Born in Gloversville, New York, Haughton came from a farming background, where he competed in fairground races before coming into harness driving.
[1] With his Meadow Paige, Haughton paced a world record 1:55.2-minute mile in a time trial at Lexington in 1967.
Haughton was married to Dorothy Bischoff, and together they had five children, including Peter, who was also a harness driver.
[2][3] His son Peter, died in an automobile accident in East Rutherford, New Jersey on January 25, 1980.
[4] On July 15, 1986, Haughton died in Valhalla, New York, from head injuries sustained at Yonkers Raceway at the age of 62.