Rowland Houghton1

M, #22953, b. 1678, d. 7 August 1744

Family: Ann (?)

  • Marriage*: Rowland Houghton married Ann (?)2

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
NotableY
Birth1678dd calc
NotableRowland Houghton (1678-1744) was a Boston mechanic who designed a new “theodolate,” a brass surveying instrument. He received a patent from the General Court of the Colony of Massachusetts in 1735. This was only the second patent for a mechanical invention issued in the British colonies of North America. It is the earliest brass surveying instrument to be patented and documented. One of only two extant is an incomplete version that is housed in the Smithsonian.
Marriage2
Occupation1722/23Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, constable3
Research1729MA, USA, Sold indentured servants
DeedOct 22, 1729Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, deed from George Monk in York Co., ME, to Rowland Houghton, merchant4
Notable1735"Rowland Houghton’s “theodolate,” patented in 1735 in Massachusetts, is the earliest brass surveying instrument to be patented and documented. In his book With Compass and Chain, historian Silvio Bedini traces the history of the patent given to Houghton in 1735/36 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. According to the Act recorded in its Acts and Resolves II, Houghton’s instrument was designed “for surveying of lands … with greater ease and dispatch than any surveying instrument heretofore projected or made within this province.” There were many circumferentors and semi-circumferentors primarily constructed of wood during this early period, but Houghton was able to obtain a patent due to the accurate simplicity of the design of his instrument. Rowland Houghton surveyed in Maine and in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Based on an announcement of Dabney’s arrival that appeared in the Boston Gazette in July of 1739, Bedini points out that Houghton engaged the English-trained instrument maker, John Dabney, who worked with Houghton in 1739 - 1740, for some of his instrument work. The announcement stated, “Arriv’d here ... from London John Dabney, junr. who serv’d his time to Mr. Johathan Sisson, Mathematical Instrument Maker to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Makes and sells all sorts of Mathematical Instruments ... at Mr. Rowland Houghton’s shop ... in Boston...To this date there are only two known examples of this Houghton “theodolate.” One is an incomplete version that is housed in the Smithsonian collection, and the other is the one that has been used for the photos in this article.5
Census1735NH, USA
NewspaperNov 10, 1735Ad in Boston Gazette: "For the Public Good - The Art of Surveying made more Plain and Easy
By a new Theodalite projected by Mr. Rowland Houghton, whereby the Surveyor may do more Work than by either the old
Theodalite Semicircle or Plain Table. The use of the Protractor is supplied by a sliding Quadrant adapted to Platting, with far more ease and expedition by this new Discovery, and not so subject to Errors, being of a large Radius. On said instrument is also projected the Hours of the Day and distance of places. Made and Sold by the Projector near the TownHouse in Boston at a reasonable rate. Rowland Houghton."6
NoteApr 5, 1736Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Deed of George Monk to Rowland Houghton of 22 Oct. 1729 confirmed.7
Will17442
DeathAug 7, 1744Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 668,9
BurialGranary Burial Ground, Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Here lyes buried the body of Mr. Rowland Houghton, aged 66 years, died August ye 7th 1744.9
CourtJul 18, 1787United Empire Loyalists, Part II
New Claim.

773. Case of Archibald Macneil , late of Massts. , Decd.

Elizabeth MacNeill , Widow of the decd. Archibald , has been appointed admr. David Shoolbred appears in her behalf.
Says the late Archibald Macniel lived in Boston in Business of a Baker which he carried on in an extensive Line. From the first he distinguished himself by his Loyalty. He was one of the town Association. Left Boston with the Troops.
In the year 1774 & 1775 the Tradesmen at Boston had refused supplying the Troops with Bread & Flour, on which occasion Mr.
Macneil & a Mr. Hill engaged to do it & supplied them for a long time. Went to Halifax on Evacuation of Boston . Came from thence to Quebec & settled here in June '85 , going from this Place to New Brunswick . He was murdered by some Indians.
He had made no Will. He left a Widow, who is appointed admr. Lives at Quebec .

Eldest Son, Archibald , in Jamaica , a Clerk in the house of Balentine, Fairly & Co.
He served in the Engineer Department during almost the whole war.
Wm. Henry a Clerk with Wilson Taylor of Montreal .
Elizabeth , Wife of Witness.
Nancy , Wife of Thos. Hill , now of Boston .
Sarah , unmarried, with her Mother at Quebec .
Mary , wife of John Walter , mercht. of Quebec at present as Witness thinks in England , his Wife is now at
Boston , but Witness supposes Mr. Walter means to come here or to stay in England .

Produces Copy of Warrant for banishing him from the State of Massts . Signed John Hancock ,1784 .

V. Vol. 11. Col Dundas's Book,
18 July, '87 .
Further Evidence in Case of Arch. Macneil , decd.
David Shoolbred , Wits:

Produces Pass for Arch. Macneil
Septr. 1774 ,
Boston . Signed John Small .

Produces Deed from Isaac Freeman to Archibald Macneil of Messuage & Land in Marlboro Street,
Boston , in Cons. £660.13s., dated 1753 .


Appears a Mortgage. Witness Produces Deed from
Mary Ross to Arch. Macneil of a Mess &c. in Marlboro Street for 30£ Conditionally for Payment of said sum & Interest, dated
1775 .

Produces Deed from John Hunt to Archd. Macneil of 2 Lots in Grenville containing 55 acres each in Consn. 47.13 Lawful
1768 .

Produces Deed from John Hunt to Archd. Macneil of a Lot containing 84 acres in Granville in Consn. 36£ Lawful, 1768 .

Produces Deed from John Hunt to Archd. Macneil of 2 Rights in Valentine Township, Connect. , to each of which 100 acres has been already laid out in Consn. 36£, 1772 .

He had 5,000 acres in North Yarmouth, Casco Bay [MA, now ME]. These Lands had belonged to Mr. Roland Houghton .
Roland Houghton gave by Will, dated 1744 , 600 acres in North Yarmouth to his sons John & Richard & Grand children
Joshua & Anna Winock , also all the Rights he had in the Islands belonging to Township of North Yarmouth equally amongst his
said children. Gives the Residue of his Estate to his Widow, Ann Houghton .

Mr. Macneil married Ann Winock , one of the Legatees in the above Will mentioned. Mr. Macneil had one child by his first Wife. The child is dead & the Wife is Dead.

Produces Copy of Will of Joshua Winock , whereby he gives Arch. Macneil all his Estate, real & Personal, after payment of Debts,
1748 .

Produces Deed from Anna Houghton , Widow of Rowland Houghton whereby she conveys to Archibald Macneil one 150th part of a Gore or Tract of Land in North Yarmouth in Consn. of 10£, dated 1751 .

Produces short Abstract from the Books of the Proprietor in North Yarmouth , whereby it appears that several Rights were sold to
Rowland Houghton . Signed by Proprietor's Clerk.

Produces a subsequent Letter from the said Proprietor's Clerk to Archd. Macneil relative to building an House on the Lands there, to shew Mr. Macneil was interested in these Lands.

Produces Mortgage from Amos Silvester of 40 acres in North Yarmouth , 1774 .

Penobscot Lands. Produces a Deed from Anthony Coverley to Mary Taylor , his Daughter, of half his right which he bought of
Charles Chauncey containing ten Leagues at a Place cald. Muscongus, 1765 .

Taylor & his Wife, formerly Coverley, sold their Interest to Archibald Macneil .

Produces Copy of Assessment on the Proprietors of Lands in Penobscot amongst which Mr. Macneil 's name appears.

Sarah Macneil , Witness:

Says she remembers that there was a kind of Combination amongst many of the Tradesmen not to work for the Troops, on which her Father stood forward & worked for the Army. He always continued to shew the same Loyalty. He continued as long as the Troops staid. Went away with them. He came to Halifax & afterwards to Quebec . He died without a Will & Mrs. Macneil is adsx.

Mrs. Macneil appears, says she has been appointed adminx.

Certificate of the sale of Mr. Archibald Macneil 's Estate in Suffolk Co., Massts. , for the sum of 1,000£ lawful. Signed
Saml. Barnet , Chairman of Committee. Produces Valuation by 3 appraisers who value it at 2,500£ lawful & that it would have rented for 130£ lawful.

Sarah Macneil , Witness, says:

There was a large Dwelling House, 2 Bake Houses, Stable, garden. The bake houses & outhouses & storehouses were built after the Purchase from Freeman.
He was offered 1,000£ Sterl. before he built the house at the end of the garden.
His Son in Law, Thos. Hill , tried to buy it in, but was not allowed. He would have given 2,000£ for it.

Remembers her Father in Possession of Lands in Granville purchased of Mr. Hunt ; No. 3 & No. 4. Did not hear of anything laid out by her Father after ye Purchase.

Heard also of his being in Possession of Lands in Valentine Township , No. 5.

He had Lands in North Yarmouth . She does not know how much. Mrs. Macneil , the first Wife, & her Bro. Joshua were the only Heirs to Rowland Houghton . Mrs. Macneil , the first Wife, died before her Brother Joshua .

Her Father had Lands in Penobscot purchased of a Mrs. Taylor . Thinks her Father had a Deed.

They have tried to get Certificates of Confiscation of their Lands but could not obtain them.


Her Father had a Sloop of 115 Tons. It was taken into the King's Service by Major Sheriff. Her Father therefore had neglected to get her ready to take away. It was left at Boston on the Evacuation & there sunk by the Americans. The notice was so short that her Father would not have been able to have carried it off. Her Father purchased it at auction.

He left the largest part of his furniture behind at Boston ; large Glasses, Tables & one very valuable horse & chaise.

Her Husb. had Debts due 1,677£.

John Coffin , Esq.:

Knew the late Archibald Macneil at Boston . He was distinguished from the first for his Loyalty. Witness speaks clearly & decidedly & strongly to that point. Thought him in good circumstances as he lived well. He had a great Deal of Business from the Army.
Knew No. 1. Vals. it at 1,000£ Sterl.

Heard of his having Lands in other parts of the Province. Understood he had a large Tract about Penobscot. His house was very well furnished.

Constantine Freeman , Esq.:

Knew Macneil . Heard of his having Lands in Penobscot & Grenville .

Nathaniel Taylor , Esq., Wits., says:

Knew Archibald Macneil . He always was distinguished as very Loyal. Knew his house at Boston , No. --. There was a large lot, Garden, Bake House, &c., in a public, well situated Thinks it worth between 1,000 & 1,500£. Heard of his having other Lands. Considerable property to the eastward. Understood it was a Property in what was called Plymouth Purchase, which extended from
Kennebec to Penobscot . Thinks he had other Lands.
Heard he had a Sloop at Boston . Witness thinks he registered a Sloop for him & that it was left at Boston . A Sloop of that burthen, 115 tons, was worth from 200 to 400 Lawful, according to the Condition she was in.2
ResearchMLM: "Rowland Houghton of Plymouth, Massachusetts, was probably a son of James and Mary Houghton. In 1731 Rowland Houghton of Plymouth, Massachusetts, was a member of the Prudential Committee. On April 1734, he was appointed to collect a Tax of 3 pounds for the meeting House. On May 2, 1739, as a merchant of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, land he had previously for 40 pounds he sold to Solomon Small, North yarmouth, Massachusetts, land he had previously bought there. October 8, 1734, he was to appear at York County Court to oppose Stephen Gedney's claim for land on the Royal River (now in Maine). " (see Desc. of Edward Small & allied families, 3 V., Rev. 1934 by Underhill, pgs. 544, 550, 556, 1295-1296, 1428, 1426, 1715.)10
BiographyBoston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, A Boston mechanic; chosen a constable in 1722; chosen clerk of market Mar. 11, 1733, made chimney sweeping proposals on Jun 23, 1736.

Smithsonian: Common Theodolite

Catalogue number:
1985.0860.01

Inscriptions:
"ROWLAND HOUGHTON Fecit"

Dimensions:
alidade 11.5 inches long; needle 5.125 inches

Discussion:
This is an example of the "new theodolite" for which Rowland Houghton (about 1678-1744), a Boston mechanic, received a patent from the General Court of the Colony of Massachusetts in 1735. This was the second patent for a mechanical invention issued in the British colonies of North America. The patent did not describe Houghton's instrument, but stated simply that it was designed "for surveying of lands, with suitable instruments, with greater ease and dispatch than any surveying instrument heretofore projected or made within this province." The only other contemporary reference to this instrument appears in Houghton's 1737 advertisement for aqueducts, which states that "Said Houghton has lately improv'd on his new Theodolate (sic), by which the art of Surveying is rendered more plain & easy than heretofore."

The horizontal circle of Houghton's instrument is graduated to degrees, and numbered in quadrants. One side is also numbered from VI to XII to VI, as for a sundial. The sights vanes for the alidade are missing. The compass card--marked "J. R. LINCOLN, BOSTON"--is a 19th-century replacement.

When the Smithsonian acquired this instrument, it was the only known surviving example. Another example, however, has recently come to light.

Ref: Silvio Bedini, "Rowland Houghton's 'New Theodolate,'" Rittenhouse 1 (1987): 30-39.

Raymond V. Giordano, "Some Notes on the Two Extant Rowland Houghton New Theodolates," Rittenhouse 15 (2001): 93-97.1,11
ResearchOnly MLM gives this parentage. His birth would be 7 years before James's marriage. Not in VRs
Research1678Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, b. 1678

Citations

  1. [S360] Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, 8th Report, 1883, p. 169.
  2. [S1260] New England Ancestors Website, online http://www.newenglandancestors.org, United Empire Loyalists, Parts I-II [database online]. Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2002. Fraser, Alexander. [United Empire Loyalists]: Second Report of the Bureau of Archives for the Province of Ontario. Toronto, Canada: L. K. Cameron, 1905.
  3. [S1508] Unknown author, "unknown short article title", http://www.americanancestors.org/search/database-search/
  4. [S504] Unknown author, York Deeds Book, p. 804; see also 28.
  5. [S923] " The American Surveyor • Charter Issue • Copyright 2004 Cheves Media • www.TheAmericanSurveyor.com.
  6. [S1508] Unknown author, "unknown short article title", http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/HistArchive/@e-mail address@3-1046E029459EC981@.
  7. [S504] Unknown author, York Deeds Book, p. 804.
  8. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/surveying/…
  9. [S1508] Unknown author, "unknown short article title", http://www.americanancestors.org/databases/…
  10. [S460] Marshall L. McClanahan, Ralph & Jane (Stow) Houghton - MLM, p. 4.
  11. [S360] Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, 12th Report, 1885, p. 56, 152, 155.

John Hooten1

M, #22954

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Residence1725Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA1

Citations

  1. [S360] Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, 8th Report, 1883, p. 193.

Margaret Houghton

F, #22965, b. 4 April 1695

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BaptismApr 4, 1695Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, 1st Church

Edmund Wright Houghton1

M, #22972, b. 17 June 1839, d. 16 April 1909

Family: Ellen I. Cowles b. Oct 1847

  • Marriage*: Edmund Wright Houghton married Ellen I. Cowles on circa 1870 mar 31 years in 1900 census.3,4

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 17, 1839Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 11 in 1850 census; age 21 in 1860 census; age 31 in 1870 census; age 41 in 1880 census; June 1839, age 60, in 1900 census; 1920 census of son Waldo gives England1,2
Marriagecirca 1870mar 31 years in 1900 census3,4
1870 Census1870Milton, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, age 31, farmer5
1880 Census1880Chelsea, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 41, a scale repairer4,6
Residence1890Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, a teamster7
1900 Census1900Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 60, sign painter3,8
DeathApr 16, 19099

Citations

  1. [S370] Dorchester MA VRs V36, p. 41.
  2. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, Letter to Francis W. Houghton from Eben Tolman, Town Clerk, Dorchester, MA, 1853.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex Massachusetts, Box 127, Vol. 70, E.D. 1293, Sh. 3, Ln. 73.
  4. [S235] U.S. Census, 1880 Soundex, Chelsea, Suffolk Co., MA, Box 28, Vol. 32, ED 790, Sh 25, Ln 1.
  5. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Milton, Norfolk, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_635; Page: 599; line 13, dwl 339-409.
  6. [S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Chelsea, Suffolk Co., MA, Box 28, Vol. 32, ED 790, Sh 25, Ln 1, dwl 185, 285.
  7. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Boston, Massachusetts Directory, 1890, Sep. 26, 2001.
  8. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Boston, Ward 10, Suffok Co., Massachusetts; Roll: T623 680; Enumeration District: 1293; Sheet 3B; line 78, dwl 76.
  9. [S415] E-mail from Wendy Houghton Lamoy, Oct. 26, 2010.

Howard Houghton1

M, #22973, b. 7 October 1841

Family: Abby F. Mowry b. c 1844

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthOct 7, 1841Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 8 in 1850 census; age 18 in 1860 census; age 27 in 1870 census; age 37 in 1880 census;
Oct 1843, age 56 in 1900 census; age 67 in 1910 census; age 78 in 1920 census1,2
Marriage
1870 Census1870Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 27, a wholesale shoe dealer, property $15003
1880 Census1880Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 37, a boot shop salesman4
1900 Census1900Weymouth, MA, USA, age 56, widower, commerical traveler, shoes; also Pauline F. Mowry, mother in law, Oct. 1809, 90, MA5,6
1910 Census1910Weymouth, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, age 67, widowed, retail merchant, computing? scales7
1920 Census1920Braintree, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, age 78, none; Frances, 528,9

Citations

  1. [S370] Dorchester MA VRs V36, p. 41.
  2. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, Letter to Francis W. Houghton from Eben Tolman, Town Clerk, Dorchester, MA, 1853.
  3. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Ward 16, Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, Reel 649, p. 458b, line 34, dwl 227-304.
  4. [S1229] 1880 U.S. Federal Census , Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T9_561; Family History Film: 1254561; Page: 496D; Enumeration District: 766; sheet 24, line 3, dwl 178-245.
  5. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex Massachusetts, Box 127, Vol. 59, E.D. 1085, Sh. 13, Ln. 37.
  6. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Weymouth, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts; Roll: T623 672; Enumeration District: 1085; Sheet 13A; line 37, dwl 248-262.
  7. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Weymouth Ward 5, Norfolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_610; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 1169
    line 84, dwl 546-243-512.
  8. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Braintree, Norfolk Co., Mass., Box 129, Vol. 85, E.D. 156, Sh. 19, Ln. 85.
  9. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Braintree, Norfolk, Massachusetts; Roll T625_721; Page: 19B; Enumeration District: 156; line 85, dwl 36-368-438.

Miriam C. Houghton1,2

F, #22974, b. 22 October 1844

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthOct 22, 1844Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 6 in 1850 census; age 16 in 1860 census; age 24 in 1870 census; age 35 in 1880 census; age 65 in 1910 census; age 75 in 1920 census1,3
1910 Census1910Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 654
1920 Census1920Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 75; none; all 3 sisters single; dressmakers5,6

Citations

  1. [S370] Dorchester MA VRs V36, p. 41.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1850 US Census, Dorchester, Norfolk Co., MA, p. 34.
  3. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, Letter to Francis W. Houghton from Eben Tolman, Town Clerk, Dorchester, MA, 1853.
  4. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Boston Ward 21, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_623; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 1590;
    line 10, dwl 481-102-136.
  5. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, Box 129, Vol. 103, E.D. 424, Sh. 7/9, Ln. 61-62.
  6. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Boston Ward 16, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll T625_733; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 424; line 60, dwl 481-58-161.

Mary E. Houghton1

F, #22975, b. 15 November 1849, d. 4 December 1907

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthNov 15, 1849Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 5/12 in 1850 census; age 10 in 1860 census; age 19 in 1870 census; age 30 in 1880 census1,2
Occupation1907bookkeeper
DeathDec 4, 1907481 Blue Hill Ave., Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 58, of mitral insufficiency, 5 years, single3
BurialMt. Hope Cemetery3

Citations

  1. [S370] Dorchester MA VRs V36, p. 41.
  2. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, Letter to Francis W. Houghton from Eben Tolman, Town Clerk, Dorchester, MA, 1853.
  3. [S30] Massachusetts Archives, Deaths Registered in Boston, MA, Reg. 10590.

George Houghton1

M, #22977

Family:

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN

Citations

  1. [S370] Dorchester MA VRs V36, p. 244.

Mary Ann Houghton1

F, #22978, b. circa 1846, d. 4 October 1848

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 18461
DeathOct 4, 1848Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, a. 2 y. 2 m.1,2

Citations

  1. [S370] Dorchester MA VRs V36, p. 244.
  2. [S904] Houghton Family Records;, Letter to Francis W. Houghton from Eben Tolman, Town Clerk, Dorchester, MA, 1853.