Pamphlet 1, Douglass Houghton, State Geologist -- Page 3 of 20
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Part of the Geologic Map of the Middle and Western States published in Natural History of New York, Part IV, Geology by James Hall 1843, Albany New York. Hall stated, “Dr. Houghton, State Geologist of Michigan, has obligingly furnished me with a geologic map of that state of which I posses a very imperfect knowledge.” The Houghton Manuscript is lost. The map outlines the ‘Coal Measures’ and carboniferous limestone, Portage and Chemung groups. Granted there has been substantial information added since 1843, but the basic pattern still holds true. Amazing this was done with out cars, paved roads, GPS or computers. Truly an amazing accomplishment. Map Martin, Helen M. An Index Of The Geology Of Michigan,. Lansing, 1956. Table of Contents Geological and Land Management Division Douglass Houghton Michigan’s First State Geologist Pamphlet 1 - 1966, 1970, 1977, 2004 1837-1845 ............................................................................ 5 DOUGLASS HOUGHTON Abstract................................................................................ 5 MICHIGAN’S FIRST STATE Houghton Family ............................................................... 5 GEOLOGIST 1837 - 1845 Education ............................................................................ 6 by Helen Wallin Lectures in Detroit............................................................. 6 Expedition of 1831 ............................................................ 7 Illustrated by James Campbell Expedition of 1832 ........................................................... 7 This brilliant young man came to Michigan Marriage............................................................................... 7 Territory with education, enthusiasm, and vision. He gave generously of his talents, and eventually First State Geologist, 1837................................................ 7 his life, to the struggling new State. 1838 Survey......................................................................... 8 The author hopes this sketch will introduce Dr. 1839 Survey......................................................................... 8 Houghton to a wider circle of friends and 1840 Survey......................................................................... 9 admirers, spur the search for lost materials, and 1841 Survey......................................................................... 9 hasten the production of a truly definitive 1842 Survey....................................................................... 10 biography of this illustrious man. 1843 Survey....................................................................... 10 The interest in Douglass Houghton continues. Since the first printing of this pamphlet in 1966, new information has come to 1844 Survey....................................................................... 10 light. One of the more significant findings concerns the 1845 Survey....................................................................... 11 Houghton burial plot in Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. This situation was revealed largely through the zeal and dedication of Death.................................................................................. 12 Mr. Don H. Clarke of Essexville, Michigan. Another matter of Dr. Houghton’s Affiliations............................................ 13 considerable interest involves portraits of Dr. Houghton. References ......................................................................... 13 The text of the pamphlet remains virtually the same as the first edition except for a dozen, or so, emendations. Most of the new Portraits ............................................................................. 14 material, including details on portraits, appears in the Appendix. Lansing, Michigan ............................................................ 15 The attractive new look was achieved through a revised format Burial Plot, Elmwood Cemetery .................................... 15 and the excellence of Jim Campbell’s artwork. Geographic Features Named for Dr. Houghton......... 16 Assistance in gathering information was generously contributed by many fine people associated with libraries, historical collections, State Reports by Houghton ............................................ 17 societies, and agencies - too numerous to list individually. Those Historical Marker Honoring Douglass Houghton ...... 18 few to whom special thanks are due are: Edsel K. Rintala for permission to use his excellent book, Geneva Kebler Wiskemann of the State Historical Commission, Esther Loughin formerly with State of Michigan, the State Library, Helen M. Martin formerly with the State Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor Geological Survey, and Robert W. Kelley geologist and editor Department of Environmental Quality with the State Geological Survey. Steven E. Chester, Director Helen Wallin, Lansing, Michigan Information & Education Division, December, 1970 Department of Natural Resources Geological and Land Management Division This printed and the companion electronic version was compiled 525 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48913 from several of the earlier publications by Steven E. Wilson. Printed by authority of Part 601 Geological Survey, 1994 PA 451 as amended Total number of copies printed: 1000 Total printing costs: $ ###.## Printing cost per copy: $##.## Pamphlet 1, Douglass Houghton, State Geologist -- Page 3 of 20 Douglass Houghton Michigan’s First State Houghton Family Geologist 1837-1845 Wading the streams by day, tortured by swarms of mosquitoes at night - often short of provisions, and often drenched by rain - were it not that courage is uplifted by the love of science, both for its own sake and the good it is to accomplish, the task of the pioneer explorer would be hard indeed. – Douglass Houghton Douglass Houghton was born in Troy, New York, Abstract September 21, 1809, the fourth child of Judge Jacob and Mary Lydia Douglass Houghton. In addition to Douglass, Douglass Houghton’s scientific explorations and fervent there were four boys, Alured, Alexander, Richard and Jacob interest in geology sparked the development of Michigan’s Jr., and two girls, Lydia and Sarah. Jacob’s fore bearers had rich mineral resources, particularly the copper deposits of come to Bolton, Massachusetts, from Bolton, England, in the Upper Peninsula. His genius and charisma have the 1650’s. Jacob settled in Troy in eastern New York, but spanned almost a century and a half. Born in Troy, New later moved his family to Fredonia (then called Canadawa) in York in 1809, Douglass received his early schooling in western New York. The 400-mile journey by horse team Fredonia. Returning to Troy, he graduated in 1828 from into the wilderness took several weeks. Many hardships Van Rensselaer School and then stayed on as Professor of were encountered, but Jacob and Mary were young and not chemistry and natural history. In 1830, General Lewis Cass, easily discouraged. It was the beginning of a new life. Territorial Governor of Michigan, arranged for Houghton to Bradish, Douglass Houghton’s brother-in-law, said the lecture on chemistry and geology in Detroit. That same year Houghton’s were “animated with a noble passion for Houghton was also appointed surgeon and botanist for the securing a home in a new region of the West for themselves Schoolcraft expedition to the source of the Mississippi and children.” River. From 1832-1836, Dr. Houghton practiced medicine in Detroit. Then in 1837 he was appointed the new state’s At Fredonia Jacob Houghton opened an office among the first State Geologist, devoting most of his labors thereafter few rude cottages in the midst of the woods. The services in directing the activities of the State Geological Survey - of the young lawyer were in demand, so by 1813, he was one of the early organizations of its type in the United able to build a substantial two-story frame house, which States. During his lifetime, Houghton served many leading became home, schoolhouse, academy and college for his organizations and institutions. Also, he was Mayor of children. The house was located on the highest ground Detroit, President of its first Board of Education, Professor overlooking the village. A large stream - the Canadaway - at the University of Michigan, and, was being nominated for traversed the village. An orchard was planted from cuttings Governor at the time of his early demise. In October 1845 Jacob carried in the leg of his boot during a visit to Mayville. he and two companions drowned in Lake Superior while To the west, the land sloped gently to Lake Erie. To the engaged in geological endeavors. south, the hills of Chautauqua rose 600 to 800 feet. Eventually farms, orchards and vineyards covered much of the land, but there were also dells, groves and the virgin forests. A few rods from the house just back of the orchard, the boys excavated a turf-covered cellar large enough to admit four persons. Furnished with crude seats and shelves, the children retreated here for study. No amusements of any kind, or girls, were permitted. Jacob shrank from the usual art of politics, believing he could not afford to sacrifice his law business. He was Justice of the Peace, and at one time served as Postmaster. Eventually he was appointed Judge of the County. In subsequent years, many of his students became leading lawyers in that part of New York. Pamphlet 1, Douglass Houghton, State Geologist -- Page 5 of 20 Judge Houghton and his wife were widely known for Lectures in Detroit unobtrusive charities,