Fisher M. Rice1

M, #41821, b. 6 December 1819

Family: (?) Houghton

Biography

NotableY
Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 6, 1819Walpole, NH, USA2
Guardiansp1821Walpole, NH, USA, #15508
Marriage3
Association1847Walpole, NH, USA, Recording Secretary4
Note1847"Mr. Rice was appointed agent for the Houghton family to examine this case in England. He went to England, and there made an examination and a report on the same. He had had no experience in making searches in England, and was unsuccessful in finding the desired property. The family were convinced his search was not so thorough as it ought to have been."5
Originbetween 1847 and 1853Walpole, NH, USA6
NoteMr. Rice visited Judge Houghton, who did not join the Association, but gave him an introduction to Sir Henry Bold DeHoghton. Mr. Rice stayed with Sir Henry in London, who sent via Mr. Rice, a gold snuff box to Judge Houghton.3
Notable"Agent to England" for Houghton Association of 1847
Immigrationcirca 1850Port Washington, WI, USA, to practice law6
Note1853Mr. Rice made provision to store the papers of the Houghton association; Mr. Bellows has charge of them.
ResearchPittsford VT Hx: Remark of a "manuscript 'Genealogy of the Houghton Family" by Fisher M. Rice.7
ParentsSHenry Rice was born on 19 Feb 1787. He died on 02 Mar 1820 in Walpole, NH. He married Polly Morse on 16 Jan 1814 in Walpole, NH.
Polly married Henry Rice on 16 Jan 1814 in Walpole, NH.2
Research1853Houghton Association compilation
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, 1853.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.schueths.com/doug/genealogy/publicvers/…
  3. [S1384] Alvah Bradish, Memoirs of Doughlass Houghton, p. 3.
  4. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 1.
  5. [S200] Smith, Report to Houghton Association, p. 12.
  6. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, 1853, letter from George Fred. Houghton to Francis W. Houghton.
  7. [S1169] A. M. Caverly M.D., Pittsford VT Hx, p. 157.

(?) Sumner1

F, #41822

Family: Nathaniel Crane

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage1,2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, 1853, letter of Jason W. Houghton.
  2. [S200] Smith, Report to Houghton Association, p. 52 (Genealogy of Francis Walter Houghton).

Ann Pope1

F, #41823

Family: Ralph H. Crane d. b 1853

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, 1853, letter of Jason W. Houghton.

Mary E. Walsh1,2

F, #41824, b. July 1859, d. 5 August 1938

Family: Richard Houghton b. 3 May 1845, d. 19 Apr 1914

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJul, 1859Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD, USA, age 24 in 1880 census; age 40 in 1900 census; age 53 in 1910 census; age 62 in 1920 census; age 73 in 1930 census; Cunningham: 1856; 1930 census of daughter Theresa gives PA as bp3,4,1
MarriageAug 3, 1874Anne Arundel, MD, USA, mar 26 y in 1900 census; mar 35 y in 1910 census1,5
1880 Census1880Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 35, night inspector custom house5,6
1900 Census1900Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 54, US Customs Inspector4,7
1910 Census1910Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 53, none8
PensionInxMay 14, 1914as widow9
1920 Census1920Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 62, widow, none; and 6 lodgers3,10
1930 Census1930Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 73, widow, none; and 2 lodgers11
DeathAug 5, 1938Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA1
BurialAug 11, 1938Holyhood Cemetery, Brookline, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, age 821,12
ParentsDparents born in Ireland
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Marie Cunningham, Oct. 24, 1999.
  2. [S30] Massachusetts Archives, Births registered in Boston MA, 1906 vol 565 page 191.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, Box 129, Vol. 116, E.D. 387, Sh. 1, Ln. 88.
  4. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex Massachusetts, Box 128, Vol. 12, E.D. 1830 (1330), Sh. 4, Ln. 4.
  5. [S235] U.S. Census, 1880 Soundex, Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, Box 28, Vol. 29, ED. 711, Sh. 4, Ln. 12.
  6. [S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, Box 28, Vol. 29, ED. 711, Sh. 4, Ln. 12, dwl 16-23.
  7. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Boston, Ward 12, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts; Roll: T623 681; Enumeration District: 1330; Sheet 4A; line 4, dwl 103-26-40.
  8. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Boston Ward 19, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_621; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 1551;
    line 88, dwl 6.
  9. [S1515] Unknown name of person, unknown record type, unknown file number.
  10. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Boston Ward 15, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll T625_736; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 387; line 88, dwl 20-13-26.
  11. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: 949; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 624; Image: 105.0; FHL microfilm: 2340684; line 30, dwl 42.
  12. [S415] E-mail from Eric Williams, Oct 16, 2012: visit to cemetery.
  13. [S30] Massachusetts Archives, Deaths registered in city of Boston MA; researched by Eric Williams, Nov 1, 2012.

Association Houghton1

?, #41825

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Note1847
AssociationSep 4, 1846Rutland Weekly Herald, Rutland, VT, USA
Photograph1847Cover of Constitution
Association1847New York, New York Co., NY, USA, President1
Association1847on the Board of Directors1
Association1847Saint Albans, Franklin Co., VT, USA, Corresponding Secretary1
Association1847New York, New York Co., NY, USA, Corresponding Secretary1
Association1847Sterling, MA, USA, on the Board of Directors1
Association1847South Shaftsbury, Bennington Co., VT, USA, Corresponding Secretary1
Association1847Worcester, Worcester Co., MA, USA, on the Board of Directors1
Association1847Concord, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, on the Board of Directors1
Association1847Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Corresponding Secretary, also secretary of the late Mass. Houghton Assoc.1,2
Association1847Lowell, MA, USA, on the Board of Directors1
Association1847Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Vice-President1
Association1847Keene, NH, USA, Treasurer
Association1847Walpole, NH, USA, Recording Secretary1
AssociationMar 3, 1847Worcester, Worcester Co., MA, USA, Constitution of Houghton Association approved3,1
Author1848Main Author:      Houghton Association.
Title:      The Houghton Association : report of the agent to England.
Imprint:      New York : Jared W. Bell, printer, 1848.
Description:      [3], 4-27, [1] p; 22 cm.
Notes:      Agent: Mr. F.M. Rice.
Last leaf has Treasurer's report.4
AssociationApr 21, 1868Bolton, Worcester Co., MA, USA, president5
AssociationApr 21, 1868Jaffrey, NH, USA, secretary3,5
ResearchCJV: The original Houghton Association was created circa 1846 and lasted until 1855. It was then reorganized in 1868 and later dissolved circa 1870. The purpose of the association was to collect information relative to unclaimed Houghton property in England, reported to belong to the Houghton family in America. There were three meetings of the Houghton Association: one at Winchendon, MA, on Apr. 21, 1868, one at Groton, June 3, 1869 and at Milton, June 5, 1869. Columbus Smith spoke at two of them. About 220 Members paid $5 in 1868 to join the Houghton association hoping to receive $200 in any recovered property.6,7
AuthorDec 27, 1869Main Author:      Houghton Association.
Title:      Report to the Houghton Association, U.S.A. made by Columbus Smith, 1869 : ... relative to Houghton property in England : genealogies of different branches of this family / [by F.W. Houghton].
Imprint:      Burlington, Vt. : Daily Free Press, 1869.
Description:      60 p. : ill., geneal. tables ; 30 cm.
Notes:      Genealogical items signed by Francis W. Houghton.
Report to the Houghton Association, dated, West Salisbury, Vt., Dec. 27th 1869 by Columbus Smith and A.B. Herrick. 6 p. at end.4,8
NoteTHE HOUGHTON ASSOCIATION

PREAMBLE

During the last century, a rumour has prevailed in this country, that shortly after the Restoration, an Englishman named Houghton, died, leaving property devised to heirs, then and since residing in the United States. It is desirable to ascertain the foundation of this report. In order to prosecute the investigation, the Houghtons and their friends in this countr do agree to establish an Association, under the following

CONSTITUTION

Article I. -- This Society shall be called The Houghton Association

Article II. -- The officers of this Association shall be a President, a Treasurer, and four Corresponding Secretaries.

Article III. -- The President shall be the chief executive officer in the Association, and preside at ll its meetings.

Article IV. -- The Treasurer shall hold all funds, subject to the order of the Association.

Article V. -- The Secretaries shall carry on an active correspondence, and obtain all possible information relative to the said Houghton legacy; the facts to be embodied in a report, when called for by the Association.

Article VI. -- Any person transmitting five dollars, or more, to the Treasurer, shall be constituted a member of this Association.

Article VII. -- Money remaining in the hands of the Treaurer, on the dissolution of the Association, shall be divided among the members thereof, according as each has paid in amount.

Article VIII. -- A printed reprt of the Houghton families, the condition of the legacy, etc., shall be furnished to each member of the Asociation, as soon as the necessary facts can be ascertained.

Article IX. -- Each member shall communicate to one of the Secretaries such particulars as may, from time to time, come to his knowledge regarding this subject.

Article X. -- A majority of the members shall desighate the time and place of holding the first meeting of this Association.


OFFICERS

President, Edward Houghton, No. 53, Wall-street, New- York.
Treasurer, Herbert A. Bellows, Walpole, New Hampshire
Secretary, Fisher M. Rice
" George Frederick Houghton, St. Albans's, Vermont
" Roland S. Houghton, No. 112 Broadway, New- York
" John S. Houghton, No. 230, Washington-Street, Boson.

These gentlemen shall be considered officers pro tempore, till the first meeting of the Association, when they shal be confirmed or rejected.



1846

Dear

The preceding page will expain itself. You have possibly heard the story that a wealthy bachelor, (Sir Philip Houghton, it is said) who lived in England many years since, died, leaving a large amount of property
by will to his brothers, who had emigrated to this country about the time of the Protectorate of Cromwell. Numerous reports concerning the matter have now been current among the Houghton families in the United States for more than one hundred years. These reports may have been founded on truth, or may have originated in idle gossip. The design of The Houghton Association is to probe the affair to the bottom.

If it be a fact that Houghton property now lies in England, awaiting the requistion of heirs in this country, those heirs ought to claim and possess it. In view of such considerations, it is very desirable that you should encourage the reliminary investigations, and become a regular member of the Association which has recently been established.

The name Houghton, or Haughton, or Hoghton, or de Hocton, is more than six hundred years old. It is proposed to trace the Houghtons in America and in England, in a continous line, both lineal and collateral -- as far back as possible. In tracing the lineage and running out the genealogy, every exertion will be made, at the same time, to ascertain the existence of the legacy, its present condition, and what persons are entitled to it.

If you can furnish either of the Secretaries with any facts relating to this subject, specifying at the same time the source whence they ere designed, we shall be extremely happy to receive them. A blank table is herewith annexed. you are desired to fill a similar one (as far as you may be able) with the names etc., of all the Houghtons connected with your family in an ascending or descending line, accompanies by such additional particulars and suggestions, as you may be inclined to offer.

It is perhaps entirely unnecessary to call your attention to the obvious advantages arising from an organized unity of effort, a combined and systematic plan of operations, in prosecuting an investigation of this important character. Nothing certain, nothing definite, nothing satisfactory can otherwise be accomplished.

Some trouble and expense will, of course, be incurred; to meet these, a small individual contribution seems to be most appropriate to raise the requisite funds. This is effected by securing a membership in the Association.

The amount of the legacy in question, with its accumulated interest, has been variously estimate at form one million to more than one hundred millions of punds sterling!

Trusting that you have felt and still feel, some interest in this topic, and confident that you will be induced to render us some assistance, we have taken the liberty of addressing you in this manner. Will you be so kind as to reply to this communication at your earliest convenience?

Very truly and respectufully yours,

Secretary

JWH, pp. 43-53:

HOUGHTON ASSOCIATION
"Notwithstanding the very discouraging report of the directors of the Houghton Association
preceding, the stories about the unclaimed estates in England belonging to the Houghton heirs in
America continued in circulation and finally led to the formation of a second Association the
report of whose proceedings and conclusions was published in pamphlet form in A. D. 1869, by
Columbus Smith, who had previously been appointed one of the agents to make the
investigation. For the information of our readers we re-print that report."
Organization
"There was a general meeting of the Houghton family at Winchendon, Mass., on the 21st of
April, 1868. This meeting was called for the purpose of collecting information relative to
unclaimed Houghton property in England reported to belong to the Houghton family in America,
and to devise means, through a joint action of the family, to have a thorough and final
investigation made of their claim to the large unclaimed Houghton property in England."
"The Houghton family was well represented at this meeting. After a long consultation, they
concluded that no longer delay should be allowed in this matter."
"They concluded no proper investigation of their claim had ever been made in England. They
wanted the question finally settled, as to whether there is, or is not, a Houghton property in
England belonging to the Houghtons in America, as reported, and if there is, its situationwhether
recoverable or not"
"The members of the family, at this meeting, unanimously adopted the following Constitution:"
PREAMBLE
" Whereas, certain Houghtons died in England, leaving real and personal property, at the time of
their death, to the amount of millions of dollars; and whereas, the next of kin and heirs to this
property, are said to be in America; now, in order to prosecute the investigation and procure the
pedigree of the family, and ascertain whether or not there is any such property, we, the
undersigned, do hereby agree to form ourselves into an Association, under the following"
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I. This society shall be called the Houghton Association.
ARTICLE II. Columbus Smith, of Salesbury, Vt., and A. B. Herrick, of Burlington, Vt.,
are hereby appointed agents for the purpose of investigating the case in
England, and are required, from time to time, to make frequent reports of
their doings to the members of this Association.
ARTICLE III. Harrison O. Smith, of Moncton, Vt., is hereby empowered to raise two
thousand dollars, to cover the necessary expenses attending the matter of
investigating the case in England, and all other necessary incidental
expenses connected therewith, by issuing such an amount of script as shall
be necessary, which said script shall be a lien upon the property when
recovered.
ARTICLE IV. Every script shall be sold for five dollars, entitling the purchaser to two
hundred dollars out of the first money recovered from said estate, by any
member of the Association, and no more script shall be sold by said agent
than shall be necessary to raise the aforesaid sum of two thousand dollars,
together with the expenses of the sale thereof, which, in no event shall
exceed 10 per cent. of the sale of each script.
ARTICLE V. The said Smith and Herrick are to be allowed fifteen hundred dollars for
making a thorough investigation of the case in England, with reference to
whether or not there is property there; if any, its situation, and also the
pedigree of be entitled to, and take, the property as an escheat. Then by
petitioning the Lords of the Treasury for a sum Of money equal to the
value of the estate (less the costs attendant upon the sale the party leaving
the same; and, in addition thereto we agree to pay to them 10 per cent. of
all we, or any of us, or our heirs. may recover from said estate.
ARTICLE VI. No member of this Association shall be liable to pay more than five
dollars, as expenses or compensation, or otherwise to any person or
persons whatever.
ARTICLE VII. Any member of the Houghton family may become a member of this
Association by paying five dollars to H. O. Smith, of Moncton, Vt., and
signing this Constitution, entitling each member to a printed report made
in the case, and also to the sum of two hundred dollars out of the money
recovered.
Winchendon, Vt., April 21st, 1868.
In due time Mr. Smith made the following report:
Report Of Columbus Smith
To the Houghton Association:
By the especial request of many members of the Houghton family, I attended your first family
meeting at Winchendon.
I then informed you of the difficulties of substantiating a claim to an old estate in England. But
few of these "large, unclaimed estates," reported to exist in England existed in fact, and that but
very few of those estates had ever been recovered by American claimants. I considered the
chances against you, though there was a possibility of your finding a large, unclaimed Houghton
property preserved in the Court of Chancery, or in the hands of trustees, recoverable, but not in
the possession of private individuals, for then your claim would be barred by the English statute
of limitations.
I also mentioned to you, there, the difficulties in the way of Americans recovering real estate in
England. I then thought and now think, no real estate in England, by a suit in any court, can be
recovered by an American whose grandfather was born in America, for they are aliens (this does
The Family of Ralph Houghton
May 4, 2006 74
not apply to leasehold property); but if an American should be found to be the real heir at law of
real estate there, the crown would be entitled to, and take, the property as an escheat. Then by
petitioning the Lords of the Treasury for a sum of money equal to the value of the estate (less the
costs attendant upon the sale thereof), I think a grant in money would be made to the claimant,
though I do not know of a precedent.
I believe the English Government intends to do justice in all cases. The information you gave
me, at your first meeting, relative to unclaimed Houghton property in England, was, for the most
part, traditionary, and, of course, not to be implicitly relied upon.
From the information there produced, I could not advise any member of the family to spend
much money in the investigation, for I thought the final recovery would not warrant it. But if the
whole family wanted the case examined in England, by uniting they could have it done with but
little expense to each member of the family. After an examination, should it be proved that the
Houghton family were entitled to no property in England, then the information collected relative
to the family would, in a measure, compensate for all outlay.
In accordance with the wishes of your Association, I will now give you all the information I have
been able to collect, from various sources, relative to the matter under consideration. This report
must, necessarily, be imperfect, for we have not had time nor opportunity to collect many facts in
the case, nor but few full pedigrees of the different branches of the family.
Nearly every member of this family is aware that, for very many years, it has been currently
reported, in different branches of the family, that there was a large Houghton property in
England belonging to the Houghtons in America. This matter has been agitated certainly, for
more than sixty years. In 1847 a Mr. Rice was appointed agent for the Houghton family to
examine this case in England. He went to England, and there made an examination and report on
the same. He had had no experience in making searches in England, and was unsuccessful in
finding the desired property. The family was convinced his search was not so thorough as it
ought to have been.
It is not necessary for me to rehearse here all the different reports that have been in circulation
concerning this property, for such reports must be familiar to all of you.
The property claimed, by some, is said to be the Houghton Tower and a very large tract of land
around it; by others, it is said to be a large property in the Court of Chancery. I should have
more confidence in the validity of a claim to property in the Court of Chancery, than I should to
a claim of the family to any real estate. It seems to me that the statute of limitations must be an
effectual bar to all claims for the Houghton Tower property, though I do not know how long this
property has been in the possession of the present occupants, but, I think, over forty years, the
time allowed to bar all other claims.
Since I was appointed agent of your Association, I have heard that the Henshaws, of
Massachusetts, claimed the Houghton property, in England, and that about the year 1719 their
claim was near being substantiated in the Court of Chancery in England, but that the same claim
was abandoned on the death of Joshua Henshaw, in England, in 1798. I have been informed that,
some twenty-five years ago, this Henshaw claim was again revived and some attorneys in New
York tried to prove the Henshaw pedigree, but were unsuccessful.
I can give no better statement of this case than can be found in the New England Historical and
Genealogical Register, April, 1868, page 112, viz.:
Joshua Henshaw, the grandfather of the first named Joshua, was born in Lancaster, England,
about the year 1645, and with his brother, Daniel, born about 1646, was probably abducted and
sent to New England, about 1652. They came to Dorchester, Mass., where they resided during
their minority. The family tradition is, that the Rev. Mr. Mather, who came from Lancaster,
England, had the care of them, and of the money sent with them, for their support and education,
and for setting them up in business. Joshua there married, in 1670, Elizabeth Sumner. Three
children were born to them. In 1688 he made his will, and in the early part of the next year went
to England for the purpose of recovering the large property left by his parents in the care of Peter
Ambrose, their steward who bore the imputation, not without probable grounds of suspicion, of
having sent the boys, Joshua and Daniel, out of England for the purpose of getting possession of
their property, for before they were sent away, they had lived in his care and on the estate for
several years, and after their departure he retained possession and died in the occupation of the
estate. Wavertree Hall, extolled by Walter Scott, was a part of it.
When Joshua arrived in England, he found Joshua Ambrose in possession of and claiming the
estate, as heir to his father, Peter. Mr. Henshaw filed a bill in Chancery against Ambrose, but
not being then prepared to prove his paternity, returned to Dorchester, and procured the
necessary evidence. To this bill the defendant put in his answer, and at a subsequent term of the
court, in 1690, the plaintiff not appearing, the bill was dismissed, with seven nobles costs. In
1692, after Mr. Henshaw's return to England, his case against Ambrose was restored to the
docket and kept there for nearly thirty years. In 1719, when it became certain that decision was
about to be rendered in favor of the plaintiff, Mr. Henshaw was invited by Ambrose to dinner,
upon pretense of a desire to effect an amicable settlement, and soon after the dinner was seized
with an illness, from which he died in a few hours. The suit was then dropped for want of a
prosecutor.
In order to make the relation of the Henshaws to the Houghton family appear and show the
possible origin of the tradition that the Houghtons were entitled to large estates in England the
following record is inserted in the report of Columbus Smith in 1869, and we again reproduce it
thinking it may be of sufficient interest to justify the giving it a place.
1st. Evan Houghton (ancestry unknown), of Great Carleton in the County of Palatine, of
Lancaster. Died at Knowsley January 29, 1608. Married daughter of Carleton.
2nd. Richard, born in 1554. Married Margaret, daughter of Henry Stanley, Esq., of Lancaster.
Date of marriage settlement October 8, 1585.
3d. Evan Houghton, son of Richard, County Of Lancaster, was killed at the taking of
Liverpool by Prince Rupert, in 1644. Married Ellen, daughter of a Mr. Parker, Esq., of
Kridgeball, Lancaster.
4th. Katherine, daughter and only child and heir Of Evan, died 1661. Married William
Henshaw, killed at the taking of Liverpool in 1644. Married about 1687.
5th. Joshua Henshaw, born in Liverpool about a year and ten weeks before his father was
killed. Was living in 1701. He was sent to New England in 1658 and returned April, 1688.
Married Elizabeth, daughter of William Sumner in New England. Joshua had the following
children: William, born 1671; Joshua, born 1673; Thankful, born 1678; John, born 1681;
Elizabeth, born 1685; Katherine, born 1688.
It will be seen by the foregoing pedigree of Mr. Henshaw, that the American Henshaws are
descended from Evan Houghton, through a female line. Mr. William Henshaw, who married
Katherine, was living in Massachusetts at the time this pedigree was made, as well as the
descendants of John and Ralph Houghton.
It is possible that John and Ralph may have descended from the same Evan Houghton, and their
descendants may have claimed the same property. We do not know when the American
Houghtons first claimed. They may have known of their claim as early as the Henshaws. I find
some branches of the Houghton family now claim to have descended from Evan Houghton. This
suit, instituted by Joshua Henshaw, may throw much light on the subject. This should be
thoroughly examined; and through this we may find the birth of John and Ralph, and if married
in England, their marriages and the birth of some of their children.
And it is possible we may find the personal property of Evan Houghton still in chancery. I have
heard of properties being recovered from this court after remaining in court nearly two hundred
years, though such things are of rare occurrence. Last autumn I wrote my partner, Mr. Herrick,
of London, that our information concerning this claim was then very limited, and I thought not
best to spend much time or money in the case until I could gather all the facts which could be
collected in America, relative to the property and pedigree of the family. In the meantime it
would be well for him to collect all the advertisements he could find relative to Houghton, and to
search the manuscripts made by the heralds, in their visitations, for Houghton pedigrees. A few
months since, I wrote him to search for the pedigree of Evan Houghton. I have received from
him the following communication:
LETTER OF A. B. HERRICK
London, England, Jan. 14, 1869.
Columbus Smith, Esq.
Dear Sir- I have secured a few advertisements, which I shall forward at once. The chancery case
appears to be a good one; and I am endeavoring to ascertain the pedigree of Thomas Houghton.
Perhaps this advertisement refers to the property originally claimed by the Houghtons in
America. I have not yet been able to ascertain the amount in the case. But I hope soon to have
reliable data, which will enable us to settle the matter. The fact of the property remaining so
long unclaimed, is sufficient to encourage us. The other advertisements shall be attended to,
also. Nothing shall remain undone which will enable us to ascertain the cause of the tradition
which has encouraged the claimants thus far.
I have examined particularly the Evan Houghton claim, but am not yet able to report. The case
involves much labor, and the records are almost inaccessible. I hope, however, to be able to
report upon this particular case soon.
With reference to the Houghton Tower claim, I think that the rightful claimants are now in
possession of the property. In the Bank of England, I have learned that there are still unclaimed
dividends standing in the name of Houghton. I am now at work, and shall use every means to do
justice to the case.
Yours truly,
A. B. HERRICK
Then follows a number of advertisements calling for claimants to property in the Court of
Chancery, but it is sufficient to say that none of them had the remotest connection with the
Houghtons in America.9
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 1.
  2. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 8.
  3. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page.
  4. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , American Antiquarian Society Online Catalog: http://catalog.mwa.org/
  5. [S200] Smith, Report to Houghton Association, p. 7.
  6. [S200] Smith, Report to Houghton Association, p. 4.
  7. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, Letter to Edna Houghton from Hubert S. Houghton, Mar. 20, 1941.
  8. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association.
  9. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, pp. 43-53.

Silas Goodrich1

M, #41826

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Association1847Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Corresponding Secretary, also secretary of the late Mass. Houghton Assoc.1,2
Residence1847Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, 25 Court St.1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 1.
  2. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 8.

Daniel Shattuck1

M, #41827

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Residence1847Concord, Middlesex Co., MA, USA1
Association1847Concord, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, on the Board of Directors1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 1.

James H. Rand1

M, #41828

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Association1847Lowell, MA, USA, on the Board of Directors1
Residence1847Lowell, MA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S247] Unknown author, Constitution of Houghton Association, p. 1.

George Singleton1,2

M, #41829

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, Chart by Francis W. Houghton, Apr. 8, 1869.
  2. [S200] Smith, Report to Houghton Association, p. 63 (Genealogy of Francis Walter Houghton).

Shirley Houghton1

M, #41830, b. 30 January 1882, d. 15 January 1971

Family: Jean Adair b. 8 Nov 1886, d. 22 May 1973

  • Engagement*: Shirley Houghton and Jean Adair were engaged in Jan, 1915 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
  • Marriage*: Shirley Houghton married Jean Adair on Jun, 1915 at Mission Inn.1

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 30, 1882Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, USA, dd calc; Jan. 1882, CA, age 18, in 1900 census; age 28 in 1910 census; age in 37 in 1920 census; age 52 in 1930 census; age 58 in 1940 census; WWI: 28 Jan 18823,2,1,4
Occupation1906a contractor; was active in rebuilding San Francisco after the earthquake and fire. His firm did considerable work in Southern CA, including the Mission Bridge in 1922-23. In the early 1930's he joined a stockbroker firm, with which he was associated until his semi-retirement to Carmel in 1955.1
EngagementJan, 1915San Francisco, CA, USA
MarriageJun, 1915Mission Inn1
Mil. DraftSep 6, 1918San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 36, engineer and contractor, Houghton Construction Company5
Member1919Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, San Francisco Social Register6
1930 Census1930San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 48, industrial construction, civil engineer7
1940 Census1940Redding, Shasta Co., CA, USA, age 58, hotel guests, private business broker8
1950 US Census1950San Francisco, CA, USA, age 68, investment banker, broker/owner
SSNbefore 1951CA, USA, 557-05-7765
DeathJan 15, 1971Carmel, Monterey Co., CA, USA, 13 days short of his 89th birthday1,4
ObituaryJan 19, 1971San Francisco, CA, USA, S. Houghton, Monterey Broker, 88
Shirley Houghton, member of a pioneer California family and a former general partner in Dean Witter & Co. brokerage firm, is dead at 88. Memorial services for Mr. Houghton will be Saturday in Carmel. Born In Sacramento in January 1882. he was a 1906 University of California graduate who worked as a civil engineer before joining Dean Witter in 1931. He was named a general partner in 1943 and after retirement in 1955 served as an adviser. Mr. Houghton's father, the late C. S. Houghton, was president of the old San Francisco Dock Co., which once owned large sections of waterfront. His grandfather, James F. Houghton, was California surveyor general during the administration of Gov. Leland Stanford and founded Home Life Insurance Co., antecedent of Fireman's Fund Insurance. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at All Saints Episcopal Church. Carmel, with interment at the family mausoleum, Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland. Survivors include his wife, ' Jean Adair Houghton: a sister, Ruth Houghton Hall of Carmel Valley, and two nephews.
BurialJan 23, 1971Carmel, Monterey Co., CA, USA, Episcopal services1
NoteRiverside, CA, USA, He built the Mission Bridge across the Santa Ana River in Riverside CA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, Newspaper article.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex California, Box 75, Vol. 5, E.D. ??, Sh. 3, Ln. 90.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 100, E.D. 152, Sh. 7, Ln. 34.
  4. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  5. [S1308] World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online http://content.ancestry.com, Roll: 1544245.
  6. [S1076] Rootsweb.Com, online www.rootsweb.com, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~npmelton/…
  7. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco, San Francisco Co., California; Roll: T626_206; Enumeration District: 318; page 102, sheet 17A, line 39, dwl Apt 6-446.
  8. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Redding, Shasta, California; Roll: T627_344; Page: 82B; Enumeration District: 45-2A; line 43.

Mrs. James Wortz1

F, #41831

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Residence1971Riverside, CA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, Newspaper article.

Jean Adair1

F, #41832, b. 8 November 1886, d. 22 May 1973

Family: Shirley Houghton b. 30 Jan 1882, d. 15 Jan 1971

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthNov 8, 1886Canada, age 32 in 1920 census; age "60" in 1940 census2,3
Immigration18921895 in 1920 census4
Naturalization18984
MarriageJun, 1915Mission Inn1
Member1919Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, San Francisco Social Register5
1940 Census1940Redding, Shasta Co., CA, USA, age 58, hotel guests, private business broker6
SSN557-05-7765
1950 US Census1950San Francisco, CA, USA, age 68, investment banker, broker/owner
DeathMay 22, 1973Monterey Co., CA, USA, age 863
Biographydau. of A. Aird Adair, a lawyer and banker in Riverside, from 1890 until his death in 1918. Both parents b. Canada1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, no page, Newspaper article.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 100, E.D. 152, Sh. 7, Ln. 36.
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  4. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco Assembly District 31, San Francisco, California; Roll: T625_136; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 152; line 34, dwl 2018-89-123.
  5. [S1076] Rootsweb.Com, online www.rootsweb.com, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~npmelton/…
  6. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Redding, Shasta, California; Roll: T627_344; Page: 82B; Enumeration District: 45-2A; line 43.

James Franklin McMahan1

M, #41833, b. August 1864, d. 20 December 1929

Family: Sarah Jane Starnes b. 16 Jun 1863, d. 31 Aug 1907

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug, 1864Given, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
MarriageNov 29, 1883Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
DeathDec 20, 1929Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Jan 22, 2004.
  3. [S415] E-mail from Kathleen Marie (Jovonovich) O'Britis-McKenney, Dec. 6, 2020.

Sarah Jane Starnes1

F, #41834, b. 16 June 1863, d. 31 August 1907

Family: James Franklin McMahan b. Aug 1864, d. 20 Dec 1929

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 16, 1863Union Mills, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
MarriageNov 29, 1883Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
DeathAug 31, 1907Ottumwa, Wapello Co., IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Jan 22, 2004.
  3. [S415] E-mail from Kathleen Marie (Jovonovich) O'Britis-McKenney, Dec. 6, 2020.

Maggie T. McMahan1

F, #41835, b. circa 1867

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1867IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Noah McMahan1

M, #41836, b. circa 1868

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1868IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Louise B. McMahan1

F, #41837, b. circa 1870

Family: John Mattison

  • Marriage*: Louise B. McMahan married John Mattison on Feb 16, 1896.1

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1870Pleasant Grove, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
MarriageFeb 16, 18961
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

John Mattison1

M, #41838

Family: Louise B. McMahan b. c 1870

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
MarriageFeb 16, 18961
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Pery McMahan1

M, #41839, b. circa 1874

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1874IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

William Lewis McMahan1

M, #41840, b. 23 April 1876, d. 15 May 1935

Family: Hattie Grace Lockard b. 1876 or 1877

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr 23, 1876Barnes City, Mahaska Co., IA, USA
MarriageSep 16, 18972
DeathMay 15, 1935Mahaska Co., IA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Gayle C. Vuletic, Jul. 24, 2001.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Hattie Grace Lockard1

F, #41841, b. 1876 or 1877

Family: William Lewis McMahan b. 23 Apr 1876, d. 15 May 1935

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birth1876 or 1877Barnes City, Mahaska Co., IA, USA1
MarriageSep 16, 18971
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Gayle C. Vuletic, Jul. 24, 2001.

Louis McMahan1

M, #41842, b. circa 1877

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1877IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Hurly/Perly McMahan1

M, #41843, b. circa 1880

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1880IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Joseph McMahan1

M, #41844, b. circa 1882

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1882IA, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Vicki Hols-Hartness, Oct. 14, 1999.

Kevin Houghton1

M, #41845

Family: Christi Wasinger

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
Corresponded with authorY
Birth
Marriage2
AddressOct 17, 1999hey3825968@aol.com1
Contributn
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Kevin Houghton, Oct. 17, 1999.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.geocities.com/kdthompsoncook/SECOND-FAMILY.html

Francis Worth Houghton1

M, #41846, b. 27 December 1916, d. 25 February 1995

Family 1: Jean Johnson

Family 2: Aileen (?)

  • Marriage*: Francis Worth Houghton married Aileen (?)4

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 27, 1916Lyford, TX, USA, age 4 in 1920 census; age 14 in 1930 census1,2
ImmigrationKS, USA
Marriage4
Marriage4
DeathFeb 25, 19951
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Kevin Houghton, Oct. 17, 1999.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Norton, Norton Co., Kansas; Roll: 714; Enumeration District: 21; sheet 24A, page 109, line 30, dwl 9-552-585.
  3. [S1059] Unknown author, Treasure the Memories, p. 334-335.
  4. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.geocities.com/kdthompsoncook/SECOND-FAMILY.html
  5. [S415] E-mail from Byron Houghton, Mar. 8, 2001.
  6. [S415] E-mail from Bryon Houghton, Nov 2, 2004.

Roy Edward Houghton1,2

M, #41847, b. 13 August 1893, d. 29 May 1945

Family: Ruby Margie Rose b. c 1894

  • Marriage*: Roy Edward Houghton married Ruby Margie Rose on circa 1914 age 21 and 21.6

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 13, 1893Hedgewood, Norton Co., KS, USA, age 6 in 1900 census; age 16 in 1910 census; age 26 in 1920 census; age 37 in 1930 census; age 46 in 1940 census1,2,5
Marriagecirca 1914age 21 and 216
Mil. DraftJun 5, 1917Cameron Co., TX, USA, age23, farmer; service: Texas A & M, 2 y, private2
1920 Census1920Justice Prec. 7, Cameron Co., TX, USA, age 26, farmer; next door to father7
1930 Census1930Norton, Norton Co., KS, USA, age 37, a garage helper8
1940 Census1940Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, USA, age 46, farm hand9
SSN509-07-4199
DeathMay 29, 1945Lyford, Willacy Co., TX, USA, of liver cancer10,5,4
BiographyAlmena, Norton Co., KS, USA, mentioned in the Centennial of KS6
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex, Emmett Twp, Norton Co., KS, Box 52, Vol. 39, E.D. 91, Sh. 4, Ln. 69.
  2. [S1308] World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online http://content.ancestry.com, Roll: 1952399.
  3. [S415] E-mail from Kevin Houghton, Oct. 17, 1999.
  4. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.footnote.com: Texas Death Records, Houghton surnames.
  5. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi
  6. [S1059] Unknown author, Treasure the Memories, p. 334-335.
  7. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Justice Precinct 7, Cameron, Texas; Roll: T625_1784; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 37; Image: 750.
  8. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Norton, Norton Co., Kansas; Roll: 714; Enumeration District: 21; sheet 24A, page 109, line 30, dwl 9-552-585.
  9. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Portland, Multnomah, Oregon; Roll: T627_3385; Page: 83B; Enumeration District: 37-50.
  10. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.geocities.com/kdthompsoncook/SECOND-FAMILY.html
  11. [S415] E-mail from Ardie & Greg Grimes, Obituary of Robert E. Houghton <e-mail address>, Mar. 10, 2001.

Katie Elsie Chase1,2

F, #41848, b. 1 April 1865, d. 14 January 1940

Family: Edward Ledoit Houghton b. 1 Apr 1851, d. 2 Sep 1937

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthApr 1, 1865Whitingham, VT, USA, age 35 in 1900 census; age 45 in 1910 census; age 54 in 1920 census; age 64 in 1930 census3,4
MarriageMar 21, 1889Whitingham, VT, USA, he age 37, 2nd mar; 1930 census: age 24 and 26; 1910 gives her age 213,2,5
1900 Census1900Emmett Twp, Norton Co., KS, USA, E. L. Houghton, Apr. 1851, 49, VT; 3 children born, 2 living3,6
1910 Census1910Justice Prct 5, Cameron Co., TX, USA, age 59, farmer7
1920 Census1920Justice Precinct 7, Cameron Co., TX, USA, age 68, farmer; next door to son Roy E. Houghton8
1930 Census1930Lyford, Willacy Co., TX, USA, age 79, farmer9
DeathJan 14, 1940Lyford, Willacy Co., TX, USA, of cardiac failure10,4
BurialJan 16, 1940Lyford, Willacy Co., TX, USA4
ParentsDparents born in VT
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Kevin Houghton, Oct. 17, 1999.
  2. [S1074] Town Records: Whitingham, VT, p. 1751: VT Division of Records, Middlesex, VT, F-30546, VT VRs 1871-1904.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex, Emmett Twp, Norton Co., KS, Box 52, Vol. 39, E.D. 91, Sh. 4, Ln. 69.
  4. [S5] Death Certificate, http://www.footnote.com: Texas Death Records, Houghton surnames.
  5. [S1074] Town Records: Whitingham, VT; VT Division of Records, Middlesex, VT, F-30766, VT Vital Records 1909-1941.
  6. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Emmett, Norton Co., Kansas; Roll: T623 ; Enumeration District: 91; Sheet 4B; line 69, dwl 83-83.
  7. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Justice Precinct 5, Cameron, Texas; Roll: T624_1536; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 34; line 87, dwl 32-34.
  8. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Justice Precinct 7, Cameron, Texas; Roll: T625_1784; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 37.
  9. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Lyford, Willacy Co.,Texas; Roll: 2411; Enumeration District: 6; Sheet: 3B; line 74, dwl 12.
  10. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.geocities.com/kdthompsoncook/SECOND-FAMILY.html
  11. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.footnote.com: Texas Death Records, Houghton surnames.

Roger Bangs Peterson1

M, #41849, b. 17 March 1959

Biography

Corresponded with authorY
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
BirthMar 17, 1959Urbana, IL, USA1
AddressOct 17, 1999rogbngp@yahoo.com
Contributn
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Roger Peterson, Oct. 17, 1999.

Washington Morse1

M, #41850, b. 29 June 1816, d. 19 September 1898

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 29, 1816Pomfret, Windsor Co., VT, USA2
DeathSep 19, 1898Gilmer, Lake Co., IL, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Roger Peterson, Oct. 17, 1999.
  2. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://trees.ancestry.com/tree//643043/person/-1026145273