1824 UK letter from John Houghton Rector parish Middleton, Manchester

$40.00 CAD

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Interesting letter from the Rector of Middleton parish in Manchester to a lady in London. He is trying to track down information on his father who died when he was young. John Houghton was rector there from 1818-1829.

Addressed to 

Ms Wright
Or in her absence Ms. Shelton
Orchard Street Portman Square
London

 

Rectory House Middleton St. Manchester
12th July 1824
Madam,
Altho entirely unknown to you, I may perhaps hope that you will excuse the liberty I take in addressing you, from the circumstances which induce me to do so.
 
I have recently met with a gentleman, who on accidentally hearing my name, introduced himself to me. His name is === formerly I understand practiced as an Attorney. He had told me he had heard relations of his speak of a Houghton, or Hoghton, or Haighton (for the name is I understand variously spelt) who had a small property at Haighton farm near Preston in Lancashire, who sold that property, left England, settled in Ireland. He further stated that Mr. G had two sisters, who follow’d him to Ireland, one of whom dies there unmarried, the other married a Judge Hamilton, and that yourself & another Lady Mrs Shelton – acquainted -- behind with the circumstances of Mr. Haughton’s going to Ireland.
I am the son of a Mr. Heighton a native of Lancashire who went into Ireland where he settled & the year 1701 died, I believe at the age of 50 or so. At this time I was but 6 years old & and thus ignorant concerning him. Only knowing that he was of the Heighton --- family. I am naturally anxious to know whether he was the same person as the W.G. above alluded to. under these circumstances you will I trust pardon this Intrusion & favor me with any information you can on this subject which will be gratefully acknowledge by
Madam, your obed’ serv.’
John Houghton Rector of Middleton

 

Two red postal markings  ‘MANCHESTER JY 12 1824 186’  PAID AT MANCHESTER

Folded into envelope. Red seal on back.

Toning on outside, tear where opened.