Silas Houghton1

M, #56371, b. May 1867, d. 1902

Family: Lillian Frances Gray b. May 1872, d. 1957

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay, 1867NJ, USA, age 2 in 1870 census; age 13 in 1880 census; age 32 in 1900 census1,2
Marriagecirca 1892mar 8 years in 1900 census2
1900 Census1900New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 32, proprietor barber shop2
Death1902
BurialVan Liew Cemetery, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 169, Ln. 32, dwl 774-1165.
  2. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Ward 4, Middlesex Co., New Jersey; Roll:T623; Enumeration District 42; Sheet: 3B; line 86, dwl 175-63-69.

Charles Houghton1

M, #56372, b. April 1868

Family: Ada Marie (?) b. c 1872

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr, 1868NJ, USA, age 1 in 1870 census; age 11 in 1880 census; age 32 in 1900 census1
Adoptionbefore 1871by William Henry Whithead
Marriage
Children+1890Walter H Whitehead

1890–
Charles H Whitehead

1891–
Clifford Whitehead

1893–
Herbert L Whitehead

1905–
Ada M Whitehead

1908–
Private
1910 Census1910Jersey City, NJ, USA, age 41, railroad clerk
1920 Census1920Jersey City, NJ, USA, age 50, railroad time clerk2
ProblemHe is listed as living with mother in 1900 and 1910.
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 169, Ln. 32, dwl 774-1165.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Jersey City Ward 10, Hudson, New Jersey; Roll: T625_1047; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 221.

James Houghton1

M, #56373, b. between 1810 and 1818

Family: Mary (?) b. bt 1825 - 1837

  • Marriage*: James Houghton married Mary (?)1

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthbetween 1810 and 1818England, age 42 in 1860 census; age 60 in 1870 census1,2
1850 Census1850Rahway, Essex Co., NJ, USA, age 40, tailor3
Marriage1
1860 Census1860New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 42, clerk in clothing store2
1870 Census1870New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 60, a tailor, property $1004
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.
  2. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M653_700; Page: 148; Image: 149; Family History Library Film: 803700; line 18, dwl 996-1176.
  3. [S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Rahway, Essex, New Jersey; Roll: M432_450; Page: 404; line 19, dwl 220-275.
  4. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.

Mary (?)1

F, #56374, b. between 1825 and 1837

Family: James Houghton b. bt 1810 - 1818

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthbetween 1825 and 1837Ireland, age 35 in 1860 census; age 33 in 1870 census1
Marriage1
1860 Census1860New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 42, clerk in clothing store2
1870 Census1870New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 60, a tailor, property $1003
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.
  2. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M653_700; Page: 148; Image: 149; Family History Library Film: 803700; line 18, dwl 996-1176.
  3. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.

Stephen Houghton1

M, #56375, b. circa 1852

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1852NJ, USA, age 18 in 1870 census1
Duplicate
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.

Samuel R. Houghton1

M, #56376, b. circa 1856

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1856NJ, USA, age 4 in 1860 census; age 14 in 1870 census1,2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.
  2. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M653_700; Page: 148; Image: 149; Family History Library Film: 803700; line 18, dwl 996-1176.

Joseph J. Houghton1

M, #56377, b. circa 1863

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1863NJ, USA, age 7 in 1870 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 171b, Ln. 1, dwl 794-1198.

Patrick Houghton1,2

M, #56378, b. between 1834 and 1838

Family: Rose Martin b. c 1842

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthbetween 1834 and 1838Ireland, age 22 in 1860 census; age 36 in 1870 census1
Marriage1
1870 Census1870New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 36, merchant, property $18,000-$45004
Duplicate
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 202b, Ln. 33, dwl 1176-1689.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Deborah Houghton-Redding, Feb. 6, 2000.
  3. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M653_700; Page: 312; sheet 312, line 32, dwl 1980-2545.
  4. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 202b, Ln. 33, dwl 1176-1689.

Rose Martin1

F, #56379, b. circa 1842

Family: Patrick Houghton b. bt 1834 - 1838

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1842NY, USA, age 28 in 1870 census2
Marriage2
1870 Census1870New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 36, merchant, property $18,000-$45003
Duplicate
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Deborah Houghton-Redding, Feb. 6, 2000.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 202b, Ln. 33, dwl 1176-1689.
  3. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 202b, Ln. 33, dwl 1176-1689.

George H. Houghton1

M, #56380, b. October 1869

Family: Mary S. (?) b. Apr 1869

  • Marriage*: George H. Houghton married Mary S. (?) on circa 1894 age 25 and 25.2

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthOct, 1869NJ, USA, age 2 in 1870 census; age 30 in 1900 census; age 41 in 1910 census; age 51 in 1920 census; age 61 in 1930 census; age 72 in 1940 census2,3
Marriagecirca 1894age 25 and 252
1900 Census1900Trenton, Mercer Co., NJ, USA, age 30, tea and coffee shop3
1910 Census1910Jersey City, Hudson Co., PA, USA, age 41, teas coffee ret. salesman4
1920 Census1920Scotch Plians, Union Co., NJ, USA, age 51, Pond Tool office clerk5
Widow1940
ParentsSparents born in Ireland in 1900 census; father born in Ireland, mother born in NY in 1910 census; parents born in NY in 1930 census;2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 202b, Ln. 33, dwl 1176-1689.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Fanwood, Union Co., New Jersey; Roll: 1387; Enumeration District: 78; sheet 1B, line 95, dwl 25-25.
  3. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Trenton, Ward 7, Mercer Co., New Jersey; Roll:T623; Enumeration District 77; Sheet: 1B; line 53, dwl 246-12-12.
  4. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Jersey City Ward 11, Hudson, New Jersey; Roll: T624_892; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 201;
    line 88, dwl 165-8-19.
  5. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Scotch Plains, Union, New Jersey; Roll: T625_1071; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 152; line 97, dwl 43-43.
  6. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Trenton, Mercer Co., New Jersey; Roll: 1363; Enumeration District: 13; sheet 5A, page 131, line 20, dwl 337-82-90.

Patrick Houghton1

M, #56381, b. between 1795 and 1800

Family: Margaret (?) b. bt 1795 - 1800

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthbetween 1795 and 1800Ireland, age 60 in 1860 census; age 75 in 1870 census1
Marriage1
1860 Census1860New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 60, day laborer2
ResearchNew Brunswick, NJ, USA, both Ireland
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 254, Ln. 31, dwl 1841-2541.
  2. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M653_700; Page: 312; sheet 312, line 32, dwl 1980-2545.

Margaret (?)1

F, #56382, b. between 1795 and 1800

Family: Patrick Houghton b. bt 1795 - 1800

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthbetween 1795 and 1800Ireland, age 60 in 1860 census; age 75 in 1870 census2
Marriage2
1870 Census1870New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 75, property $1500-$200; next door (dwl 2542): Nancy Rice, 30, Ireland, and children: Charles, 8; John, 7; George, 4; and James, 2; all b. NJ3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1227] 1860 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M653_700; Page: 312; sheet 312, line 32, dwl 1980-2545.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 254, Ln. 31, dwl 1841-2541.
  3. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 254, Ln. 31, dwl 1841-2541.

Margaret Houghton1

F, #56383, b. circa 1848

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1848NJ, USA, age 2 in 1850 census; age 11 in 1860 census; age 19 in 1870 census2,1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1226] 1850 U.S. Federal Census , Piscataway, Middlesex, New Jersey; Roll: M432_455; Page: 92; line 21, dwl 394-414.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 253b, Ln. 3, dwl 1838-2525.

Catherine Houghton1

F, #56384, b. circa 1854

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1854NJ, USA, age 8 in 1860 census; age 16 in 1870 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 253b, Ln. 3, dwl 1838-2525.

Mary A. Houghton1

F, #56385, b. circa 1856

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1856NJ, USA, age 7 in 1860 census; age 14 in 1870 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 253b, Ln. 3, dwl 1838-2525.

Rosa Houghton1

F, #56386, b. circa 1855

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1855NJ, USA, age 5 in 1860 census; age 12 in 1870 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 253b, Ln. 3, dwl 1838-2525.

Cathleen Houghton1

F, #56387, b. circa 1868

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1868NJ, USA, age 2 in 1870 census2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 253b, Ln. 3, dwl 1838-2525.
  2. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 253b, Ln. 3, dwl 1838-2525.

Catharine (?)1

F, #56388, b. circa 1846, d. before 1910

Family: James Houghton b. Mar 1843

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1846NJ, USA, age 24 in 1870 census1
Marriage1
1870 Census1870New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, USA, age 27, a grocery clerk2
Deathbefore 1910husband is widower
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S235] U.S. Census, 1870 US Census, New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 258, Ln. 19, dwl 1579-2608.
  2. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., NJ, Reel 873, Sh. 258, Ln. 19, dwl 1579-2608.

Henry Haughton1,2

M, #56389, b. circa 1562

Family:

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1562England1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Tonia Hannemann, Aug. 1, 2000.
  2. [S36] Letter,
    from Charles D. Anderson, Apr 21, 2003.

Cordelia Everett1

F, #56390

Family: Oliver Cromwell Houghton d. a 1805

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Marriage1
ResearchPlatz: parentage1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Howard Platz, Jul. 28, 2001.

Howard Dudley Platz1

M, #56391, b. 13 October 1934, d. 29 April 2006

Family 1: Karen Ann Bunch b. 15 Sep 1940

Family 2: Harriet Ann Hawkins b. 12 Aug 1938

Biography

Corresponded with authorY
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
BirthOct 13, 1934Brashear, Adair Co., MO, USA2
MarriageJun 1, 1958Brashear, Adair Co., MO, USA2
MarriageJun 17, 1978Shelbina, Shelby Co., MO, USA2
AddressJul 28, 2001508 E. College, Shelbina, MO, USA, hahplatz@socket.com; hah.platz@juno.com
DeathApr 29, 2006Poplar Bluff, MO, USA
Contributn1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Howard Platz, Jul. 28, 2001.
  2. [S415] E-mail from Howard Platz, Oct. 23, 2002.
  3. [S36] Letter, from Howard Platz, Feb 5, 2003: Descendants of Cynthia Ann Dudley and Everett Oliver Houghton.

David Houghton Barber1

M, #56392, b. 21 July 1935

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
Corresponded with authorY
BirthJul 21, 1935Boone, Boone Co., IA, USA1
AddressAug 28, 200114 Eagle Point Rd., Bath, Sagadahoc Co., ME, USA, bathbarbers@gwi.net
Relative
ResearchDavid Barber: Having established the Iowa Houghton’s connection with their founding immigrant Ralph Houghton, it is probably appropriate at this point to review Ralph’s history in the Massachusetts Colony. There is no documentation of Ralph’s arrival in the colony and for this and other reasons he was, and remains, an enigmatic figure. The first documentation of his presence in the new world is contained in the records of the Nashaway Plantation, land along the Nashua River about 33 miles west of Boston purchased from local Indians of the Nashaway tribe of the Nipmuc people and measuring 10 miles north to south and 8 miles east to west. On May 18, 1653 the town of Lancaster was incorporated on this land. The landholders had originally wanted to name the town “Prescott” after its founder, John Prescott, but the General Court of the Bay Colony rejected this name and so the covenanters chose the name “Lancaster” in honor of the English county from which John Prescott had come.

In Nourse’s “Early Records of Lancaster, Massachusetts” 1884 he says:

“Ralph Houghton was one of the four who first signed the Lancaster Covenant in 1652 coming here it is said from Watertown. He was about 29 years of age. Being the best penman of the pioneers he was made clerk of the records and held that position until the massacre. He was admitted a freeman in 1668 and elected a deputy in 1673 and 1679”

Elsewhere in Nourse’s “Records” it states:

“Ralph Houghton’s term of service including the four years while the town was deserted of its people was 26 years, 1656-1682. He was a good penman, and an able man of affairs. If any of his townsmen wanted a will written or to deed land to another, or to send a petition to Court, Ralph Houghton’s pen was certain to be summoned for the work. He was the first to attach his name to the covenant and although a young man took at once a prominent place in the councils of the plantation. He seems to have had entire charge of the business of the proprietary for over 30 years, surveying and recording each man’s share in several divisions.”

Life on the Massachusetts frontier was rough-hewn. The dwellings…“were rude log structures, some with thatched roofs. Generally one huge chimney ascended through the center of the house. The inside walls of the houses were sometimes lined with rocks (later bricks) to prevent bullets from passing through. The windows were small and shuttered. The wooden doors were very thick.”

The initial settlement of Lancaster consisted of 9 families, among them Ralph Houghton and his wife Jane (Stowe) and their two sons, Ralph and James. John Houghton, Ralph’s cousin, and his family also settled there. John Prescott built the first gristmill in the area in 1656 and the first sawmill in 1659. Joseph Rowlandson, the only graduate of Harvard College in 1652, was Lancaster’s first minister. The town grew and became a thriving Puritan settlement. A meetinghouse and parsonage were built, a burying place was allocated, town boundaries were set and bridges were constructed.

Relations with the local Indians remained tranquil for many years. Sagamore Sholan, the peaceful Sachem of the Nashaways had sought accommodation with the settlers after the tribe was severely reduced in numbers by a long and savage conflict with the warlike Mohawk. Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag tribe, who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first harsh winter in New England, eventually became the dominant Indian leader in the area. When Massasoit died his eldest son, Wamsutta, became chief. Wamsutta, whom the English called “Alexander” after the Macedonian emperor, was summoned to Plymouth to answer the charge that he had been selling land that rightfully belonged to the English. Having been made a prisoner there…“his feelings were much wrought upon and he fell sick”. Although he was released and allowed to go home he was kept under guard until he died. Metacomet, Wamsutta’s brother, then became chief of the Wampanoag. He considered his brother’s death the result of ill treatment at the hands of white men. When Metacomet, whom the English called “Philip” or “King Philip” was, in his turn, summoned to appear before the British magistrates he fled into the wilderness where he could not be caught. He warned the white settlers of his intentions with the words…”I am determined not to live until I have no country”. The first raid on Lancaster occurred on August 22, 1675. Several people were killed but the settlement’s defenders managed to drive the attacking Indians off. On February 10,1676 Metacomet, or King Philip, having enlisted the help of the Nipmuc Tribe returned to Lancaster with 1500 men and massacred its inhabitants, later returning to burn the settlement to the ground. His widespread depredations became known as “King Philip’s War”.

Ralph and John Houghton, together with their families, were away visiting at the time of the attack. Returning to the settlement after the raid and seeing its destruction Ralph elected to remove himself and his family to Milton where they remained for several years. On June 18, 1682 Ralph and his wife were admitted to full communion in the Church at Milton. In about 1685 Ralph and his family, together with other surviving families, returned to Lancaster to help rebuild the town. John Houghton and his family joined in this endeavor. Ralph built the house on West Bare Hill road in the Still River area and then gave it to his son, James. James Houghton and his descendants lived in the house for eight generations (1685-1912). James’ grandson, Elijah (Elijah 4th) born July 2, 1739 was a soldier in the American Revolution. He was one of the “Alarm Men” who marched to Cambridge on April 19, 1776. He later served for 3 months in a company commanded by Capt. David Moore. Elijah’s son, Elijah (Elijah 5th), was born on October 23, 1769, married Lucy Haskell on December 18 1792 and migrated with his son, also Elijah (Elijah 6th), to Jefferson County, NY in 1810. It is his grave that I found in the cemetery at Calcium.

Ralph moved back to Milton in 1690 where he settled at… “Scott’s Woods, nigh unto Brush Hill” and built his homestead. He died on April 15, 1705 at the age of 82 years and is said to have been buried “nearby”. The farm pond, fed by springs and streams from the Blue Hills, is known as “Houghtons Pond”. Subsequent generations of Houghtons occupied the farm for 200 years. The pond is now part of the 7000 acre Blue Hill Reservation. In June 2001 I visited Houghtons Pond Recreation Area but could find no trace of the farmstead. I was unable to find any record or evidence of the gravesites of either Ralph or
Jane Houghton, both of whom are listed in the town register as having died at Milton. But what of Ralph Houghton’s origins? He was certainly of English descent and thrived in an English colony. Yet there is no record of his embarkation in England. Very careful records were kept of those seeking to settle in the British colonies of the new world. A signed oath of loyalty to both the King and the Church was required of all immigrants. There is, as well, no record of his landing in Massachusetts. Ralph’s son, Ralph, is said to have been born in Middlesex County (Massachusetts) in 1648. Jane Stowe, who married Ralph, is said to have been born in England in 1626. One account states that Ralph arrived in the colony with a wife and 2 children. If these conflicting accounts are taken into consideration it is reasonable to estimate that Ralph arrived in the British colonies of North America (presumably Massachusetts) sometime between 1648 and 1652. But from where in England, and under what circumstances, had he come?

THE DE HOGHTON FAMILY OF HOGHTON TOWER, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND

There have long been speculations by Houghton family historians and genealogists in the United States that Ralph Houghton was, in fact, Radcliffe de Hoghton of Hoghton Tower, Lancashire, England. The de Hoghton family vigorously denied this claim until Lord Henry Bold Houghton conceded, in the mid-nineteenth century, that Radcliffe and Ralph were, indeed, the same person. The family had concealed this fact for 200 years presumably because of the nature of Radcliffe/Ralph’s behavior in the English Civil Rebellion of 1642-49.

And so, what of this Hoghton family and how had they produced this new son of America? For that one must look back in time to the very beginnings of England’s modern history, and to the source of English names and places. The name "Hoghton" derives from the Anglo-Saxon word “Hocton” or “Hoctune” meaning “high place” or “high town”. The first individual known to have used this name was Willus de Hocton in about the year 1140. His forebearer, one Herocines Watter (Walter), is said to have come to England in 1066 as one of William the Conqueror’s lieutenants. The name Hocton evolved to de Hoghton and eventually to Houghton. The “high place” implied by the name refers to a hilltop in Lancashire, located between Preston and Blackburn, that has been in the family’s possession since at least the 12th century. It is from this place that Hoghtons have sought their strength and pressed their fortune, sometimes wisely, sometimes recklessly but always with ardor and conviction. To understand how and why Radcliffe de Hoghton became Ralph Houghton it is necessary to understand the Hoghton family’s place in Elizabethan England and how it was affected by the great issues of the day.

Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII and the ill-fated Ann Bolyn, ascended the throne in 1558 at the age of 25. She inherited a regime riven with religious conflict, debt and discontent. With a combination of intelligence and iron will she led her country into a golden age of exploration and conquest. The counterreformation instigated by her half sister and immediate predecessor on the throne Mary I (“Bloody Mary”) was reversed and the practice of Catholicism was vigorously suppressed. The Hoghton family was recusant (Roman Catholic adherents who broke the law by refusing to attend Church of England services) and provided sanctuary and encouragement to priests and papal emissaries. Thomas Hoghton rebuilt Hoghton Tower in 1565 but his association with “dangerous friends” in the Church drove him into exile in the Low Countries in 1569. Despite Elizabeth’s assurances of his safety if he should return he chose to remain an expatriate, dying in Liege in 1580, where his elaborate tomb in the church of Gervais can be visited to this day.

Alexander Hoghton, Thomas’ nephew and successor hosted the fiery Jesuit Eduard Campion and offered support and encouragement to the young Catholic William Shakespeare, who lived and worked at Hoghton Tower in the early 1580’s. Subsequent generations of Hoghtons were raised as Protestant and were received with favor at Elizabeth’s court. Elizabeth died without issue in 1603 and was succeeded by her cousin, James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England. James I in 1611 created Richard Hoghton a baronet. Sir Richard entertained the King lavishly at Hoghton Tower in August 1617 and it was on that occasion that, according to family lore, James dubbed a particularly savory cut of beef “Sir Loin”. Sir Richard's extravagance cost him dearly and he later spent time in debtor’s prison in London. The 2nd Baronet, Sir Gilbert Hoghton, was in high favor with James I and was knighted at Whitehall in 1606. Radcliffe de Hoghton, the second son of Sir Gilbert, was born at Hoghton Tower in 1623. He was knighted at the age of 17 by King Charles I, James’ son and successor to the throne. Radcliffe grew up in a household which professed its loyalty to the Crown and to the Protestant church, but it is likely that there were undercurrents of disaffection towards both among family members.

Both James I and his son, Charles I, had stormy relationships with Parliament. Charles inherited the incessant financial problems of his father: the refusal of Parliament to grant funds to a king who refused to address the grievances of the nobility. Parliament was repeatedly summoned and dissolved by a dissatisfied Charles I who then financed his reign by selling monopolies and extracting “ship money” from inland towns. Charles’ efforts to force a new prayer book on the Scots resulted in open rebellion by Parliament.

The Civil War that erupted in 1642 pitted supporters of the monarchy (“Cavaliers”) against supporters of Parliament (“Roundheads”). Cavalier backing came from peasants and nobility of Episcopalian, and sometimes Catholic, belief. Roundhead support came from the emerging middle class and tradesmen of the Puritan movement. The northern and western provinces aided the Cavaliers. The more prosperous and populous southern and eastern shires supported the Roundheads.

Hoghton Tower is in the northwestern part of England. The Hoghtons aligned themselves with the Monarchists. But Radcliffe de Hoghton and his older brother, Richard, joined Parliamentary forces led by Oliver Cromwell. Why Radcliffe and Richard joined Cromwell’s forces against the interests and loyalties of their own family can never be known with certainty absent personal journals or letters that might offer insight into their states of mind at the time but some assumptions can be made about Radcliffe based on the limited facts available. Charles I knighted Radcliffe at the age of 17 for “an act of bravery”. I think it can be assumed that he was, as a young man, high spirited and audacious. Hs loyalty to the monarchy may have been sorely tested by his knowledge of his grandfather’s humiliation and imprisonment as a direct result of having spent so much money entertaining James I. He may well have resented his family’s forced decision to give up their Catholic beliefs during Elizabeth’s reign. He may have found the Puritan concepts of freedom of worship and self-governance attractive. For whatever reason he took an irrevocable step in joining with Cromwell.

Sir Gilbert, Radcliffe’s father, garrisoned Houghton Tower in 1642 and, with his troops, attacked Blackburn and directed the defense of Preston, a Royalist stronghold. Sensing the Tower’s vulnerability Captain Starkie of the Parlimentary forces besieged Hoghton Tower with a large force. Lady Margaret Hoghton, who had only her retinue of servants to aide her, recognized the hopelessness of the situation and requested safe conduct of Captain Starkie in exchange for yielding Hoghton Tower peacefully. Her wish was granted and a large number of Parliamentary soldiers were moved into the keep that gave the Tower its name. Sometime shortly thereafter the Tower, where large stores of gunpowder were kept, was wracked by a tremendous explosion, which killed over 100 Parliamentary soldiers and completely destroyed the keep, which was never rebuilt.

The Civil Rebellion waxed and waned in intensity over the next several years. At the Battle of Preston, August 18, 1648, Radcliffe fought directly against members of his own family. The battle was a decisive victory for the Parliamentary forces and his family members were forced to flee from the battlefield. Later, the family claimed that Radcliffe had been killed at Preston fighting for the king and never again acknowledged his existence.

Thus Radcliffe de Hoghton, age 25 years, disappeared in 1648 and Ralph Houghton, age 29, appeared in 1652 in Lancaster, Massachusetts Colony, an ocean away, literate, affluent and a natural leader. Did the family strike a bargain with him? Perhaps, in exchange for his silence and a change of name, he was spirited out of England anonymously and with enough money to establish himself in the new world---far from conflict both civil and familial. The Hoghton estates, which had been sequestered by Parliament during the Civil War, were eventually restored to Richard who became the 3rd baronet.

In April 2001 I visited Hoghton Tower. Sir Bernard de Hoghton, the present and 14th baronet, received my wife and me most graciously and provided us with a personal tour of the Tower and patiently answered my many questions. The Tower is now owned by a preservation trust, which insures its integrity for the future. Sir Bernard has devoted his life to the restoration of the buildings and to the further development of the Tower as a living historical venue. To this end he has enlisted both British and American support for the creation of a theatre that will be built in the old quarry on the grounds and which will be devoted exclusively to performing the works of William Shakespeare.

In the great banqueting hall of the Tower, where the young William Shakespeare may well have watched, and even participated in, the performances of masques by traveling companies of actors there is a pedigree of the Hoghton family posted on the wall. There the name “Radcliffe 1623” is listed as the second son of Sir Gilbert and Lady Margaret Hoghton. Seeing that name in that place closed the circle for me."
Contributn
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from David Houghton Barber, Aug. 28, 2001.

Christina King1

F, #56393, b. 1891, d. 1962

Family: Adam Percy Houghton b. 4 Aug 1888, d. 1969

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birth1891MI, USA, age 28 in 1920 census; age 38 in 1930 census; age 48 in 1940 census2
Marriagecirca 1915age 26 and 231
ResidenceJun 5, 1917Gilchrist, MI, USA
1920 Census1920Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., MI, USA, age 31, lumber camp laborer; and mother in law Josephine King, 64, mar3
1930 Census1930Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., MI, USA, age 41, pulp mill tower foreman2
1940 Census1940Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., MI, USA, age 51, paper mill tower man4
1950 US Census1950Manistique, MI, USA, age 61, theater janitor
Death1962
BiographyHer father was a Frenchman and her mother, Josephine, was a full-blooded Indian. Both b. French Canada
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Sidney P. Houghton, Aug. 23, 2001.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., Michigan; Roll: 1027; Enumeration District: 8; sheet 12B; line 66, dwl 626-273-281.
  3. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique Ward 4, Schoolcraft, Michigan; Roll T625_797; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 302; line 28, dwl 648-259-280.
  4. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft, Michigan; Roll: T627_1819; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 77-11; line 73, dwl 648.

Mercedes E. Houghton1,2

F, #56394, b. circa 1921

Family: (?) Downing

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1921MI, USA, age 9 in 1930 census; age 19 in 1940 census3
Occupation1940grocery store clerk
Marriage1
ResidenceAug, 2001Manistique, MI, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Sidney P. Houghton, Aug. 23, 2001.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft, Michigan; Roll: T627_1819; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 77-11; line 73, dwl 648.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., Michigan; Roll: 1027; Enumeration District: 8; sheet 12B; line 66, dwl 626-273-281.

(?) Downing1

M, #56395

Family: Mercedes E. Houghton b. c 1921

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Marriage1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Sidney P. Houghton, Aug. 23, 2001.

Peter Roy Houghton1

M, #56396, b. 28 January 1917, d. 21 May 1997

Family: Ione L. Tebo b. c 1910

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 28, 1917MI, USA, age 3 in 1920 census; age 13 in 1930 census2
MarriageDec 16, 1937Manistique, MI, USA
Mil. DraftOct 16, 1940Manistique, MI, USA, age 23, American Steamship Co.
1950 US Census1950Iron Mountain, MI, USA, age 33, beautician
DeathMay 21, 1997MI, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Sidney P. Houghton, Aug. 23, 2001.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., Michigan; Roll: 1027; Enumeration District: 8; sheet 12B; line 66, dwl 626-273-281.

Glenn T. Houghton1,2

M, #56397, b. circa 1919

Family: Norma L Smith b. c 1921

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1919MI, USA, age 1 in 1920 census; age 11 in 1930 census; age 21 in 1940 census3
Occupation1940paper mill laborer
MarriageAug 9, 1944Centerline, MI, USA
1950 US Census1950Manistique, MI, USA, age 31, household products salesman
ResidenceAug, 2001Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., MI, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Sidney P. Houghton, Aug. 23, 2001.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft, Michigan; Roll: T627_1819; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 77-11; line 73, dwl 648.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Manistique, Schoolcraft Co., Michigan; Roll: 1027; Enumeration District: 8; sheet 12B; line 66, dwl 626-273-281.

Marion Martin1

F, #56398, b. 15 May 1905, d. 26 January 1993

Family: Claude Whitaker Houghton b. 7 Nov 1902, d. 15 Sep 1990

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay 15, 1905Walla Walla Co., WA, USA
Marriage19321
1940 Census1940Desmois, IA, USA, age 37, casualty insurance spec agent
1950 US Census1950King Co., WA, USA, age 47, insurance co. city bond dept. manager
DeathJan 26, 1993Redmond, WA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from David Houghton Barber, Aug. 28, 2001.

Harriet Ann Houghton1

F, #56399, b. 1 September 1932

Family: Frank Anderson Shrontz

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthSep 1, 1932Seattle, King Co., WA, USA1
Marriage1954Mercer Island, WA, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from David Houghton Barber, Aug. 28, 2001.

Willis Robert Barber1

M, #56400

Family: Helen Zilla Houghton b. 18 Aug 1909

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Marriage19341
1950 US Census1950Maywood, IL, USA, age 45, railroad retirement lawyer
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from David Houghton Barber, Aug. 28, 2001.