A Houghton Family

14 Jan 2000

Ralph Houghton to Rose (Houghton) VanNoy and John Houghton, perhaps cousins, both of Lancaster, Ma. via England.

Ralph Houghton born ca 1623 in England, arrived at Mass Bay Colony about 1649. No record of his crossing has been found. Perhaps he used another name. Two children were born to him and his wife, Jane near the Boston area. The seacoast area was becoming very populated and land was hard to get. About a days ride was the western hills and Nashua River. Land was purchased from the Indians and was called the Nashua Plantation (now Lancaster). Eventually, several families lived there; they petitioned the General Court at Boston and on 18 May 1653, Lancaster was incorporated by an election held at Boston, Ma. Ralph was about 29 years old at the time Lancaster was founded. Apparently, a skilled penman and man of learning, he signed the Covenant in 1652 and served as Town Clerk many years.
The first Indian raid on Lancaster occured 16 Aug 1675 and several people were killed but they managed to drive the Indians off. The second raid was 10 Feb 1676, many people were killed, homes destroyed and twenty one people were taken captive. All the settlers left, including Ralph and his family who went to Milton, Ma. The Indians returned and burned the remaining buildings; all of Lancaster was completely destroyed.
1682, Ralph and wife was admitted to full Communion in the Church at Milton, Ma. About 1685, he and family went back to Lancaster to help rebuild the town. He was representative to the General Court 1682 and Selectman 1682-83-84.
About 1690, Ralph again removed to Milton where he built his homestead. He died 15 April 1705 at the age of 82 years. His farm is now a park in Milton where many people enjoy summer activities. A pond in the park is fed by springs from the Blue Hills.
Children of Ralph and Jane Stowe:
RALPH b ca 1648 in Middlesex Co. Ma. marr ca 1690 Mary Blackburn. There is an interesting story about them to be told later.
JAMES b ca 1650 and marr Mary (Sawyer or Willard) ca 1685.
MARY b 4 Nov 1653 Lancaster, Ma. marr Wm Bently 20 Jan 1675.
JOHN b 25 Aug 1655 d Oct 1679 Charlestown, Ma.
JOSEPH b 6 July 1657 marr #1 Jane Vose #2 Margaret Reding.
EXPERIENCE b 1 Oct 1659 marr Ezra Clapp as his second wife.
SARAH b 17 Dec 1771 marr #1 Caleb Sawyer & #2 Daniel Goble of N.J.
ABIGAIL b 15 July 1664 marr John Hudson.
HANNAH b 16 Oct 1667 & died 8 Oct 1679 following the Indian massacre.

John Houghton and wife Beatrix came from England maybe the same time as Ralph and Jane. He appears in the Lancaster, Ma. records soon after it was founded and family tradition says he was of Eaton Bray, England.

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