Thomas David Stevens1

M, #110041

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Carrie Coker-Aivaliotis, Nov. 30, 2003.

Luke T. Houghton

M, #110042, b. 3 February 1970, d. 3 January 2016

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthFeb 3, 1970KS, USA
Residence2016Overland Park, KS, USA
DeathJan 3, 2016
BurialJan 8, 2016Patio Garden of Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia, KS, USA
Pedigree

Leslie Anne (?)

F, #110043, b. circa 1949

Family: Jerome Earl Houghton b. Jul 1947

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1949
Marriage
Pedigree

JoAnne Houghton

F, #110044, b. 19 February 1936, d. 13 January 2016

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthFeb 19, 1936
Residence2016Ithaca, NY, USA
DeathJan 13, 2016Berkshire, NY, USA, age 79
Pedigree

Pamela Dee (?)

F, #110045, b. circa 1950

Family: Richard Edward Houghton b. 18 Sep 1945, d. 12 Jan 2016

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1950
Marriage
Pedigree

Samuel M. Haughton Jr

M, #110046, b. 31 January 1932, d. 9 January 2016

Family 1: Shirley Joe Brown

Family 2: Shirley Usufruct b. c 1935

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 31, 1932Napoleonville, LA, USA
Mil. Serv.US Army
Marriage
Marriage1
DeathJan 9, 2016LA, USA1
ObituaryJan 13, 2016Samuel M. ("Sam") Haughton, Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on January 9, 2016. He was born in Napoleonville, LA and resided in Marrero, LA. He is survived by his devoted wife Shirley M. Haughton, former wife, Shirley Joe Brown, beloved children, Debra Roussell, Lyle Howard Haughton, Sr., Andrea R. Marrero and Willie E. Marrero (Betty), grandchildren, Deon Gullage, Glenn Roussell, III, Lyle Howard Haughton, Jr., Tanisha Haughton Brooks, Taylor Marrero, Malachi Marrero, Jordan Baggett and Adrian Smith, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Cora M. Walker, a host of nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice Johnson and Samuel M. Haughton, Sr. He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from the Jefferson Parish School District. Relatives and friends, also Pastors, Officers and members of Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to the start of the funeral at 10:00 a.m. at Payne Memorial A.M.E. Church, 3306 S. Liberty St., New Orleans, LA 70115 (899-3424). Reverend Lester Allen Shaw, officiating. Interment in Restlawn Cemetery, 4040 Hwy. 90, Avondale, LA (368-6722). Repast to follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Center, 1625 Annette Street, New Orleans, LA (944-5401). To sign and view the family guestbook, please visit www.Gaskin-Southall-Gordon & Gordon Mortuary, Inc.
logo


Published in The Times-Picayune from Jan. 13 to Jan. 15, 20161
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx

Shirley Usufruct1

F, #110047, b. circa 1935

Family: Samuel M. Haughton Jr b. 31 Jan 1932, d. 9 Jan 2016

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1935
Marriage1
Living2016
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx

Samuel M. Haughton Sr

M, #110048, b. 31 December 1909, d. December 1977

Family: Beatrice Johnson b. c 1910, d. b 2016

  • Marriage*: Samuel M. Haughton Sr married Beatrice Johnson on circa 1927 she age 17.

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 31, 1909LA, USA, age 10 in 1920 census1
Marriagecirca 1927she age 17
DeathDec, 1977Harvey, LA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Police Jury Ward 5, Assumption, Louisiana; Roll: T625_604; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 5.

Beatrice Johnson

F, #110049, b. circa 1910, d. before 2016

Family: Samuel M. Haughton Sr b. 31 Dec 1909, d. Dec 1977

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1910LA, USA, age 20 in 1930 census1
Marriagecirca 1927she age 17
1930 Census1930Police Jury Ward 5, LA, USA, age 20, none, living with brother Johnnie Johnson and mother Cora Johnson1
Deathbefore 2016
ParentsDParents born in LA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Police Jury Ward 5, Lafourche, Louisiana; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0011; FHL microfilm: 2340533.

Cora Mae Haughton

F, #110050, b. 24 August 1933

Family: (?) Walker

  • Marriage*: Cora Mae Haughton married (?) Walker.

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 24, 1933LA, USA, age 6 in 1940 census
1940 Census1940Lafourche, LA, USA, age 6, living with and cousin of Alexander and Cora Johnson1
Marriage
Living2016
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Lafourche, Louisiana; Roll: m-t0627-01410; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 29-13.

(?) Walker

M, #110051

Family: Cora Mae Haughton b. 24 Aug 1933

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Marriage
Pedigree

Rufus Houghton1

M, #110052, b. before 1715

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthbefore 1715
Note1733Gene Piurkowski: Two of the 1733 proprietors were Silas Houghton and Rufus Houghton. Neither person seems to have settled in town and I have found no notation of Silas selling his right. However; Rufus did sell his right in 1750.

I did question the "Rufus Houghton, born in 1722" in your previous post. However, the quote in the 1750 deed I sent you states:   "said right was originally entered to said Rufus Houghton…” (in the Proprietors Book of Records in 1733). "  If the grantor of that deed, Rufus Houghton, is indeed the Rufus born in 1722, who is the Rufus Houghton he refers to as the one who's "said right was originally entered to..."? Rufus (1722) cannot qualify as the original proprietor.  In that day, sons of proprietors were given parts or the whole grants upon reaching the age of 21.

Almost all of the original proprietors were soldiers in the early French and Indian Wars, The Rufus in question would have been only eleven years old. I just can't figure this one out. :)1
Residence1733Leominister, Worcester Co., MA, USA
DeedMar 29, 1750Keene, NH, USA, Rufus Houghton to John Moor (29 March 1750)
“Know all men by these presents that I Rufus Houghton of Leominster in the County of Worcester in the Province of the Massachusetts by in New England, yeoman, for and in consideration of the sum of thirty points in bills of credit of the last emission of the province to me in hand before the ensealing hereof well and truly paid by John Moor of Bolton in the county aforesaid, yeoman Have given granted, bargained sold conveyed and confirmed and by these presents do freely, fully and absolutely give grant bargain convey and confirm to him the said John Moor his heirs and assigns forever one full right or share in the township of Winchester in the province of New a Hampshire being the one sixty third part of said township, said right was originally entered to said Rufus Houghton…” (in the Proporietors Book of Records in 1733). Witnessed by Samuel Moor and James Minot Jr. Source: Cheshire County Registry of Deeds, Keene, NH.
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Gene Piurkowski, Jan 16, 2016.

Gerd (?)1

F, #110053, b. 3 June 1929, d. 19 January 2016

Family: Ernest L. Houghton b. c 1932

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 3, 1929Mandal, Norway1
Immigrationcirca 1948Staten Island, NY, USA
Marriage1951
Residence1998Camarillo, CA, USA
DeathJan 19, 2016Camarillo, CA, USA1
ObituaryJan 22, 2016Ventura County Star, CA, USA, Gerd Houghton

Camarillo, CA

Gerd Houghton, 86, died peacefully on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was a very kind and humble woman who was not only beautiful on the outside, but beautiful on the inside as well. She leaves behind her husband, Ernest, her three children, Sharon, David, and Ruth, her nine grandchildren, James, Jeremiah, Sarah, David, Michael, Robert, Joseph, Kathleen, and Benjamin, her many great-grandchildren, and her youngest brother, Tore, who still resides in Norway. All who knew her will miss her greatly.

Born in Mandal, Norway on June 3, 1929, Gerd was the oldest of five children. In addition to her native Norwegian, Gerd learned to speak German when her home town of Mandal was occupied by the Germans during World War II. Gerd also spoke and wrote perfect English, having earned her degree in English from the University of Oslo. Following her dream to come to America, when she was only 19-years-old, Gerd came to the United States and settled in Staten Island, NY with her Aunt Betsy. There she met, fell in love with, and married Ernest Houghton in 1951. Gerd and Ernest recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on November 3, 2015. During their many years together, Gerd and Ernest moved from New York to Los Angeles. Seeking the land of opportunity, they also moved to Sydney, Australia, but came back to America after only six months, and settled in Simi Valley. They also purchased a second home in Tehachapi, and ultimately retired together in Leisure Village in Camarillo in 1998.

Gerd had a very special love of animals, and rescued several homeless dogs. She also rescued two desert tortoises and raised them for many years. Additionally, Gerd raised a talking parrot. She made it a point to feed and nurture any animal in need. Gerd loved the outdoors, the mountains, the ocean, and God's handiwork so evident in nature. Walking, swimming, skiing, reading, and singing in the church choir were her favorite activities. Gerd played the organ, piano, and guitar. She loved music and taught her children to love music as well. In particular, Gerd loved classical music, her favorite piece of music was the Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Greig (a fellow Norwegian), and she also loved the old hymns, especially The Old Rugged Cross, In the Garden, I Stand Amazed, and His Eye is on the Sparrow. Gerd began each day with a time of prayer and daily devotions, a tradition that she carried on from her father and mother, who also began each day with reading the Bible and prayer. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 121.

The funeral, graveside service, and reception will be held at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home and Memorial Park on Sunday, January 24 at 12 noon.
Funeral Home
Conejo Mountain Funeral Home
2052 Howard Road
Camarillo, CA 93012
(805) 482-1959
Funeral Home Details
Send Flowers
Published in Ventura County Star on Jan. 22, 20162
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/…
  2. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Ernest L. Houghton

M, #110054, b. circa 1932

Family: Gerd (?) b. 3 Jun 1929, d. 19 Jan 2016

  • Marriage*: Ernest L. Houghton married Gerd (?) on 1951.

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1932
Marriage1951
Residence1998Camarillo, CA, USA
Living2016Camarillo, Ventura Co., CA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

David Houghton1

M, #110055

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birth1
Living2016
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Sharon Houghton1

F, #110056

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Ruth Houghton1

F, #110057

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Doris E. Houghton

F, #110058, b. circa 1933, d. 30 January 2016

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1933
DeathJan 30, 2016Boca Raton, LA, USA, age 83
Pedigree

Mitch Houghton1

M, #110059, b. 1957

Family: Barbara (?)

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1957Ventura, CA, USA1
Marriage1
Living2016
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Debbie Houghton1

F, #110060, b. 1959

Family: Larry (?)

  • Marriage*: Debbie Houghton married Larry (?)

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1959Ventura, CA, USA1
Marriage
Living2016
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Barbara (?)1

F, #110061

Family: Mitch Houghton b. 1957

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Marriage1
Living2016
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/…

Larry (?)

M, #110062

Family: Debbie Houghton b. 1959

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Marriage
Pedigree

Donald G. Haughton

M, #110063, b. 7 June 1934, d. 9 February 2016

Family: Bernelia (?)

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 7, 1934Jamaica
Marriage
DeathFeb 9, 2016Tampa, FL, USA, age 81h
ObituaryFeb 14, 201681, of Tampa, passed away Feb. 9, 2016. Donald migrated to New York City from Jamaica in 1968, before settling in Tampa 13 years ago. He loved watching sports, listening to Jazz music, and was an avid gardener who loved being outdoors. He was an auto body technician by profession, and retired from the Florida Railroad after 15 years. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Bernella; his children, Claudette Thompson (Vernon), Pauline Bowie, Donald Haughton Jr., Eric Haughton (Lorna), Claudette Sudlow, Courtney Haughton (Karenna), and Mario Haughton; 20 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was loved and will be dearly missed. A Visitation for Mr. Haughton will be held Saturday, Feb. 20, 1 pm, with a Service at 3 pm, and a reception to follow. Brewer and Sons Tampa-Chapel1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sptimes/obituary.aspx

Bernelia (?)

F, #110064

Family: Donald G. Haughton b. 7 Jun 1934, d. 9 Feb 2016

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage
Pedigree

John Houghton Keith

M, #110065, b. April 1838, d. 26 July 1912

Family 1: Lydia Holt

Family 2: Caroline (?) b. c 1840

Family 3: Charlotte F. Friese b. Oct 1838, d. 21 Apr 1925

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr, 1838Cambridge, MA, USA, age 12 in 1850 census; age 48 in 1886; age 53 in 1892; age 62 in 1900 census; age 75 in 1920 census
Adoptioncirca 1844orphaned at age 6 and adopted by "Senator Clark of California"; but there were no CA senators in 1844
MarriagePortland, ME, USA
Census1865Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 25, artist; with wife Lydia and child
Marriage1
1870 Census1870Gardiner, ME, USA, age 32, landscape painter1
Marriagecirca 1872Germany, mar 28 y in 1900 census
1880 Census1880Denver, Arapahoe Co., CO, USA, age 36, landscape painter
Author1887Westward or 1000 Items on the Wonders and Curiosities of Southern California
Residence1892Oakland, CA, USA, voter registration, age 53, 5'11"
1900 Census1900Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA, USA, age 62, wd, artist; mar 28 years
1910 Census1910Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA, age 75, "professor" landscape painter
DeathJul 26, 1912Los Angeles CA., CA, USA, age 76
BurialEvergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA
BiographyJohn Houghton Von Keith, Artist
b.1835 Cambridge, Massachusetts d. aft. 1910 California

H. John Houghton Von Keith, Artist 1835 - aft 1910
W. Amelia R. L. Unknown bef 1855 - aft 1910

m. bef. 1873

Wallula 'Lula' Von Keith1873 - 1941

Name      John Houghton Von Keith, Artist
Gender      Male
Birth?      1835      Cambridge, Massachusetts
Marriage      bef. 1873      to Amelia R. L. Unknown
Death?      aft. 1910      California


John H. Von Keith was born in Cambridge, MA in 1835 into a wealthy family. Orphaned at age six, Von Keith was adopted by Senator Clark of California. Having studied at Harvard University and the Boston School of Design, he then led an itinerant existence. He visited 44 cities in the U.S. He was in Denver, CO in 1880 and by 1884 was a resident of Los Angeles. John H. Von Keith was a landscape painter and writer who, after leading an itinerant existence, traveled to California in the late 19th century and made his home in Los Angeles. His book 'Westward or 1000 Items on the Wonders and Curiosities of Southern California' is an enthusiastic recitation of the delights to be found in California in 1887. Among these wonders are many "pretty canyons [with] beautiful, musical, roaring waterfalls. After a painting trip to the tropics in 1889, he had a studio-home in Oakland in 1892 and in that year made a trip to Oregon to paint. His daughter, Walllula 'Lulu' married George A. Ralphs, the co-founder of Ralphs Grocery Company, the oldest supermarket chain west of the Misissippi River.

He was in Denver, CO in 1880 and by 1884 was a resident of Los Angeles. After a painting trip to the tropics in 1889, he had a studio-home in Oakland in 1892 and in that year made a trip to Oregon to paint the Three Sisters. His name appeared intermittently in the Los Angeles City Directory through 1912.

Exh: Calif. State Fair, 1885.

Works Held: Orange Co. (CA) Museum.

Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"
Southern California Artists (Nancy Moure); City Directory; Von Keith's Westward or 1000 Items on the Wonders and Curiosities of Southern California (J. W. Green & Co, 1887).

Report on John Houghton (Von) Keith by Claire Mckarns:
          
     John was born in “a cottage”in Cambridge, Mass. next door to the poet, Longfellow on Brattle Street near Harvard University in April, 1838. The artist's biography states that his parents were wealthy and died when he was 6 years old. Despite numerous searches his birth record has not been found.
     John may have been the son of George KEITH who died in Cambridge in 1843. Whether his mother died at this time is unknown since children were called orphans when one parent was gone. There is a later mention of his mother dying in NYS in the late 1800s but no record was found of her under the name of KEITH.
     The artist's bio further indicates that he was adopted by a Senator Clark from California when his parents died. This seems incorrect. California was not yet a state at that time . More likely he is the 12 year old, John Keith, living with Robert and Sally CLARK in the 1850 in Acworth, NH. Nothing more could be found in the records of that town. Robert Clark married Sally WYMAN in Boston, Mass. This could be his connection to Capt. Francis Wyman. Perhaps Sally was a relative.
     Reported to have graduated from Harvard in his teens with honors and studied at the Boston School of Design.
     ?1860 Census John Keith, a painter, 23,living in N. Bridgewater, Mass. with Rhodes family.
     1862 He married Lydia F. HOLT in Portland, Maine. She was born in Bethel, Maine, the daughter of Daniel and Abigail (Cummings) HOLT. The Keiths may have met when he was painting in that area.
     1865 A daughter, Evangeline Rosa Bonheur KEITH was born in Boston. Her middle names were the name of a famous French painter, Maria Rosalie Bonheur (1822-1899) Evangeline later became a doctor, married Henry E. GREENE, and moved to Los Angeles where she died in 1924.
     1865 Massachusetts Census Boston – John living with Lydia and 2 children with Leggett family. John's occupation was artist. He was a legal voter.
     1870 A son called Edward or Edgar Virgil KEITH was born in Massachusetts.
     1870 Census – Kennebunk, Maine John H. Keith, a landscape painter, with wife and 2 children
After this John goes to Europe but does not take his wife or children. It is not clear if he and Lydia were divorced. In 1880 she declares herself a widow.

     About 1872 John was married to Charlotte Amelia FREISE (1833-1925) , probably in Germany. This is where he added “Von” to his name. In 1875 a daughter, Warpella, was born in France. Another daughter, Wallula called “Lulu” was born in 1873 in London England. Her birth certificate was obtained. These unusual names may have been places he painted.
     
     1875 Ship's records show John (Mr. J. H. Keith) age 37 with wife and 2 children returning from England on the Ship Othello which reached NY on June 15, 1875.
There are many stories of their life in NY where they lived in a cottage that John erected on a high cliff overlooking the Hudson River in Cornwall on the Hudson. It was there that he painted and sold his wares with difficulty. Charlotte had a hard life with the birth of a son and stormy weather in a lonely place. At one point she told him she could not stay there any longer. He told her to bring the children to New Haven Connecticut where he was working.

     Charter member of the Palette Club of NY. He was a companion of Thomas Nat.

     John was a well known figure in the neighborhood of Cornwall. He was befriended by William H CLARK, a lawyer in Cornwall, NY. One friend was Amelia Edith Barr (1831- 1919) who moved to Cornwall-0n-Hudson in 1891 and named her house “Cherry Craft” on the slopes of the Storm King Mountain. She had previously lived in NYC since 1869 and visited John's studio.
     Von Keith had a contract to paint and decorate a line of steamships on the Mississippi..The family headed for New Orleans. In Memphis they contracted yellow fever and were reported dead.
They then traveled to Little Rock and St. Louis. By1880 the Census shows the 5 of them living in Denver, Colorado where John is listed as a landscape painter age 36. They were living at 406 Larimer St.
     John traveled widely to paint and in 1889 he took a trip to the Tropics. Other journeys were to Oregon and Arizona.
     The family made their way to California and numerous records show them living in Oakland and Los Angeles. From city directories and voter registrations:
Oakland: 1892, 1894, 1895
Los Angeles: 1886, 1888, 1896, 1897, 1903, 1906, 1910, 1911
Real Estate speculation
1890 Warpella died in Los Angeles from la Grippe after a short illness. She was only 15.
1892-4 von Keiths lived in Oakland
1896 Los Angeles, CA – Wallula married George A. Ralphs, founder of a grocery chain He died after an accident while out hiking. Lulu never remarried but had elaborate parties and traveled the world according to her passport.. She died in LA in 1941 and is buried there in Evergreen Cemetery
1900 Census John H. Von Keith ae 62 renting in Bakersfield CA with Amelia age 61.
1903 John painted “The Good Old Buffalo Timers on the Gunnison River” 50 x 7 inches which was raffled off. Professor Von Keith writing a book on prehistoric tribes of AZ.
1904 John painted in Goddard Canyon, AZ.
1904- He “Reappears” in Arizona – Miss Amelia Barr and Eastern press find him living at 125 South Second Ave in Phoenix, AZ with his wife. He is heir to several fortunes. His whereabouts were unknown to friends and family for 25 years. Settling of valuable estate at Cornwall on Hudson.
Visited there and saw his aged mother.
During his years in the West it is hard to tell fact from fiction. Newspaper accounts relate his exploits as below.
1910 Census John (75) and Amelia (73) living in Los Angeles at 518 Coronado St.
City Directories and newspapers
1912 July 26, John died in Los Angeles (death certificate) at age 77
Funeral from Dexter Samson's parlors with impressive service by Rev. Will A. Knighten
Obituaries – Tell about this unusual man, his life, and character most vividly
LAHerald #263 July 30, 1912
Buried in Evergreen Cemetery in LA with Charlotte and Warpella.
Cemetery records

Newspaper articles:
1879 NY Sun – Keith's Highland Home called “Artist's Home” abandoned
1885 LA – Paintings for sale at Godfrey's Drug Store
1887 - 1890 LA – real estate dealings
1891 Oakland letter to editor
1892 Oakland – Prof. J. H. Von Keith haunted by woman who wants to give him $1,000,000.
Swedish Vestkusten
1893 Oakland in 1900 painting – later vanished
Von Keiths go to Europe (Germany) for months.
Charlotte Amelia and Wallula involved in suffrage movement.
1895 – sell land in Oakland
1899 Von Keiths spend 2 months in Yosemite Valley
1900 Prof. Von Keith gathers fish bones and skins from Buena Vista Lake in Kern County
1901 AZ – Von Keiths in Kingman AZ gathering guano in caves to ship
Real estate dealings in LA
1903 Solomonville AZ – Prof. Von Keith gathering data for book on prehistoric tribes
Tucson AZ painting on exhibit in PO.
1904 AZ Painted picture near Goddard's Station
New Yorkers find John in Phoenix AZ, Money from sale of Idlewild house awaits him in NY
1905 J.H. Is building a Chinese bungalow on Lake St in LA
1908 Prof. Visited 35 canyons in LA area and finds serpent lizard.
1911 Prof. J. H. Von Keith sick for a year and confined to home
1912 Obituaries with stories of his life
Left his widow 40 paintings


First family:
Lydia Frances Holt Keith was living with her sister,Abigail (Abbie) Langley in Oakland, CA in 1880. She was working as a schoolteacher and marital status was “widow”.
Married to Samuel MILLER
??1910 Lydia Miller age 61 married to Samuel, living in LA.
1920 Lydia K. Miller age 76, living with daughter in LA

Daughter Evangeline “Eva” b. Nov 8, 1865 in Holyoke or Boston, MA
1870 with parents
1880 Living with grandparents, Daniel and Abigail HOLT, in Greenwood, Maine where she was a teacher at age 15.
On Sept 30, 1883 she was married in Boston Mass. to Henry Ernest GREENE (1859 - 1946), son of Chester W. and Ann Eliza. (Wood ) GREENE, who was born in Stoneham, Mass.. Henry was a printer in Boston at the time of the marriage..
She graduated from Tufts Medical School in 1900.
She practiced in Chicago, St Louis, CO, Oakland and Los Angeles, CA
1900 Census – Bronx, NY - Eva K Greene, age 34, physician
1910 Census – Chicago, Prairie Ave – Eva
1918 Eva goes to France with Women's Hospital Unit from Los Angeles
1920 Henry and Eva were living in Los Angeles at 752 West 80th St. With them is her mother, Lydia K MILLER age 76, widow of Samuel, born in Maine.
Eva died in LA on April 9, 1924 Los Angeles, CA (obituary in LA Herald on Apr 10, 1924).
Henry Greene died in Riverside County CA on 31 Jan, 1946.
Their children were Josephine L Greene ( 1887 - ?)
and Chester Holt Greene (1890 - 1941) married Helen M. JONES in 1914 Chicago, ILL Their child was Phyllis Rose GREENE


Son, Edward aka Edgar V. KEITH born 1870 in Mass.
1880 Census Edward, age 10, living with grandparents in Greenwood, Maine.
1894 Dec 10 Married to Grace Lois COOMBS (dau. Jordan & Julia) in Belfast, Maine
1900 Census Lewiston, Maine - Edgar V. KEITH age 28 with Grace and dau. Evylin T. b. Sept 1896
1908 Sept 21 – Sacramento, Married to Alice M.SMITH of San Francisco
1909 Father visits him on Lake Chabot Road and paints the lake in Castro Valley.
1910 Eden (Alameda) CA , Chaff Road - Edgar V. KEITH age 38, farmer, owns farm
Castro Valley merchant, deputy sheriff who captured forger, Hayward Lodge , F. B. H.
Congregational Church
1914 Edgar V. KEITH runs for supervisor in Oakland
Died in Merritt Hospital in Oakland, CA at age 44 in April 1915

Second family:
wife - Charlotte Amelia FREISE (1833 – 1925) born in Hanover, Germany. Lived in Hamburg.
Daughter Warpella (1875-1890) Lived at Boston St. LA Services were by Spiritualists.
Daughter Wallula Freise KEITH born in 1873 in Pancreas District, London, England (certificate)
1894 Dec Miss Wallula von Keith of Fruitvale, CA engaged to Herman Witte of Los Angeles
Herman L. Witte (1871 – 1941) was a single plumber living with his parents in LA in 1900.
1896 Wallula von Keith age 23 marries George A Ralphs (1750 -1914) age 46
They had 3 children.
1901 Downey youths convicted of assault in harrowing incident where Mrs George Ralphs was victim and witness.
1914 George Ralphs dies after hiking accident.
She travels widely and entertains at her home on south Flower Street
1941 Feb 11 Wallula died in LA County, Buried in Evergreen Cemetery LA

Son Osceola born about 1877 in NY State 1880 Denver with family No records of him in CA
ParentsSboth parents born in MA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Gardiner, Kennebec, Maine; Roll: M593_546; Page: 301B; Family History Library Film: 552045.

Charlotte F. Friese

F, #110066, b. October 1838, d. 21 April 1925

Family: John Houghton Keith b. Apr 1838, d. 26 Jul 1912

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthOct, 1838Hanover, Germany, age 61 in 1900 census
Marriagecirca 1872Germany, mar 28 y in 1900 census
1880 Census1880Denver, Arapahoe Co., CO, USA, age 36, landscape painter
1900 Census1900Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA, USA, age 62, wd, artist; mar 28 years
1910 Census1910Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA, age 75, "professor" landscape painter
DeathApr 21, 1925Los Angeles CA., CA, USA, age "91"
BurialEvergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA
ResearchCharlotte Amelia FRIESE (Wagner name was on a death certificate and is probably wrong) .
Pedigree

Wallula 'Lula' von Keith

F, #110067, b. 13 October 1873, d. 11 February 1941

Family: George Albert Ralphs b. Sep 1850

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthOct 13, 1873London, England, age 6 in 1880 census; age 25 in 1900 census
Marriage
1900 Census1900Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA, George, grocer, age 49
DeathFeb 11, 1941Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA
Pedigree

George Albert Ralphs

M, #110068, b. September 1850

Family: Wallula 'Lula' von Keith b. 13 Oct 1873, d. 11 Feb 1941

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthSep, 1850MO, USA, age 49 in 1900 census
Marriage
1900 Census1900Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA, George, grocer, age 49
BiographyCo-founder of Ralphs Grocery Store, largest grocery chain in the West

George A. Ralphs was born on Sept. 23, 1850, in Joplin, Missouri, the second of eight children of English immigrants Richard and Mary Newell Ralphs. When he was a young boy, his parents decided to move to California, so they set off in a covered wagon with five yoke of oxen. In Kansas, they joined up with a west-bound caravan. When the caravan reached Colorado, they were attacked by Indians. Half of the caravan split off, and they were assumed to have been killed by the Indians. After 18 months of travel, the Ralphs family finally arrived in Los Angeles. Shortly after arriving, George Ralphs learned the trade of bricklaying, and he was soon recognized in competitions as the champion bricklayer in California, and worked on many buildings in Los Angeles. After he lost an arm in a freak hunting accident, he had to give up the bricklaying trade, reset his sights on the grocery business, and went to work as a clerk in a grocery store at the corner of Fifth and Hill streets in downtown Los Angeles.

Supermarket Innovator

With his savings and experience in the grocery business, George A. Ralphs and a partner opened their own store at the corner of Sixth and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles in 1873.
After being in business together for two years, Ralphs and his partner had a disagreement over the operation of the store, so the partner gave Ralphs an ultimatum -- Ralphs could either buy him out for $1,100, or the partner would buy Ralphs out for the same amount. Ralphs didn't have the $1,100, but his younger brother, Walter B. Ralphs, who owned a successful ranch near San Bernardino, did. So Walter bought out the partner, and the business became "Ralphs Brothers Grocers".

In 1909, the company was formally incorporated as Ralphs Grocery Company, and two years afterward they finally opened a second store, located “way out in the country” (as the Los Angeles Times later put it) at the corner of Pico Boulevard and Normandie Avenue. A third store was established at 2601 Pasadena Avenue and a fourth at Vermont Avenue and 35th Street, part of Ralphs’ gradual growth over the next two decades, reaching a tally of ten units by 1928.


1914 Accident/Death

In June 1914, Ralphs, his wife and their two youngest children, Albert and Annabelle, went for a weekend outing in the San Bernardino Mountains, north of Arrowhead, Calif. On the morning of June 21, 1914, the family went for a hike in Waterman Canyon. Ralphs walked ahead of the others and sat on a large boulder to await the arrival of his wife and children. As Ralphs was helping his wife up to sit beside him, the three-ton boulder gave way and rolled 20 feet down into the canyon, carrying Ralphs with it. His left leg was crushed beneath the boulder and nearly torn from its socket. Ralphs, 63, was taken to Ramona Hospital in San Bernardino, where his left leg was amputated.
Following the surgery, Ralphs regained consciousness for a short time and spoke to his wife, but he died about an hour later. At the time of his death, Ralphs owned three of the largest grocery stores in Los Angeles. Funeral services were held at Ralphs' home at 7269 Hollywood Boulevard, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.


Growth of Ralphs Supermarkets

As he died in 1914, George Ralphs didn't get to enjoy the growth and success of the company he founded. The Ralphs grocery chain grew to 10 stores by 1928, 25 stores in the 1930s, and more than 100 stores in the 1950s. In 1968, the Ralphs chain was purchased by Federated Departent Stores for $60 million, and after several subsequent ownership changes in the 1980's and 1990's, was acquired by Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger Company in 1999.
Ralphs Grocery Company, now with with more than 250 supermarkets, is the oldest grocery chain west of the Mississippi River, and is currently the largest supermarket chain in California.

Family

On July 23, 1896, 46-year-old George Ralphs married 23-year-old Wallula Von Keith, known as "Lula," the London-born daughter of J.H. Von Keith, a popular California artist. The Ralphs had three children -- Minnie, Albert George and Annabelle. Ralphs left an estate of $600,000 (about $13 million in 2010), divided among his widow and three children. His son, Albert, received his father's automobile, gold watch and his stock in the Ralphs Grocery Company.

Information on George A. Ralphs

From A history of California and an extended history of Los Angeles and environs, Vol. 2, by James Miller Guinn, pub. 1915:

GEORGE A. RALPHS. When the Ralphs family disposed of their interests in Missouri and made the long journey to California with the anticipation of making a permanent home, George A. Ralphs was still a lad, and he often recalled with interest the exciting incidents of the trip. Setting out from Missouri with a prairie schooner and five yoke of oxen, the little party joined a caravan in Kansas, and all went well until Colorado was reached, when the party was attacked by that foe of the frontier, the Indian. About one-half of the party was detailed to fight the Indians and the other half to remain guard to the women and children and supplies. The fate of the first-mentioned band of men still remains unexplained, for nothing was ever seen or heard of them after they left their companions, and it is believed beyond question of a doubt that they were massacred by the Indians. It was with feelings mingled with fear and courage that the remainder of the party set out once more on the journey that was to bring them to the west, and it is needless to mention that when the Ralphs party reached San Bernardino they had good cause for thanksgiving, for it had been eighteen months since they set out from Missouri.
George A. Ralphs was born in Joplin, Mo., September 23, 1850. Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles he turned his attention to learning the brick-layer's trade, and many of the early structures in the city bear evidence of his handiwork. In his trade he became an expert and was hailed as the champion bricklayer of the state, many times vanquishing contenders for honors in open competition. Later he met with a severe accident which cost him one of his hands and in consequence he was obliged to give up his trade and start life anew. Courageous in spite of this handicap, he secured a position as a grocery clerk in a small store at Fifth and Hill streets, and by economically saving his earnings he was enabled in 1877 to purchase in partnership with a Mr. Francis a small grocery store at Sixth and Spring streets, where business was conducted under the firm name of Ralphs & Francis. Two years later, in 1879, Mr. Francis's interests were purchased by Walter B. Ralphs, a brother of the senioi partner, and business was continued under the name of Ralphs Brothers for a number of years. From the first they prospered and their interests grew with astonishing rapidity, until they reached the splendid proportions of the present time, including three of the largest retail grocery stores in the city, which rank second to none in the quality of their goods and service. In 1909 the business was incorporated as the Ralphs Grocery Company and has since continued under that name.
The marriage of Mr. Ralphs and Miss Wallula Von Keith was solemnized in Los Angeles, July 23, 1896, and they became the parents of two children, a son and daughter, George Albert, Jr., and Annabell. The father of Mrs. Ralphs was Prof. J. H. Von Keith, the well known California artist.
The cause of Mr. Ralphs' death, June 21, 1914, was a regrettable accident which occurred in the San Bernardino canyon, back of Arrowhead Hot Springs Hotel, where the family had gone for the week-end. While wandering up the canyon for a morning stroll Mr. Ralphs seated himself on a boulder beside the trail, and in attempting to assist his wife to a place beside him, dislodged a huge stone which had been the support of the boulder and it rolled down the mountain side, carrying him with it. One leg was caught under the boulder and severely injured. He was immediately rushed to the Ramona Hospital at San Bernardino and every effort was made to save his life, but the shock proved too severe for his weak heart and he did not survive the operation.
In the death of Mr. Ralphs Los Angeles suffered a severe loss, for he was a man of high principles and sterling worth, capable, energetic and of the highest standard of integrity. No stronger testimony of the regard in which he was held by his associates could be given than is expressed in the following letter of sympathy to his family, signed by thirty-two of his co-laborers on the trial jury: "Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst our associate and friend, George A. Ralphs, we, as members of the Trial Term Jury in the District Court of the United States, desire to convey by these resolutions to the afflicted widow, children and family of Mr. Ralphs, our heartfelt sympathy in the great loss they have sustained.
"Associated with Mr. Ralphs as we have been during the past four months, we have formed an estimate of his character which has placed him in the front rank of the best citizens of this community, where he has lived for half a century, and marked him as an efficient, intelligent, painstaking and conscientious man, whose views of duty were reflected by his remarks when asked why, with abundant reasons therefor, he did not ask to be excused, said: -I feel it to be my duty as a citizen to serve when called and do not care to ask the Court to excuse me.'
"In the death of Mr. Ralphs this community has lost one of its best citizens, and we feel that all who knew him will join us in saying, -May God rest his soul and give consolation to his bereaved family.'"
ParentsSparents born in England
Pedigree

Warpella von Keith

F, #110069, b. circa 1875, d. 19 January 1890

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1875France, age 5 in 1880 census
DeathJan 19, 1890
BurialEvergreen Cemetery, Los Angeles CA., CA, USA
Pedigree

Osceola von Keith

M, #110070, b. circa 1877

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1877NY, USA, age 3 in 1880 census
Pedigree