Person:George Houghton (1)

Biography

GEORGE W. HOUGHTON11 History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri (1886) pages 284-285. (Farmer, Section 19, Post-office, Kingston). Mr. Houghton, a man over whom more than 40 years have passed, is native to Missouri and also to this county, having been born here December 25, 1844. His father, John S. Houghton, is well remembered among the earliest settlers of the county, for he was a man who for a long time was actively and usefully associated with the interests of Caldwell county and vicinity. The Houghtons were early comers to this country and, as far as we are able to trace their history, they were from England, locating first in New Jersey after reaching this continent. George’s grandfather, William Houghton, was a soldier of the Revolution. His son, John S., before referred to, first saw the light in New Jersey, from which State he removed to Cortland county, N. Y., when 23 years old. While there he met and espoused Miss Lucy K. Alvord, a lady of rare personal attractions and beauty of character, and who at this writing retains a brightness of memory and intellect so marked that she describes very vividly reminiscences which occurred years ago. She is no 77 years of age, remarkably well preserved in every particular. Members of the Alvord family were also participants in the Revolutionary War. Their name has become more than ordinarily well known in this country, and especially prominent is it in the State of New York, where many of their representatives have filled prominent positions and responsible ones, too, in the social and political history of the State. Numerous judges, legislators and lieutenant- governors have born this name. The family of John S. Houghton and wife consisted of six children: William, Alice C. (Brown), Charles H. H., Geo. W., Joab and Rachel E. (Orr). Rachel and Chares are now deceased. In 1844 Mr. Houghton Sr., became a citizen of this county and here he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was highly esteemed by those who were favored with his acquaintance, and once represented with ability his county in the Legislature. He died August 28, 1865. Brought up in this county, and also educated in the schools in this locality, George W. Houghton has a very extensive acquaintance of the people and the country around about. When 17 years of age he returned to New York and attended the Homer Academy, at Cortland, where he supplemented the course of instruction received here. In 1865 he returned to his home and since then has been industriously occupied in tilling the soil. His farm of 80 acres embraces some choice land and is well improved. Mr. H.’s wife is the daughter of John Orr, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume. Her maiden name was Mary A. Orr, and their marriage was consummated October 4, 1881. One child has blessed this union, Charles H.