Houghton was born Mary Hayes in Penfield, Ohio to Western Reserve pioneer parents from New England on March 26, 1837.

The eldest daughter of a large family, her school life was frequently interrupted by ill-health.

Despite her health issues her reading and study went on, covering a large range in history, philosophy and literature.

From the age of eighteen years, Houghton had written for publications and her connection with the press served to give variety, breadth and finish to her composition.

[1] In 1876, two years after their marriage, John Houghton became proprietor of The Wellington Enterprise and Mary was his assistant editor.