Charles H. Houghton1,2

M, #46681, b. 6 May 1857, d. 13 March 1944

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay 6, 1857England, age 63 in 1920 census; age 72 in 1930 census3
Emigration1878England, or 18811,2
Naturalization18861,2
1920 Census1920Bidwell Bar, Oroville, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 63, single, common laborer1,2
1930 Census1930Oroville, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 72, single, farm operator4
DeathMar 13, 1944Butte Co., CA, USA, age 863
ParentsSparents born in England
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Bidwell, Butte Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 15, E.D. 14, Sh. 4, Ln. 29.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Oroville, Butte, California; Roll: T625_94; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 14; line 29, dwl 101.
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  4. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Oroville, Butte Co., CA, Roll 113, ED 40, page 172, sheet 1A, line 20, Dwl 6-6.

Grace Stapley Ross1

F, #46682, b. 24 October 1890, d. 3 March 1977

Family: Charles Wicks Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthOct 24, 1890St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO, USA, age 29 in 1920 census; age 38 in 1930 census; age 48 in 1940 census2,3,1
MarriageJul 31, 1911Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 21 and 191,2
1920 Census1920Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 30, insurance district superintendent2,4
1940 Census1940Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 50, insurance agent5
Residence1942Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA
1950 US Census1950Kimshew, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 60, general insurance agent
DeathMar 3, 1977Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 863,1
ParentsDfather born in Scotland, mother born in KY
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from David Simons, Oct. 18, 2002: Family group sheet for Charles Wicks and Grace Stapley (Ross) Houghton by Charles David Houghton, 1996.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Lindo, Butte Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 15, E.D. 5, Sh. 15, Ln. 92.
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  4. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Chico, Butte, California; Roll: T625_94; Page: 15B; Enumeration District: 5; line 92, dwl 348-357.
  5. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Chico, Butte, California; Roll: T627_192; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 4-16; line 60, dwl 22.

Daniel Johnson Houghton1,2

M, #46683, b. 1 January 1914, d. 2 January 1944

Family: Marjorie Olga Hathaway

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJan 1, 1914Vina, Tehama Co., CA, USA, age 6 in 1920 census; age 16 in 1930 census; age 26 in 1940 census3,4,2
MarriageApr 21, 1935Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA5
1940 Census1940Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 26, service station manager6
Milit-BegCA, USA, a master sergeant, US Marine Corps, WWII5
Research
NoteName: Daniel J Houghton Inducted From: California Rank: Master Sergeant Combat Organization: United States Marine Corps Death Date: Jan 02 1944 Monument: Fort William Mckinley, Manila, the Philippines Last Known Status: Buried7
DeathJan 2, 1944New Guinea4,5
BurialFort William McKinley, Manila, Philippines5
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from David Simons, Oct. 18, 2002: Family group sheet for Charles Wicks and Grace Stapley (Ross) Houghton by Charles David Houghton, 1996.
  2. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 1 Jan 1914; Birth County: Tehama.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Lindo, Butte Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 15, E.D. 5, Sh. 15, Ln. 92.
  4. [S415] E-mail from David Simonds, Oct. 18, 2002: Family group sheet for Daniel Johnson and Marjorie Olga (Hathaway) Houghton, prpared by Charles David Houghton, Bakersfield, CA, 1996.
  5. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas, Sep. 25, 2001.
  6. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Chico, Butte, California; Roll: T627_192; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 4-11; line 23, dwl 1039.
  7. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas.

Charles Wicks Houghton Jr.1,2,3

M, #46684, b. 17 September 1915, d. 21 October 1921

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthSep 17, 1915Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 4 3/12 in 1920 census1,2,3,4
DeathOct 21, 1921Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA5
BurialChico, Butte Co., CA, USA5
ObituaryDeath at noon Thursday called Charles W. Houghton Jr, small son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Houghton, the former district manager of the Mutual Life Insurance company of New York, following an illness of but a few days. Death occurred at the family home on Chico Creek road. Deceased was born September 17, 1915, being six years old at the time of      death. He is survied by his parents and two brothers, Dan and Ross Houghton.      Funeral services will be held at the home Friday morning at 10 o'clock, the arrangements being made by Fetters & Williams. Interment will be made in Chico cemetery.
Obit from a second newspaper [?]:

A telegram received Thursday night from Chico brought the sad news of the sudden death from infantile paralysis of Junior, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Houghton, aged six years, one month and two days. Mrs. Houghton will be remembered [strange turn of phrase -- she lived until 1977] as Miss Grace Ross, niece of Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Johnson, and a sister of Mrs. Arthur Ross and Mrs. Elizabeth Cook. Junior was an unusual bright child, being of a most affectionate and lovable nature.6
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Lindo, Butte Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 15, E.D. 5, Sh. 15, Ln. 92.
  2. [S415] E-mail from David Simons, Oct. 18, 2002: Family group sheet for Charles Wicks and Grace Stapley (Ross) Houghton by Charles David Houghton, 1996.
  3. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 17 Sep 1915; Birth County: Butte.
  4. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Chico, Butte, California; Roll: T625_94; Page: 15B; Enumeration District: 5; line 92, dwl 348-357.
  5. [S415] E-mail from David Simons, Oct. 18, 2002: Descendancy chart for William houghton, prepared by Charles David Houghton, 28 Apr 1996.
  6. [S415] E-mail from David Simons, Oct. 18, 2002.

William Ross Houghton1,2,3

M, #46685, b. 2 March 1918, d. 20 May 1967

Family: Margery Doerr

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMar 2, 1918Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 1 10/12 in 1920 census; age 12 in 1930 census1,4,5,3
Occupation1940insurance agent
MarriageJun 18, 1944Berkeley, Alameda Co., CA, USA5
1950 US Census1950Chico, CA, USA, age 32, general insurance agent
DeathMay 20, 1967Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA, age 494
BurialGlen Oaks Cemetery, Chico, Butte Co., CA, USA5
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Lindo, Butte Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 15, E.D. 5, Sh. 15, Ln. 92.
  2. [S415] E-mail from David Simons, Oct. 18, 2002.
  3. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 2 Mar 1918; Birth County: Butte.
  4. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  5. [S415] E-mail from David Simonds, Oct. 18, 2002: Family group sheet for William Ross and Margery (Doerr) Houghton, prepared by Charles David Houghton, 1996.

Charley B. Houghton1

M, #46686, b. circa 1879

Family: Mary A. (?)

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1879MA, USA, age 39 in 1920 census; age 51 in 1940 census; age 61 in 1940 census1
Marriage1
1920 Census1920Beaumont, Riverside Co., CA, USA1
1930 Census1930Orange, Orange Co., CA, USA, age 51, citrus ranch irrigator; living with Alvin M. Caspari2
ParentsSparents born in MA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Beaumont, Riverside Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 77, E.D. 97, Sh. 10, Ln. 3.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Orange, Orange, California; Roll: 181; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 57; Image: 1015.0; FHL microfilm: 2339916; line 20, dwl 106.

Mary A. (?)1

F, #46687, b. circa 1883

Family: Charley B. Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1883CA, USA, age 37 in 1920 census; age 57 in 1940 census1
Marriage1
1920 Census1920Beaumont, Riverside Co., CA, USA1
1930 Census1930Orange, Orange Co., CA, USA, age 51, citrus ranch irrigator; living with Alvin M. Caspari2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Beaumont, Riverside Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 77, E.D. 97, Sh. 10, Ln. 3.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Orange, Orange, California; Roll: 181; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 57; Image: 1015.0; FHL microfilm: 2339916; line 20, dwl 106.

Chisholm Holton1

M, #46688, b. March 1861

Family: Lizzie L. (?)

  • Marriage*: Chisholm Holton married Lizzie L. (?) on circa 1891 mar 19 y in 1910 census.2,3

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMar, 1861NY, USA, age 39 in 1900 census; age 49 in 1910 census; age 65 in 1920 census2,3
Marriagecirca 1891mar 19 y in 1910 census2,3
1900 Census1900Hyde Park, Cook Co., IL, USA, age 39, salesman1
1910 Census1910Chicago, Cook Co., IL, USA, age 49, clothing company manager4
1920 Census1920Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 65, clothing traveling representative2,3
ParentsSfather born in NY, mother born in MA in 1920 census; CT and MA in 1900 census
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Chicago Ward 34, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T623 289; Page: 9A; line 4, dwl 6438-64-174.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 5, E.D. 79, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  3. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Oakland, Alameda, California; Roll: T625_89; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 79; line 80, dwl 617-114-114.
  4. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Chicago Ward 7, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T624_248; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 426; line 12, dwl 6507-104-176.

Lizzie L. (?)1,2

F, #46689, b. August 1860

Family: Chisholm Holton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthAug, 1860RI, USA, age 39 in 1900 census; age 49 in 1910 census; age 60 in 1920 census1,2
Marriagecirca 1891mar 19 y in 1910 census1,2
1900 Census1900Hyde Park, Cook Co., IL, USA, age 39, salesman3
1910 Census1910Chicago, Cook Co., IL, USA, age 49, clothing company manager4
1920 Census1920Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 65, clothing traveling representative1,2
ParentsDfather born in NY, mother born in RI2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 5, E.D. 79, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Oakland, Alameda, California; Roll: T625_89; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 79; line 80, dwl 617-114-114.
  3. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Chicago Ward 34, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T623 289; Page: 9A; line 4, dwl 6438-64-174.
  4. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Chicago Ward 7, Cook, Illinois; Roll: T624_248; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 426; line 12, dwl 6507-104-176.

Lloyd E. Houghton1,2

M, #46690, b. March 1893

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMar, 1893IL, USA, age 6 in 1900 census; age 16 in 1910 census; age 25 in 1920 census1,2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 5, E.D. 79, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Oakland, Alameda, California; Roll: T625_89; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 79; line 80, dwl 617-114-114.

Ruth A. Shaver1,2

F, #46691, b. circa 1900, d. before 1930

Family: Clarence Eugene Houghton

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1900WY, USA, age 20 in 1920 census1,2
Marriage3,2
1920 Census1920Petaluma, Sonoma Co., CA, USA, Clarence E. Houghton, 23, CA; living with and son in law of Philip E. and Anna Shaver3,2
Deathbefore 1930husband is widowed
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Petaluma, Sonoma Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 129, E.D. 145, Sh. 2, Ln. 47.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Petaluma, Sonoma, California; Roll: T625_151; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 145; line 46, dwl 636-34-35.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Petaluma, Sonoma Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 129, E.D. 145, Sh. 2, Ln. 46.

Claude Houghton1,2

M, #46692, b. circa 1907

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1907CA, USA, age 13 in 1920 census1,2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Joaquin Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 114, E.D. 153, Sh. 20, Ln. 52.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , O'Neal, San Joaquin, California; Roll: T625_143; Page: 20A; Enumeration District: 153; line 46, dwl 382-382.

Margaret (?)1,2

F, #46693, b. circa 1894

Family: Dewey Ellwood Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1894Scotland, age 26 in 1920 census; age 37 in 1930 census; age 45 in 1940 census1
Emigration19123
Marriagecirca 19171
Naturalization19173
1920 Census1920Marysville, Yerba Co., CA, USA, age 24, a garage auto mechanic1,3
1930 Census1930Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, USA, age 37 in 1930 census4
Occupationbetween 1930 and 1940a private nurse, 1920-1930; hospital nurse, 1940
1940 Census1940Sacramento, Sacramento Co., CA, USA, age 43, automobile co. salesman; living with aunt Lizzie Gray5
ParentsDparents born in Scotland
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Marysville, Yerba Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 134, E.D. 185, Sh. 6, Ln. 78.
  2. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 14 Jan 1921; Birth County: Sacramento.
  3. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Marysville, Yerba Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 134, E.D. 185, Sh. 6, Ln. 78, dwl 422-85.
  4. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Sacramento, Sacramento Co., California; Roll: 187 ; Enumeration District: 89; sheet 12B; line 51, dwl 2315.
  5. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Sacramento, Sacramento, California; Roll: T627_282; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 34-62; line 41.

Dicy Day1

F, #46694, b. 14 November 1884, d. 23 June 1955

Family: Sherrill Toby Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthNov 14, 1884CA, USA, age 21 in 1910 census; age 39 in 1920 census; age 38, CA, in 1930 census; 1930 census of son Sherrill: Mexico and CA1,2
MarriageMay 30, 1906Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 27 and 203
1910 Census1910Oakdale, Stanislaus Co., CA, USA, age 31, railroad station agent4
1920 Census1920San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 40, paint shop shipping clerk, with parents-in-law James and Clara Day1,5
1930 Census1930San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 45, elevator company general clerk; next door to Dicy's parents6
1940 Census1940San Francisco, CA, USA, age 76, dept. store janitor; and father in law James Day, 807
Research1942San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA
1950 US Census1950San Francisco, CA, USA, age 71, department store night watchman
DeathJun 23, 1955San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 702
ParentsDJanus Day and Clara Griffith, father born in MO, mother born in IL; also IL and MO in 19202,5
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 98, E.D. 132, Sh. 12, Ln. 58.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 98, E.D. 132, Sh. 12, Ln. 59.
  4. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Oakdale, Stanislaus, California; Roll: T624_110; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 158; line 30, dwl 161-164.
  5. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco Assembly District 23, San Francisco, California; Roll: T625_135; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 132; line 55, dwl 72-35-37.
  6. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco, San Francisco Co., California; Roll: T626_196; Enumeration District: 57; page 246; sheet 26A, line 32, dwl 72-408-422.
  7. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Roll: m-t0627-00302; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 38-106A.

Ruby Charlotte Mack1,2

F, #46695, b. 23 December 1890, d. 13 January 1975

Family: Don Carlos Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 23, 1890CA, USA, age 28 in 1920 census; age 37 in 1930 census; age 49 in 1940 census1,3,4
Marriagecirca 1917age 27 and 241
1920 Census1920Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 30, fireman, city dept.1,4
1930 Census1930Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 40, city fireman5
1940 Census1940Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 50, city of Oakland fire inspector6
Residence1942Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, USA7
1950 US Census1950Oakland, CA, USA, age 60, city fire dept. fire inspector
ResidenceUnion City, CA, USA, 2820 Begonia St.
DeathJan 13, 1975Alameda Co., CA, USA, age 84 (cemetery records: Jan 17, 1975)3
BurialHoly Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward, Alameda Co., CA, USA, J 62 40
ParentsDfather born in Norway, mother born in CA4
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 6, E.D. 87, Sh. 12, Ln. 35.
  2. [S1326] California Birth Index, 1905-1995, online Ancestry. Com, Birthdate: 26 Apr 1922; Birth County: Alameda.
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  4. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Oakland, Alameda, California; Roll: T625_89; Page: 12A; Enumeration District: 87; line 35, dwl 225.
  5. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Oakland, Alameda Co., CA, Roll 107, , ED 175, page 126, sheet 20A, line 17, Dwl 1726-320-379.
  6. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Oakland, Alameda, California; Roll: T627_436; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 61-189; line 6, dwl 1726.
  7. [S1323] "WWII Draft Registration 1942", National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; ; State Headquarters: California.

Earle Houghton1

M, #46696, b. 26 April 1891, d. 17 April 1969

Family: Louise Ratcliffe

  • Marriage*: Earle Houghton married Louise Ratcliffe on Apr 29, 1920 age 28 and 24.

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthApr 26, 1891Packwood, IA, USA, Apr 1891, age 9 in 1900 census; age 16 & 18 in 1910 census; age 28 in 1920 census; age 37 in 1930 census; age 47 in 1940 census1,2,3
Research1917
Mil. DraftJun 5, 1917Strathmore West, Tulare Co., CA, USA, age 26, farmer, Houghton ranch3
NewspaperJan 23, 1919Uplands, San Bernardino Co., CA, USA, First Lt. Earle Houghton, A. S. USA, pilot of the 91st aero squadron, on October 23rd, during the Argonne-Meuse offensive, tho wounded in combat with thirty hostile air planes, by his skill and cool headedness, enabled the mission to be successfully completed." He was wounded in the thigh by enemy machine gun and shot down 2 enemy airplanes. He was cited for bravery.4
1920 Census1920Strathmore, Tulare Co., CA, USA, age 28, olive grove farmer1,5
MarriageApr 29, 1920age 28 and 24
1930 Census1930Porterville, Tulare Co., CA, USA, age 37, a ranch manager6
Residence1935Porterville, Tulare Co., CA, USA
1940 Census1940Lindsay, Tulare Co., CA, USA, age 47, 4 years of college, olive cannery manager7
1950 US Census1950Lindsay, Tulare Co., CA, USA, age 58, olive plant managerial
DeathApr 17, 1969Tulare Co., CA, USA, age 772
BurialLindsay-Strathmore Cemetery, Lindsay, CA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Tulare Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 133, E.D. 233, Sh. 5, Ln. 21.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  3. [S1308] World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online http://content.ancestry.com, Roll: 1544431.
  4. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, California State Library; California World War I Soldier Citations; Roll: 5; Box: 2040; Folder: 1.
  5. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Strathmore, Tulare, California; Roll: T625_153; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 233; line 21, dwl 98-98.
  6. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Porterville, Tulare Co., California; Roll: T626_225; Enumeration District: 43; page 213, sheet 7A, line 19, dwl 909-153-156.
  7. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Lindsay, Tulare, California; Roll: T627_358; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 54-35; line 33, dwl 175.

Eleanor (?)1,2

F, #46697, b. circa 1869

Family: Edward Payson Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1869CA, USA, age 51 in 1920 census1,2
Marriage1,2
1920 Census1920San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 51, engineer, merchant resale?1,2
ParentsDfather born in England, mother born in Ireland2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 97, E.D. 115, Sh. 3, Ln. 40.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco Assembly District 26, San Francisco, California; Roll: T625_135; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 115; line 40, dwl 112-38-68.

Edward Harris Haughton1

M, #46698, b. circa 1859

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1859MA, USA, age 1 in 1860 census; age 21 in 1880 census;
age 31 in 1890; age 50 in 1920 census2
Voter RegSep 26, 1890San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 31, a clerk1
1920 Census1920San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 50, bookkeeper2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1061] California Genealogical Society, 1890 SF CA Great Register of Voters, p. 371.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 106, E.D. 241, Sh. 11, Ln. 37.

Edmund James Houghton1,2

M, #46699, b. 5 August 1877, d. 16 December 1950

Family 1: Viola N. (?)

  • Marriage*: Edmund James Houghton married Viola N. (?) on circa 1901 age 23; mar 9 y in 1910 census.3

Family 2: Lealia Roper

  • Marriage*: Edmund James Houghton married Lealia Roper on circa 1922 age 23 and 25 at first marr.7

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 5, 1877IN, USA, age 3 in 1880 census; age 32, KY, in 1910 census; age 42, IN, in 1920 census; age 52 in 1930 census; age 62, IN, in 1940 census3,2
Marriagecirca 1901age 23; mar 9 y in 1910 census3
1910 Census1910Riverside, Sacramento Co., CA, USA, age 32, dept. store buyer1,4
Voter Reg1912Redding, Shasta Co., CA, USA
Mil. DraftSep 12, 1918Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, USA, age 41, merchant5
1920 Census1920Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, USA, age 42, retail groceries merchant3,6
Marriagecirca 1922age 23 and 25 at first marr.7
1930 Census1930Simi, Ventura Co., CA, USA, age 52, farmer7
1940 Census1940Simi, Ventura Co., CA, USA, age 62, farmer8
1950 US Census1950Simi, Ventura Co., CA, USA, age 72, no occup
DeathDec 16, 1950Santa Barbara Co., CA, USA, age 732
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1910 Soundex, Sacramento Co., CA, Film 527, Box 100, Vol. 71, E.D. 135, Sh. 178.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 119, E.D. 98, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  4. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Riverside, Sacramento, California; Roll: T624_92; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 135; line 27, dwl 2405-175-178.
  5. [S1308] World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, online http://content.ancestry.com, Roll: 1544327.
  6. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California; Roll: T625_146; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 98; line 80, dwl 511-139-148.
  7. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Simi, Ventura Co., California; Roll: T626_228j; Enumeration District: 18; page 129, sheet 12A, line 29, dwl 247-247.
  8. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Simi, Ventura, California; Roll: T627_364; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 56-39; line 7, dwl 56.

Viola N. (?)1

F, #46700, b. circa 1881

Family: Edmund James Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1881MO, USA, age 30 in 1910 census; age 39 in 1920 census;
age 46 in 1930 census1,2
Marriagecirca 1901age 23; mar 9 y in 1910 census1
Voter Reg1912Redding, Shasta Co., CA, USA
1920 Census1920Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, USA, age 42, retail groceries merchant1,3
1930 Census1930Los Angeles, CA, USA, age 46, divorced; none4
ParentsDparents born in MO3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 119, E.D. 98, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1910 Soundex, Sacramento Co., CA, Film 527, Box 100, Vol. 71, E.D. 135, Sh. 178.
  3. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California; Roll: T625_146; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 98; line 80, dwl 511-139-148.
  4. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 0187; FHL microfilm: 2339875.

Alma N. Houghton1

F, #46701, b. circa 1903

Family: George Yackey

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1903IN, USA, age 8 in 1910 census; age 17 in 1920 census; age 28 in 1930 census1,2
1930 Census1930Los Angeles, CA, USA, age 46, divorced; none3
Marriage
Living1964Fallbrook, CA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 119, E.D. 98, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1910 Soundex, Sacramento Co., CA, Film 527, Box 100, Vol. 71, E.D. 135, Sh. 178.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Page: 10B; Enumeration District: 0187; FHL microfilm: 2339875.

Ernest James Houghton Sr1

M, #46702, b. 9 May 1904, d. 2 January 1964

Family: Phoebe Katherine Wake Garrell

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay 9, 1904Garden Grove, CA, USA, age 5 in 1910 census; age 15 in 1920 census; age 25 and 26 in 1930 census1,2,3
1930 Census1930Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., NY, USA, age 25, a boarder, automobile finance company adjuster4
Mil. EnlsAug 29, 1942Riverside, CA, USA, Name: Ernest J Houghton Birth Year: 1904 Race: White, citizen Nativity State or Country: California State: California County or City: San Bernardino Enlistment Date: 29 Aug 1942 Enlistment State: California Enlistment City: March Field Riverside Branch: Air Corps Branch Code: Air Corps Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Education: 1 year of college Civil Occupation: Welder, Spot or Burner, Acetylene Marital Status: Married Height: 68 Weight: 1555
ResearchAug 29, 1942
1950 US Census1950San Bernardino, CA, USA, age 46, insurance adjuster
DeathJan 2, 1964Loma Linda Hospital, San Bernardino Co., CA, USA, age 593
ObituaryJan 4, 1964Ernest J. Houghton Sr., 59, of 1820 Dale Lane, San Bernardino, died Thursday at a Loma Linda hospital. A native of Garden Grove, Calif., he had lived in San Bernardino 34 years. He was an insurance adjuster for Pacific Indemnity Co., Riverside office. He was a member of San Bernardino Post 14. American Legion, and the Native Sons of the Golden West, Parlor No 110. San Bernardino. Survivors include the widow, Katherine of San Bernardino; a son. Ernest J. Houghton Jr, of San Bernardino; a brother, Edmund Houghton of Santa Su sanna: and a sister, Mrs George Yackey of Fallbrook. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Monte-cilo Memorial Park. Grove Colonial Mortuary is in charge.
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 119, E.D. 98, Sh. 5, Ln. 80.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1910 Soundex, Sacramento Co., CA, Film 527, Box 100, Vol. 71, E.D. 135, Sh. 178.
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  4. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Co., California; Roll: T626_214; Enumeration District: 19; page 276, sheet 17A, line 17, dwl 115-123-132.
  5. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 Record.
  6. [S415] E-mail from Linda Mink, Dec. 19, 1999.

Edward L. Houghton1,2

M, #46703, b. circa 1864, d. before 1930

Family: Dell M. Caples

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1864ME, USA, age 56 in 1920 census1,2
Marriage1,2
1920 Census1920Hall Town Prec., Honey Lake Twp, Lassen Co., CA, USA, age 56, lumber mill night watchman; and Louise M. Wharton, niece, 24, OR1,2
Deathbefore 1930wife is a widow
ParentsSparents born in ME
DuplicateME, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Hall Town, Lassen Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 30, E.D. 169, Sh. 6, Ln. 41.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Honey Lake, Lassen, California; Roll: T625_101; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 169; line 41, dwl 108-113.

Dell M. Caples1,2

F, #46704, b. 16 July 1870, d. 12 July 1968

Family: Edward L. Houghton

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJul 16, 1870WA, USA, age 49 in 1920 census; age 59 in 1930 census; age 69 in 1940 census1,2
Marriage1,2
1920 Census1920Hall Town Prec., Honey Lake Twp, Lassen Co., CA, USA, age 56, lumber mill night watchman; and Louise M. Wharton, niece, 24, OR1,2
1930 Census1930Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co., CA, USA, age 59, widowed, a service station proprietor; and sister Willie L. Gaples, 64, OR3
1940 Census1940Multnomah, Multnomah Co., OR, USA, age 69, widow; and sister Willie L. Gaples, 75, OR, single4
1950 US Census1950Columbia, OR, USA, age 79, widow, living with brother Frederick Caples
DeathJul 12, 1968
BurialGreenwood Hills Cemetery, Portland, OR, USA, Epitaph - Beloved Daughter of Charles and Lucinda Gaples; Mother of George C. Shinn
ParentsDfather born in OH, mother born in MO2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Hall Town, Lassen Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 30, E.D. 169, Sh. 6, Ln. 41.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Honey Lake, Lassen, California; Roll: T625_101; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 169; line 41, dwl 108-113.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Co., California; Roll: T626_215; Enumeration District: 19; page 38, sheet 2A, line 11, dwl 43-43.
  4. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Multnomah, Multnomah, Oregon; Roll: T627_3377; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 26-50.

Ida Shoninger1

F, #46705, b. 26 June 1870, d. 20 July 1955

Family: Edwin Carter Houghton

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 26, 1870NY, USA, age 34 in 1920 census;
age 50 in 1930 census; age 68 in 1940 census1
MarriageAug 6, 1918Los Angeles Co., CA, USA2
1920 Census1920Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 55, iron works machine man2,3
1930 Census1930Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 50, a widow4
1940 Census1940Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., NY, USA, age 68, widowed, none5
DeathJul 20, 1955Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 851
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 42, E.D. 202, Sh. 2, Ln. 4.
  3. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Los Angeles Assembly District 64, Los Angeles, California; Roll: T625_107; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 202; line 4, dwl 103-36.
  4. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Roll: 142 ; Enumeration District: 258; page 212, sheet 8A; line 4, dwl 2384.
  5. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California; Roll: T627_257; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 19-775; line 37, dwl 1227.

Effie (?)1

F, #46706, b. circa 1860

Family: (?) Houghton

  • Marriage*: Effie (?) married (?) Houghton on circa 1881 she age 21.2

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1860MO, USA, age 60 in 1920 census; age 69 in 1930 census1
Marriagecirca 1881she age 212
Widow1920census
ParentsDfather born in NY, mother born in OH
Duplicate
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 40, E.D. 163, Sh. 12, Ln. 87.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Beverley Hills, Los Angeles Co., California; Roll: 124; Enumeration District: 819; sheet 3B, line 71, dwl 808-56-56.

Alice Lillian Houghton1,2

F, #46707, b. 14 June 1887, d. 12 May 1944

Family: Tod Browning

  • Marriage*: Alice Lillian Houghton married Tod Browning on Jun 9, 1911 age 31 and 27.4,5,2

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 14, 1887MO, USA, age 33, MO in 1920 census; age 43, MT, in 1930 census; Calif. Death: MO3
MarriageJun 9, 1911age 31 and 274,5,2
1920 Census1920Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 37, motion picture director4,6
1930 Census1930Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 47, motion picture director; and mother in law Effie Houghton; sister in law Josephine Houghton; and niece Erma Houghton; and 1 servant1
DeathMay 12, 1944Los Angeles Co., CA, USA3
ResearchWho Was Who on Screen, 1974, 1977, 1983
Duplicate
Duplicate
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Beverley Hills, Los Angeles Co., California; Roll: 124; Enumeration District: 819; sheet 3B, line 71, dwl 808-56-56.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~pringle/silent/ssotm/Jun96/
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, California Death Records, 1940-1997, Feb. 4, 2002.
  4. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 40, E.D. 163, Sh. 12, Ln. 87.
  5. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0115218/
  6. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Roll: T625_106 Page: 12B ED: 163, line 85, dwl 1729-293-351.

Tod Browning

M, #46708, b. 12 July 1882, d. 6 October 1962

Family 1: Amy Louise Stevens

  • Marriage*: Tod Browning married Amy Louise Stevens on 1906.2
  • Divorce*: Tod Browning and Amy Louise Stevens were divorced in 1910.2

Family 2: Alice Lillian Houghton

Biography

NotableY
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJul 12, 1882Louisville, KY, USA, age 37 in 1920 census; age 47 in 1930 census1,2
Marriage19062
Divorce19102
MarriageJun 9, 1911age 31 and 273,2,4
1920 Census1920Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 37, motion picture director3,5
1930 Census1930Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, age 47, motion picture director; and mother in law Effie Houghton; sister in law Josephine Houghton; and niece Erma Houghton; and 1 servant1
DeathOct 6, 1962Hollywood, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, of cancer2,4
BiographyFamous American film director, protege of W.D. Griffiths. Tod Browning was born in 1880, at the age of sixteen he left school and joined the circus of the Manhattan Fair and Carnival Company. He remained in sideshow, touring the world with his acts of comedy and spectacle, until 1915 when he moved to Los Angeles and tried his hand at directing movies. He directed well over twenty but is best remembered for: "Dracula" (1930), the first in a long line of cinematic interpretations of Stoker's novel; and "Freaks" (1932), his true masterpiece and most personal film.
Biography for
Tod Browning

Birth name
Charles Albert Browning
Mini biography

Belonging to a well situated family Charles Browning fell in love at the age of 16 with a dancer of a circus. Following her began his itinerary of being clown, jockey and director of a variety theatre which ended when he met D. W. Griffith (qv) and became an actor. He gave his debut with _Intolerance (1916)_ . Working later on as a director he had after about 25 unimportant productions his first success with The Unholy Three (1925) and his typical style, a mixture of fantasy, mistery and horror. In the following time his movies became more important, e.g. Dracula (1931/I) where Browning also appears as the voice of the harbour master.
IMDb mini-biography by
Volker Boehm
Spouse
Alice Browning      (9 June 1911 - 12 May 1944) (her death)
Amy Louise Stevens      (1906 - 1910) (divorced)
Trivia

First wife, Amy Louise Stevens, was William Collier Jr.'s aunt.

Grew up in Louisville with his cousin, "Old" Pete Browning, a 3 time batting champ, who stole 103 bases in 1887. Pete's commissioning of a bat provided the start of the Hillerich & Bradsby bat company, famous for their Louisville Slugger model. The eccentric Pete drank heavily, apparently due to a chronic mastoid infection, and his catchphrase was "I can't hit the ball, unless I hit the bottle."

Biography in: John Wakeman, editor. "World Film Directors, Volume One, 1890-1945". Pages 66-71. New York: The H.W. Wilson Company, 1987.
Salary
West of Zanzibar (1928)      $45,000
The Unholy Three (1925)      $6,500
Biography from Leonard Maltin's Movie Encyclopedia:

The man who made Dracula (1931), Browning was once dubbed "the Edgar Allan Poe of the cinema." He ran away from home at age 16 to join the circus, which later served to provide background for The Show, The Unknown (both 1927), and Freaks (1932). Browning drifted into motion pictures, appearing in and assisting D. W. Griffith on Intolerance (1916). He became a director in 1917, helming many nondescript pictures before being teamed with silent star Lon Chaney at MGM. Their nine films included The Unholy Three (1925),The Black Bird (1926), The Road to Mandalay (1927), and West of Zanzibar (1928). Promoted in their day as macabre thrillers, they turned out to be routine and repetitive melodramas, and deflate the reputation Browning enjoyed years ago when movie history relied more heavily on recollection than on firsthand screenings.

Chaney was actually set to star in Browning's screen adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" before the actor's untimely death in 1930. As a replacement, Browning chose Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi, who had starred in the Broadway stage production-and the rest is history. Virtually all Browning's talents and shortcomings as a director are to be found in this 1931 classic. The atmospheric opening scenes are still creepy and evocative, but once the action shifts to England, the film becomes a stilted exercise in canned theater, carried mainly by Lugosi's archetypal performance.Dracula's success kicked off the talkies' first horror cycle, and Browning followed it with the astonishing Freaks (1932, drawing on his circus days), Mark of the Vampire (1935, again with Lugosi, a remake of London After Midnight andThe Devil Doll (1936). By this time he was no longer considered an "A" director and had little clout to make films the way he wanted at MGM. He retired after directing Miracles for Sale (1939), a routine whodunit with supernatural trappings.

Copyright © 1994 Leonard Maltin, used by arrangement with Signet, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc.

Tod Browning

Outside the Law

Tod Browning's Outside the Law (1921) has recently been released on video, due to the presence of Lon Chaney in a dual supporting role. It is a rare chance to see a Browning film that is not a horror story. I tend to think of Browning entirely in terms of Dracula and Freaks. But this is a crime drama, dealing with a partly reformed lady jewel thief. The best scene in the movie shows her and her boyfriend robbing a mansion's safe during society soiree. Both are elegantly clad in evening clothes. This scene is quite light hearted escapism. The film as a whole is quite entertaining, and can be thoroughly recommended to film lovers everywhere as a nice movie, with good acting, visuals and storytelling.

Browning wrote the story for Outside the Law, as well as directing. Its stars were a married couple, Priscilla Dean and Wheeler Oakman, who had previously appeared together in Browning's The Virgin of Stamboul (1920). Despite the numerous films each made, they are now among the least well known of all silent performers. Gilbert and Garbo they're not. There are no nostalgic celebrations of them in film history books, and even the scattered photographs of them published in the monumental A Pictorial History of the Silent Screen (1953) by Daniel Blum, make it hard to reconstruct their typical appearance in films. Priscilla Dean does not correspond at all to the silent actress stereotype of the super sweet girl-like woman who simpered through the "Movies in the Age of Innocence". Instead, she comes across more like the super-tough feminist performers of the 1980's and 1990's. She is one tough cookie. Here she plays "Silky Moll", the jewel thief and daughter of an underworld master mind. She is good with using a gun, and can snarl at men who get in her way like a tigress. She is sarcastic, ferocious and determined. One has to think of Amy Madigan's mercenary soldier in Streets of Fire (1984) to find a good comparison. Dean was clearly a big star in this era. She has top billing in Outside the Law, and was apparently one of Universal's top money makers of the era, according to Blum. One wonders if she appealed to women's fantasies of ferocity, or whether men liked this sort of crime thriller - or both. The still Blum reprints from The Virgin of Stamboul shows Dean throttling another woman, while a uniformed Wheeler Oakman looks on in amusement. Oakman plays the gentle and gentlemanly jewel thief "Dapper" Bill Ballard in Outside the Law. Oakman's "Dapper" character is in fact extremely well dressed. Even when hiding out he wears tailored three piece suits. And dressed in white tie and tails for his society crimes he looks very sophisticated. He has much to do with reforming the heroine, influencing her to give up a life of crime, and get married and raise a family instead. His character is much gentler here, in fact, than the more macho Dean's. He is child loving, and enjoys playing with the tiny kid who lives across the hall. "That Kid", as he is billed in the credits, plays a major role towards influencing both Bill and Moll to have a family.
Comparisons with Boston Blackie

The majority of Browning's silent films seem to have been stories whose protagonists were criminals, often various schemers, con men, and thieves. In the early part of his career, these films often starred Priscilla Dean; after 1925, Lon Chaney. Reforming crooks remind one of thief Boston Blackie, who appeared in a lot of prose short stories and early movies too. I've read some of the stories, which were collected in Jack Boyle's only book, Boston Blackie (1919), but have never had a chance to see any of the many silent Boston Blackie films. Priscilla Dean also appeared in one of the Boston Blackie movies, The Silk Lined Burglar (1919, not directed by Browning), playing another woman crook. Boston Blackie shows many similarities to the character of "Dapper" Bill in Outside the Law. Both characters live in apartments in San Francisco. Blackie loves little children, just like Bill. He is very impressed by the 4 year old boy he meets in "The Baby and the Burglar" (1918), a prose story that was turned into what was apparently the first of all the Boston Blackie movies, Boston Blackie's Little Pal (1918). This boy is very similar to "That Kid" in Outside the Law. Blackie also loves and is very respectful of women. He wife Mary is "his best loved pal", and his collaborator on all his capers. Similarly, Bill and Silky Moll form a complete partnership in Outside the Law, a partnership of total equality and respect. Boston Blackie is well educated, gentle, and loves women and children. Clearly such a character had great appeal to the audiences of his day. Like the Boston Blackie stories, Outside the Law mixes crime thrills with romantic, sentimental drama.

The relationship to the Boston Blackie stories also helps explain some puzzling features of the construction of Outside the Law. The first twenty minutes or so of Outside the Law focus on the heroine's father, a reforming underworld mastermind. Only then do the heroine and hero take over, and become the center of the drama. At this point, the heroine's father drops out of the picture, and plays little role in the rest of the film. One wonders why his story is included at all. It seems unmotivated. Well, one reason could be that Mary in the Boston Blackie stories also has an underworld crook for a father. The director could be simply trying to squeeze in a popular part of the Boston Blackie saga.

There is another side to the Boston Blackie stories, one not reflected here. In "Boston Blackie's Mary" (1917), Blackie is in prison, leading a fight against a monstrous warden. This is apparently the subject matter of such silent Blackie films as Blackie's Redemption (1919) and Boston Blackie (1923). This material is grimmer and a lot less escapist than the tales of Blackie as a gentleman thief. It also shows considerable social consciousness. Blackie leads a prison strike which he strives to keep non-violent; this is one of the most sympathetic descriptions of a strike found anywhere in crime fiction, and it appeared at the start of a period of major labor unrest in the United States.
Browning's film technique

Browning's film technique makes much use of cross cutting. Browning was a student and protégé of D.W.Griffith's, who perfected this technique. Several episodes of the film involve two scenes being intercut. Even within a single scene, Browning often cuts back and forth between the heroine and hero, on the one hand, and various bad guys on the trail, on the other. Even his dialogue scenes often cut back and forth between two points of view, focusing on each individual character. Browning's use of rhythm is these cross cutting scenes is superb. Each cut to another scene comes on exactly the right "beat" to add a sense of rhythmic propulsion to the film. The whole film subtly throbs to a continuous beat of action and cutting.

Browning favors three quarter length shots. These show nearly the whole body of his actors, except their lower legs and feet. They also show a great deal of the background in which the characters are standing. The background is carefully composed. The point of the composition is to give a clear, gracefully shot look at the environment in which the characters find themselves, whether it be their Nob Hill apartment, a society mansion, or a Chinese restaurant. Browning uses almost no camera movement. However, his shots of the characters explore their locations with great effectiveness. Browning especially likes to frame his characters against doors and windows, as well as wall hangings and pictures. The vertical lines of these doors and windows dominate his compositions. Usually the vertical lines extend from nearly the top to bottom of his composition frames. Most of the sets of the picture look spacious - one feels there is always a lot of space for the characters to move in. No one ever looks hemmed in.

Browning includes two action scenes in the film, one toward the beginning, and one at the end. Perhaps it is just me, but I found them hard to follow. In the final melee, for example, I couldn't tell who was battling whom among the various fighting pairs. The scenes are very effective at conveying a "Hellzapoppin", furious kind of action, but it was difficult to follow any story progression through them.

Several of the scenes look as if they were shot on the streets of San Francisco. The heroine's Nob Hill apartment, with its rooms looking out on Frisco cityscapes, reminds one irresistibly of Erich Von Stroheim's later Greed (1924), with its similar apartment with street scenes seen in the background through the windows. Stroheim, like Browning, was a Griffith protégé, one who also worked for Universal Pictures during this era, and one wonders if he saw Outside the Law. It is hard to tell if the opening Chinatown scenes were actually shot in San Francisco's real Chinatown, or whether the streets are studio recreations. The film is completely sympathetic to and respectful of its Chinese characters. In fact, they are shown using their advanced Confucian philosophy to reform and enlighten the white characters in the film. This builds on a rather similar approach Griffith used in his Broken Blossoms (1919).

Some of the later shots in the film have begun to disintegrate. Apparently the film's nitrate print was only partially preserved. Some scenes remind one of the disintegration shown at the end of Peter Delpeut's fascinating compilation film, Lyrical Nitrate (1991). But none of this really affects the audience's pleasure in this film. The photography is beautiful throughout, and one expects an audience will just get completely caught up in this film's visuals.
London After Midnight

London After Midnight (1927) is apparently a lost film. But recently, a "stills restoration" has been put together, showing the numerous surviving production stills documenting the film, combined with titles taken from the surviving shooting script.

This restoration is surprisingly entertaining. The film is light hearted. It is a mystery thriller with comedy overtones, like such popular and much-filmed 1920's plays as Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood's The Bat (1920) and John Willard's The Cat and the Canary (1920). Both of those plays pitted a group of innocents against sinister goings on at night in a remote mansion. Their menaces were human, but very outré and bizarre. The menace in this film is seemingly a group of vampires, led by Lon Caney in one of his zaniest horror get ups. This gives the film a cross hybridization with the vampire film. However, there is little of the grim, brooding and genuinely disturbing sense of horror here, that one finds in traditional, pure vampire films as Murnau's Nosferatu (1922). Instead, the film's tone reflects the mixture of mystery, comedy and thrills, found in The Bat and its relatives. This is all to the good; Browning had a real flair for the mystery thriller.

Even in stills, the performances come over here with great vividness. Everyone gets rich emotional expressions on their faces. These expressions show considerable variety throughout the course of the film. They allow real performances to emerge.

Stills for movies are usually made by professional photographers, who specialize in the subject. They are not made by the actual directors of the films. Often times, the actors are posed in arrangements much different from the films themselves. Still photographers love shots including all the actors in a scene, for instance, while in a movie the actors might often beseen in separate shots. These group pictures allow the still photographer to capture and summarize all the events of the scene at once. I have no information at all about how closely these stills reflect the actual movie directed by Browning.
Recommended Reading

David J. Skal and Elias Savada's excellent biography of Tod Browning, Dark Carnival (1995). This fascinating book has much information on Outside the Law. Apparently Browning spoke Chinese, and included Chinese characters in other of his films.6
ParentsSparents born in KY
NoteThe film legacy of Charles Albert "Tod" Browning in the public mind has been stripped down to two films: Dracula (1931) and Freaks (1932). Lesser known is Browning's beginnings in the silent era, as a stock player in nickelodeon melodramas, to Griffith cast member, and director of the greatest character player ever, Lon Chaney.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Monday July 12, 1880, from his earliest days Tod Browning was fascinated with the life of the carnie. Little is known for sure of his life as a young man, but what is known is that Tod Browning spent great chunks of time travelling with sideshows, carnivals, and street fairs, whose life, people, and attitudes were to become recurrent theme throughout his films.

By 1913, Browning had ended up in New York, acting with ex-circus performer Charlie Murray (later a popular performer for Mack Sennett) in one-reel nickelodeon comedies for Biograph and D.W. Griffith in such films as Scenting a Terrible Crime, and A Fallen Hero. In the fall of 1913, Griffith broke with Biograph and headed to California to take the directorship at the Reliance-Majestic Studios. Browning followed, and made about 50 one-reelers such as An Interrupted Seance for its subsidiary, Komic Pictures.

Browning eventually wound up directing 11 one and two-reelers for Reliance-Majestic between March and June of 1915. He continued to work with Griffith, and acted as an extra in his The Mother and the Law, which was to become the greatest spectacle Hollywood had ever seen, Intolerance.

A tragic accident in 1915, killing his passenger William Elmer Booth, kept Browning in the hospital for at least a year. During his long recovery, he whiled away the time writing scripts, including The Mystery of the Leaping Fish, which starred Douglas Fairbanks as Coke Ennyday, who uses cocaine to help nap a ring of opium dealers.

After recovering, Browning went back to work at what was now Triangle Studios, a consortium of separately maintained studios of Griffith, Sennett, and Tom Ince. Back behind the camera, he directed Puppets (1916), using live actors portraying harlequin puppets.

By now, Browning was ready for his first feature-length film. Jim Bludso (1917) was perfect for the son of Louisville, reflecting the river life that Browning knew intimately. Based on a ballad, it's the story of a captain who gives his life for the passengers of his burning ship. The finished product, although somewhat changed for its Hollywood debut, nonetheless was well-received by critics. Browning continued to direct, making 2 more films before leaving Triangle in 1917 with Griffith.

Browning landed at Metro, where he contracted to return to New York and direct films for them there. He was followed by his companion, Alice Lillian Houghton, whom he married June 9, 1911.

At Metro, Browning directed two films in 1917 starring Mabel Taliaferro, Peggy, the Will o' the Wisp and The Jury of Fate. The Jury of Fate used ambitious double-exposure techniques so that Taliaferro played opposite herself. Both films were marked by Browning's maturing use of naturalistic lighting, i.e. lighting that matched the mood and the set of the scene being filmed.

By 1918 Browning was back in California with Metro, where he directed 2 more films. He left Metro in the spring of 1918, and ended up at Universal's smaller studio, Bluebird Productions. It was while here that Browning was to meet two major influences on his work: Irving Thalberg and Lon Chaney. Thalberg, impressed by Browning's work, was the catalyst for the eventual pairing of Browning and Chaney; their first film together was The Wicked Darling (1919). They would not be reteamed again until later.

After a successful series of 6 reelers, Thalberg entrusted Browning with a "Jewel De Luxe" production of The Virgin of Stamboul. De luxe, indeed; the budget for the picture was an astounding $250,000. The success of the picture raised Browning's esteem at the studio where he was rewarded with his own 5-room bungalow, complete with editing facilities.

While Browning had maintained only sporadic, at best, ties with his family, the death of his father sent him into a spiral of deepening alcoholism. "Laid off" by Universal, and left by Alice, Browning hit bottom. He recovered, begged Alice to give him another chance, and through her efforts received a one-picture deal with Goldwyn. The film's moderate success, and the restoration of his reputation, helped persuade FBO Pictures (later to become RKO) to give him a contract in the spring of 1924.

By now, Thalberg was back at what was now Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios (MGM), where he was looking for a director for a film titled The Unholy Three. If ever a script was tailor-made for Tod Browning, it was this: the story of a midget, a strongman, and a ventriloquist whose identity has merged with his dummy who scheme against society. The film was the culmination of Browning's youth and fascination with society's "misfits." Reteamed with Chaney, the film was a success, leading to a contract for Browning and a collaboration that would result in London After Midnight, the most profitable of all their films together. Their last picture together was 1929's Where East is East.

Browning made the transition to talkies with a dual production of The Thirteenth Chair, made as both a silent and a talkie. The film is notable for its introduction of Bela Lugosi, who went on to fame in Browning's Dracula (1931).

Tod Browning died October 5, 1962 at the age of 82.4
NotableDirector of Dracula (1930) and Freaks (1932)
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Beverley Hills, Los Angeles Co., California; Roll: 124; Enumeration District: 819; sheet 3B, line 71, dwl 808-56-56.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0115218/
  3. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 40, E.D. 163, Sh. 12, Ln. 87.
  4. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~pringle/silent/ssotm/Jun96/
  5. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, Roll: T625_106 Page: 12B ED: 163, line 85, dwl 1729-293-351.
  6. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://members.aol.com/MG4273/browning.htm#TodBrowning

Charles E. Eldridge1,2

M, #46709, b. circa 1869

Family: Emilie Rae Houghton

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1869IA, USA, age 51 in 1920 census1,2
Marriage1,2
Occupation1920express company agent2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, Tulare, Tulare Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 134, E.D. 223, Sh. 3, Ln. 12-13.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Tulare Ward 5, Tulare, California; Roll: T625_153; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 223;line 12, dwl 120-33-67.

Elizabeth Houghton1,2

F, #46710, b. circa 1842

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1842NY, USA, age 78 in 1920 census1,2
1920 Census1920San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, age 78, lodger, married, none1,2
ParentsDparents born in NY2
Duplicate
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1920 Soundex, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, Box 120, Vol. 103, E.D. 374, Sh. 3, Ln. 26.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , San Francisco Assembly District 32, San Francisco, California; Roll: T625_138; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 379; line 26.