Sherman Houghton

Sherman Houghton was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for California's 4th congressional district during the early 1870s. A member of the Republican Party, he held office in the Forty-second and Forty-third Congresses from 1871 to 1875. Houghton had a diverse career that included military service during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, as well as significant involvement in local governance as the mayor of San Jose. His life was marked by personal connections to notable historical events, including his marriages to two survivors of the Donner Party.

Early life and career

Sherman Houghton was born on April 10, 1828, in New York City. He completed his preparatory education and attended the Collegiate Institute in New York. In June 1846, during the Mexican-American War, Houghton enlisted in the 1st Regiment of New York Volunteers. His regiment arrived in San Francisco, California, in 1847 after a lengthy journey around Cape Horn. Following their arrival, the regiment was stationed in Santa Barbara before participating in the capture of La Paz in Baja California. Houghton was honorably discharged from military service as a lieutenant in Monterey, California, in October 1848.

After his military service, Houghton engaged in gold mining during the California Gold Rush. After approximately six months of mining, he relocated to San Jose, where he ventured into various commercial enterprises. His political career began in 1854 when he was elected to the San Jose Common Council. That same year, he also served as the deputy clerk of the Supreme Court of California. Houghton was elected as the fourth Mayor of San Jose, serving from 1855 to 1856. He pursued legal studies and was admitted to the bar in 1857, subsequently beginning his legal practice in San Jose.

During the Civil War, Houghton was commissioned as a captain and later promoted to lieutenant colonel. He served in various capacities, including inspector and ordnance officer, contributing to the war effort in a leadership role.

House tenure

Houghton transitioned to federal politics after the Civil War, being elected as a Republican to the Forty-second and Forty-third Congresses. His congressional service began on March 4, 1871, and concluded on March 3, 1875. Throughout his time in Congress, he was an active member and served as the chairman of the House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures during the Forty-third Congress. His tenure was marked by his efforts to address issues related to currency and measurement standards, which were significant topics during the post-war period.

Houghton faced electoral challenges during his congressional career, notably defeating Democrat Lawrence Archer in two consecutive elections. However, he was unsuccessful in his bid for reelection in 1874, which marked the end of his congressional service. His time in the House of Representatives was characterized by a commitment to his constituents and a focus on legislative matters pertinent to the economic and social landscape of the time.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Sherman Houghton was particularly focused on issues related to coinage, weights, and measures, reflecting the economic priorities of the post-Civil War United States. As the chairman of the House Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures, he played a crucial role in discussions and decisions that influenced monetary policy and standardization practices. This committee's work was essential in establishing a reliable and consistent framework for currency and measurement, which were vital for commerce and trade in a rapidly growing nation.

Houghton's legislative actions were shaped by the broader context of the era, which included the challenges of reconstruction and the economic adjustments following the Civil War. His contributions to the committee and the House were part of a larger Republican agenda aimed at stabilizing the economy and promoting growth through sound monetary policies.

After leaving Congress, Houghton continued to engage in public service. In 1881, he was appointed as a commissioner to investigate the affairs of the United States Mint in San Francisco. This role allowed him to apply his expertise in coinage and monetary matters beyond his congressional tenure. In 1886, he moved to Los Angeles, where he resumed his legal practice, contributing to the legal community in Southern California.

Houghton's personal life included significant connections to American history through his marriages. In 1859, he married Mary Martha Donner, a survivor of the infamous Donner Party, although she passed away a year later, likely due to complications from childbirth. In 1861, he married Eliza Poor Donner, another survivor of the Donner Party and a cousin of his first wife. Together, they had seven children, further intertwining Houghton’s legacy with the historical narrative of the Donner Party.

Sherman Houghton passed away on August 31, 1914, at the age of 86 in Hynes, California. He was interred at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles. His contributions to California politics and his involvement in significant historical events have left a lasting impact, exemplified by the Donner-Houghton House, a historic building he constructed in 1881, which was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places.