Prev
Incident
Watch Officer Jonathan Houghton succumbed to wounds received while on duty one week earlier when he was attacked by a man with an ax while patrolling Broad Street in the area of State Street.
It is not known what provoked the attack. Watch Officer Houghton was struck above his hip and died of his wounds seven days later. The man was convicted and hung in March 1826.
Watch Officer Houghton was survived by his wife and 15 children. His widow received a pension of one year's wages.
It is not known what provoked the attack. Watch Officer Houghton was struck above his hip and died of his wounds seven days later. The man was convicted and hung in March 1826.
Survivors
Watch Officer Houghton was survived by his wife and 15 children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp87ea1h4qzmm15n5brx- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jonathan. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
201 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watch Officer Houghton served with the Boston Watch.
Thank you for your service to the Boston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Boston Watch has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Jonathan is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
Jonathan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jonathan is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1825, 1 officer in MA was killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1825, 2 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 190th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1825, 3 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 202nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jonathan was 61. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42.
Jonathan was 61. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Jonathan was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 8% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Mondays: 19.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Boston Watch. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; axe, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; axe, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; axe, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; axe, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Boston Watch has 2 officers remembered here, Jonathan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Boston Watch are honored on badge.nw.