William Houchen was the son of Charles Houchen (1817) and Susan Clarke. He was born in March, Cambridgeshire, in 1842. In 1851 he was living in Whittle End, Cambs. The family emigrated to America sometime before 1861. William fought in the Civil War, enlisting as a Waggoner in “G” Company of the 22nd Illinois Infantry on 25th June 1861. He mustered out on 7th July 1864. He married a woman called Charlotte. In 1880 he was farming in Salem, Marion County, Illinois.

Sources
• 1. 1851 Census. Whittle End, Witchford, Cambs. William Houchen. Son. Age 9. Born March. • 2. 1880 US Census. Salem, Marion, Illinois. William Houchen. Head. Age 38. Farmer. Born England. • 3. Illinois Civil War documents. Company “G” 22nd Illinois Infantry. Houchen, William, Private, Salem. Date of muster: Jun 25 1861. Remarks: Mustered Out July 7 1864; wagoner.