My Genealogy Hound

PROF. JAMES S. BOUGHTON. There is no career that more addresses the affection, and commands the esteem of men, than the profession of teaching. It offers few attractions outside of its own rewards; it wins no loud plaudits from the multitude, and is hedged about with difficulties; but those who prize humanity and know what the good of the world demands hold the teacher in the very highest esteem. So it is in Waterloo. The name of Professor Boughton is that of a dear and honored friend. Class after class of school children have been under his guiding hand, and for each he has done a work whose value can only be tested in the long years. Professor Boughton was born in the town of Ovid, Seneca County, January 31, 1829, the son of Abijah and Charlotte (Robertson) Boughton, both natives of Connecticut. The senior Mr. Boughton was twice married, his first wife being Rebecca Shute, of Danbury, Conn. Soon after marriage he removed to New York, and in 1818 located in Seneca County, where his first wife died. Here he was married to Charlotte Robertson, by whom he had three children: Rebecca (deceased) , James S. and Abijah. During his active days the father was devoted to farming. He died in the town of Ovid, July 16, 1843. He was the son of Abijah Boughton, a gallant soldier of the Revolution, who held a General’s commission, but lost his life in the great struggle. He was of French descent. The mother of James S. died October 10, 1858.

Professor Boughton passed his youth in the town of Ovid, where he attended the district school, remaining on the farm until he had passed his twentieth year. He then began teaching in the country schools, and taught eleven terms in the village of Farmer, Seneca County. In April, 1866, he removed to Waterloo, and was appointed Principal of the Union School at that place. This position he held until 1875, when he was selected as teacher of mathematics. After a little time he resigned this position to resume the Principalship of the school, and continued in this position until January 1, 1885. The preceding fall he had been elected School Commissioner of Seneca County for a period of three years, and at the expiration of his term of office he was appointed Assistant Principal of the Union School, with especial charge of the classes in mathematics, sciences, philosophy and bookkeeping. He continued here for four years, when, feeling the need of a more active life, he resigned from the school-room and its functions, and announced himself to the world as a civil engineer for Seneca and adjoining counties. He also holds the office of Assessor of the town of Waterloo.

December 23, 1852, Professor Boughton and Miss Eunice, a daughter of Jesse Sherman, were united in marriage in the town of Ovid. They reared an adopted daughter, who has since been very happily married.

Politically Professor Boughton affiliates with the Republican party, and is active in state affairs. In Seneca Lodge No. 113, F. & A. M., he is a Mason in good standing. He is a regular attendant upon the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for over twenty years led the choir. In addition to the many things he has had upon his mind, he has had charge of a most interesting singing-school.