In 1878, when Hurd retired, Houghton joined with James R. Osgood of Ticknor and Fields, merging their firms to create Houghton, Osgood and Company. The firm was plagued by debts brought in by Osgood, and dissolved in 1880 when Osgood left the partnership.
In 1878, when Hurd retired, Houghton joined with James R. Osgood of Ticknor and Fields to establish Houghton, Osgood and Company. However, the firm struggled financially due to Osgood's debts, ultimately leading to its dissolution in 1880 when Osgood left the partnership.