Thomas Moor1

M, #9931, b. 3 September 1761

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthSep 3, 1761Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9253.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 90.

Abigail Moor1

F, #9932, b. 23 December 1762

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthDec 23, 1762Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9254.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 91.

Catherine Moor1

F, #9933, b. 12 February 1765

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthFeb 12, 1765Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9255.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 93.

James Moor1

M, #9934, b. 26 March 1767

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BaptismMar 26, 1767Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9256.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 387.

Silas Moor1

M, #9935, b. 17 November 1768

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthNov 17, 1768Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9257.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 97.

Eunice Moor1

F, #9936, b. 24 March 1771

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthMar 24, 1771Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9258.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 108.

Cornelius Moor1

M, #9937, b. 6 April 1773

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthApr 6, 1773Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9259.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 110.

Aaron Moor1

M, #9938, b. 17 May 1775

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthMay 17, 1775Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9260.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 111.

Israel Moor Jr.1

M, #9939, b. 11 November 1777

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthNov 11, 1777Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #9253.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 113.

Eunice Sawyer1,2

F, #9940, b. 27 March 1744, d. 15 September 1774

Family: Lt. Silas Houghton b. 7 Oct 1742, d. 9 Jan 1797

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthMar 27, 1744Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA3,4,5,6
MarriageOct 26, 1768Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA7,8,9,6
DeathSep 15, 1774Princeton, Worcester Co., MA, USA10,11,5,6
AFNFQJ3-5V12
ParentsDThomas and Abigail (White) Sawyer. He was a descendant of John White3,5
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 30 #569.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 41.
  3. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 70.
  4. [S157] Fred E. Sawyer, Sawyer Families Gen. Dict., p. 196.
  5. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 41.
  6. [S747] Rev. Frederick Lewis Weis Lancaster MA Early Families II- Weis, p. 313.
  7. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 101.
  8. [S157] Fred E. Sawyer, Sawyer Families Gen. Dict., p. 196.
  9. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 18, 41.
  10. [S162] Princeton MA VRs, p. 170.
  11. [S303] Francis Everett ??? Blake History of the Town of Princeton Vol. II Genealogies, p. 153.
  12. [S13] "Ancestral File of LDS, Version 4.13", Ancestral File.

John Brooks1

M, #9941, d. 1787

Family: Parnee Houghton b. 14 Apr 1730, d. 25 Jan 1816

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
Corresponded with author?
MarriageOct 20, 1748Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA, by J. Mellen1,2,3
Death17874
Contributn
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 22.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 22.
  3. [S747] Rev. Frederick Lewis Weis Lancaster MA Early Families II- Weis, p. 303.
  4. [S415] E-mail from NMClara, 11/1998.
  5. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 49.
  6. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 380.
  7. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 75.
  8. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 91.
  9. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 96.
  10. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 41.
  11. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 32.

Parnee Brooks1,2,3,4

F, #9942, b. 18 February 1751, d. 21 March 1784

Family: Josiah White b. 13 Mar 1748/49, d. 19 Sep 1819

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthFeb 18, 1751Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA, MLM: Feb. 18; bp Feb. 242,5
Marriage BannJun 9, 1770Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA6,5
ImmigrationApr, 1774Charlemont, Franklin Co., MA, USA
DeathMar 21, 1784Charlemont, Franklin Co., MA, USA, while her husband was in the service7,5
BiographyWhite: 'They lived in Leominster until April, 1774, when they moved to Charlemont, where she d. Mar. 21, 1784, while her husband was doing service in the Revolutionary war. Josiah White appears with rank of private on Lexington Alarm Roll on Capt. Oliver Avery's Company, (regiment not given). Marched Apr. 21, 1775. Service 17 days. (Lex. Alarms, Vol. II, p. 182). Josiah White appears with rank of sergeant on Muster and Pay Roll of Capt. Samuel Taylor's Co., Col. Porter's Regt. Marched to reinforce the northern army after evacuation of Ticonderoga, enlisted July 10, 1777, discharged Aug. 12, 1777, served 38 days. (Various Service, Vol. 23, p. 136). Josiah White of Charlemont appears with rank of private on Muster and Pay Roll of Capt. Nahum Ward's Co., Col. David Wells' Hampshire Co. Regt. Time of enlistment Sept. 22, 1777, discharged Oct. 18, 1777, time service 1 mo. Served at the taking of Burgoyne. Roll dated Charlemont, Feb. 10, 1778. (Various Service, Vol. 24, p,82.) (From the Mass. Archives, State House, Boston) He m. (2) Mar. 2, 1786, Rebeecca Simonds. He d. in Denmark, Jefferson Co., N.Y., Sept., 1819, aged 70.7'
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 380 #1133.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 75.
  3. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #603s.
  4. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #113?
  5. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 49, 92.
  6. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 43.
  7. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192.

Josiah White1

M, #9943, b. 13 March 1748/49, d. 19 September 1819

Family 1: Parnee Brooks b. 18 Feb 1751, d. 21 Mar 1784

Family 2: Rebecca Simmonds

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthMar 13, 1748/49Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA2,3
Marriage BannJun 9, 1770Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA4,3
ImmigrationApr, 1774Charlemont, Franklin Co., MA, USA
Milit-Beg1775Revol. War: Lexington2
Marriage5
DeathSep 19, 1819Denmark, Jefferson, NY, USA5
ParentsSa descendant of John White
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #603.
  2. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 49, 92.
  4. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 43.
  5. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Polly White1,2

F, #9944, b. 14 September 1770

Family: Capt. Stephen Booth

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthSep 14, 1770Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA3
MarriageApr 15, 17903
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11452.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3080.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.
  4. [S415] E-mail from Lawrence Michael Snow, Feb 9, 2004.

Lucinda White1,2

F, #9945, b. 19 March 1772

Family: Solomon Hastings

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthMar 19, 1772Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA3
MarriageJun 15, 17873
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11453.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3081.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Sophia White1,2

F, #9946, b. 10 October 1773

Family: Alpheus Brooks

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthOct 10, 1773Leominster, Worcester Co., MA, USA3
Marriage17893
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11454.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3082.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Josiah White1,2

M, #9947, b. 4 March 1776

Family: Sarah Houghton b. 29 Sep 1766

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthMar 4, 1776Charlemont, Franklin Co., MA, USA3
MarriageJan 21, 1788Sterling, MA, USA, not in VRs3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11455.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3083.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Lovisa White1

F, #9948, b. 17 September 1778

Family: Joseph Griswold

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthSep 17, 1778Sterling, MA, USA2
MarriageJan 8, 18202
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11456.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Joseph White1,2

M, #9949, b. 19 August 1780, d. 27 August 1780

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthAug 19, 17803,4
DeathAug 27, 17804,3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11457.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3085.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.
  4. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192.

Joseph White1,2

M, #9950, b. 18 January 1782

Family: Betsy Jewet b. 28 Apr 1780

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthJan 18, 17823
MarriageOct 17, 1800Sterling, MA, USA3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11458.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3086.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Alpheus White1,2

M, #9951, b. 7 April 1800

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthApr 7, 18003
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S78] White, Genealogy of John White, II, p. 192 #11459.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92 #3087.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 92.

Deacon Thomas Fairbank1,2

M, #9952, b. 1708, d. 10 February 1791

Family: Dorothy Carter

  • Marriage*: Deacon Thomas Fairbank married Dorothy Carter on Apr 24, 1729.4

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
Baptism1708Lancaster, Worcester Co., MA, USA, First Church2
Milit-Beg1725in Muster roll of Captain Josiah Willard's company June 3 to November 10, 1725.3
MarriageApr 24, 17294
DeathFeb 10, 17914
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S12] Nourse, Early Records of Lancaster, p. 244.
  2. [S11] Lancaster MA VRs, p. 273.
  3. [S12] Nourse, Early Records of Lancaster, p. 243.
  4. [S36] Letter, from Evelyn White McKain to Charles Vella, June 1998: White Family Genealogies.

Mr. (?) Kilbourn1

M, #9953

Family: Lucina L. Earle b. 25 Dec 1846

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
Marriage2,3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1638s.
  2. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 141.

Mr. (?) Hayles1

M, #9954

Family: Ella H. Earle b. 17 Jun 1851

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
Marriage2,3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1639s.
  2. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 141.

Frank E. Earle1,2

M, #9955, b. 1881

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
Birth18813,4
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1640c.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 141 #5470s.
  3. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  4. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 141.

Hazen E. Earle1,2

F, #9956, b. 1884

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
Birth18843,4
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1640c.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 141 #5470s.
  3. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  4. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 141.

Cornelius Briggs Houghton1,2

M, #9957, b. 14 April 1823, d. 25 October 1895

Family: Fanny Maria Chandler b. 20 Oct 1835

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthApr 14, 1823Cambridge, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, age 47 in 1870 census; also at Waltham MA3,4,5,6,7
Author1850Author: Houghton, C. B. (Cornelius Briggs), b. 1823. Title: Accounts and diary [manuscript] : Deer Creek and Rough and Ready, [Calif.], 1850 Mar. 8 - June 7. Physical Description: 2 items (1 v.) ; 17 cm. Summary: Accounts, Mar. 8 - June 7, 1850, and diary, Mar. 9 - May 5, 1850, kept by C.B. Houghton enroute to the California gold mining region from Sacramento, and at Rough and Ready and Deer Creek. Accounts itemize expenditures for transportation, lodging, meals, mules and horses, foodstuffs, mining equipment, and cooking utensils. Also listed are the account settlements of partners Houghton, John C. Garfield, and E.S. Darling. Diary describes travel, impeded by bad roads and rain; mining results and Indian conflicts at Rough and Ready; and claim investments and further mining results at Deer Creek. The last entry, dated May 5, records Houghton’s trip to Bird’s Valley on the middle fork of the American River, and notes families encountered along the way and news of Indian troubles. Contains: Garfield Darling & Houghton’s mining a/c. Subject (LCSH): Darling, E. S. Garfield, John C. Houghton, C. B. (Cornelius Briggs), b. 1823.8
MarriageNov 6, 18603,7
Living1870Benecia, Solano Co., CA, USA, Lumber merchant; brother James F. was in Sacramento.
Note1890Benecia, Solano Co., CA, USA, 1890 Great Register: Cornelius Briggs Houghton, age 67, b. MA9
DeathOct 25, 1895Nov 12, 1895 on GS3,7,10
BurialMt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Plot: Cypress Avenue Lot 157211
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1641.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142 #5470, 172.
  3. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  4. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 Benecia, CA, bp.
  5. [S289] Cambridge MA VRs I, p. 373.
  6. [S482] Waltham MA VRs, p. 52.
  7. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142, 172.
  8. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://i-share.carli.illinois.edu/nby/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi\e-mail address
  9. [S601] Family Group Sheet, from Lynette Clark, May 13, 2000.
  10. [S1485] Findagrave.com, online http://www.findagrave.com, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi
  11. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 172.
  12. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 Benecia, CA.

Charles Henry Houghton1,2

M, #9958, b. 13 October 1825

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
BirthOct 13, 1825Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, age 24 in 1850 census; age 34 in 1860 census; age 43 in 1870 census; age 55 in 1880 census; Oct. 1825 in 1900 census; age 84 in 1910 census4,5,6
Occupation1870Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, a deputy collector, property $5500
1900 Census1900Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, age 747,8
1910 Census1910Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, age 84, single, own income9
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1642.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142 #5471.
  3. [S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Waltham, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: M432_325; Page: 309; line 26, dwl 312-436.
  4. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  5. [S482] Waltham MA VRs, p. 52.
  6. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142.
  7. [S235] U.S. Census, 1900 Soundex Massachusetts, Box 127, Vol. 51/3, E.D. 976, Sh. 12, Ln. 99.
  8. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Waltham, Ward 2, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts; Roll: T623 667; Enumeration District: 976; Sheet 12B; line 99, dwl 537-222-238.
  9. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Waltham Ward 2, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_606; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 1041; line 7, dwl 537-50-52.

James Franklin Houghton1,2,3

M, #9959, b. 1 December 1827, d. 31 January 1903

Family: Caroline Sparhawk b. 29 Mar 1832, d. 23 Sep 1908

Biography

Corresponded with author?
A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
NotableY
BirthDec 1, 1827Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, SAR: Cambridge, MA; JWH, MLM: 1 Jan, 1827, Cambridge; age 32 in 1860 census; 1870 census gives age 406,2,7,8,9,10,11,5,12
EducationWaltham, MA, USA, the public schools
Graduation1848Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA, a degree in Civil Engineering10
Occupationa civil engineer; Surveyor-General of California, and an insurance company president.
ImmigrationApr 6, 1850San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, in 1849 took passage on the ship Richmond, traveling around the Horn, and arriving in
NoteHe bought a lumber business in Beneicia CA and in 1853 sold it to his brother, C. B. Houghton
MarriageApr 14, 1854Newton, MA, USA6,13
1860 Census1860Vallejo, Solano Co., CA, USA, age 32, Lumber Merchant; real estate $5000-2000; 2 servants14
1870 Census1870Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, USA, plus cook, nurse, and 2 domestics.15,16
Voter RegAug 16, 1890San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, Pres. Ins. Co., livng at 801 Sutter17
DeathJan 31, 1903San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 756,2,18,19
BiographyJWH: "To the couple were born four children, the eldest of whom is the wife of ex-Governor Bulkeley of Connecticutt. From 'Representative Men of California,' we quote the following sketch: 'James F. Houghton passed his younger days in Waltham, Mass., where he acquired his early education. From there he entered upon a three-years' course in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, from which he graduated with the degree of civil engineer in the class of '48. Keeping up his favorite mathematical studies he accepted a responsible position in the construction of th Boston Water Works, which he held till its completion. The desire for adventure and a broader field of action induced him to come to California, by way of Cape Horn, in 1849, where, resisting the alluring temptations of the gold mines, he settled down to business, his first venture being to enter as a member of the shipping house of B. D. Baxter & Co., in which business he succeeded to the entire control within a few years. In 1853 he was a member of the lumber firm of Pine & Houghton, and by his business ability and restless energy this house soon became one of the best known and most powerful on the Pacific Coast. In 1862, on the Republican ticket, with Governor Leland Stanford, he was elected Surveyor-General of the State, which office he filled with the same marked ability with which he had conducted his private affairs. Probably the most important work he did during his two terms in this office was the establishment of the boundary lines between California and Nevada, disentangling the jumbled-up state lines and securing at Washington in the land registration an act to quiet land titles in California that has since saved property owners of the state many millions of dollars. Upon the expiration of his second term of office he relinquished political pursuits and again assumed an active business career, wherein he acquired a reputationas an able financier and a man of honesty and integrity. 'Among the more prominent and responsible places occupied by General Houghton during the more recent days of his busy life may be named his presidency of The Home Mutual Insurance Company, a position he filled for 18 years, and to him is due the credit for placing that company in the enviable place it now occupies in the community. For 15 years he was the presiding officer of the Central Land Company of Oakland, an organization which many a laboring man can thank for a comfortable home. For 10 years General Houghton was President of the South San Francisco Dock Company, and at present he is President of Old Trinity Church and Parish of San Francisco, and also a member of the Board of Regents of the State University of California. He is a prominent member of the Territorial Pioneers, a director in the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company, and for 20 years has been a Fellow of the Geographical Society of the Pacific, and for a similar period of time have the San Francisco Art Association and member of the Academy of Science numbered him as a member. He is also a member of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and at the Pacific Union Club, of which he has been a member for many years, none are more welcome or popular. 'General Houghton is a handsome, dignified gentleman, kind and courteous to all, a favorite with his associates, and one of whom the State of his adoption may well be proud.'

James Franklin Houghton



James Franklin Houghton, President of the Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company of California for the past sixteen years, is a native of Massachusetts, born at Cambridge, December 1, 1827. His father, Charles Houghton, was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, a town which was founded by his ancestors in 1651. When they came to this country they purchased from the Indians a tract of land, two by ten miles in area, and on this Lancaster was built, and they named it after their old English town. The title to their lands was afterward confirmed by the State of Massachusetts, and there several generations of the family resided.

The subject of this brief sketch was educated at the Rensselaer Polytechnic School at Troy, New York, and graduated as Civil Engineer at that institution in 1848. He was employed soon after by the Boston Water Works Company, as an inspector of masonry, and had charge of three miles of their works.

In 1849 he took passage on the ship Richmond, bound for California, came around the Horn, and arrived in San Francisco on April 6, 1850, and entered the commission house of B. T. Baxter & Co., receivers of consignments from the Otis Rich line of Boston and California packets. After remaining with them a year, he purchased the Benicia business which turned out chiefly to be a lumber business, as their cargoes consisted largely of lumber. In 1853 he sold the business to his brother, C. B Houghton, who continues it to the present time. He then returned to San Francisco and engaged in the lumber business there.

In 1854 Mr. Houghton went East and was married, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Miss Caroline Sarphawk, a native of that State and a niece of Captain John Butram, of Salem. Their union has been blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, all except one born in California. Their older son, Charles S., is married, and resides in Sacramento. Harry B. is in Oakland, and Fanny B. is the wife of Hon. Morgan G. Bulkeley, ex-Mayor of Hartford, and now Governor of the State of Connecticut. The younger daughter, Minnie B. resides with her parents at their home in San Francisco.

Mr. Houghton was twice elected Surveyor General of the State, serving six years during the administrations of Governors Stanford and Low, and during that time made the surveys which established the eastern boundary of the State. He has been for three years one of the Board of Regents of the State University, for five years president of the South San Francisco Dock Company, president of the Central Land Company of Oakland, a member of the Academy of Sciences, and of the State Geographical Society. He is also a member of the Pacific Union Club, and of the Territorial Pioneers. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. He was one of the organizers of the party, and has consistently adhered to it during its long and brilliant career.

Since 1874 Mr. Houghton has been president of the Home Mutual Insurance Company, and has made the interests of this company the paramount business of his life. The company was organized in 1864, and is one of the oldest in the State. Colonel George S. Mann, now ninety-two years of age, and still residing in San Francisco, was its first president. John H. Redington succeeded him, and then came the election of General Houghton. Charles R. Story, a State pioneer, has been its efficient secretary for over twenty years, and R. H. Magill, an underwriter since 1852, has for many years been its general agent. The Home Mutual is a most successful and conservative fire insurance company, occupying only such territory as will return it a fair profit on the capital invested. At first it included marine insurance, but soon after General Houghton’s election this branch of the business was discontinued, and since then the business of the company has proved eminently successful. Another feature of this company, and one peculiar to itself, is the establishment and maintenance of branches, somewhat of the character of local companies. These are located in Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon. During the year 1890, the company paid for losses and expenses $142,338.90, and added $46,095.12 to is cash assets, increased its reserve fund, held for the exclusive protection of its outstanding policies, $14,860.91; paid $36,000 in dividends to its stockholders, and increased its net surplus $34,016.69; showing an increase over losses and expenses amounting to $84,877.60. It has paid losses since its organization, $3,175,759.21; its assets January 1, 1891, were $867,512.19; surplus for policy holders, $844,944.69; reserve, $266,043.59; capital paid up in gold, 300,000.00; and its net surplus over everything, $278,901.10. The company has paid $1 per month per share dividends, the last one, in 1890, being No.183; and during the last fourteen years has accumulated $297,050.19 additional assets. Its Board of Directors are L. L. Baker, H. L. Dodge, John Currey, J. F Houghton, C. Waterhouse, S. Huff, A. K. P. Harmon, C. T. Ryland, Chauncy Taylor, J. L. N. Shepard and I. L. Requa. The motto of the company is “Liberty and Justice.”
Transcribed by David and Joyce Rugeroni.

Source: “The Bay of San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Pages 345-346, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892. © 2006 David Rugeroni.

He was . a Regent of the University of California20,10
Gen. Soc.San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, SAR #135894,5
Notablewas a prominent San Francisco CA businessman, president of the Home Mutual Insurance Company; antecedent of Fireman's Fund
ResearchThe National Cyclopaedia of American Biography. Volume 7. New York: James T. White & Co., 1892. Use the Index to locate biographies. (NatCAB 7)
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427 #1643.
  2. [S183] Virkus, Abr. Comp. of Amer. Gen., p. 137.
  3. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142 #5472, 182.
  4. [S826] Unknown author, Sons of Amer. Revol., #3589.
  5. [S928] SAR, SAR Register - Calif., p. 80.
  6. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427.
  7. [S235] U.S. Census, 1860 Vallejo, CA, p. 272.
  8. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 Sacramento, CA, Box 77, p. 305.
  9. [S482] Waltham MA VRs, p. 53.
  10. [S779] Unknown author Encyclopedia of Amer. Biog., Herringshaw's, p. 500.
  11. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142, 182.
  12. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 Soundex, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, Box 77, p. 305, Ln. 23, dwl 60.
  13. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142.
  14. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , Vallejo Twp, Solano Co., CA, p. 272, line 11, dwl 564-525.
  15. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , 1870 Soundex, Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, Box 77, p. 305, Ln. 23, dwl 60.
  16. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Sacramento Ward 4, Sacramento, California; Roll: M593_77; Page: 305; line 23, dwl 60-7.
  17. [S1061] California Genealogical Society, 1890 SF CA Great Register of Voters, p. 409.
  18. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 182.
  19. [S1488] Barbara R. Close & Vernon A. Denbler, San Francisco Deaths 1865-1905, p. 324.
  20. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 427-429.

Mary Jane Houghton1,2

F, #9960, b. 8 July 1829, d. 9 December 1894

Family: John Gorham Thayer b. c 1828, d. 28 Dec 1864

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname Project?
Corresponded with author?
BirthJul 8, 1829Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, age 41 in 1870 census4,5,6
MarriageOct 31, 1854Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, age 26 and 254,6,7
PensionInxMar 22, 1866Waltham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA8
DeathDec 9, 1894Waltham, MA, USA4,6
BurialGrove Hill Cemetery, Waltham, MA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 429 #1644.
  2. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142 #5473.
  3. [S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Waltham, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: M432_325; Page: 309; line 26, dwl 312-436.
  4. [S1] Dr. John Wesley Houghton M.D., Houghton Genealogy of 1912, p. 429.
  5. [S482] Waltham MA VRs, p. 53.
  6. [S814] Marshall L. McClanahan, Houghton, John & Beatrix - MLM;, M, p. 142.
  7. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.fold3.com/image/#271425451
  8. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.fold3.com/image/#271425433