Houghton was
born in Troy, New York on September 9, 1809. Fe was educated as
a physician at the Rensselaer Institute and graduated in 1829. The
following year he was appointed Assistant Professor of Chemistry
and Natural History at the Institute. While he was serving in that
position he came to Detroit to deliver a series of lectures on scientific
subjects.
In 1831 he was appointed surgeon and botanist to the expedition
sent out by the federal government to explore the sources of the
Mississippi River. On his return from the expedition he settled
in Detroit where he practiced as a physician.
On September 10, 1833 Douglas Houghton married his childhood sweetheart
Harriet Stevens in Fredonia, New York. They established their home
in Detroit at 19 Wayne Street. Over the next few years they had
four children.
Houghton was elected President of Detroit’s Young Men’s
Society in 1833. In 1837 he was appointed the State Geologist for
Michigan, apposition he held until his death. He did much to develop
the natural resources of the state. Houghton was instrumental in
attracting influential backers for the development of Michigan’s
wealth of natural resources. He also served as one of the Professors
at the University of Michigan.
He was a member of the National Institute in Washington, the Boston
Society of Natural History, and an honorary member of the Royal
Antiquarian Society of Copenhagen and many other scientific and
literary associations. Houghton was elected Mayor of Detroit and
served in 1842/1843.
Houghton was drowned in Lake Superior, near the mouth of Eagle River,
during a violent storm, on October 13, 1845. His body was recovered
in May of the following year. He was returned to Detroit and buried
in Elmwood Cemetery. His death was deemed a great Public loss.
Michigan’s Houghton County was named as a tribute to this
explorer, geologist, doctor, educator and leader. This is among
the many tributes to this Renaissance man.
Born: September
21, 1809
Died: October 13, 1845
Buried: Section L, Lot 5
