Home › H › Houghton, Sherman Otis

Houghton, Sherman Otis

soldier, lawyer, legislator, was born April 10, 1828, in New York city. He received his education in the private schools of New York city. In 1846 he enlisted in the first regiment of New York volunteers for service during the war with Mexico. He went with his regiment around Cape Horn in 1846, arriving at San Francisco on March 26, 1847. numerous He participated in conflicts with the Mexican troops; was promoted to a lieutenancy, and made adjutant of his command. After his return to California he engaged in gold mining for a short time; remained in San Jose during 1849-86; thence to Los Angeles, where he has since resided. In 1855-56 he was mayor of San Jose; was a member of the fifty-second and fiftythird congresses. He served two years as ordnance officer on the staff of Major- General H. W. Halleck, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 1860 he was admitted to the bar; has been leading counsel in numerous important cases involving titles under Spanish and Mexican land grants in California.