Mary Ann Houghton1

F, #87061, b. 1858

Family: (?) Howell

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1858Davenport, Scott Co., IA, USA, age 2 in 1860 census; age 12 in 1870 census; age 21 in 1880 census1,2
Marriage2

Citations

  1. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Davenport Ward 3, Scott, Iowa; Roll: M593_418; Page: 265; line 19, dwl 458-468.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Lori and Rex Houghton, Oct. 5, 2008.

Hellen Houghton1

F, #87063, b. circa 1901

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1901IA, USA, age 9 in 1910 census1

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Grant, Tama, Iowa; Roll: T624_424; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 156; line 16, dwl 41-44.

Nadine Victoria Houghton1,2

F, #87064, b. 24 May 1903

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay 24, 1903Tama, IA, USA, age 7 in 1910 census; age 17 in 1920 census1

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Grant, Tama, Iowa; Roll: T624_424; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 156; line 16, dwl 41-44.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Firesteel, Dewey, South Dakota; Roll: T625_1719; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 42; line 35, dwl 31-32.

Anna H. Escher1

F, #87065, b. circa 1875

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1875IA, USA, age 35 in 1910 census1
Marriagecirca 1901mar 9 y in 1910 census
1910 Census1910Jackson, Washington Co., IA, USA, age 35, divorced; living with and sister of Joseph J. Escher, 38, IA1
ParentsDfather born in OH, mother born in Bohemia1

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Jackson, Washington, Iowa; Roll: T624_427; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 128; line 24, dwl 28-28.

Harriet VanNess

F, #87066

Family: Charles Orville Loveless b. 1850, d. 1938

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage

Ella M. Loveless

F, #87067

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth
Marriage1
Children+more

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Jessica Armstrong, July 1, 2007.

Dora McCulley1,2

F, #87068, b. 2 October 1869, d. 16 March 1924

Family: George Hiram Houghton b. 14 Oct 1861, d. 1936

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthOct 2, 1869Johnson Co., MO, USA, Oct 1869, age 30, MO, in 1900 census; age 41, MO, in 1910 census; age 50, MO, in 1920 census1,3,2
Marriagecirca 1886age 24; mar 24 y in 1910 census1
1900 Census1900Saline, Woods Co., OK, USA, age 37, farmer3
1910 Census1910Anthony, Harper Co., KS, USA, age 48, farmer1
Note191012 children born, 6 living
1920 Census1920Justice Prec. 8, Harris Co., TX, USA, age 58, farmer4
DeathMar 16, 1924
BurialRose Hill Burial Park, Oaklahoma City, Oklahoma Co., OK, USA, Plot: Section 10
Obituary
ParentsDparents born in MO1

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Anthony, Harper, Kansas; Roll: T624_441; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 75; line 90, dwl 143-144.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.footnote.com: Texas Death Records, Houghton surnames.
  3. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Saline, Woods, Oklahoma; Roll: T623 1343; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 234; line 1, dwl 1-1.
  4. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Justice Precinct 8, Harris, Texas; Roll: T625_1815; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 123; line 94, dwl 158-163.

Harry Warner Houghton1

M, #87069, b. 25 December 1886, d. 1958

Family: Norma Alexandria Miller b. 15 Oct 1892, d. 13 Sep 1972

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 25, 1886Earlton, KS, USA, Dec 1886, age 13 in 1900 census; age 23 in 1910 census; age 53 in 1940 census1
Occupationbetween Jul 16, 1902 and May 25, 1920Bureau of Chemistry, US Dept of Agriculture
Mil. DraftJun 5, 1917Tishomingo, Johnston Co., OK, USA, age 30, high school principal; private, companies I and A, OK national guard, 5 years1
NoteApr 5, 1926Inventor of a volatile fumigant package:
Patented Feb. 19, 11935V4 VOLATILE FUMIGANT PACKAGE Harry W. Houghton, Glen Echo, Md., assignor to` Safety Fumigant Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application April 5, 1926, serial No. 99,955 Renewed September 23, 1932 Claims. This invention relates to means for distributing gaseous or volatile substances, particularly such as are of a poisonous nature, intended for use Vas fumigants, insecticides, germicides, etc.,
5 commonly containing hydrocyanic acid gas or other cyanogen compounds in gaseous or liquid form. The invention aims to provide a safe and inexpensive package of convenient size for ordinary domestic use, and which may be transported and sold without special precautions against accident. K
Further objects of the invention appear in connection with the following description of the illustrative embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein
The device selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the drawing comprises an inner glass tube or receptacle 11, which contains the fumigant and is shown as hermetically sealed at its ends, and which is provided with a middle constriction 12 that may readily be fractured to permit the fumigant contents 13 to escape; but the container may be made of any suitable materials and constructed in various ways for preventing leakage or accidental escape of the gaseous contents whilepermitting liberation of thevv gas at will. In the form of device illustrated, which is particularly adapted for domestic use against household vermin, moths, insects and disease germs, the fumigant is preferably a gaseous combine containing hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride or the like (such as is described in my Patent No. 1,521,537, dated December 30, 1924) absorbed in a volatile liquid, or mixture of liquids, such water, so as to constitute therewith an acid nitrile; but the invention is not restricted to these particular gases and materials, as it is evident that the principle applies to packaging any gas emitting substances or gas that can be handled only with difiiculty or danger. Referring to the drawing the glass tube or container l1 is surrounded with a diffusing and Va porizing medium or element 14, shown as absorbent cotton, or other material permeable to gas and interposing a substantial resistance to the free flowing away of the liquid'contents when the container is broken open. The permeable material 14 may be wrapped with'a few layers of 55 gauze bandage 15, or other suitable material for as carbon tetrachloride, acetone, or glyeerine andV holding it in close contact with the tube; and a varnished or treated fabric or glazed paper cover 16, or other moisture-proof material, is tightly YWrapped around the outside. The ends of the wrapper 16 may conveniently be held by eyelets 17, having perforated centers to permit gas to escape from Within the package.
The manner of use of the device is extremely simple. Assuming the tube to be filled with a Suitable fumigant in solution, the neck 12` of the l0 tube is fractured by a smart blow, and the liquid seeps out into the diffusing absorbent material, where it volatilizes in due course, the gas or vapor finding its way out through the ends of the package or wherever the perforated eyelets 17 l5 or equivalent means are located. The length ot time required for the gas to find its Way out is suiiicient to permit the user to leave the vicinity in advance of the escape of the fumes.

The device may be constructed in graduated 20 sizes, the inner container l1 having such capacity as to suit the space to be fumigated and'strength of gas per cubic foot best adapted to accomplish the purpose desired.
The term diffusing element as herein em- 25 ployed .is intended to embrace any mediumV that is adapted and arranged to receive and act upon the contents as it issues from the container and prepare it for liberation of the gas gradually or assist in the gradual liberation of the gas. 80
The invention is not restricted to the form of device shown and described, but what I claim is:
1. A fumigant package comprising a glass tube having its middle of reduced cross-section and filled with a gasabsorbent material, an absorbent packing surrounding and protecting said receptacle, and a cover permitting slow escape of gas.
2. A fumigant package comprising a breakable receptacle for a gas absorbent material, an absorbent packing surrounding and protecting said l0 receptacle, and a wrapping of Water-proof ilexible material having aperture means permitting slow escape ofV gas.
3. A fumigant package comprising a receptacle 11 having a portion 12 adapted to be broken open, 45 and containing a gas absorbent filling 13, and diffusing material 14 surrounding said portion 12 and enclosed in a wrapper 16 provided with gas escape openings 17.
4. A fumigant gas liberating device consisting of a container having a breakable portion, a body of liquid of a character to give off fumigant gas within said container, and a covering surrounding said container comprising a diiusing medium permeable 'to gas and arranged to receive said 55 liquid mixture comprising carbon tetrachloride and acetone having hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride in the form of a gaseous combine absorbed therein whereby a gaseous Iumigant is evolved upon exposure of said liquid to the atmosphere. Y
Harry W. Houghton.
REFERENCES CITED "The following references are of record in the file of this patent:
UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 739,317 Jenkins Sept. 22, 1903 1,663,082 Houghton Mar. 20, 1920 1,894,041 Houghton Jan. 10, 1933
Marriagecirca 1927age 40 and 343
Court1927United States v. Houghton 20 F.2d 434 (1927)
United States v. Houghton No. 876. District Court, D. Maryland.
June 11, 1927.

John G. Sargent, Atty. Gen., Herman J. Galloway, Asst. Atty. Gen., Harry E. Knight and Henry C. Workman, Sp. Asst. Attys. Gen., for the United States. Steuart & Steuart, of Washington, D. C. (Joseph W. Hazell and Francis B. Leech, both of Washington, D. C., of counsel), for defendant.
SOPER, District Judge.
The United States, by its bill of complaint, seeks an injunction against Harry W. Houghton to restrain him from assigning to another certain inventions or letters patent pending the further order of the court, and also to secure a decree adjudging that the United States is entitled to the entire right, title, and interest therein, and that he be ordered to transfer and convey the same to the United States, and to make discovery of all applications for letters patent filed by him since 1921 for inventions or improvements made by him in connection with his services and duties in the Public Health Service. The inventions are covered by United States patent, No. 1,521,537, granted to Houghton December 30, 1924, and by his patent application, No. 745,251, filed October 22, 1924.
The inventions relate to fumigant and process of fumigation, for the purpose of exterminating objectionable insects, rodents, and other animals from ships, buildings, and other inclosures. Among the objects of the inventions is to produce a fumigant sufficiently destructive and poisonous, and at the same time to combine a warning gas with it, so as to give notice of its presence. A combination of hydrocyanic acid gas with cyanogen chloride gas was found satisfactory. The former is a poisonous gas, invisible, tasteless, and without odor, while the latter is a lachrymatory gas, causing intense irritation of the eyes.
The defendant, Harry W. Houghton, is a trained chemist holding a degree from a university. He was employed from July 16, 1902, to May 25, 1920, in the Bureau of Chemistry of the Department of Agriculture, in various capacities from laboratory helper to assistant chemist. On May 7, 1920, he applied for transfer in that capacity to the United States Public Health Service of the Treasury Department. The Public Health Service seconded his request, stating that his qualifications particularly fitted him to undertake special research work then being conducted in the Office of Industrial Hygiene and Sanitation. The transfer was authorized on June 29, 1920. He was assigned to duties in the hygiene laboratory of the Public Health Service, under the charge of the director of the laboratory, and for nearly two years was engaged in the analysis of dust samples — that is to say, samples of air taken from various industrial plants, with a view of determining whether the air contained substances likely to menace the health of industrial employees.
The work on the project, which resulted in the inventions in suit, had begun before Houghton was assigned to the Public Health Service. Dr. Hugh S. Cummings, of the Service, had been on duty in Europe in 1919 and 1920 in connection with welfare inspection of returning troops and immigrants to the United States. His attention had been [ 20 F.2d 435 ] directed to fatalities caused by fumigation of ships with hydrocyanic acid gas, and he had given consideration to a method of making the gas safe by adding thereto a warning constituent, such as the lachrymatory gases used in the Great War. On March 10, 1920, he was appointed Chief of the Public Health Service with the title of Surgeon General, and subsequently conferred with his assistants upon the same project. Prior to August 5, 1921, he took up the matter with the Chemical War Service of the War Department as well as with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior. On October 28, 1921, he requested the Chemical Warfare Service to make an investigation at its laboratory at Edgewood Arsenal, in Maryland, of the practicability of generating fumes of chloracetophenone, a tear gas, simultaneously with the evolution of hydrocyanic acid gas. The laboratory reported results, and later a trial in practical ship fumigation was made at the Quarantine Station at New Orleans, but the process was found to be impracticable.
It was at or about this time that Houghton first began work upon the proposition. In the course of his duties as assistant chemist, he was instructed by Dr. Lewis R. Thompson, the official in charge of the Office of Industrial Hygiene and Sanitation, to study the technical literature relating to fumigation, and brought to Dr. Thompson's attention an article in a German publication entitled "Hydrocyanic Acid Derivatives for the Combating of Noxious Animals." Information was also obtained from other sources. Dr. Thompson took up with the Chemical Warfare Service an investigation of certain irritant gases, particularly the hydrocyanic acid derivatives, cyanogen chloride and cyanogen bromide, and on or about February 3, 1922, the officials at the Edgewood laboratory were directed to investigate the practicability of substituting cyanogen bromide, one of the cyanogen derivatives belonging to the same haloid group as cyanogen chloride, for hydrocyanic acid gas.
On or about March 1, 1922, the Surgeon General appointed a board, under his own control, to carry on the investigation, consisting of Dr. Thompson, as chairman, the defendant, Houghton, and Stephen Olop, an engineer in the Public Health Service. The board was directed to investigate methods of artificial ventilation of vessels subsequent to fumigation by cyanide gas, and to make studies as to the utilization of gases other than hydrocyanic acid gas, including an investigation as to the use of bromocyanogen in generating hydrocyanic acid gas. It was clearly understood by Houghton at the time that the special duty of the board was to adopt a method of fumigation which would involve the use of a lachrymator as readily prepared and as toxic as hydrocyanic acid, and possessing sufficient irritating properties to serve as a warning. He also understood that cyanogen chloride was one of the lachrymators which the board was expected to investigate and consider.
On March 27, 1922, the members of the board visited Edgewood Arsenal and conferred with technical employees and chemists of the Chemical Warfare Service, who had already been investigating the problem. Subsequently it was arranged that Houghton should conduct experimental tests in toxic and lachrymatory gases at the arsenal, where facilities were available. He arrived on May 8, 1922, and was informed as to all that had been accomplished in the meantime. Prior to his arrival, certain suggestions had been made as to the manner in which cyanogen chloride might be generated. After his arrival, the investigation was pursued jointly by him and three employees of the laboratory, to wit, H. C. Knight, J. F. W. Schulze, and C. P. Shingler. They experimented as to the amounts of the several reagents, the mode of manipulation, and composition of gas. It was finally decided that a plan suggested by Houghton was the only practicable one. It consisted of the use of sodium chlorate, sodium cyanide, and dilute hydrochloric acid, and it was found that the gas produced was a mixture of hydrocyanic acid and cyanogen chloride. During the progress of the experiments, Houghton continually reported results to Dr. Thompson, and received orders from him for experiments and investigations. The problem was finally solved on or about June 28, 1922. The result was eminently satisfactory. Thereby a practical fumigant possessing the lethal qualities of hydrocyanic acid gas was obtained, together with a warning gas which was properly diffused throughout the mixture and remained in place as long as, but no longer than, the poisonous constituent.
While it is admitted on all hands that certain other officials of the government cooperated in the investigation, it is not contended that Houghton is not entitled to credit for the discovery. Nor is it denied that the new fumigant constitutes a patentable invention. It is claimed, however, that the discovery, when made, was the property of the
[ 20 F.2d 436 ]

United States, and that the United States has also the equitable title, and by the decree in this case should be granted the legal title, to the patent granted to Houghton over the protest of the government.
Upon these facts, the decision in Standard Parts Co. v. Peck, 264 U.S. 52, 44 S.Ct. 239, 68 L. Ed. 560, 32 A. L. R. 1033, is controlling. By a written contract in that case, Peck, the employee, agreed with his employer to devote his time to the development of a process and machinery for the production of a spring. He succeeded in inventing a device which became the subject of a patent. Suit was brought against the employer by the assignee of the patent for infringement, whereupon the employer defended on the ground that the invention belonged to it under the terms of the contract, and prayed that it be adjudged to have title to the patent. The Supreme Court said:
"By the contract Peck engaged to `devote his time to the development of a process and machinery' and was to receive therefor a stated compensation. Whose property was the `process and machinery' to be when developed? The answer would seem to be inevitable and resistless — of him who engaged the services and paid for them, they being his inducement and compensation, they being not for temporary use but perpetual use. * * *"
The Supreme Court approved the rule, enunciated by the District Court (295 F. 740), that if an employee be employed to invent a device or improvements in the machines with which he is connected, his patents therefor belong to his employer, since in making such improvements, he is merely doing what he was hired to do. The decision of the Circuit Court of Appeals, reported at 282 F. 443, was reversed. That court applied the rule, very generally accepted theretofore, that under a general contract of employment requiring an employee to devise such improvements as he can in the employer's machines, processes, or product, any patentable invention belongs generally to the employee, while the employer has a license to use it, unless there is an express agreement that the invention shall belong to the employer, and the court further held that this general rule should apply, although the employment was to devise or improve a specific thing subsequently discovered and patented. All that can be said for this rule was said by the Circuit Court of Appeals in its opinion; but the Supreme Court took the view that the law had been otherwise well settled by the cases of Solomons v. U. S., 137 U.S. 342, 11 S.Ct. 88, 34 L. Ed. 667, and Gill v. U. S., 160 U.S. 426, 16 S.Ct. 322, 40 L. Ed. 480. In the former case the rule is stated as follows:
"If one is employed to devise or perfect an instrument, or a means for accomplishing a prescribed result, he cannot, after successfully accomplishing the work for which he was employed, plead title thereto as against his employer. That which he has been employed and paid to accomplish becomes, when accomplished, the property of his employer. Whatever rights as an individual he may have had in and to his inventive powers, and that which they are able to accomplish, he has sold in advance to his employer."
In the latter case the same rule was reaffirmed as follows:
"There is no doubt whatever of the proposition, laid down in Solomons' Case, that the mere fact that a person is in the employ of the government does not preclude him from making improvements in the machines with which he is connected, and obtaining patents therefor, as his individual property, and that in such case the government would have no more right to seize upon and appropriate such property, than any other proprietor would have. On the other hand, it is equally clear that, if the patentee be employed to invent or devise such improvements his patents obtained therefor belong to his employer, since in making such improvements he is merely doing what he was hired to do."
It is not necessary to decide in this case whether the employer acquires title to inventions made by an employee in the course of a general employment to improve the machinery or process of the employer, for Houghton was directed to solve a specific problem. It is conceded that he was officially called upon to discover and develop a fumigant that would answer the purpose of the Public Health Service.
The only way in which the defendant distinguishes his case from Standard Parts Co. v. Peck is on the ground that, whereas Peck was expressly employed to develop a particular process, Houghton was employed generally as a research chemist, and was subsequently assigned to work out a particular problem. It has been held by recent decisions of the District Courts in Texas Co. v. Gulf Refining Co., 13 F.2d 873, and Goodyear Tire Co. v. Miller, 14 F.2d 776, that the setting of a general employee to do a specific work will not create a title of his invention in his employer, in the absence of an agreement to that effect.
[ 20 F.2d 437 ]

These decisions, although subsequent to Standard Parts Co. v. Peck, evince the same reluctance as was shown by many of the courts before it, to apply the ordinary rule of a contract of employment when an employee has discovered something having the dignity of an invention. But the broad principle is now laid down by the Supreme Court, too clearly to be misunderstood, that, when an employee merely does what he is hired to do, his successes, as well as failures, belong to his employer. Nor can it be said that one who willingly carries out the orders of his employer is not engaged upon that which he is employed to do. An employee, who undertakes upon the direction of his employer to solve a specific problem within the scope of his general employment, is as truly employed and paid for the particular project as if it had been described at the outset in the contract of employment. That which Houghton discovered belongs to the United States.
The Act of March 3, 1883 (22 Stat. 625 [Comp. St. § 9441]), has been referred to. It authorizes the grant of patents to any officer of the government, except Patent Office employees, without the payment of any fee, when the patented invention is to be used in the public service, provided that the applicant shall state in his application that his invention may be used by the government or any of its officers or employees in the transaction of work for the government or by any other person in the United States. Considerable diversity of opinion has arisen among the law officers of the United States as to whether this statute means that a patent obtained thereunder may be used, not only by the government, but by any other person in the United States, or that the dedication is only to the government, its officers, or employees, or any other like person in the public service. See the opinion of District Judge Knox, September 3, 1924, in Squier v. American Telephone & Telegraph Co., affirmed on appeal (C. C. A.) 7 F.2d 831. This legislation is immaterial here, because Houghton did not avail himself of the provisions of the statute, but filed his application under the general patent statutes and paid the usual fees. The statute was obviously enacted to make available the services of the Patent Office without compensation to inventors in the public service. It was not intended to deprive the United States of any rights to an invention which, except for the act, would have existed.
That which has been set out represents substantially the situation between the parties prior to the discovery of the invention. The defendant, however, says that consideration should also be given to actions of various officials of the government which took place after the invention was made, as throwing some light upon the intention of the parties as to the ownership of inventions and patent rights when the work was first undertaken. Immediately after the discovery, namely, on June 29, 1922, Houghton took up the question with his superior officers as to the advisability of patenting the method as a matter of protection until publications could be issued. He was instructed by his superiors to work in harmony with the Chemical Warfare Service in the matter of applying for a patent. He wrote to the Commissioner of Patents, inquiring as to the right of an employee of the Public Health Service to obtain a patent, and received a reply referring him to the Act of March 3, 1883, supra.
About this time some question arose between Houghton and the employees of the Chemical Warfare Service, who had co-operated in the investigation, as to how credit for the discovery should be apportioned. It was suggested that the patent should be taken out in the joint names of Houghton and one or another of the officers at the laboratory. An arrangement was made with a patent attorney, with the consent of the Surgeon General, for the preparation of such a patent application. The attorney was of the opinion that Houghton should file the application in his own name as the sole inventor, and suggested the assignment by him of a one-fourth interest each, to Knight, Schulze, and Shingler. Drafts of an application and of a license to the United States to use the invention in this and foreign countries were prepared.
Later, on November 4, 1922, Houghton asked permission of the Surgeon General to file the application. Thereupon the opinion of the Solicitor of the Treasury Department was requested, but before it was forthcoming Houghton filed an application in his name for the patent, together with a nonexclusive license to the United States. Shortly after the application was filed, the employees of the Arsenal executed an agreement dedicating their rights to the public. On December 22, the opinion of the Solicitor of the Treasury was filed, which declared that the sole title to the invention resided in the United States. In January and February, 1923, the Surgeon General filed a protest with the Commissioner of Patents to prevent favorable [ 20 F.2d 438 ] action upon the Houghton application. In February, 1924, a conference of the parties who had co-operated in the work was called and Houghton consented to assign the invention to the United States; but in March he withdrew his assent. In May, 1924, he filed a power of attorney to new counsel in the Patent Office, without the knowledge or approval of the Public Health Service, and stated that his application was a continuation of the former application, which he intended to permit to lapse. After the new application had been filed, the Surgeon General again protested to the Patent Office against the grant of the patent to Houghton, but the protest was overruled and the patent was issued December 30, 1924.
It can hardly be said that the facts outlined throw any light upon the intention of the parties at the time the investigation was begun, or impair the rights acquired by the solution of the problem. There was considerable diversity of opinion amongst the various officials and lawyers consulted as to the legal rights of the parties, and certain changes of position on the part of Houghton as to whether he would claim full title to the invention or surrender it to the public; but it is certain that none of the officials had the authority to give away the property of the United States, and that Houghton on his part did not surrender his claim to full title in the invention. In short, the case as to the patent must be decided upon the facts as they existed at the time that the discovery was made.
It is necessary to add but little in regard to the ownership of the invention involved in the pending application in the Patent Office. As early as March, 1922, the Public Health Service had under consideration the production of a fumigant including cyanogen chloride in liquid form. The matter was under investigation again in the following year, during which Houghton made certain tests. In September and October, 1924, Houghton was directed by the Surgeon General to make investigation to ascertain whether the cyanogen chloride gas mixture could be absorbed into some liquid medium, such as carbon tetrachloride or acetone, to avoid the risk of fire, and to avoid the transportation of apparatus and material required to generate it. Houghton was cautioned that the bureau was dissatisfied with his attitude in respect to the patent that had been filed, and that he was clearly to understand that he was employed on behalf of the government to develop and perfect methods of fumigation and improvements and to develop ideas thought out by the Public Health Service, and that he was not to apply for a patent on the results of the investigation. To all of this Houghton agreed.
During September and October, he experimented with water and glycerine as an absorbent, and on October 22, 1924, without the knowledge of his superiors, he filed an application for letters patent covering such process. On November 26, 1924, he reported to the Surgeon General that certain experiments had been made to improve the cyanogen chloride method of ship fumigation, by producing a noninflammable liquid preparation. He said that the first preparation which gave promise consisted of water and glycerine saturated with the cyanogen chloride gas mixture, and that, continuing the experiments, there had been found a preparation consisting of carbon tetrachloride and acetone, which absorbed the fumigating gas mixture satisfactorily. These improvements, he said, should be protected at once, and he therefore requested that permission be granted to file an application for a patent fully protecting the government in all its branches. Permission was refused him, except on the condition that he would execute an assignment thereof to the government. On January 12, 1924, demand was made upon him to assign his patent, No. 1,521,537, but he refused to do so. On February 17 demand was made that he assign the invention for the improvements, which he also refused. On March 7, 1925, he was directed by the Surgeon General to inform the bureau as to what steps had been taken in the matter of prosecuting the application for letters patent covering the improvements, whereupon he replied that no application had been filed by him for the preparation containing carbon tetrachloride and acetone, but that he had filed the application of October 22, 1924, "for improvements developed * * * while on leave during * * * detail at the Boston Quarantine Station." He offered to grant a license to the United States to make use of the invention.
It is thus clear that Houghton formally agreed that such discovery as should result from the additional investigation would be made on behalf of the United States. His only possible defense, therefore, under any view of the law, is his statement that he developed the glycerine and water process while on leave. This is an insufficient reply. The discovery was within the purview of the investigation upon which he was employed. He
[ 20 F.2d 439 ] formally reported experiments with glycerine and water which led to the invention. It is stipulated in the case that experiments in the process were made during the months of September and October, and that during portions of these months he was on duty; so that from the record it would appear that his experiments were performed, even if his final results were not achieved, while he was officially employed. In any event, having agreed in advance that he would investigate for the benefit of the United States a suggestion of his superior officers, he cannot evade his obligation by developing it while on leave. See Gill v. United States, 160 U.S. 426, 433, 16 S.Ct. 322, 40 L. Ed. 480. The invention and the patent application covering it are the property of the United States.
A decree will be signed in accordance with this opinion.
1930 Census1930Goodwell, Texas Co., OK, USA, age 44, A and M. College, college teacher3
Residence1935Parnell, OK, USA
Author1938University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA, Iodine derivatives of 4-hydroxydiphenyl; 54 pages
1940 Census1940Duncan, Stephens Co., OK, USA, age 53, high school teacher4
1950 US Census1950Panhandle Agricultural and Mechanical College (PAMC), Goodwell, Texas Co., OK, USA, age 63, State PAMC College, chemistry professor
Death1958OK, USA
BurialTonkawa IOOF Cemetery, Tonkawa, OK, USA

Citations

  1. [S1308] World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online http://content.ancestry.com, Roll: 1851783.
  2. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Anthony, Harper, Kansas; Roll: T624_441; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 75; line 90, dwl 143-144.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Goodwell, Texas Co., Oklahoma; Roll: 1925; Enumeration District: 8; Page 142, Sheet: 2A, line 19, dwl 24-28.
  4. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Duncan, Stephens, Oklahoma; Roll: T627_3334; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 69-5.
  5. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx

Ruby Houghton1

F, #87070, b. 10 January 1891

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 10, 1891Freeport, KS, USA, age 9 in 1900 census; age 19 in 1910 census2
Occupation1910public school teacher

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Saline, Woods, Oklahoma; Roll: T623 1343; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 234; line 1, dwl 1-1.
  2. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Anthony, Harper, Kansas; Roll: T624_441; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 75; line 90, dwl 143-144.

Mary J. Houghton1

F, #87071, b. 1 February 1895

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthFeb 1, 1895Haprer Co., KS, USA, age 5 in 1900 census; age 15 in 1910 census1

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Anthony, Harper, Kansas; Roll: T624_441; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 75; line 90, dwl 143-144.

Sylvanus Houghton1

M, #87072, b. 12 May 1908, d. 1 April 1925

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay 12, 1908Jet, Alfalfa Co., OK, USA, age 2 in 1910 census; age 11 in 1920 census1,2
DeathApr 1, 1925Brookshire, Waller Co., TX, USA, age 18, killed by a train2
BurialApr 4, 1925Oklahoma City, TX, USA2

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Anthony, Harper, Kansas; Roll: T624_441; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 75; line 90, dwl 143-144.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.footnote.com: Texas Death Records, Houghton surnames.

Edgar Paul Houghton1

M, #87073, b. 15 August 1888, d. 1 November 1905

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthAug 15, 1888KS, USA, age 11 in 1900 census2,1
DeathNov 1, 19051

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/10166423/person/-685980456
  2. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Saline, Woods, Oklahoma; Roll: T623 1343; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 234; line 1, dwl 1-1.

Eunice Ruth Houghton1

F, #87074, b. 28 March 1890

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMar 28, 1890Harper Co., KS, USA, age 10 in 1900 census; age 19 in 1910 census1

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Saline, Woods, Oklahoma; Roll: T623 1343; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 234; line 1, dwl 1-1.

Rika Houghton1

F, #87075, b. 25 June 1897, d. 15 January 1901

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 25, 1897OK, USA, age 2 in 1900 census1
DeathJan 15, 1901

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Saline, Woods, Oklahoma; Roll: T623 1343; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 234; line 1, dwl 1-1.

Grace Ellen Haughton1

F, #87076, b. 18 June 1901, d. 17 May 1991

Family: Paul Walter Allen

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 18, 1901KS, USA, age 8 in 1910 census1
MarriageNov 13, 1919Riley Co., KS, USA
Children+1928Betty Jean Allen Rathke 1928–2017
Kenneth R Allen 1932–1984
DeathMay 17, 1991Emporia, KS, USA

Citations

  1. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Elmendaro, Lyon, Kansas; Roll: T624_445; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 43; line 14, dwl 140-142.

Peter Brian Arbogast1

M, #87077

Family: Jennifer Cree Swan b. 5 Oct 1965

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
MarriageDec 10, 20061
AddressJun 28, 2007Venice Beach, CA, USA, peteapete@aol.com

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Peter Brian Arbogast, June 28, 2007.

Jane Turner1

F, #87078, b. 23 December 1907

Family: Warren Bemis Houghton b. 19 Dec 1902, d. 26 Dec 1992

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 23, 1907Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT, USA, on Northern Pacific's "North Coast Limited" train near Butte, Montana
MarriageJan 18, 1932Honolulu, HI, USA1
ParentsDCharles H. Sheldon married Janet S. Reid June 30, 1838 and one of their sons was named William K. b. February 19, 1850, d. September 26, 1927 in Seattle, WA. William married Abbigail (Abbie ?) J. Meech October 14, 1880 in Vermont, b. 1855. d.1948 in Seattle, WA. The oldest daughter was named Abbie M. and she married Frederick C. Turner (2nd marriage for Abbie) September 4, 1881 at what is now called the Dewey house in Westfield, Massachusetts, b September 4, 1881, d. April 23, 1966 in Anacortes, WA and buried in the Sheldon mausoleum in Rutland, Vermont. They had one daughter named Jane Turner

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.
  2. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 4 Jun 1932; Birth County: San Francisco.

Meech Houghton1,2

M, #87079, b. 4 June 1932, d. 30 May 2016

Family: Arlene Linemann b. c 1933, d. 12 May 2017

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 4, 1932San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, Orcas Island, WA also given in obit2
MarriageAug 3, 1957Richardton, ND, USA1
GraduationUniversity of Washington, WA, USA
Residence1959Bellevue, WA, USA
Occupationbetween 1959 and 1995Boeing Aircraft
ContributnJun 28, 2007
DeathMay 30, 20163
ObituaryJun 19, 2016Meech Houghton
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away on May 30, 2016 at the age of 83. He was born on June 4, 1932 and grew up on Orcas Island where he developed friendships with his classmates which he maintained throughout his life. He was known as "the scientist" in school and enjoyed learning how things worked. After attending WWU he went to the UW, where he met his future wife Arlene. They settled in Bellevue and raised four children. His dream was to be a physics teacher. But Boeing recognized his talents, so after graduating from college he was employed there until his retirement in 1995. He loved helping others, taking trips to Orcas Island and North Dakota, and hiking in the NW. He is survived by his wife Arlene; sons Dean, Terry, Michael and daughter Lisa Anderson; brother Jim Walker and 6 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday July 16 at 11am at Sacred Heart Church, 9460 NE 14th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004.

To express your condolences and share fond memories of Meech, please visit his online memorial at www.Bartonfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Sacred Heart Church or The Orcas Island Historical Museum.
Published in The Seattle Times on June 19, 20163
BurialHollyrood Cemetery, Shoreline, WA, USA

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.
  2. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 4 Jun 1932; Birth County: San Francisco.
  3. [S1485] Findagrave.com, online http://www.findagrave.com, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx

Arlene Linemann1

F, #87080, b. circa 1933, d. 12 May 2017

Family: Meech Houghton b. 4 Jun 1932, d. 30 May 2016

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1933
MarriageAug 3, 1957Richardton, ND, USA1
DeathMay 12, 2017Bellevue, WA, USA2
ObituaryMay 14, 2017Arlene K. Houghton: Arlene Linemann-Houghton, a long time resident of Bellevue, WA., passed away on her birthday May 12th, 2017 at 84 years old. Arlene was a remarkable woman, raised in Richardton, ND. After attending Montana State University with a degree in Home Economics, Arlene moved to Seattle's University district where she met Meech Houghton while attending classes at the UW. They married August 3, 1957 and bought a house in the Holiday Hill area in Bellevue where they raised 4 children. She made many friends while selling Avon products and working at the International Montessori Academy and was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Church in Bellevue. Arlene was also heavily involved in her Garden Club and her real passion was International travel. She went to amazing places in the world, by herself or with friends, always the great explorer. She leaves behind her four children, Dean Houghton, Terry Houghton, Mike Houghton, Lisa Houghton-Anderson, her older Sister Delphine Lindemann-Senn and a younger Brother Kenny Lindemann, plus 6 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Martin and Lena and brothers Ronald and Harvey. A funeral service for Arlene will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Thursday, June 1st, at 11am, 9460 NE 14th Street, Bellevue, WA. 98004. Following her service she will be laid to her rest next to her husband of 59 years, Meech Houghton at 2:30pm, Hollyrood Cemetery, 205 Northeast 205th Street, Shoreline, WA 98155. Published in The Seattle Times on May 14, 2017 -2
BurialHollyrood Cemetery, Shoreline, WA, USA

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.
  2. [S1518] Legacy.com, online www.legacy.com, http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx

Dean Thomas Houghton

M, #87081, b. 17 July 1958

Family: June Perry

Biography

Corresponded with authorY
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
BirthJul 17, 1958Bellevue, WA, USA1
Marriage1
AddressJun 28, 2007Renton, WA, USA, deanthoughton@comcast.net1
ContributnJun 28, 2007
NoteConfirmed YDNA: R-BY108230

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Terrence Houghton1

M, #87082, b. 1 December 1960

Family: Ivy Jo Hill

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 1, 1960Bellevue, WA, USA1
Marriage1

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Michael Houghton1

M, #87083, b. 3 April 1962

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr 3, 1962Bellevue, WA, USA1
Duplicate

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Lisa Houghton1

F, #87084, b. 19 December 1963

Family 1: Ron Melnick

Family 2: Russ Anderson

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 19, 1963Bellevue, WA, USA1
Marriage1
Marriage1

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

June Perry1

F, #87085

Family: Dean Thomas Houghton b. 17 Jul 1958

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage1

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Megan Houghton1

F, #87086, b. 12 January 1991

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJan 12, 19911

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Charlotte Houghton1

F, #87087, b. 25 March 1995

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMar 25, 19951

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Ivy Jo Hill1

F, #87088

Family: Terrence Houghton b. 1 Dec 1960

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage1

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Clint Houghton1

M, #87089, b. 3 March 1993

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMar 3, 19931

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.

Ron Melnick1

M, #87090

Family: Lisa Houghton b. 19 Dec 1963

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Marriage1

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Dean Houghton, June 20, 2007.