonia, NY, USA, MLM: Sept. 10, 1833^4,5,6,3,7,8

Marriage

to Rev. R. R. Richards³

Marriage

Residence

1853

Detroit, MI, USA, a widow⁹

Death

Aug 10, 1869

Saginow Co., MI, USA

ParentsD

Beach Stevens (____ - 1812) Rebecca Hull Stevens (1778 - 1847)
of Fredonia, NY¹⁰

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 366 #821s.
[S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co., NM, Reel T625_1080, ED 130, SD 219, Sh. 1B, line 78, dwl 234-24-28.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 201.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 366.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 63:114.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 87.
[S1116] Lois Barris, Fredonia NY Censor Death Notices 1819-1899, p. 282.
[S401] Interview by phone with Judy Lena, Sep 9, 2003: She has possession of Doughlass Houghton's journal.
[S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, letter, Dec. 15, 1853, to Francis W. Houghton from town county clerk of Saginaw City, MI.
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 61.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.

Harriet Douglass Houghton^1,2

F, #8500, b. 8 June 1837, d. 18 January 1921

Father*: Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D.³ b. 21 Sep 1809, d. 13 Oct 1845
Mother*: Harriet Stevens b. 3 Nov 1809, d. 10 Aug 1869

Family: Franklin Embury Morgan b. 9 Jun 1836, d. 10 Jun 1918

Marriage*: Harriet Douglass Houghton married Franklin Embury Morgan.³

Franklin William Morgan⁴ b. 7 Sep 1864
Harriet Isabella Belle Morgan⁴ b. 21 Nov 1867
John Lloyd Morgan⁵ b. 4 Aug 1871
Edward Houghton Morgan+ b. 27 Oct 1873, d. 26 Jan 1960
Richard E. Morgan⁵ b. c 1878

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Jun 8, 1837

Detroit, MI, USA, age 33 in 1870 census; age 42 in 1880 census^2,4

Marriage

1870 Census

1870

Coldwater, Branch Co., MI, USA, age 34, attorney at law; and Laura Morgan, 72, CT⁴

1880 Census

1880

Coldwater, Branch Co., MI, USA, age 44, lawyer⁵

Death

Jan 18, 1921

Chicago, Cook Co., IL, USA

Burial

Oak Grove Cemetery, Coldwater, Branch Co., MI, USA, Plot: 101-0136-04

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #821c.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Coldwater Ward 4, Branch, Michigan; Roll: M593_665; Page: 174; line 3, dwl 9-9.
[S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Coldwater, Branch, Michigan; Roll: T9_573; Family History Film: 1254573; Page: 573.3000; Enumeration District: 30; line 4, dwl 105-111.

Mary Houghton¹

F, #8501, b. 30 October 1840, d. 17 June 1920

Father*: Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D. b. 21 Sep 1809, d. 13 Oct 1845
Mother*: Harriet Stevens b. 3 Nov 1809, d. 10 Aug 1869

Family: Dr. William Smith Harroun b. c 1837

Marriage*: Mary Houghton married Dr. William Smith Harroun on May 18, 1864 at Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., MI, USA, Lena: 18 May 1864; Married
19 Oct 1864
At Ann Arbor, Mich., May 20th, by Rev R. R. Richards, WM. HARROWN, M.D., of Washington, DC to Miss MARY, youngest daughter of the late DOUGLASS HOUGHTON, MD of Detroit, Mich., and grand-daughter of the late Judge Houghton of this village.^5,4

William Richards Harroun⁴ b. 26 Mar 1865, d. 18 Jun 1865
Philip Embury Harroun+⁴ b. 14 Jul 1866
Douglass Houghton Harroun+⁴ b. 11 Apr 1868
John Paul Harroun⁴ b. 13 Mar 1875, d. 13 Jan 1882

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Oct 30, 1840

Detroit, MI, USA, age 79 in 1920 census^2,3,4

Marriage

May 18, 1864

Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co., MI, USA, Lena: 18 May 1864; Married
19 Oct 1864
At Ann Arbor, Mich., May 20th, by Rev R. R. Richards, WM. HARROWN, M.D., of Washington, DC to Miss MARY, youngest daughter of the late DOUGLASS HOUGHTON, MD of Detroit, Mich., and grand-daughter of the late Judge Houghton of this village^5,4

1920 Census

1920

Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co., NM, USA, age 83, a physician⁶

Death

Jun 17, 1920

Santa Fe, NM, USA

Burial

Fairview Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM, USA

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #821c.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, V. 63, p. 114.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.
[S401] Interview by phone with Judy Lena, Sep 9, 2003: She has possession of Doughlass Houghton's journal.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, Vol. 63, p. 113.
[S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co., NM, Reel T625_1080, ED 130, SD 219, Sh. 1B, line 78, dwl 234-24-28.

Catherine Houghton^1,2

F, #8502, b. 21 October 1841, d. 15 April 1842

Father*: Dr. Douglass Houghton M.D.¹ b. 21 Sep 1809, d. 13 Oct 1845
Mother*: Harriet Stevens¹ b. 3 Nov 1809, d. 10 Aug 1869

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Oct 21, 1841

Death

Apr 15, 1842

6 months after birth²

Research

Only JWH gives Sarah; MI Surveyors give her as Katherine; Douglass's Journal gives Catherine; not listened in Memoirs

Pedigree

Citations

[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.
[S401] Interview by phone with Judy Lena, Sep 9, 2003: She has possession of Doughlass Houghton's journal.

Prof. Alvah Bradish^1,2,3,4

M, #8503, b. 4 September 1806, d. 20 April 1901

Family: Lydia Douglass Houghton b. 20 Jul 1815, d. 6 May 1902

Marriage*: Prof. Alvah Bradish married Lydia Douglass Houghton, daughter of Judge Jacob Houghton and Lydia Douglass, on Sep 25, 1839 at Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA.^5,6,7,8

Sarah Houghton Bradish³ b. 19 Jul 1840, d. 17 May 1912
Mary Lydia Bradish¹⁰ b. 11 Apr 1852
Alice Theodosia Bradish b. 23 Feb 1854

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Sep 4, 1806

Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY, USA, age 44 in 1850 census; age 48 in 1855 census^2,3

Note

1834

first met

Marriage

Sep 25, 1839

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA^5,6,7,8

Occupation

1850

an artist, a portrait painter^8,9

1855 Census

1855

Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 48, artist¹⁰

Author

1889

Death

Apr 20, 1901

Detroit, MI, USA²

Obituary

Alvah Bradish was the son of Samuel Morton Bradish (1777-1812) and Mary Finch (1778-1843).

His obituary from the " Detroit Evening News," 1900 1901 etc. p44 ap/19/01.
“Alvah Bradish, one of Detroit’s most interesting characters, passed away the age of 95 years. He was a genius in both art and literature, and in his earlier days painted the portraits of such men as Washington Irving, Thurlow Weed, Lewis Cass, Austin Blair, and many others. Once held the chair of arts at the U-M and his lectures are remembered as gems of literature culture. Until shortly before his death, he retained his studio in the Hammond building, and continued to work as much as failing sight and faltering hand would permit.”

Another obituary appeared in the "Detroit Free Press," April 20, 1901.
"Obit. Died at St. Luke’s Hospital and Church Home where he had lived for seven years. Left widow in south and daughter in New York. Buried Fredonia, N.Y. Eccentric. Bohemian appearance, long beard and hair, frock coat, slouch hat."

---------------------

"Bradish was born Sept. 4, 1806 in Sherburne, New York, to Samuel Morton and Mary Finch Bradish. By 1810 the Bradish family was listed in Junius, Seneca County. His father died when Alvah was 6, leaving his mother to raise him and three other sons in somewhat difficult circumstances. ... Fortunately young Alvah's second cousin, Luther Bradish, a diplomat, state assemblyman and later Lieutenant Governor of New York, became his patron."

Source for the above: Barker Museum, Fredonia, New York(http://barkermuseum.blogspot.com/2009/08/barker-publishes-booklet-on-19th-c.html).

----------------------

"Professor Alvah Bradish was born in the State of New York in 1806. His early life was spent at Fredonia, New York, from which place he removed to Detroit, Michigan, and there followed the profession of portrait painter."

"In 1852 he was engaged to give lectures on the Fine Arts at the University of Michigan, and held this position for eleven years with the title of Professor of Fine Arts. He was the author of various literary works, including a life of Professor Douglass Houghton. The Regents of the University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts in 1852."

"He died in Detroit, April 19, 1901, and was buried at Fredonia, New York."

Source: Burke A. Hinsdale and Isaac Newton Demmon, History of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1906), pp. 227.

----------------------

In 1839, Alvah Bradish married Lydia Douglass Houghton—the daughter of Judge Jacob Houghton and Lydia Douglass. Her brother was Douglass Houghton, Michigan's first State Geologist.

Alvah and Lydia Bradish had the following children:

Sarah Houghton Bradish (1840-1912)
Mary Lydia Bradish (1852-1879)
Alice Theodosia Bradish (1854-1898)

Professor Bradish's most accomplished student was Tompkins Harrison Matteson (1813-1884); Matteson studied with Professor Bradish at Cazenovia, New York. Borth men spent time in Sherburne, New York.
(link to Tompkins Harrison Matteson's Findagrave memorial: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8737877).

Burial

Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, Plot: C/104

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #823s.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, Vol. 80, p. 186.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Pomfret, Chautauqua, New York; Roll: M432_485; Page: 232; line 34, dwl 725-747.
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 1.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 80:186.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S95] Newspaper, New York Times Archives: May 19, 1912.
[S1516] 1855 State Census , New York, State Census, 1855 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , American Antiquarian Society Online Catalog: http://catalog.mwa.org/
[S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton.

Alice Theodosia Bradish¹

F, #8504, b. 23 February 1854

Father*: Prof. Alvah Bradish b. 4 Sep 1806, d. 20 Apr 1901
Mother*: Lydia Douglass Houghton b. 20 Jul 1815, d. 6 May 1902

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Feb 23, 1854

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 7 in 1855 census

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #823c.

Sarah Houghton Bradish^1,2,3,4

F, #8505, b. 19 July 1840, d. 17 May 1912

Father*: Prof. Alvah Bradish⁴ b. 4 Sep 1806, d. 20 Apr 1901
Mother*: Lydia Douglass Houghton⁴ b. 20 Jul 1815, d. 6 May 1902

Family: Edward Swart

Marriage*: Sarah Houghton Bradish married Edward Swart on Apr 24, 1867 MLM: 1839.^3,2

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Jul 19, 1840

Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 10 in 1850 census; age 14 in 1855 census; MLM: 1806^3,2,5

Marriage

Apr 24, 1867

MLM: 1839^3,2

Death

May 17, 1912

Moravia, NY, USA⁶

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #823c.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 80:186.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Pomfret, Chautauqua, New York; Roll: M432_485; Page: 232; line 34, dwl 725-747.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Pomfret, Chautauqua, New York; Roll: M432_485; Page: 232; line 34, dwl 725-749.
[S95] Newspaper, New York Times Archives: May 19, 1912.

Theodosia Petite Gilett¹

F, #8506, b. between 1832 and 1836, d. 6 February 1898

Family: Jacob Houghton Jr b. 28 May 1827, d. 28 Apr 1903

Marriage*: Theodosia Petite Gilett married Jacob Houghton Jr, son of Judge Jacob Houghton and Lydia Douglass, on Apr 28, 1853.^4,5,6

Mary Lydia Houghton b. 30 Apr 1854
Theodocia G. Houghton b. 18 Dec 1856, d. 28 Nov 1887
Philip Stanhope Houghton+ b. 6 Apr 1860
Douglass G. Houghton b. 31 Jan 1863
Sarah Frances Houghton b. 9 May 1865
Annie Gilette Houghton b. 17 Jan 1868
Annie Houghton¹¹ b. Oct 1872
Sadie Houghton¹¹ b. May 1873

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

between 1832 and 1836

MI, USA, dd calc; age 28 in 1860 census; age 36 in 1870 census; age 44 in 1880 census; 1920 census of son Douglass gives NY^2,3

Marriage

Apr 28, 1853

^4,5,6

1860 Census

Jun, 1860

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 35, supt. water works; property $20,000-4000; and S. and Mary Gillett, 60 & 57, fisherman⁷

1870 Census

1870

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 42, a civil engineer, personal property $1000⁸

1880 Census

Jun 1, 1880

Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, USA, age 50, a mining engineer⁹

Death

Feb 6, 1898

Detroit, MI, USA, ae 65^4,10,1

ParentsD

Shadrach Gillett, b. CT, and Mary Stead, b. England^4,9

Pedigree

Citations

[S1116] Lois Barris, Fredonia NY Censor Death Notices 1819-1899, p. 282.
[S1055] Norman C. Caldwell, Surveyors of the Public Lands in Michigan, p. 202.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Federal Census, Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, Reel 713, p. 384, line 23, dwl 868-889.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88, 135.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 487.
[S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit Ward 1, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: M653_565; Page: 27; line 1, dwl 210-215.
[S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, Reel 713, p. 384, line 23, dwl 868-889.
[S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Detroit, Wayne, Michigan; Roll: T9_612; Family History Film: 1254612; Page: 264A; Enumeration District: 282; sheet 5, line 15, dwl 51-38-43.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex, Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, Reel 92, V. 77, E.D. 4, S. 19, Ln. 30.

Jane Catherine Billings^1,2

F, #8507, b. 31 May 1821, d. 28 November 1863

Family: Lawrence Stearns Houghton b. 28 Jan 1815, d. 15 Dec 1865

Marriage*: Jane Catherine Billings married Lawrence Stearns Houghton, son of Daniel Stearns Houghton and Lydia Cook Cushing, on Dec 26, 1841 at Vicksburg, MS, USA, MLM, Chapman, Hargis: Dec. 29.^4,2,3,5,6,7

Henrietta Victorine Houghton^10,6 b. 16 Nov 1842, d. 29 Sep 1853
Theodosia Fredonia Houghton+¹⁰ b. 28 Aug 1844
Sarah Lavinia Houghton+ b. 10 May 1846
Ada Ella Houghton¹⁰ b. 5 Dec 1847, d. 9 Dec 1850
Harriet Antonette Houghton^10,8 b. 21 Mar 1850
Kate Irene Houghton⁶ b. 16 Nov 1851, d. 4 Mar 1856
Douglass Houghton b. 31 Mar 1854, d. 15 Nov 1932
Almira Olivia Houghton b. 30 Jul 1856, d. 6 Feb 1938
Frances Ayer Houghton+ b. 6 Jul 1859
Laura Winona Houghton b. 21 Jun 1861, d. 19 Jul 1863
Lydia Billings Houghton⁷ b. 8 Nov 1863, d. 8 Nov 1863

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

May 31, 1821

Moron, Saratoga Co., NY, USA, age 29 in 1850 census; age 39 in 1860 census^3,2

Marriage

Dec 26, 1841

Vicksburg, MS, USA, MLM, Chapman, Hargis: Dec. 29^4,2,3,5,6,7

1850 Census

1850

Vicksburg, Warren Co., MS, USA, age 35, a gen. agent; next door to E. S. & Lavinia Billings⁸

1860 Census

1860

Vicksburg, Warren Co., MS, USA, age 45, judge probate; property $1800-1500; and "Lucy Weed " [Houghton]", 79, VT⁹

Death

Nov 28, 1863

Vicksburg, MS, USA, ae 42, after the siege^6,7

Burial

Vicksburg, MS, USA⁷

Obituary

Dec 16, 1863

Fredonia, NY, USA, in the Fredonia Censor

Research

Query by Barbara Woodruff, 12 Tradewinds Circle, Teqiesta FL 33458²

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #829s.
[S96] NEHGR, 136 [1982]: 165.
[S415] E-mail from Cheryl Ann Hargis, March 13, 2000.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88, 135.
[S1116] Lois Barris, Fredonia NY Censor Death Notices 1819-1899, p. 282.
[S1313] A.M. Rev. F. W. Chapman, Buckingham Family.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi; Roll: M432_382; Page: 192/p. 372, line 17, dwl 372-388.
[S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi; Roll: M653_592; Page: 1, sheet 889, line 1, dwl 1-1.
[S1076] Rootsweb.Com, online www.rootsweb.com, Warren, MS 1850 census, p. 192B, line 17, www.rootsweb.com/~cenfiles/ms/warren/1850, July 17, 2002.

Laurens Green Risley^1,2,3

M, #8508, b. 27 March 1819, d. January 1893

Family: Henrietta Elizabeth Houghton b. 8 Jul 1821, d. 6 Feb 1897

Marriage*: Laurens Green Risley married Henrietta Elizabeth Houghton, daughter of Daniel Stearns Houghton and Lydia Cook Cushing, on Jun 7, 1842 w/2.^5,2,3

Evelyn Risley² b. 26 Feb 1843, d. 15 Jul 1890
George Herbert Risley⁷ b. 13 Apr 1847

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Mar 27, 1819

Fitzwilliam, NH, USA, age 41, NY, in 1860 census^2,4

Note

He married first Abigail (Williams) Brigham

Marriage

Jun 7, 1842

w/2^5,2,3

1860 Census

1860

Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., NY, USA, age 41, liquor merchant, property $7750-$5000; and niece Fredonia Houghton⁴

Residence

1875

Dunkirk, NY, USA³

Death

Jan, 1893

ParentsD

Chautaugua Co. Hx: Elijah Jr and Nabby Brigham; MLM: 4th child of General Elijah and Phoebe (Bills) Risley^2,6

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367 #831s.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 88.
[S1119] Andrew W. Young, Chautauqua Co. NY Hx 2, p. 490.
[S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , Pomfret, Chautauqua Co., New York; Microfilm: M653; Page: 181, line 15, dwl 1431-1386.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 367.
[S1313] A.M. Rev. F. W. Chapman, Buckingham Family, #2425.
[S1313] A.M. Rev. F. W. Chapman, Buckingham Family.

Jerusha Houghton^1,2,3

F, #8509, b. 9 May 1776, d. 21 February 1846

Father*: Pharas Houghton³ b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 13 Feb 1790
Mother*: Jemima Southworth³ b. 3 Apr 1753, d. 1 Sep 1840

Family: Capt. Daniel Dean b. 4 Oct 1771, d. 10 Oct 1866

Marriage*: Jerusha Houghton married Capt. Daniel Dean, son of Jeremiah Dean III and Abigail Draper, on Dec 22, 1801 at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^4,6,5

Abigail Dean⁸ b. 5 Dec 1809, d. 8 Feb 1844
Dr. Seneca F. Dean M.D.⁹ b. 1816

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

May 9, 1776

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^4,5,3

Marriage

Dec 22, 1801

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^4,6,5

Death

Feb 21, 1846

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, Jerusha Deane, a. 69 y 7m 12 d^7,5

Research

MLM gives Israel and Mary Ann (Elliott) Houghton as parents⁸

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #832.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a #2257, 78/79.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a , 78/79.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 174.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a.
[S1465] J. B. HOWE & Charles K. Wilder, Petersham MA Natives, p. 73.

Polly Houghton^1,2,3

F, #8510, b. 6 April 1778

Father*: Pharas Houghton³ b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 13 Feb 1790
Mother*: Jemima Southworth³ b. 3 Apr 1753, d. 1 Sep 1840

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Apr 6, 1778

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, MLM: 1788^4,5,3

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #833.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79 #2261.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79.

Esther Houghton^1,2,3

F, #8511, b. 13 November 1782

Father*: Pharas Houghton³ b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 13 Feb 1790
Mother*: Jemima Southworth³ b. 3 Apr 1753, d. 1 Sep 1840

Family: Joel Hemmingway

Marriage Bann: Esther Houghton and Joel Hemmingway declared their intentions of marriage on Aug 3, 1806 Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^9,5
Marriage*: Esther Houghton married Joel Hemmingway on Jan 21, 1807 at Athol, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^7,5

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Nov 13, 1782

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, MLM: Nov. 18^4,5,3

Guardiansp

1802

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, W.P. Case #30971⁶

Marriage

Jan 21, 1807

Athol, Worcester Co., MA, USA^7,5

Research

MLM gives Israel and Mary Ann Houghton as parents⁸

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #834.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a #2259, 78/79.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79.
[S683] Guardianship File, Worcester, MA.
[S291] Athol MA VRs, p. 137.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.

Simeon Houghton^1,2,3

M, #8512, b. 10 July 1780, d. 2 October 1843

Father*: Pharas Houghton³ b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 13 Feb 1790
Mother*: Jemima Southworth³ b. 3 Apr 1753, d. 1 Sep 1840

Family: Rachel Dean b. 19 Nov 1776, d. 19 Jun 1853

Marriage*: Simeon Houghton married Rachel Dean, daughter of Jeremiah Dean III and Abigail Draper, on Jan 28, 1802 at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^4,6,5

Catherine Houghton+¹³ b. 26 Apr 1805, d. 17 Sep 1897
Pharez Houghton+⁹ b. c 1807
Jemima Houghton⁹ b. c 1809
Jeremiah Dean Houghton+⁹ b. 10 Apr 1813, d. 30 Apr 1886
Olive Houghton+⁹ b. 25 Mar 1816, d. 12 Sep 1886
Esther Houghton⁹ b. 31 May 1819, d. 4 Feb 1842

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Jul 10, 1780

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^4,3,5

Marriage

Jan 28, 1802

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^4,6,5

1840 Census

1840

Delmar, Tioga Co., PA, USA, 3 Total: 1 male 60 to 70 (1770-1780) // 1 female 20 to 30 (1810-1819), 1 female 60 to 70 (1770-1780)⁷

Note

Oct 12, 1842

Delmar, Tioga Co., PA, USA, performed a wedding⁸

Death

Oct 2, 1843

Delmar, Tioga Co., PA, USA⁹

Burial

Stoney Fork Cemetery, Stoney Fork, PA, USA⁹

Biography

1845

From the "History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, 1897",
by R. C. Brown and Co.
SIMEON HOUGHTON, a native of Massachusetts, and by trade a carpenter,
came to Otsego county, New York, where he followed his trade for some
years. On April 10, 1818, he located on the present Houghton farm in
Delmar township, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, which was then covered with
primitive forest. He erected a cabin and began the work of making a home
for himself and family. He had previously married Rachel Dean, who bore
him a family of of six children, viz: Catherine, widow of Oliver Bacon,
who resides with her son Oliver in Delmar township; Ferris, Jemima,
Jeremiah, Olive and Esther, all of whom are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton
passed the remaining years of their lives in this county.^10,11

Research

MLM gives Israel and Mary Ann Houghton as parents; Tioga Co. PA Hx: Pharas and Jemima Houghton as parents^12,10

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #835.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a #2258, 78/79.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a , 78/79.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S1225] 1840 U.S. Federal Census , Delmar, Tioga, Pennsylvania; Roll: 495; Page: 187.
[S654] Electronic Web Site, , Newspaper Records from Tioga Co. PA Multiple Volumes, abstracted by Ruth Wetherbee, et. al., Sep. 23, 2002.
[S36] Letter, from David C. Wolff, Dec. 11, 2001, citing Alfred A. Windsor data.
[S1177] Unknown author, Tioga Co. PA Hx.
[S415] E-mail from Alfred A. Windsor, Oct. 26, 2002.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a.
[S415] E-mail from Al Windsor, 1997.

Caroline Matilda Houghton^1,2,3

F, #8513, b. 8 January 1785, d. 11 April 1863

Father*: Pharas Houghton^2,4 b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 13 Feb 1790
Mother*: Jemima Southworth^2,4 b. 3 Apr 1753, d. 1 Sep 1840

Family: Ithamar Amos Spencer b. 27 Aug 1782, d. 4 Nov 1870

Marriage*: Caroline Matilda Houghton married Ithamar Amos Spencer on circa 1805 at Maryland, NY, USA.^8,9,2,10

Philip Amos Spencer+¹¹ b. 21 Dec 1806, d. 18 Sep 1887
Oladyne Spencer+¹¹ b. 7 Jul 1808, d. 3 Feb 1892
Lucrecia Spencer+¹¹ b. 1810
Mariah Spencer+¹¹ b. 24 Jan 1811, d. 24 Oct 1880
Simeon Spencer+¹¹ b. 12 Dec 1813, d. 2 Aug 1879
Jane Spencer+¹¹ b. 1816, d. 23 Feb 1895
Philinda Spencer¹² b. c 9 Mar 1818, d. 13 Feb 1820
Armenia Spencer+² b. 17 Jan 1820, d. 1911
David Porter Spencer+¹² b. 1824, d. 23 Jan 1899
Adelina Spencer+¹² b. 4 Feb 1824, d. 30 Jan 1859
Electa R. Spencer+¹² b. 18 May 1828, d. 2 Aug 1906

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Jan 8, 1785

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^5,2,6,4

Guardiansp

1802

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, W.P. Case #31110⁷

Marriage

circa 1805

Maryland, NY, USA^8,9,2,10

Death

Apr 11, 1863

Unadilla, NY, USA, She died before husband¹¹

Residence

Unadilla, Otsego, NY, USA

Burial

Evergreen Cemetery, Unadilla, Otsego, NY, USA

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #836.
[S255] Duane Hamilton Hurd, Otsego Co., NY Hx, p. 307.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79 #2260.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79.
[S683] Guardianship File, Worcester, MA.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 158: 282.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 59: 326.
[S415] E-mail from Sheila Shutts, 1997.
[S415] E-mail from Rebecca Stocknow, Aug. 27, 1999.
[S415] E-mail from Gary L. Heinmiller, Apr. 15, 2000.

Capt. Daniel Dean^1,2,3

M, #8514, b. 4 October 1771, d. 10 October 1866

Father*: Jeremiah Dean III⁴ b. 24 Oct 1743, d. c 1835
Mother*: Abigail Draper⁴

Family: Jerusha Houghton b. 9 May 1776, d. 21 Feb 1846

Marriage*: Capt. Daniel Dean married Jerusha Houghton, daughter of Pharas Houghton and Jemima Southworth, on Dec 22, 1801 at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^6,2,7

Abigail Dean⁸ b. 5 Dec 1809, d. 8 Feb 1844
Dr. Seneca F. Dean M.D.³ b. 1816

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Oct 4, 1771

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA⁵

Marriage

Dec 22, 1801

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^6,2,7

Death

Oct 10, 1866

Wellsbora, PA, USA⁴

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #832s.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S1465] J. B. HOWE & Charles K. Wilder, Petersham MA Natives, p. 73.
[S415] E-mail from Alfred A. Windsor, Oct. 26, 2002.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 20.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a , 78/79.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a.

Rachel Dean^1,2

F, #8515, b. 19 November 1776, d. 19 June 1853

Father*: Jeremiah Dean III³ b. 24 Oct 1743, d. c 1835
Mother*: Abigail Draper³

Family: Simeon Houghton b. 10 Jul 1780, d. 2 Oct 1843

Marriage*: Rachel Dean married Simeon Houghton, son of Pharas Houghton and Jemima Southworth, on Jan 28, 1802 at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^5,2,6

Catherine Houghton+⁴ b. 26 Apr 1805, d. 17 Sep 1897
Pharez Houghton+⁴ b. c 1807
Jemima Houghton⁴ b. c 1809
Jeremiah Dean Houghton+⁴ b. 10 Apr 1813, d. 30 Apr 1886
Olive Houghton+⁴ b. 25 Mar 1816, d. 12 Sep 1886
Esther Houghton⁴ b. 31 May 1819, d. 4 Feb 1842

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

Nov 19, 1776

Petersham, MA, USA⁴

Marriage

Jan 28, 1802

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^5,2,6

Death

Jun 19, 1853

Stoney Fork, PA, USA⁴

Burial

Stoney Fork Cemetery, Stoney Fork, PA, USA⁴

Research

Descendants of John Dean by Marion Deane Cooper

Research

poss. marriage only in MLM; married to Simon, his nephew⁷

ParentsD

Jeremiah Dean III and Abigail Draper⁴

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #835s.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S415] E-mail from Alfred A. Windsor, Oct. 26, 2002.
[S36] Letter, from David C. Wolff, Dec. 11, 2001, citing Alfred A. Windsor data.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 71a , 78/79.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 42.

William Paxton Houghton^1,2,3,4

M, #8516, b. 4 February 1785, d. 30 September 1877

Father*: Zarah Houghton b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 6 Oct 1829
Mother*: Eleanor Derby b. c 1768

Family 1: Olive Adams b. 20 May 1786, d. 17 Jul 1840

Marriage*: William Paxton Houghton married Olive Adams on Sep 2, 1807 at Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^5,9,3,6

Lysander Adams Houghton+ b. 3 Sep 1808, d. 4 Jan 1878
German Belmont Houghton+ b. 26 Mar 1811, d. b 1900
Albert Gallatin Houghton+ b. 25 Nov 1815
Tyler Houghton b. 31 Dec 1818, d. 25 Feb 1820
Olive A. Houghton+ b. 1 Jun 1821, d. 1902
Charles F. Houghton+ b. 20 Sep 1824, d. 2 Mar 1912
Merrick Houghton b. 1 May 1832, d. 5 Sep 1837

Family 2: Vesta Batcheller b. 11 Oct 1795, d. b 2 Aug 1856

Marriage Bann: William Paxton Houghton and Vesta Batcheller declared their intentions of marriage on Mar 7, 1841 Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^3,14
Marriage*: William Paxton Houghton married Vesta Batcheller on Mar 30, 1841 at Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^13,14

Family 3: Lydia Bowker b. c 1808

Marriage*: William Paxton Houghton married Lydia Bowker on Jan 13, 1857 at Worcester, Worcester Co., MA, USA, age 71 and 49, his third, her second.⁸

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Feb 4, 1785

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, age 50-60 in 1840 census; age 67 in 1850 census; age 87 in 1870 census; bp MA per son Albert's 1880 census^5,6,7,8

Marriage

Sep 2, 1807

Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA^5,9,3,6

1830 Census

1830

Sutton, MA, USA, 4 Total: 1 male 5 to 10 (1821-1825), 1 male 40 to 50 (1781-1790)// 1 female 5 to 10 (1821-1825), 1 female 40 to 50 (1781-1790)^10,11

1840 Census

1840

Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA, 4 Total: 1 male 15 to 20 (1820-1825), 1 male 50 to 60 (1780-1789) // 1 female 15 to 20 (1820-1825), 1 female 50 to 60 (1780-1789); near brother German¹²

Origin

circa 1841

Northridge, Franklin Co., MA, USA¹³

Marriage

Mar 30, 1841

Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, USA^13,14

1850 Census

1850

Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA, age 67, blacksmith; next door to son German¹⁵

Marriage

Jan 13, 1857

Worcester, Worcester Co., MA, USA, age 71 and 49, his third, her second⁸

1870 Census

1870

Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, USA, a William Houghton, 85, a blacksmith, 4 houses from son Lysander¹⁶

Death

Sep 30, 1877

Sutton, MA, USA^5,14

Biography

Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA, JWH: 'He learned the blacksmith trade and later was employed by Paul Whitin of the world renowned machine works of Northbridge, Mass., the largest builders of cotton machinery in the world, now (1911) employing about 5,000 men. One of his first business ventures after his marriage was to build a water power shop in which he made some heavy forgings for those days. He was a lagre man and an athlete, and won many victories in feats of strength and skill. An incident showing his courage occurred when he was 87 years old. A huge negro named Anthony one day left his horse standing with his head over the store entrance steps and as William was entering the horse attempted to bite him. He struck the horse over the head which caused him to run back. This angered Anthony, who started for William, saying that he would show him that no one could strike his horse and not give satisfaction. The old man straightened up and said, 'I have lived 87 ytears and have never run from a nigger yet and I am too old to begin now. If you want satisfaction come on and get it.' This turned the tide and Anthony went after his horse without further ceremony. The old man appeared twenty years younger after this. It carried him back to earlier days when few cared to attack him. Once attempting to shoot a mad dog who stood facing him in his front yard, he snapped the lock several times but it failed to discharge. He dropped the gun and deliberately walked past the dog, a large mastiff, picked up a cart stake and killed him at a blow.⁵'

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #837.
[S249] White, Geneal. Abstr. of Revol. War II, p. 1719.
[S322] Northbridge MA VRs, p. 134.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79 #2265, 120.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79, 120.
[S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Northbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: T9_565; Family History Film: 1254565; Page: 80D; Enumeration District: 857; sheet 52, line 14, dwl 225-485.
[S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
Original data: Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook): line 32.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 45: 142.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1830 US Census, Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, Box 68, p. 196.
[S1224] 1830 U.S. Federal Census , Sutton, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: 68; Page: 196.
[S1225] 1840 U.S. Federal Census , Northbridge, Worcester Co., Massachusetts; Roll: 200; Page: 308.
[S323] Sutton MA VRs, p. 286.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 120.
[S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Northbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: M432_345; Page: 155; line 12, dwl 10-10.
[S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, Box 656, p. 84, line 21, dwl 412-550.

Olive Adams¹

F, #8517, b. 20 May 1786, d. 17 July 1840

Family: William Paxton Houghton b. 4 Feb 1785, d. 30 Sep 1877

Marriage*: Olive Adams married William Paxton Houghton, son of Zarah Houghton and Eleanor Derby, on Sep 2, 1807 at Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^2,5,6,7

Lysander Adams Houghton+ b. 3 Sep 1808, d. 4 Jan 1878
German Belmont Houghton+ b. 26 Mar 1811, d. b 1900
Albert Gallatin Houghton+ b. 25 Nov 1815
Tyler Houghton b. 31 Dec 1818, d. 25 Feb 1820
Olive A. Houghton+ b. 1 Jun 1821, d. 1902
Charles F. Houghton+ b. 20 Sep 1824, d. 2 Mar 1912
Merrick Houghton b. 1 May 1832, d. 5 Sep 1837

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

May 20, 1786

Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, USA, Sutton VR: only 1786^2,3,4

Origin

Paxton, MA, USA⁴

Marriage

Sep 2, 1807

Northbridge, Worcester Co., MA, USA^2,5,6,7

Death

Jul 17, 1840

Sutton, Worcester Co., MA, USA, a. 54^2,8,4

ParentsD

Francis and Abigail Adams⁴

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368 #837s.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 368.
[S323] Sutton MA VRs, p. 93.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 120.
[S28] DAR Lineage Book, 45: 142.
[S322] Northbridge MA VRs, p. 134.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79, 120.
[S323] Sutton MA VRs, p. 432.

Capt. Israel Houghton Jr^1,2,3

M, #8518, b. circa 1777, d. 10 February 1856

Father*: Zarah Houghton⁴ b. 26 Jul 1751, d. 6 Oct 1829
Mother*: Marcy Piper

Family 1: Lydia Grant d. 20 Jul 1827

Marriage*: Capt. Israel Houghton Jr married Lydia Grant on Oct 21, 1802 at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^4,7,8,9

George Augustus Houghton+² b. 3 Sep 1809, d. 30 Aug 1867

Family 2: Fanny Hammond b. 14 Jun 1814

Marriage*: Capt. Israel Houghton Jr married Fanny Hammond at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^4,7,5

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Birth

circa 1777

USA, DD calc; FAG: 1776, Keene, NH; MLM: 1776^5,6

Marriage

Oct 21, 1802

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^4,7,8,9

1810 Census

1810

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, 4 Total: 1 male <10, 1 male 26-44//1 female 16-25, 1 female 26-44¹⁰

1820 Census

1820

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA¹¹

Marriage

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^4,7,5

1830 Census

1830

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA, 4 Total: 1 male 15 to 20 (1811-1815), 1 male 40 to 50 (1781-1790)// 1 female under 5 (1826-1830), 1 female 20 to 30 (1801-1810)¹²

Research

Lydia died in 1827; Israel had 2 wives; marriage to Fanny Hammond may not be to this Israel.

Death

Feb 10, 1856

Petersham, NH, USA, age 79⁶

Burial

East Street Cemetery, Petersham, NH, USA, Inscription:
Capt.
Israel Houghton
Died
Feb. 10, 1856
AE. 79.

Duplicate

Petersham, MA, USA, which in 1830 sense

Research

both married to a Fanny; md in 1814¹³

Research

which in 1820 census

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 369 #838.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79 #2266.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 369.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79.
[S1485] Findagrave.com, online http://www.findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 120.
[S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll
[S1222] 1810 U.S. Federal Census , Petersham, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: 22; Page: 886.
[S235] U.S. Census, 1820 US Census, Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, p. 68.
[S1224] 1830 U.S. Federal Census , Petersham, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: 68; Page: 369.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 119.

Lydia Grant¹

F, #8519, d. 20 July 1827

Family: Capt. Israel Houghton Jr b. c 1777, d. 10 Feb 1856

Marriage*: Lydia Grant married Capt. Israel Houghton Jr, son of Zarah Houghton and Marcy Piper, on Oct 21, 1802 at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^2,3,4,5

George Augustus Houghton+⁸ b. 3 Sep 1809, d. 30 Aug 1867

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Corresponded with author

Biography

1st married to Mr. Shaw¹

Marriage

Oct 21, 1802

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^2,3,4,5

Note

1827

Houghton, Lydia, wife of Israel; Mr. H., was eating a lunch and became choked; after recovery he said, "If it had continued one minute longer, you would have been a widow." "No," she said, "we would have gone together," and immediately died, at Petersham. Journal of July 26, 1827.⁶

Death

Jul 20, 1827

Petersham, MA, USA, MLM: Aug. 1827^4,7

Pedigree

Citations

[S546] John William Linzie, The History of Peter Parker and Sarah Ruggles of Roxbury, Massachusetts, p. 89.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 369.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 120.
[S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll
[S1214] Rhode Island VRs, Town of Providence, RI.
[S95] Newspaper, Deaths Reported in the Boston Recorder and Telegraph, 1827 and 1828.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 32.

Fanny Hammond¹

F, #8520, b. 14 June 1814

Family: Capt. Israel Houghton Jr b. c 1777, d. 10 Feb 1856

Marriage*: Fanny Hammond married Capt. Israel Houghton Jr, son of Zarah Houghton and Marcy Piper, at Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA.^2,3,4

Biography

Corresponded with author

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project

Birth

Jun 14, 1814

Marriage

Petersham, Worcester Co., MA, USA^2,3,4

Relative

???

Duplicate

Pedigree

Citations

[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 369 #838s.
[S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 369.
[S70] Vital Records of Petersham MA, p. 111.
[S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 78/79.