GEORGE HOUGHTON (d. 1908)

DEATH CLAIMS GEO. P. HOUGHTON
Was Agent of Goodrich Co. and One of City's Well Known Business Men
George P. Houghton, agent for the Goodrich Transit Co. and one of the city's
well known business men, died at 10:30 o'clock this morning at the family home
on Chicago street, after an illness that has made him an invalid for five months.
Death was calm and peaceful and had been expected for several hours, it having
become apparent Thursday night, that there was no hope and that death was at
hand. Mr. Houghton was 45 years of age and has passed his entire life in this
city and his death will occasion sincere sorrow to a large circle of friends who
appreciate his worth.
Oldest of the family of twelve children of the late Capt. Elijah Houghton, decedent
was the first of the family to be called by death, six brothers and five sisters
surviving him. Mr. Houghton was born in this city October 22, 1863 and attended the
North Side schools. As a young man he joined his father in sailing the lakes, for
two years and then entered the employe of the American Express Co. in the local
office for some time, accepting a position with the Goodrich Transit Co. 25 years
ago. Mr. Houghton was advanced by the Goodrich Co. to become foreman of the shipping
rooms and three years ago, was appointed local agent, succeeding the late F. P.
Canright. He continued in the employ of the company up to the day of his death and
despite the fact that his illness made it impossible for him to be at the office he
had charge of the affairs of the company here all the time.
Mr. Houghton was a man who commanded the respect of all who knew him and in all the
relations of life had proved his trustworthy character. As agent for the Goodrich Co.
he had a wide acquaintance among business men and was known for his fidelity to duty
and efforts for his employers in social circles he was active as a member of
Chickerming lodge, I.O.O.F. of Lakeside Tent, Maccabees and of the Equitable Fraternal
Union. Mr. Houghton has served as a member of the city council, elected from the Second
ward and the record of his service is a credit to his memory. Mr. Houghton was a member
of the session of the First Presbyterian church.
A widow and eight children, Herbert, Naomi, Kelpa, Vivian, Lillian, George, Idabell
and Harry survive to mourn the death of a kind husband and indulgent father and an
aged mother is also a survivor. Six brothers, William, John, Walter, Frank, Ellijah,
Charles, and five sisters, Mrs. C. Christiansen, Mr. Runge, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Baekeman,
this city, and Mrs. Searles, of Ashland survive.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, April 17, 1908 P. 1
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Death Friday, after a long illness, of 45-year old George P. Houghton,
the local agent for the Goodrich Transit Co. The deceased leaves a
widow and 8 children, as well as 6 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral
was held Monday afternoon.
Der Nord Westen, 23 Apr. 1908
*******
[cause: renal disease]
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The following is his daughter's wedding announcement:
MANITOWOC GIRL TO BE BRIDE OF A BRILLION MAN
Announcement has been made of the engagement and approaching
marriage of Miss Vivian, daughter of Mrs. Ida Houghton of this
city and J.A. Behnke of Brillion. Miss Houghton has held the
position of teacher in one of the grades of the Brillion high
school for the past several years. Mr. Behnke is a wholesale
lumber dealer. The date of the marriage has not been made public.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, June 7, 1916 P.4