Henry Adolph Pfeiffer Jr1

M, #104101, b. 7 September 1889, d. 10 September 1960

Family: Olga Mae Haughton b. 14 Jun 1897, d. 11 Apr 1995

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthSep 7, 1889NJ, USA1
MarriageJun 26, 19151
DeathSep 10, 1960PA, USA1
ParentsSParentsHenry Adolph Pfeiffer Sr.
1828 – & Minnie Tribb
1847 –
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/25300385/person/1633508113

George Haughton Pfeiffer1

M, #104102, b. 6 October 1917, d. 30 January 1978

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthOct 6, 1917Bayonne, Hudson Co., NJ, USA1
DeathJan 30, 1978Clark, NJ, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/25300385/person/1633508113

Blanche Lucille Haughton

F, #104103, b. 1 April 1889, d. before 1900

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr 1, 1889Manheim, Herkimer Co., NY, USA
Deathbefore 1900
Pedigree

Othena Haughton1

F, #104104, b. circa 1856, d. before 1900

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
Birthcirca 1856NY, USA, age 4 in 1860 census; age 14 in 1870 census1
Deathbefore 1900
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1228] 1870 U.S. Federal Census , Manheim, Herkimer, New York; Roll: M593_943; Page: 314B; Image: 39; Family History Library Film: 552442; line 1, dwl 249-258.

Clarence Eugene Haughton1

M, #104105, b. 19 December 1890, d. 16 August 1927

Family 1: Anna King b. 12 Apr 1894, d. 15 Jan 1917

  • Marriage*: Clarence Eugene Haughton married Anna King.

Family 2: Olli Anderson b. c 1890

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 19, 1890Chestertown, MD, USA, age 9 in 1900 census; age 20in 1910 census1
Marriage
Marriage
Mil. DraftJun 5, 1917Chestertown, MD, USA, age 26, laborer, Baldwin Locomotive Works
DeathAug 16, 1927Baltimore, MD, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Chestertown, Kent, Maryland; Roll: 625; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 51; FHL microfilm: 1240625; line 51, dwl 105-105-112.

Clifton Solomon Haughton1

M, #104106, b. 7 September 1899, d. June 1982

Family: Blanche (?) b. c 1899, d. Jun 1982

  • Marriage*: Clifton Solomon Haughton married Blanche (?)

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthSep 7, 1899Chestertown, MD, USA, Sep 1899, age 0 in 1900 census; age 10 in 1910 census; Mil Draft: 19001
Mil. Draft1918Chestertown, MD, USA, age 18, making food containers, Marvel Package Co.
Marriage
1940 Census1940age 40, orchestra musician
DeathJun, 1982Baltimore, MD, USA
BiographyA jazz musician
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Chestertown, Kent, Maryland; Roll: 625; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 51; FHL microfilm: 1240625; line 51, dwl 105-105-112.

John Elmer Haughton1,2

M, #104107, b. 9 July 1904, d. September 1978

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJul 9, 1904Chestertown, MD, USA, age 5 in 1910 census; age 15 in 1920 census1
Passenger ListJan 28, 1946Port of Arrival
San Pedro, California
Ship Name
General O H Ernst
Port of Departure
Yokohama, Japan
Mil. Enls1947New York, NY, USA, age 43, musician, 5' 1/2"; Band, 15th Inf, NYC
New York National Guard
Last Place1978Ossining, NY, USA, Last SS Benefit
DeathSep, 1978New York, NY, USA
BiographyA member of one of the Baltimore area's more notable musical families, trombonist John "Shorty" Haughton had serious competition from his brother Chauncey Haughton in terms of amassing the type of discography that strains record collectors' wallets. Apparently there was not much competition in terms of height, however, if the nickname of the former artist is to be taken as an indicator. Chauncey Haughton was also the family's most proficient instrumentalist, handling reeds as well as keyboards. John Haughton did sometimes pull off the difficult doubling of trumpet with trombone. Another brother, Clifton Haughton, stuck to the trumpet. The boys had more in common than just the family background. Jumping, jiving bandleader Cab Calloway had both John Haughton and Chauncey Haughton in his band during the '40s. At other times there were incidents where one Haughton subbed for the other, never considering himself too haughty for the job. Sometimes one would replace another in a band like a factory shift change. John Haughton played in somewhat expanded Fats Waller line-ups beginning in the late '20s--one of these ensembles recorded under the name of Fats Waller and His Orchestra. In the '30s the trombonist replaced Nat Story in the Ella Fitzgerald band. He also performed with other major figures during that decade including reedman and arranger Benny Carter and the brilliant Duke Ellington clarinetist Barney Bigard. The Haughton dynasty appears to have ended prior to the '50s, the Calloway assignnments appearing to be the last notable gigs for any of the brothers. Their subsequent exodus from the music business was so total that no information is available concerning any of the Haughton's deaths.
Artist Biography by Eugene Chadbourne
NotableJohn "Shorty" Haughton was a noted jazz trombonist; brother of Chauncey M. Haughton
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Chestertown, Kent, Maryland; Roll: T625_674; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 66; Image: 94; line 41, dwl 106-171-175.
  2. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Chestertown, Kent, Maryland; Roll: T624_566; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 0056; FHL microfilm: 1374579.

Chauncey M. Haughton1

M, #104108, b. 26 February 1909, d. 1 July 1989

Family: Freddie Mae Lamb b. 21 Jul 1918, d. 11 Mar 1995

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthFeb 26, 1909Chesterdown, MD, USA, age 1 1/12 in 1910 census; age 10 in 1920 census1
1930 Census1930Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD, USA, age 21, orchestra musician2
Marriage1938
Mil. EnlsApr 10, 1943New York, NY, USA, Branch 1:      ARMY
Enlistment Date 1:      17 Apr 1943
Release Date 1:      25 May 1945
ResearchApr 10, 1943
Passenger List1946Yokohama, Japan
MarriageApr 3, 1954The Mother AME Zion Church0, New York, NY, USA, 3rd Mar
DeathJul 1, 1989Ossining, NY, USA
BurialRose Hills Memorial Park, Putnam Valley, NY, USA
BiographyChauncey HAUGHTON: the unknown alto sax (1937-1939) Jean-François Pitet 05-09-2007
Chauncey M. HAUGHTON (February 26, 1909 - July 01, 1989)

Among the musicians who were at the desks of the reeds of the Cab Calloway orchestra, there are many stars such as Chu Berry, Ben Webster, Ike Quebec or even Illinois Jacquet. And then there are also the obscures, the clearly less known who have nevertheless contributed to the artistic qualities of the big band. One of them is Chauncey HAUGHTON; and yet he is one of the few (perhaps the only one - I have to check) to have played the viola with 3 different Calloway!

Scott Yannow (All Music Guide) actually sees Chauncey HAUGHTON as an underrated saxophonist, when he played with big names in jazz throughout his career. Originally from the Baltimore region (like Cab), his family is made up of musicians, including his two brothers, Clifford and John who play trombone and trumpet. Besides, John and Chauncey will find themselves playing together, especially in the Cab Calloway orchestra!

Having started with the piano in early childhood, Chauncey then turned to the clarinet and the saxophone in the orchestra of the Morgan College of Baltimore. Very quickly, he started playing professionally with Ike Dixon in 1927. He even played with Sidney BECHET from 1926. He played on the Washington side where he participated in the orchestra of Elmer CALLOWAY as well as with the orchestra of White Brother. In 1932, he moved to New York. It was there that he met Blanche CALLOWAY (and two!) Whom he accompanied from 1932 to 1935. He then worked with the orchestras of Claude HOPKINS, Noble SISSLE and Chick WEBB. It’s also a clarinet solo which made him stand out in 1937 in the group of Little Chicks by Chick Webb. ... and 3 with Cab! Cab Calloway recruits Chauncey HAUGHTON to replace Garvin BUSHELL in December 1937. The latter will also join ... Chick Webb! The jazz world was decidedly small!

During the 22 months that Chauncey Haughton spent in the Cab Calloway orchestra, he will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with Chu BERRY, whose tenor sax solos will crush all possible initiatives, especially in alto sax! And on the side of the saxophone section, everyone relies on Walter Foots THOMAS, who ensures the 1st row. Other notable figures in the orchestra at that time include Dizzy GILLESPIE (recruited in the summer of 1939), Milt Hinton, Cozy Cole. In short, as a result, we don't particularly hear Chauncey Haughton in his period with Cab (apart from the clarinet on Every Day's A Holiday. See our article on his career at Cab ET Duke Ellington on this occasion).

He apparently still has the opportunity to play in the company of brother, the trombonist and trumpet player, John 'Shorty ’HAUGHTON (at least that is what Eugene Chabourne of All Music Guide says).

When he left the orchestra after the session of October 20, 1939, Chauncey was replaced by Hilton JEFFERSON, saxophonist with more marked talent and more identifiable solos (we will dedicate a later note to him). Haughton joined Chick Webb's orchestra again until 1942, then conducted by Ella FITZGERALD.

That summer, Chauncey replaces Barney BIGARD in the orchestra of Duke ELLINGTON (which allows us to hear him in the recording of Carnegie Hall), but his style of the East coast does not seem to suffer the comparison with his predecessor or Jimmy HAMILTON. In any case, he left the orchestra in April 1943, called up for service and remained in the army until 1945. He then undertook a tour with the orchestra of the US army and the singer Frances BROCK then stopovers in Europe with the orchestra of Don REDMAN (1946). He remained in Europe until 1947.

Upon returning to the USA, Chauncey joined again Cab Calloway for a brief period before withdrawing from the world of show business. He returned one last time to accompany Cab Calloway on his album Cotton Club 1958 review (see our full article). It is then particularly difficult to know what has become of Chauncey HAUGHTON.
He died on 1 July 1989 to 81 years in Tarrytown (NY), just next to Westchester, the city remained Cab Calloway.
ResearchBiographical Dictionary of Jazz. By Charles Eugene Claghorn. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1982. (BiDJaz)
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Third edition. Eight volumes. Edited by Colin Larkin. London: MUZE, 1998.
Grove's Dictionaries, New York, 1998. (EncPopM 3)
The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. Edited by Barry Kernfeld. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1994. (NewGrDJ 1994)
Who's Who of Jazz: Storyville to Swing Street. By John Chilton. Philadelphia: Chilton Book Co., 1972. (WhoJazz)
Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. Ninth edition. Edited by Laura Kuhn. New York: Schirmer Books, 2001. (BakBD 9)
The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. Second edition. Three volumes. Edited by Barry Kernfeld. London: Macmillan Publishers, 2002. (NewGrDJ 2002)
NotableAmerican jazz saxophonist (alto) and clarinetist, active from 1927 to 1958. : Cab Calloway And His Orchestra, Chick Webb And His Little Chicks, Chick Webb And His Orchestra, Don Redman And His Orchestra, Duke Ellington And His Orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald And Her Famous Orchestra
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Chestertown, Kent, Maryland; Roll: T625_674; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 66; Image: 94; line 41, dwl 106-171-175.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Baltimore, Maryland; Roll: 858; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0220; FHL microfilm: 2340593.

Richard Haughton1

M, #104109, b. May 1865

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay, 1865GA, USA, age 35 in 1900 census1
1900 Census1900St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO, USA, age 35, single, judge1
ParentsSparents born in TN1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , St Louis Ward 22, St Louis (Independent City), Missouri; Roll: 898; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 337; FHL microfilm: 1240898; line 70, dwl 3149-144-177.

Addie Odden1

F, #104110, b. June 1867

Family: William Haughton b. Apr 1865

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun, 1867TN, USA, age 32 in 1900 census; age 47 in 1910 census1
MarriageDec 31, 1883mar 26 y in 1910 census1
Note19008 children born, 6 living; in 1910, 9 children born, 7 living
1900 Census1900Civil Dist. 12, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 35, farmer1
1910 Census1910Civil Dist 12, Madison Co., TN, USA, age "51", mulatto, farmer2
1920 Census1920Civil District 4, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 54, farmer; and cousin Viola Haughton, 32, TN; and below her listed as daughter Mattie Shelton, 133
ParentsDparents born in TN1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 30, dwl 115-116.
  2. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: T624_1511; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 0165; FHL microfilm: 1375524.
  3. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 4, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1755; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 159.

Lonnie L. Haughton1

M, #104111, b. 5 February 1884

Family: Hattie Gardner b. c 1878

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthFeb 5, 1884TN, USA, Feb 1886, age 14 in 1900 census; age 24 in 1910 census; age 35 in 1920 census1
MarriageApr 25, 1909Madison Co., TN, USA
1910 Census1910Civil District 12, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 24, farming2
Mil. DraftSep 12, 1918Madison Co., TN, USA, age 34, farmer
1920 Census1920Civil District 4, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 35, farmer3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 30, dwl 115-116.
  2. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: T624_1511; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 0165; FHL microfilm: 1375524.
  3. [S1231] 1910 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 4, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1755; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 159.

Brigg Haughton1

M, #104112, b. March 1890

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMar, 1890TN, USA, age 10 in 1900 census; age 21 in 1910 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 30, dwl 115-116.

Vance Haughton1

M, #104113, b. June 1895

Family: Loulia (?) b. c 1898

  • Marriage*: Vance Haughton married Loulia (?) on circa 1921 ages 18 and 21.3

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun, 1895TN, USA, age 4 in 1900 census; age 14 in 1910 census; age 32 in 1930 census1
1920 Census1920Civil District 4, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 23, farmer; next door to brother Emerson Haughton and to father William2
Marriagecirca 1921ages 18 and 213
1930 Census1930Dist 9, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 32, farmer3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 30, dwl 115-116.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 4, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1755; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 159.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , District 9, Madison, Tennessee; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0033; FHL microfilm: 2341998.

Nettie H. Haughton1

F, #104114, b. September 1897

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthSep, 1897TN, USA, age 2 in 1900 census; age 11 in 1910 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 30, dwl 115-116.

Emerson Haughton

M, #104115, b. 30 April 1899, d. November 1984

Family 1: Johnnie May (?) b. c 1903

Family 2: Ardie Williams b. c 1904

Family 3: Katherine (?) b. c 1913

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthApr 30, 1899TN, USA, May 1900, age 0 in 1900 census; age 10 in 1910 census1
Marriage2
1920 Census1920Civil District 4, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 20, farmer2
MarriageOct 14, 1922Madison, TN, USA
Marriage3
1940 Census1940Gibson Co., TN, USA, age 40, farm laborer3
DeathNov, 1984Medina, Gibson Co., TN, USA
Research
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 30, dwl 115-116.
  2. [S1232] 1920 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 4, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: T625_1755; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 159.
  3. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Gibson, Tennessee; Roll: m-t0627-03892; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 27-3.

(?) Haughton1

M, #104116

Family:

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthTN, USA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 37, dwl 116-117.

John Haughton1

M, #104117, b. May 1882

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay, 1882TN, USA, age 18 in 1900 census1
1900 Census1900Civil Dist. 12, Madison Co., TN, USA, age 18, farmer; next door to William Haughton1
ParentsSparents of this entire family born in TN
ResearchCivil Dist. 12, Madison Co., TN, USA, next door to each other
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 37, dwl 116-117.

Viola Haughton1

F, #104118, b. February 1886

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthFeb, 1886TN, USA, age 14 in 1900 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 37, dwl 116-117.

Laura Haughton1

F, #104119, b. February 1889

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthFeb, 1889TN, USA, age 11 in 1900 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 37, dwl 116-117.

Hassie S. Haughton1

F, #104120, b. March 1891

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMar, 1891TN, USA, age 9 in 1900 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 37, dwl 116-117.

Callie Haughton1

F, #104121, b. August 1892

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthAug, 1892TN, USA, age 7 in 1900 census1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Civil District 12, Madison, Tennessee; Roll: 1586; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 99; FHL microfilm: 1241586; line 37, dwl 116-117.

Lizie Nelson1

F, #104122, b. May 1865

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMay, 1865AR, USA, age 35 in 1900 census1
Note19004 children born and living
1900 Census1900Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA, USA, age 35, widow, laundress, with mother Martha Nelson, 611
ParentsDparents born in GA1
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S1230] 1900 U.S. Federal Census , Shreveport Ward 5, Caddo, Louisiana; Roll: 560; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 44; FHL microfilm: 1240560; line 65, dwl 156-207.

Douglas Craig LaVelle1,2

M, #104123, b. 26 December 1947

Family: Anna Clouch

  • Marriage*: Douglas Craig LaVelle married Anna Clouch on Jun 20, 1970.1
  • Divorce*: Douglas Craig LaVelle and Anna Clouch were divorced on Jan 25, 1990.

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
Corresponded with authorY
BirthDec 26, 1947Eldora, Hardin Co., IA, USA1
MarriageJun 20, 19701
DivorceJan 25, 1990
ResearchI have finally found the genealogical narrative written by my great grandfather, George Houghton, in 1920. It is clear from this narrative that he was unaware of the Houghton Genealogy written in 1912. It has a wealth of information about George and his father, Stephen Houghton, and includes photos and handwritten letters of family members. Unfortunately I have a poor quality copy (probably made from multiple other copies), so the photos will not reproduce well and letters are difficult to read. Nonetheless, it is a fascinating document and I will get a copy of it to you, if you wish.

George Houghton was, for the time and place, a well educated man having graduated first from Shurtleff College in Alta, IL and later from the Chicago University Divinity School. He was a Baptist minister. He was also a good writer. In the beginning of his narrative he makes a supposition that his family is descended from one of two brothers, Edward and Henry Houghton, who arrived in this country around 1700. It is also clear from the narrative that this information was entirely the product of the family's oral tradition. I like that George is quite clear in differentiating fact from conjecture. He believes (in 1920) that he is descended from Henry Houghton, however, he lets the reader know that he has no evidence to prove that. The earliest documented evidence that he presents is information from a family Bible. To quote the narrative, "The beginning of written records is found in my grandfather Houghton's Bible. It is in his handwriting and gives the names of his father's family, children only. The beginning then is with Henry Houghton. The date of birth, marriage and death of Henry Houghton is not given. His wife's name, age, birth and death are to me unknown. But the date of birth of their children are fully recorded, but nothing else.4
AddressJun 20, 2012Elmira, OR, USA, Doug LaVelle
ResearchMay, 2017Doug supplied CJV with his great grandfather George Houghton's Houghton Family manuscript.2
Grandfathr
BiographyI was born in Iowa in 1947, graduated from high school and college there and then moved to Chicago. After thirty years in the corporate world I bought a winery. My two children were born in the Chicago suburbs, and lived most of their childhood years in Grapevine, TX, just outside Dallas. My daughter Sarah still lives in Austin, TX; my son Matthew is our winemaker here in Oregon.

Douglas Lavelle served as the President International of GTE Directories Inc. In 1997, Mr. LaVelle was President-GTE Directories International. Mr. LaVelle retired in August 2000, when the merger between GTE and Bell Atlantic resulted in the creation of Verizon Communications. He has continued to consult with several equity funds involved in the acquisition of yellow pages businesses. From 2002 through 2004, he worked with the New York City based Carlyle Group on projects in Eastern Europe (Verizon Information Services), Italy (SEAT), The Netherlands (VNU World Directories). He serves as a Director of Canpages, Inc.

Dear Mr. Vella,

I am not new to genealogy, but I have only recently begun exploring my mother's side of the family. My maternal grandmother's maiden name was Emily Maria Houghton. She is a direct descendent of Ralph Houghton. Going backwards in time from her there are George (1847-1929), Stephen (1811-1864), Elijah, Jr (1777-1845), Elijah (or Abijah, is this his real name or a transcriber's error?) (1745-1828), Edward (1705-1777), James (1657-1711), and Ralph (1623-1705). You probably know these people much better than I, but it was Elijah Jr. who moved from Vermont to Racine in the Wisconsin Territory about 1830-1840, and his grandson George who moved to Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa where I was born in 1947. I would be happy to contribute to your project if you would like. I have quite a bit of information on George Houghton and his wife Ella Adeline Stowe, as well as my grandmother's and mother's families.

The history of the Houghton family in America is quite fascinating on its own, but like many of us I suppose, I was captivated at first by this notion that we were descended from the Hoghton family of Lancashire, England who can trace it's heritage back to 1066. As I got deeper into the analysis of that connection, however, as a genealogist I was at a loss for facts. Many times in the past I have used my family's oral history to narrow the search for individuals or facts about individuals, but never have I seen such a proliferation of genealogical information without any solid evidence. When I saw your web-site, and read your comments about this connection, I was hopeful that I had found someone who could advance my understanding of this matter and the history behind it. I'd appreciate the benefit of your knowledge about the oral traditions that brought it into being, and also your intuition regarding it, i.e. is it likely or unlikely that there is an undocumented connection between Ralph Houghton and the Hoghtons of Lancashire, England? If this is too great an imposition on your time, just tell me to bugger off and I will continue to research the matter on my own. If you are willing to help, however, here are the theories as I understand them:

Theory 1 - That Ralph Houghton was the son of Sir Richard Houghton (1570-1630) and his wife Catherine Gerrard. Not likely, since records indicate that she died in 1617 and Ralph Houghton was not born until about 1623. On the surface this seems quite unlikely.

Theory 2 - That Ralph Houghton was actually the son of Thomas Hoghton, Sir Richard (1570-1630) Hoghton's son, and his wife Helen Halstead, a suggestion advanced in the 1912 Houghton Genealogy written by John W. Houghton and subsequently picked up by others. Even the author admits that this is just a theory, necessary to fill the generation gap, but just a theory, nonetheless. I assume there are no records on the children of Thomas Hoghton and Helen Halstead, but does this idea have any basis in oral tradition?

Theory 3 - That Ralph Houghton and Ratcliffe Houghton were the same person, Ratcliffe having escaped England after supporting the wrong side in the civil war. Seems unlikely since the known dates of births and deaths for the principal players in this scenario do not work.

Theory 4 - That Sir Richard Houghton actually did have a second wife, Jane Spencer, who was the widow of Robert Hesketh, and by her had two more children, Ralph and Thomas. This theory is not mentioned in the 1912 family history, so it must be a more recent revelation. Is it just another theory? Are there any records of this marriage, or of other children? Would this theory be worth investigating or have others already tried?

I appreciate Ancestry.com and use it as a research tool all the time. The trouble with this site is that inaccurate information can be proliferated with the same speed and thoroughness as accurate information, until the shear preponderance of data gives the incorrect information as much credibility as that which is accurate. Certainly this is the case with the connection between Ralph Houghton and the Hoghtons of Lancashire, England. Lots of information, no facts, but repeated so often that it seems like it must be true. As you say on your web-site, much as we might like to think there is a connection, there are no facts that irrefutably substantiate one.

Beyond that, however, I'm interested in what your intuition tells you. If it were true, why is there no documentation to support it. Did Ralph Houghton ever allude to his family in England during his lifetime? Did he even indicate in his writings or oral history that he was from Lancashire, England or is that a creation of later generations, too? In the research I have completed on the other side of my family, naming conventions during this period were very important. Children were often named after parents and grandparents, and the same names are often repeated from one generation to the next. If Ralph Houghton's mother was named Catherine or Helen or Jane, would you have expected one of his daughters to carry that name? If his father was Richard or Thomas, would you have expected to see a son named Richard or Thomas? On the other hand, if he was alienated from his family maybe he would have chosen not to name his children after parents or grandparents. Maybe, too, that alienation would have lead him to be tight-lipped about his family. I'd very much appreciate your thoughts.

I like to prioritize my genealogy research. This is certainly a fascinating branch of the family and establishing a connection between Ralph Houghton and his family in England (whomever they are) would be an exciting challenge. However, I don't want to spend a lot of time covering ground that others have already worked extensively with no success, and that may include people who have already traveled to England and examined local parish and county records with no results. Perhaps your knowledge and intuition can help me determine how to spend my time. In any event, your input would be valued and greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Doug LaVelle
--
Doug LaVelle
Owner
LaVelle Vineyards
(541) 912-9931
ResidenceElmira, OR
Eugene, OR
Grapevine, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Bedford, TX
Dallas, TX
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Doug LaVelle, June 20, 2012.
  2. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 124.
  3. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 102.
  4. [S415] E-mail from Doug LaVelle, Jul 18, 2012.

Anna Clouch1

F, #104124

Family: Douglas Craig LaVelle b. 26 Dec 1947

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
MarriageJun 20, 19701
DivorceJan 25, 1990
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Doug LaVelle, June 20, 2012.

Sarah Christine LaVelle1

F, #104125, b. circa 1978

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1978Chicago, Cook Co., IL, USA
Living2012Austin, Travis Co., TX, USA
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Doug LaVelle, June 20, 2012.

Matthew Reed LaVelle1

M, #104126, b. circa 1976

Family: Ashley Fountain

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Birthcirca 1976Chicago, Cook Co., IL, USA
MarriageJul 11, 2009
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Doug LaVelle, June 20, 2012.

Clarence Ross Johnson1,2

M, #104127, b. 7 June 1891

Family: Emily Maria Houghton b. 20 Oct 1894

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 7, 1891IA, USA, age 33 in 1925 census; age 38 in 1930 census1,2
MarriageDec 1, 1915Eldora, IA, USA, age 24 and 211,2
Census1925New Providence, Hardin Co., IA, USA, age 331
1930 Census1930New Providence, Hardin Co., IA, USA, age 38, poultry farmer, owns hatchery3
ParentsSMother:     Lillie Tillford
Mother's Birth Year:     abt 1873
Mother's Birthplace:     Illinois
Father:     Eckron Johnson
Father's Birth Year:     abt 1863
Father's Birthplace:     Canada
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
    Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.
  2. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 124.
  3. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Providence, Hardin, Iowa; Roll: 658; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 21; Image: 141.0; FHL microfilm: 2340393; line 1, dwl 27-29.

Eileen Nedra Johnson1,2

F, #104128, b. 21 June 1916

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 21, 1916Lawn Hill, IA, USA, age 8 in 1925 census; age 13 in 1930 census1,2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
    Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.
  2. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 124.

Evelyn Margaret Johnson1,2

F, #104129, b. 5 April 1918

Family: Donald Edward LaVelle b. 19 Feb 1918

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr 5, 1918New Providence, Hardin Co., IA, USA, age 7 in 1925 census; age 12 in 1930 census1,2
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
    Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.
  2. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 102, 124.
  3. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 124.
  4. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 102.

Clarence Dale Johnson1,2,3

M, #104130, b. 14 January 1920

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJan 14, 1920Lawn Hill, IA, USA, age 5 in 1925 census; age 10 in 1930 census1,3
Pedigree

Citations

  1. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
    Original data: Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 as well various special censuses from 1836-1897 obtained from the State Historical Society of Iowa via Heritage Quest.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Providence, Hardin, Iowa; Roll: 658; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 21; Image: 141.0; FHL microfilm: 2340393; line 1, dwl 27-29.
  3. [S1541] George Houghton, Houghton Family Line, p. 124.