Sherman Otis Houghton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sherman Otis Houghton
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 4th Mayor of San Jose, California | |
| In office 1855–1856 |
|
| Preceded by | O.H. Allen |
| Succeeded by | Lawrence Archer |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 1st district |
|
| In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1873 |
|
| Preceded by | Samuel B. Axtell |
| Succeeded by | Charles Clayton |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 4th district |
|
| In office March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 |
|
| Preceded by | New district |
| Succeeded by | Peter D. Wigginton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 10, 1828 New York City, New York, United States |
| Died | August 31, 1914 (aged 86) Hynes, California |
| Resting place | Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Eliza Poor Donner
(m. 1861)Mary Martha Donner
(m. 1859) |
| Alma mater | Collegiate Institute |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War Civil War |
Sherman Otis Houghton (born April 10, 1828 – died August 31, 1914) was an important American politician from California. He is also known for marrying two sisters who were survivors of the famous Donner Party.
Contents
Sherman Houghton's Early Life and Education
Sherman Houghton was born in New York City on April 10, 1828. He went to school and completed his studies at the Collegiate Institute in New York.
Houghton's Military and Political Career
Serving in the Mexican-American War
In June 1846, Houghton joined the 1st Regiment of New York Volunteers. This was during the Mexican–American War. He sailed all the way around Cape Horn to reach San Francisco in 1847. His group helped protect Santa Barbara. They also captured the city of La Paz in Baja California. He left the army as a lieutenant in October 1848 in Monterey, California.
From Gold Miner to San Jose Mayor
After his time in the army, Houghton tried his luck mining for gold. This was during the exciting California Gold Rush. After about six months, he moved to San Jose. There, he started different businesses. In 1854, he worked as a deputy clerk for the Supreme Court of California. That same year, he was chosen to be on the San Jose Common Council. He then became the fourth Mayor of San Jose, California, serving from 1855 to 1856. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1857.
Service in the Civil War and Congress
During the Civil War, Houghton joined the army again. He became a captain and later a lieutenant colonel. He worked as an inspector and an officer in charge of weapons. After the war, he was elected to the United States Congress as a Republican. He served from March 1871 to March 1875. While in Congress, he led a committee that dealt with money and measurements. He tried to get re-elected in 1874 but was not successful.
Later Life and Law Practice
In 1881, Houghton was asked to check on how the United States Mint was running in San Francisco. Later, in 1886, he moved to Los Angeles. He continued to work as a lawyer there.
Sherman Houghton's Family Life
In 1859, Sherman Houghton married Mary Martha Donner. She was a survivor of the famous Donner Party. Sadly, she passed away a year later. In 1861, he married Mary Martha's cousin, Eliza Poor Donner. Eliza was also a survivor of the Donner Party. Together, they had seven children.
Sherman Houghton's Passing
Sherman Houghton died on August 31, 1914. He was 86 years old. He passed away in Hynes, California. He was buried in the Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Houghton's Legacy: The Donner-Houghton House
The Donner-Houghton House is a historic building in downtown San Jose. Sherman Houghton had it built in 1881. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. People have suggested plans to fix up or update the building. Sadly, a fire on July 19, 2007, caused a lot of damage to the house.
