James Houghton was born in Hatton and baptised on 21st February 1892 at Daresbury Parish Church. He was the son of Walter Houghton (born Whitley) and his wife Mary (nee Maddock) who had been born in Hatton. In 1901, James was living in Hatton village with his parents and his younger brothers Frank (6) and Tom (4). His father was a bricklayer’s labourer.
A decade later, James, now 19 years old, was a blacksmith, living at home with his family. Walter was now a roadman.
James joined the Cheshire Regiment to fight in the Great War, enlisting at Warrington. His service number was 59106. He was assigned to the 13th Battalion. He fought in the Western European Theatre of War in France and Flanders. His two brothers also joined up, but in different regiments. According to the Warrington Guardian, dated 29th September 1917, he was reported missing, but was found to have been killed in action on 10th August 1917. He was 25 years old. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
He had married Martha Ann Partington (of Hatton) on 9th December 1916.at Daresbury. She later remarried, to George Ball, who also served, but she died in 1923 after only one year of marriage.
James is commemorated on the Ypres Menin Gate and the Memorial in Daresbury churchyard.