Obit: Houghton, Ira Clarence (1853 - 1935)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Houghton, Weidler, Waters, Walker, Levis

----Sources: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Clark County, Wis.) Sat., 9 March 1935

Houghton, Ira Clarence (21 May 1853 - 4 March 1935)

Clarence Houghton, pioneer settler of Houghton, and the last of the older generation of Houghtons died at his home at 12 o’clock noon, Monday, March 4, 1935, after an illness of paralysis, dating back several years.

Funeral services are held this Thursday afternoon at the home, Rev. V. D. Weidler preaching the sermon. Masonic rites were given by W. E. Waters, past master of Humbird Lodge. Burial was in the Houghtonburg Cemetery.

Ira Clarence Houghton was born in Walworth County, Wisconsin, May 21, 1853. He was an only son of Oliver and Caroline Walker Houghton. The father was a native of Courtland County, New York, and came to Wisconsin territory in 1846, where he was united in marriage the following year. A daughter, Stella, was also born during their residence in Walworth county. Stella in later years became the wife of Byron Harvey, and resided in this section until her death more than fifty years ago. Clarence was a boy of about twelve years when the father, and his four brothers, and their families left Walwroth county and journeyed by covered wagon and ox team to the newly opened government lands in central Wisconsin. The boy Clarence drove one of the ox teams to the new home in Houghtonburg. The homestead taken by his father is the only one which has remained in the family.

The log cabin boyhood home of the deceased was the scene of the first religious meeting, the first school meeting, and the first town meeting held in this part of the new settlements of the state.

Mr. Houghton grew to young manhood on the farm, and June 8, 1873, was united in marriage with Mrs. Emma E. Davis, of Black River Falls. For seven years following their marriage they lived on a farm near Visalia, Calif., and then came back to the old homestead. The call of the frontier was again heeded, this time taking them to Nelson County, North Dakota for eight years. This time they returned to the old home farm to remain, excepting a short period spent in California fifteen years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Houghton happily celebrated their golden wedding in June, 1923, and their sixtieth anniversary in 1933, although at that time Mr. Houghton was affiliated with the illness which eventually caused his death. Mrs. Houghton passed away Nov. 27th, 1934. Mr. Houghton survived his beloved helpmate only about three months. He attained the age of 81 years, 9 months and 13 days.

Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Ella Harvey, and three sons, Sidney, Hugh, and Mahlon, besides a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives.

Mr. Houghton was a member of the Humbird Lodge No. 191, F. & A. M., receiving the degrees of the order thirty-three years ago. He was also a member of the Eastern Star.