1. John¹ Houston was born Abt. 1728 in County Tyrone, Ireland, and died 1808 in Newberry District, SC. He married Mary Ross 1751 in Ireland. She was born Bef. 1736 in prob. Ireland, and died Feb 1811 in Newberry District, SC.

Notes for John Houston:

According to "Brief Biographical Accounts of Many Members of the Houston Family," by Rev. Sam'l Rutherford Houston, D.D., 1882 : "on the voyage to this country some disaster caused them to lose nearly all the property they possessed, together with the family records. The few articles of silver and the linen they saved and preserved were marked with a "crest." Tradition says "they were true 'blue stocking' Presbyterians, ingrained in the blood." The father, as described by his daugher-in-law, David's wife, was a "high-toned gentleman, strictly honest, nice and proud" of his children."

"He had only one brother, who died a bachelor."

Abt. 1760 Emigrated from Ireland to S.Carolina (or 1763).

Resided South Carolina. Immigrated through Charleston, SC, had eight children, 5 born Ireland, 3 in America. Presbyterian. Connected to Houstons of Augusta Co., VA according to General Sam Houston.

Owned grist mill on Indian Creek, Newberry District.

02 Feb 1811 will (Mary) proved 23 Feb 1811, Book E, page 142

memo: 5 generations

Notes for Mary Ross:

At least two descendants are named David Ross Houston. Was her father's name David Ross of Ireland?

In the name of God Amen. I Mary Houston of the Dist of Newberry and State of South Carolina widow being sick and week of body but of sane mind and memory. __________be God for the same do make and declair that my last Will and Testement in the maner and form following. I give and desire and bequeath unto my son WILLIAM HOUSTON his Executors administrators and assigne all my part of the goods and chattler property that remained at the death of my beloved husband. This for him to have at my desceas also. I give unto my grandson JOHN HUSTON his heire and assigins son of WILLIAM HUSTON my third part of the land that remained at the death of my beloved husband John Huston. My grand son to have it at my discear and I do here by nominate constitute and appoint my son WILLIAM HUSTON sole Excrats of this my Last Will and Testament in witness where I here unto let my hand and seal this 2nd day of Febuary in the year of our Lord 1811 Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Loland, John X his mark Morison , THOS HUSTON

Her

Mary X Huston

Mark

Children of John Houston and Mary Ross are:

3. Margaret² Houston (John¹) was born Aft. 1752 in Co. Tyrone, Ireland. She married James McCracken. He was born 1750, and died 1802 in Mecklenburg Co., NC.

Notes for James McCracken:

One James McCracken is listed in the DAR records:

James McCracken (1750-1802) served as private in Colonel Polk's regiment, General Sumter's brigade, North Carolina Line. He died in Mecklenburg County, N. C.

His wife is not named; his son James McCracken, Jr. married Elizabeth Davidson

James Jr.'s daughter Margaret McCracken married Azariah Alexander.

Child of Margaret Houston and James McCracken is:

5. James² Houston (John¹) was born Abt. 1755 in Co. Tyrone, Ireland, and died 07 Sep 1837 in Morgan Co., GA. He married Mary Hughey. She was born Aft. 1764 in Rowan Co., NC, and died 11 Oct 1828 in Morgan Co., GA.

Notes for James Houston:

Thanks to: KPmeow@aol.com (Percy Smith, Jr.) and pcsmith@hom.net (Percy Smith)

"James Hewston, Sr. left Newberry County, South Carolina in 1798 to move to Greene County, Georgia. There are three reasons why we know he left South Carolina around 1798. First, he sold his land in Newberry County to James Wright August 7, 1798. Next , during the late 1700s and early 1800s county roads are maintained by teams of land owners who live within 10 miles of a road. The country court would choose prominent citizens in the area to supervise or oversee the maintenance of the road. The county court is similar to todays county commissioners. James Hewston is chosen with Hugh Boyd to oversee a road that passes from Newberry to Kings Creek to Enoree River to the Tyger river. They must of made a good team because they are repeatedly chosen from the October term of 1795 till July term of 1798. Boyd is again chosen in 1798 but someone replaces James Hewston. Finally, James Hewston does not appear on the 1800 census of Newberry County or of South Carolina. David, Samuel and John Jamess brothers however do appear on the 1800 Newberry census.

"The Georgia Tax Digest for Greene County in the year 1801 lists a James Hughston on page 42. From land records in Greene County, we know that he settled in an area of the county along Fishing Creek called Greshamville. No record of its incorporation as a town or village can be found. It derived its name from the many Greshams who settled in the area. Many Gresham went held important posts in Greene Countys government. The Postmasters office was held by two generations of Greshams. Coincidental they were named Young Gresham. Also Young Gresham, Sr. is mentioned as being a Physician. One can find Greshamville marked on some current maps.

"By 1805 Jamess brothers have joined him in Georgia. On the 1805 Tax Digest for Georgia, Samuel and David have joined James in Greene County. John and his son Alexander are in nearby Clarke County. Nephews John Jr. and Benjamin Hughson have joined the family in Greene county by 1810. In 1806, James Hewston buys over 200 acres across the Oconee River in the new Morgan County. In the deed to his new land, James lists his children as the future beneficiaries of the purchase. This land is on the Cherokee Indian frontier having just been ceded to the settlers. The new Indian border was within a couple of miles of Hewstons land. As late as 1813 a massacre of settlers by Indians occurred within a few miles of the Hewston farm. There were several deaths along with the kidnapping of two females. Living this close to danger it was important to have family nearby in times of need. In 1817 John Y. Hughston, James Hewstons oldest son has bought his own farm and has settled within a couple of miles of his father.

"By the 1820s, James brother John has moved his family to nearby Jasper (then called Irwin) County. In the 1826 Georgia Land Lottery, John won large tracks of land in Fayette, Troup and Coweta County. He moves his family of grown sons John Jr., Hugh, Samuel, and Oliver to the area to manage his farms. This is a fine example of the Hewstons clannish nature.

"A similar situation happened with Jamess family. In the 1826 Georgia Land Lottery, James Jr., David Ross, Young Gresham and James Sr. enter the lottery together. James Jr. is the only winner. He remains in Morgan County and sells his land in Troup County. James Sr's son-in-laws John Hargrove, Julius Skinner and Posey Johnston also won land in previous lotteries but they remain in Morgan County till after the death of their father-in-law, James in 1837.

"From the will of James Hewston we know his children were: Polly, David, Prudy, Peggy, Nicy, Luicinda, James, John and Young Gresham. Mary Polly Houston marries Isaac Culberson. David Ross Huston marries Ann F. A. Ellington and Mary O Kelly. Prudence Prudy Hewston marries Posey Johnson. Margaret Peggy Hewston marries Benjamin Auberry. Eunice Nicy Houston marries John R. Hargroves. Lucinda Houston marries Julius Skinner. Young Gresham Houston marries Harriet Amend Haynes. It is unclear who James Hewston, Jr. and John Y. Houston marry.

"Listed in the will of John Hewston, father of our James Hewston we find the names of his brothers and sisters. John, David, Ross, William and Samuel are his brothers. His sisters are listed as Mary Hopper (Harper) wife of John Hopper and Elizabeth (Peggy) McCrackin wife of James McCrackin Jr. John Hewston died in 1808. Most of the clan has moved to Georgia except for Mary Hewston the widow, Mary Hoppers, Peggy McCrackins, Rosss and Williams families. A rift develops in the administration of the

will. By 23 February 1811 a full blown civil case has arisen. John and James are fighting with Ross and William over the dispersion of the proceeds of the estate. The interesting point is that the Georgia part of the family has aligned itself against the South Carolina family.

"When William leaves South Carolina to move west in the late 1820s he skips Georgia and goes straight to Alabama. Evidently the animosity ran deep. Before William Hewston leaves South Carolina, he serves a stint as Postmaster of a station called Houstons Store in 1827. The store is left to be administered by a nephew Andrew Turner when William leaves the state. Andrews mother is Mary Hewston which is not the aunt married to John Hopper but another aunt. The name of the station changes to McMorries Store and later to Popular Grove before being discontinued after the Civil War.

"James and Samuel Hewston must have been pig farmers before they left South Carolina. They are in court in the 1790s charging someone with rustling pigs. After a year at trial the court rules it was only a case of mistakenly branding the wrong pigs. A cash settlement was made. James stayed busy because he was involved in owning a tavern with the Goodman family. Something ran a foul because James winds up suing the Goodmans for a cash settlement. There was a criminal case pending against James right before he left for Georgia that was eventually dismissed.

"Religion must have been very important to the Hewston Family. The closest Presbyterian church was in Newberry eight to ten miles away. The Reverend Robert McClintock, a local circuit rider, had been preaching in the area before the war, but he must flee South Carolina when the Revolutionary War starts. He was stuck in Ireland till after the war. After The Revolution War, James Hewstons father wants a church nearby. He donates one acre of land to the Reverend McClintock to build a church and cemetery. The church was named Guilders Creek Presbyterian Church. It was also known as Kings Creek and Indian Creek Presbyterian. The church had a strong following with some of the family being buried there. Ross A. Houston preaches there on occasion before becoming a circuit rider. He serves as a circuit rider in Georgia, South Carolina and retires to preach in Alabama. His name appears on on many marriage certificates, especially in Greene County, Georgia.

"Moses Waddell is a Presbyterian minister from Willington South Carolina. He preaches on a circuit which takes him to Newberry South Carolina. He later preaches in Greene County, Georgia. The Goshen Presbyterian Church is very close to Greshamville where he occasionally preaches. He soon begins preaching in Greensboro, Georgia. He becomes instrumental in starting a college in Greensboro. Later, he is chosen to be The University of Georgias first president at Athens in Clarke County.

"This is the same time that Young Houston should be appearing on the tax digest in Morgan County. It is unclear exactly when Young was born but he appears on the deed in 1806, which means he should be 18 years old by 1824. Georgia Law said that all males 18 or older should appear on the county's tax digest. There is a Houston studying at the University at the time but it is unclear if he is related . Could Young Houston have gone to college. He does hold the position of plantation overseer in later life. His first three sons, William H., James D., and John Scott could read and write according to the census reports. James Decatur lists his occupation as a teacher in 1860 census. Living with a wealthy landlord in town, William H. Houston and his cousin William Haynes lists their occupations as clerks in 1860 census. Could he had been a law clerk studying law? John Scott Houston is listed as a plantation overseer for his grandmother Elizabeth Haynes and uncle Malcolm Haynes.

"The pioneers on the frontier of South Carolina took politics very seriously in 1776. Living on the Indian frontier protection from the Indians was very important as well as protection from the Spanish in Florida. Many of the cash crops grown in South Carolina were sold in Great Britain. The issue of taxation without representation was at the heart of a major uprising that had occurred when The Stamp Act was implemented in nearby Savannah. The Hewstons were of Scot-Irish descent arriving from County Tyronne Ireland after 1760. Immigrants were required by British law to take an oath of allegiance to Britain before land grants were given. John Hewston had received a land grant in 1771. Perhaps this is why his son John served in the Continental Army in his fathers place. John served several tours enlisting in 1776 and serving till 1782 as a private. He applies for a pension in Coweta County, Georgia in 1835. James Hewston and his other brothers served in the South Carolina Militia. The militia members would work their vocations till a need to fight arose. The 96 District of South Carolina which included Newberry County was the scene of many skirmishes between Whigs and Tories. The politics of Newberry County were dividing families down the middle between Whigs and Tories. The Turner family, which Mary Hewston becomes part of by marriage, has brothers-in-law fighting as Tories and Whigs. One of the brothers is killed while fighting as a Tory, forcing another Tory brother and his family to move to Florida after the war. On a visit back to South Carolina an assassin wounds him. He is smuggled back to Florida in a coffin playing dead.

"(It should be noted that the Houston name had two distinct pronunciations during this time. An early Governor of Georgia James Houstoun pronounced his name HOUSE ton. One finds several spellings of our ancestors named HUGH ston such as: Hewston, Huston, Hueston Huson Hughston or Heuston. It seems that the HOUSE-ton pronunciation was more frequently connected to English nobility or very affluent British families. The rise in Sam Houston's popularity after the war of Texas Independence, probably did the most to standardize the pronunciation.)"

There was one James Houston in 1785 who was living on the Oconee River in Greene Co., Ga. (DB2 p.339-340)? Smith (above) states that James was on the 1801 Greene Co. tax list and bought over 200 acres across the Oconee River in 1806 in the new county of Morgan Co., Ga.

Notes for Mary Hughey:

Is Mary Hughey the sister of James Hughey of Rowan Co., who was born c 1777?

James and Joseph Hughey are enumerated in the 1820 Morgan Co GA census, Leonard's Militia District, which is where the Awbrey and Johnston families were lurking.

Children of James Houston and Mary Hughey are:

7. Ross² Houston (John¹) was born Abt. 1764 in SC, and died Bef. 26 Jan 1850 in Lauderdale Co., AL. He married Mary Ann McCracken Abt. 1813 in Newberry Dist., SC. She was born 1785 in SC, and died Aft. 26 Jan 1850.

Children of Ross Houston and Mary McCracken are:

8. William² Houston (John¹) was born Abt. 1768 in Newberry Dist., SC. He married Mary 'Polly' Smith Bef. 1820.

Children of William Houston and Mary Smith are:

9. David Ross² Houston (John¹) was born Abt. 1774 in Charleston District, SC, and died 24 Sep 1836 in Lauderdale Co., AL. He married Hannah Pugh Reagan Bef. 1796 in Newberry Dist., SC, daughter of Reason Reagan and Hannah Pugh. She was born Bet. 1773 - 03 Nov 1776 in SC, and died 01 Dec 1847 in Lauderdale Co., AL.

Notes for David Ross Houston:

resided Williamson CO., TN

Sarah Houston is sister of Gov. George Smith Houston of AL

ref: The Governors of Alabama

a planter, resided Greene Co., GA

"David and Hannah (Reagan) Houston, natives of Ireland, came to Lauderdale County in 1813 and settled on their plantation about 13 miles west of Florence on the Waterloo Road, near Gravelly Springs, and adjoining the old Natchez Trace. They had lived in Tennessee until they moved here with their thirteen children. Their home was a large, three-story brick structure built along the typical ante-bellum lines. A huge water tank, located on the roof, caught rain water and furnished the household with running water. This home burned sometime before 1900.

"The Houston cemetery, some signs of the old brick foundations of the mansion, and remains of the once elegant garden house are the only signs today of the old home, the boyhood home of the onetime Governor and U.S. Senator, George S. Houston, one of the thirteen children.

"The Houston land supposedly exended from Gravelly Springs to the Tennessee River where they had a boat landing."

Lauderdale Co., AL by Garrett.

I, David Houston of the County of Lauderdale, State of Alabama, of a sound and disposing mind do on this 21st day of August 1836 made and publish this my last will and Testament.

Item 1st. It is my will and desire that all of my just debts shall be paid out of my personal property.

Item 2nd. After the payment of my just debts I will and bequeath until my daughter Jane a servant girl named Lize and her child and her sister named Jane.

Item 3: I will and bequeath until my daughter Rebecca Floras Mary an servant girl and

her two children Kitta and Perry.

Item 4. I will and bequeath unto my daughter Mary, Alsis Charlotte a servant girl.

Item 5. I will and bequeath until my daughter Louisa Vinas eldest daughter Caroline a servant girl.

Item 6. I will and bequeath to my daughter Ann Floras Lise a servant girl that waits in the house.

Item 7. I will and bequeath to the three children Pugh, Nancy and Jane Ridley of Robert Ridley and Sarah Ridley his wife a servant girl named Frances now in the possession of said Robert and Sarah. Also the sum of Three hundred a piece.

Item 8th. I will and bequeath to Robert Ridley one hundred and fifty dollars which is all I intend him to have of my estate.

Item 9. I will and bequeath to Sarah Ridley wife of said Robert One hundred and fifty dollars which is all I intend her to have of my estate.

Item 10th. I will and bequeath to my son Ross Houston the servant girl named Easter now in his possession and three tracts of land lying in Lauderdale County the one on which he lives called the Gravelly Springs tract and two others now in his possession known as the Strong tracts to him and his heirs forever which is all I intend for him to have of my estate.

Item 11. The balance of my estate of every sort and description I want divided fairly and equally between my sons Pugh Houston, George S. Houston, Russell Houston and G.J. Houston and my daughters Jane Houston, Rebecca Houston, Mary Houston, Louisa Houston and Ann Houston share an share alike - the mode of division to be such as my executors may adapt and agree upon.

Item 12th. It is my will and desire that my property shall be kept together as it is now during the life of my beloved wife Hanna Houston under the controul of my executors and that she is liberally supported out of the profits of the same during such her said life and that the profits of the labour of my servants on the farm and other places as my said executors may put them be put into and constitute a part of the general fund to be divided as aforesaid after taking out so much as may be required to support my beloved wife as aforesaid.

Item 13. I hereby appoint Pugh Houston and George S. Houston my sons my Exrs of this my last Will and Testament and it is my will and desire that they manage and controul my Estate as I have above requested it to be done.

Item 14. I hereby authorize and empower my Executors if they think proper to do so to dispose of ny of my surplus property real or personal at private sale or in any other manner they may agree upon and employ and use the proceeds of said sale or sales in the way they may think best for the benefit of the legatees.

Signed this 22nd day of August, 1936 by David Houston

Witnessed by Richard Baugh, Moses White and Jane Bromley

Filed October 15th, 1836

Probate Court of Lauderdale County, Alabama

Recorded Will Book A, pages 26-27

Notes for Hannah Pugh Reagan:

Welsh, Quaker. " ... a connection of the Pugh family of Ohio." May have been born in Frederick Co., VA. "She was a remarkable woman for her day and the advantages which she enjoyed."

Her reported birthdate is after the marriage of her presumed mother to Thomas Reagan. However, her mother is also reported to have had a daughter, Hannah Reagan, in 1795, resulting in bewilderment for those who rarely hear of two surviving children with the same Christian name. The stories recounting that her father was Reason Reagan may be in error, but it seems likely that she is of the same Pugh and Reagan families that were in Newberry Co., SC at the same time, so the identity of her grandparents are probably not in dispute.

Children of David Houston and Hannah Reagan are:

10. James³ McCracken, Jr. (Margaret² Houston, John¹) He married Elizabeth Davidson.

Child of James McCracken and Elizabeth Davidson is:

12. John Y.³ Houston (James², John¹) was born Bet. 1775 - 1778 in SC, and died Aug 1849 in Marion Co., AL. He married Elizabeth Maddox 25 Nov 1808 in Clarke Co., GA, daughter of <Unknown> Maddox.

Notes for John Y. Houston:

Whether this John Young Houston is part of the line 'Descendants of John Houston and Mary Ross" is not confirmed.

Children of John Houston and Elizabeth Maddox are:

13. Mary 'Polly'³ Houston (James², John¹) was born 19 Nov 1787, and died 28 Aug 1855 in Coweta Co., GA. She married Isaac Culbertson. He was born 30 Oct 1784, and died 24 Dec 1829 in Bur. Troup Co., GA.

Children of Mary Houston and Isaac Culbertson are:

14. Prudence³ Houston (James², John¹) was born 22 Dec 1795 in GA, and died 18 Jan 1871 in Heard Co., GA. She married Posey Johnston 01 Dec 1818 in Morgan Co., GA, son of Robert Johnston and Elizabeth Awbrey. He was born 30 Nov 1796 in SC, and died 13 Feb 1859 in Heard Co., GA.

Notes for Prudence Houston:

1820 Morgan Co GA Leonard's Militia District household of Posey Johnston, white female 16-26.

Notes for Posey Johnston:

1820 Morgan Co GA Leonard's Militia District household of Posey Johnston:

1 white male under 10

1 white male 16-26

1 white female 16-26.

Children of Prudence Houston and Posey Johnston are:

15. Margaret 'Peggy'³ Houston (James², John¹) was born 25 Jun 1798 in Greene Co., GA. She married Benjamin Awbrey 23 Dec 1817 in Morgan Co., GA. He was born 05 Feb 1792 in SC, and died 06 Sep 1863 in Cherokee Co., AL.

Children of Margaret Houston and Benjamin Awbrey are:

17. David Ross³ Huston (James² Houston, John¹) was born Abt. 1805, and died Abt. 1849. He married (1) Ann F. A. Ellington 09 Nov 1826 in Morgan Co., GA. He married (2) Mary O'Kelley 12 Feb 1829 in Walton Co., GA, daughter of Francis O'Kelley and Henrietta Harris. She was born Oct 1809 in GA, and died Abt. 1901 in Walton Co., GA.

Children of David Huston and Mary O'Kelley are:

18. Young Gresham³ Houston (James², John¹) was born Bet. 1806 - 1810 in Greene Co., GA, and died Aft. 1869 in Limestone Co., TX. He married (1) Harriet Amanda Haynes Abt. 1834 in Holmes Co., MS, daughter of John Haynes and Elizabeth Scott. She was born 02 Apr 1816 in Bedford Co., VA, and died Abt. 1844 in Lexington, Holmes, MS. He married (2) Elizabeth <Unknown> Bef. 1849. She was born Abt. 1812. He married (3) Martha <Unknown> Bef. 1860.

Notes for Young Gresham Houston:

Census records indicate he was likely born about 1814 and died after the 1870 Limestone census was taken. A deed indicates that a land transfer to a Young Houston occured by 1806, indicating that there were likely two men with that name. Also, there is no conclusive evidence that the parents of Young Gresham Houston were James Houston and Mary Hughey.

razorback@boone.net (Helen Ruth Towns) descends from this line. townshr@appstate.edu Jun 2002

1850 Holmes Co., Ms. - Lexington tp.

Young G. Houston 40 Ga (1810) cabinet maker

Elizabeth 38 Ga (1812)

James 14 Ms (1836)

John 11 Ms (1839)

Mary 9 Ms (1841)

Leonidas 6 Ms (1844)

Ross 1 Ms (1849)

Children of Young Houston and Harriet Haynes are:

Child of Young Houston and Elizabeth <Unknown> is:

19. Eunice 'Nicey'³ Houston (James², John¹) was born Abt. 1809. She married John R. Hargrove. He was born Abt. 1802 in NC.

Child of Eunice Houston and John Hargrove is:

20. James Monroe³ Houston (Ross², John¹) was born 10 Mar 1814 in Newberry Co., SC, and died 1857 in Lee Co., AR. He married Mary Jane Simpson 05 Oct 1846 in Waterloo, Lauderdale, AL. She was born 18 Apr 1823 in TN.

Children of James Houston and Mary Simpson are:

24. Rebecca Ann³ Houston (Ross², John¹) was born Abt. 1818 in TN, and died 20 Oct 1881 in Lorado, Greene, AR. She married James Lamb 18 Feb 1841 in Waterloo, Lauderdale, AL. He was born 26 Jul 1821 in Lauderdale Co., AL, and died 25 Aug 1896 in Lorado, Greene, AR.

Children of Rebecca Houston and James Lamb are:

29. James E.³ Houston (William², John¹) was born 23 Jun 1820 in SC, and died 01 Jan 1883 in Brunswick, Glynn, GA. He married Mary Ann Elizabeth Waters 29 Jan 1850 in Newberry Co., SC, daughter of David Waters and Elizabeth Elleson. She was born 03 Nov 1819 in Newberry Co., SC, and died 31 Dec 1897 in Savannah, GA.

Notes for James E. Houston:

He was a judge; mayor of Brunswick, GA for three terms, 1856, 1857, 1870. At time of death he was city clerk and treasurer.

MILITARY: THE WATERS & KINDRED FAMILIES by Philemon Berry Waters, 1902, p. 160: In Civil War he was quartermaster of Benning's Brigade with rank of captain and served entire four years of war.

Moved from South Carolina to Brunswick, Ga in 1852.

Children of James Houston and Mary Waters are:

32. Mary W.³ Houston (William², John¹) was born Abt. 1826 in SC. She married William F. Turnley 21 Sep 1848 in Lauderdale Co., AL, son of <Unknown> Turnley. He was born Abt. 1822 in TN.

Children of Mary Houston and William Turnley are:

33. Frances Laura³ Houston (William², John¹) was born Abt. 1832. She married James Temple Turnley 08 Jan 1851 in Lauderdale Co., AL, son of <Unknown> Turnley. He was born Abt. 1827 in TN.

Notes for James Temple Turnley:

James married again and had children George Smith 'Smithie' Turnley and 'Mackie' Turnley.

Children of Frances Houston and James Turnley are:

36. Sarah³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born Oct 1798, and died 17 Oct 1879. She married Robert Ridley 26 Mar 1820 in Williamson Co., TN, son of Beverly Ridley and Annie Williams. He was born 06 Apr 1799 in TN, and died 1843 in prob. Madison Co., MS.

Notes for Sarah Houston:

resided Williamson Co., TN, Madison Co., MS

More About Sarah Houston:

Burial: Ocean Springs, Harrison, MS

Notes for Robert Ridley:

" ... He removed to the State of Mississippi; some say he subsequently settled in Alabama, and died there."

resided Williamson Co., TN. Served in the Seminole War, as did his brother George Ridley.

The Houston family wrote that Sarah Houston ran away to get married to a gambler and a drunk. He was involved in at least one lawsuit that was the result of a drunken fight, in Williamson Co., TN.

Loose Records - Williamson Co.

August 1831 - Robert Ridley on the 21st. day 1831 with force and arms assaulted, beat and bruised, did knock, pull ahd gouge out the eye of William (Martin). The bill for the curing of wounds, sickness, soreness, lameness and blindness caused by Ridley assessed by Martin was $400. William A. Baugh, a material witness, has left the county and believed to now resided in Giles County.

Deposition of Baugh: conversation took place between Baugh and Gen. Martin since the fight and Martin said he knew when his eye was put out in the fight, it was when Ridley was down and at the tie when Ridley threw up his hand and struck the sight of his eye with his finger and thumb nail. The fight took place during the late election. Ridley was excited by intoxication.

Deposition of WIlliam Martin - There was an exhibition of animals in the neighborhood where he resided on 21 May last and a meeting of the candidates. He had been engaged part of the day at labor, the little boys where he resided wanted to go and see the animals and he went with them that evening. When he got to Nolensville, he saw Ridley sitting in the house. He decided not to speak to him because he knew what sort of man he was. He heard a man named Sturdivant say "you had no business to have tore my bill," talking about betting on the election. A senator from Rutherford and Williamson County, Russwurm, one of the candidates came forward and handed Sturdivant a $5 bill to replace the one Ridley had torn, to make peace between them. Ridley said Jetton could not be elected. Ridley told Russwurm he could whip him or any of his friends. Ridley proceeded to turn and jump on Martin. Martin threw Ridley down and was on him when his eye was put out. Ridley was at Champ's Grocery in Nolensville. Both men were gouging at the others eyes.

Deposition of James C. Irvin. He said he heard a man named Waggoner, who had only one eye, ask Ridley why he had treated Martin so. Ridley replied that it had been an old grudge. Martin had treated George badly in the Seminolean War. Martin said not to part them until Ridley was whipped. Martin was a good deal the strongest man.

Deposition of Mr. Waggoner - He was Margin have Ridley down and gouging him. Ridley pushed Marstin's head back and had his finger in his eye. Blood was running out of Martin's eye and dripping on Ridley's chest. He saw the water fly out of Martin's eye. They were separated then. There was an old grudge between Martin and Ridley. No one "huzzed" for Ridley but Buck Whattamere.

Dep. Mr. Green - Ridley was drinking.

Dep. Dr. Webb - accident on Saturday evening, had no hope of Martin ever regaining sight in his eye.

Depo. John C. Neely - after the fight Martin asked him if he heard Ridley speaking ill of him. That was the reason that he called Ridley out. That he had heard Ridley say he would yet pay Gen. Martin for his conduct to his brother, George.

Dep. by Griggs and Alston - said both were gouging badly.

Depo. by Gray, Perkins and Buchanan who said Ridley was "gentlemanly drunk."

Dep. by Street - said Martin's friends were opposed to parting the fighters.

Depo. by Jacob Page - Martin was Ridley's officre in the Seminole War.

Children of Sarah Houston and Robert Ridley are:

37. Dr. John Pugh³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born 25 Jan 1803 in Greene Co., GA, and died 21 Jul 1871 in Iuka, MS. He married Lucinda 'Lucy' Chisholm 23 Dec 1830 in Lauderdale Co., AL, daughter of John Chisholm and Esther Lynn. She was born 1807 in TN, and died 09 Jul 1871 in Iuka, MS.

Notes for Dr. John Pugh Houston:

"Dr. Houston graduated from the College of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia which is the oldest medical school in the United States and at that time was the most out-standing. He was a prominent doctor and was well known throughout the state. He was not only admired as a physician and surgeon but was beloved as a friend of humanity and for his dependable, honest and trustworthy character. He sympathized deeply with the poor and dedicated his life to helping them with their troubles as well as conquering their diseases."

Children of John Houston and Lucinda Chisholm are:

38. Ross³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born 06 Jun 1805, and died 22 Dec 1863 in San Antonio, TX. He married Martha Orville Bumpass 19 Mar 1829 in Lauderdale Co., AL, daughter of Gabriel Bumpass and Catherine Buchanan. She was born 1800, and died Aft. 1834.

Notes for Ross Houston:

wife's name listed as Miss Bamform in 1877 paper

More About Ross Houston:

Burial: Concrete Cemetery, LaVernia, Wilson, TX

More About Martha Orville Bumpass:

Burial: Concrete Cemetery, LaVernia, Wilson, TX

Children of Ross Houston and Martha Bumpass are:

40. Judge Russell³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born 10 Jan 1810 in Williamson Co., TN, and died 01 Oct 1895 in Louisville, KY. He married Griselda Gilchrist Polk 04 Jun 1844 in Columbia, Maury, TN, daughter of William Polk and Mary Long. She was born 08 Mar 1819 in Columbia, Maury, TN, and died 07 Apr 1901 in Louisville, KY.

Notes for Judge Russell Houston:

Attorney, Judge, chief counsel of the Louisville & Nashville RR (L&N) for over 25 years, later President of the same company. Also, later Judge, Supreme Court of TN.

from "Lawyers and Lawmakers of Kentucky", pp. 190-191:

RUSSELL HOUSTON, one of the eminent law practitioners of Kentucky, was born in Williamson county, Tennessee, January 20, 1810, and died in Louisville October 1, 1895, The family of which he was a representative removed from South Carolina to Tennessee in 1795. Russell Houston was educated in Georgetown College, Kentucky, studied law under the direction of James Clark, in Nashville, Tennessee, and entered on the practice in 1835, at Columbia, Tennessee. He took an active part in the Indian war in Florida, and after returning therefrom in 1847, settled in Nashville, where he was associated in the active practice with Colonel Cahal, Judge A. O. P. Nicholson, Judge Nathaniel Baxter and Neil S. Brown, all distinguished members of that bar. He was without political ambition and filled but one office, that of representative in the Tennessee legislature in 1851-2

Mr. Houston took an active interest in the developments of his native state and in the building of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, was one of the first directors of the company in Tennessee and was thenceforth continuously connected with the corporation. In 1864 be removed to Louisville and filled the office of vice-president of the road until the death of Hon. James Guthrie, when he became president. In the establishment of the law department as a separate branch of the railroad service he was tendered and accepted the position of chief counsel, which he held until his death.

Mr. Houston was singularly vigorous in mind and body, was a dose observer of men and possessed a retentive memory and a genial temperament. He was a Unionist throughout the war and a stanch friend of Andrew Johnson in the administration of the affairs of his native state in the re-adjustment during the war. By the appointment of Mr. Johnson while governor of Tennessee, Mr. Houston filled a place on the bench of the supreme court d that state for a time, helping to bring order out of chaos. He refused to accept any salary for the time he served, his labors being freely given for the good of the commonwealth He held a commanding position at the bar and had the respect and confidence of the people.

"Memorial History of Louisville", pp. 356-358:

RUSSELL HOUSTON, eminent as a member of the Kentucky bar for more than twenty-five years, and for twenty-five years before that one of the leading members of the bar of Tennessee, was born in Williamson County, Tennessee January 20, 1810 and died in Louisville, full of years and honors October 1, 1895. His father, David Houston-who was a son of John Houston of South Carolina as a planter, and married Hannah Reagan, of that State, in 1795. Shortly after his marriage he moved to Tennessee, where he resided until the subject of this sketch was eight years of age at which time having purchased a large tract of land in Alabama, he moved his family, and settled in that State. As soon as they were settled in their new home, a teacher was engaged and his sons were there prepared for college. Russell Houston first attended college at Georgetown, Kentucky, but subsequently entered the University of Nashville, from which he graduated.

He studied law with Mr. James Clark, a lawyer of high standing at the Nashville bar, and began the practice of his profession in 1835 at Columbia, Tennessee. Among his first friends and clients in his new home was ex-President James K. Polk, whose friendship and kindness to him on the threshold of his professional career was a recollection that he ever delighted to recall. The Florida Indian War breaking out shortly after he commenced the practice of his profession, he was one of the first volunteers from his State, enlisting in Colonel Cahal's regiment Colonel Cahal was so impressed by young Houston's character and mind during the months passed together in Florida that at the close of the war he tendered him a partnership, which was accepted.

In 1844 he married Grizelda Polk, daughter of Dr. William J. Polk, who was a brother of Bishop Leonidas Polk, and in 1847 he moved to Nashville, where his reputation had preceded him. He soon took high rank at the bar, which at the time numbered among its members some of the ablest lawyers of the country. Besides Colonel Cahal, he had associated with him as partner in his practice in Tennessee Judge A. O. P. Nicholson, of Columbia, Governor Neil S. Brown and Judge Nathaniel Baxter, of Nashville, all of whom were lawyers of distinguished abilities. Judge Houston was wholly without political ambition and never offered for office but once. He took great interest in the development of his State, and to promote its development by assisting in securing liberal legislation, he was induced to offer for the Legislature, to which he was elected, serving in the sessions of 1851 and 1852. When the Louisville & Nashville Railroad was projected, he look an active interest in it, and contributed much toward achieving its successful consummation, taking a leading part in obtaining such legislation in Tennessee as was necessary to enable the Kentucky corporation to extend the line of its road into Nashville. He was one of the first directors of the company in the State of Tennessee, and was continuously connected with the corporation in different capacities from that time to the day of his death.

In 1864 Judge Houston moved to the city of Louisville, and at the earnest solicitation of the Hon. James Guthrie--who was president of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad-accepted the vice-presidency of the company, which he held until Mr. Guthrie's death, whom he succeeded as president, filling out the former's term. Soon after this, the law department of the company was established, and Judge Houston was tendered and accepted the position of chief counsel, which he held continuously to the day of his death.

In politics, Judge Houston affiliated with the Whig party as long as that party was in existence, and after the war with the Democratic party. When the dominant political issue became union or disunion he took a firm stand for the Union, a strong love and pride of country being one of his striking characteristics. His commanding position at the bar and his high character as a man gave him weight and influence with the military authorities in Nashville, which he exerted in behalf of his Southern friends, saving many from hardships and trials they would otherwise have been subjected to. When the Supreme Court of Tennessee was reorganized under the administration of Governor Andrew Johnson, he appointed Mr. Houston to a position on that bench, which the latter accepted at the urgent request of the governor consenting to serve only long enough to get the judicial machinery into satisfactory operation. When he had accomplished this he resigned the office and refused to accept any salary for his services. Johnson had the highest opinion of his ability as a lawyer and jurist, and after the former became President, he again manifested his high appreciation of Judge Houston by declaring it to be his purpose to tender him a position in the Supreme Court of the United States, should a vacancy on that bench occur during his administration.

Vigorous physically and mentally far beyond the age at which most men succumb to the weight of years, he was a strikingly interesting man during the latter years of his life. Acute in his observations, rich in experiences and reminiscences, he was singularly attractive to the younger men of his profession, who entertained for him almost a filial regard.

The esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens was evidenced at the time of his death by the feeling tributes of respect paid his memory by the entire press of the city, and in an eloquent memorial by the bar.

Judge Houston left surviving him a family consisting of Mrs. Houston and their four children, Mr. Allen P. Houston and Mrs. Lytle Buchanan of Louisville, Mrs. George H. Hull of New York, and Mrs. Joseph L. Ferrell of Philadelphia.

Children of Russell Houston and Griselda Polk are:

41. George Smith³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born 17 Jan 1811 in Williamson Co., TN, and died 31 Dec 1879 in Athens, Limestone, AL. He married (1) Mary Jackson Beatty 14 Nov 1835 in Athens, Limestone, AL, daughter of Robert Beatty. She was born in OH, and died Bef. 1861. He married (2) Ellen Irvine Apr 1861 in Lauderdale Co., AL, daughter of James Irvine and Emily Boggs. She was born Abt. 1836 in Florence, AL.

Notes for George Smith Houston:

Governor of Alabama and Senator after the Civil War.

1832 Ala State Legislator

1841 US Representative

1861 resigned Congress, opposed to secession

1865 elected US Senate, not seated

1876 elected Governor (Democrat) of Alabama

1878 elected US Senate

From: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress - 1999 : http://bioguide.congress.gov

HOUSTON, George Smith, a Representative and a Senator from Alabama; born near Franklin, Williamson County, Tenn., January 17, 1811; moved with his parents to Lauderdale County, Ala., and attended an academy there; studied law in Florence, Ala., and Harrodsburg, Ky.; was admitted to the bar in 1831; commenced practice in Florence, Ala.; member, State house of representatives 1832; settled in Athens, Ala., in 1835; State’s attorney for the Florence judicial district in 1836; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-seventh and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1841-March 3, 1849); declined to be a candidate for renomination in 1848; elected to the Thirty-second and to the four succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1851, until January 21, 1861, when he withdrew; chairman, Committee on Ways and Means (Thirty-second and Thirty-third Congresses), Committee on Judiciary (Thirty-fifth Congress); presented credentials as a Senator-elect to the United States Senate on February 9, 1866, for the term ending March 3, 1867, but was not permitted to take his seat; Governor of Alabama 1874-1878; elected to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1879, until his death in Athens, Ala., December 31, 1879; interment in Athens City Cemetery.

Bibliography: DAB; Draughon, Ralph. ‘George Smith Houston and Southern Unity, 1846-1849.’ Alabama Review 19 (July 1966): 187-207; U.S. Congress. Memorial Addresses. 46th Cong., 2nd sess., 1879-1880. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1880.

Dictionary of Alabama Biography:

Houston, George Smith, lawyer, representative in congress, governor of Alabama, U.S. senator, was born January 17, 1811 in Williamson Co., Tenn., and died December 31, 1879 in Athens; son of David and Hannah Pugh (Reagan) Houston, natives of South Carolina, who moved to Lauderdale County from Williamson County, Tenn. about 1831 and engaged in agriculture; grandson of John and Mary (Ross) Houston, who in 1760 emigrated from County Tyrone, Ireland, and settled in Newberry District. SC. His maternal grandmother was of Welsh ancestry, a member of the family of Pughs, noted for their promotion of education. He received an elementary education in an academy in Lauderdale County; read law in the office of Judge George Coalter in Florence, and completed his studies in Judge Boyle's law school at Harrodsburg, Ky. He was admitted to the bar in 1831, and was elected to the State legislature from Lauderdale County, in 1832. He was appointed district solicitor by Gov. Gayle to fill a vacancy in 1834, but in the winter following was defeated for the position by Hon. William Richardson. He moved to Limestone COunty in that year and continued his law practice. In 1837, he was elected solicitor over Mr. Richardson, and held the office until 1841, when he was elected to congress on the general ticket over Gen. John M. Lewis of Franklin County. He was re-elected in 1843, defeating Robert Armstrong of Lauderdale; in 1845 over John A. Nooe of Franklin; in 1847 over Hon. David Hubbard of Lawrence; and voluntarily retired in 1849, resuming his profession in partnership with Col. Egbert Jones. He was again elected to congress over Mr. Hubbard in 1851; was unopposed in 1853 and 1855, defeated Mr. Hubbard for the third time in 1857, and Hon. William A. Hewlett of Walker COunty, 1859. He retired from congress in January, 1861, with ihs colleagues when the state seceded. During his eighteen years in congress, he was recognized as one of the leaders of the house, was a member of many important committees, and was chairman of the committees on military affairs, ways and means, and the judiciary. He was opposed to secession and probably made the last Douglas speech ever made in Alabama. While in congress and secession seemed almost a certainty, he advocated and became a member of the committee of thirty-three to devise means to save the union; but when Alabama seceded, he drafted and presented to the speaker the formal withdrawal of the Alabama delegation from the Federal congress. He retired to his home, and though not in active service, refused repeatedly to take the oath of allegiance demanded by the Federal authority, and was thoroughly in sympathy with the Confederacy and contributed to its support.

"At the close of the war he was elected to the U.S. senate, defeating Hon. John Forsyth, of Mobile, and Hon. A. B. Cooper of Wilcox, but was not allowed a seat as his state was denied representation. He was a delegate to the National Union Convention at Philadelphia in 1866; was defeated for the U.S. senate by ex-Gov. Winston that same year; and resumed the practice of law at Athens, in partnership with Hon. Lake Pryor. In 1873 he was a candidate for the Federal senate but withdrew his name before the election. In 1874, when the radical party was in control of the state, Mr. Houston was elected governor over David P. Lewis in the first Democratic victory after the enforcement of the reconstruction measures. As governor, he advocated a policy which converted the penitentiary, that had previously been a considerable charge to the state, into a source of state revenue, and urged economy in every department of the state, setting the example by saving more than ten thousand dollars of the fifteen thousand set aside for contingent expenses. The most important measure before the legislature during his administration was the State debt. In a message to the legislature, Gov. Houston recommended the appointment of a committee to investigate and make some adjustment of it. The committee was composed of T. B. Bethea, Levi W. Lawless, and George S. Houston, chairman. Under the management of that committee, the bonded debt of thirty million dollars was reduced within a period of five years to a figure which was easily handled by the state, and under Gov. Houston's administration the state was restored to a condition which brought it into agreement with the Union. At the expiration of his term, he was re-elected, and shortly afterward was balloted for in the caucus for U.S. senator. He withdrew his name in order to serve his second term as governor, and at the expiration of that ..."

In 1878 he resigned his executive position to take the seat in the United States Senate to which he had been elected by the state legislature. He died in office one year later.

State of Alabama

Lauderdale County

Filed November 6, 1934

Recorded, Will Record 5, Pages 160-162

I, George S. Houston, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, hereby expressly revoking any others which may heretofore have been made by me.

Item1: I direct that all of my just debts be paid.

Item 2. To my wife I give for and during her natural life, the use of the House at Belle Mina, Alabama, that being the place where were are now living. I also give to her for and during her natural life, the next income from any and all property, real and personal and mixed, wherever situated, of which I died seized and possessed, except as my be hereinafter otherwise disposed of. After the death of my wife, I want Ellen Irvine, my wife's niece who has lived with us for many years, to have the use of the house at Belle Mina, Alabama, so long as she may choose to use it for her home. While she is so using the home, she may also have the use of the whole of Section 29. It allowing the said Ellen Irvine the use of the property above set out, she must use the rents and income, so far as may be necessary, to keep the house and farm buildings in a good state of repair and properly protect them by insurance, and pay all taxes against the property. My purpose is to provide a home for Ellen Irvine for and during her natural life. But should she decide at any time not to love on the farm as her home, then upon her abandonment of the farm as her home, or upon her death, should she continued to live there until she dies, the said house and land as above set out, shall at once pass to my two sisters, Mary Ella Houston and Emma Houston Drennen of Birmingham, Alabama, in fee simple, share and share alike, or to the survivor of them. Should they both die before the said Ellen Irvine or would they both be dead at the time she abandons the farm as her home, the said house and land shall go to my nephews, Houston and Charles Drennen, in fee simple, share and share alike. Should either of my said nephews died before the said Ellen Irvine, leaving lawful issue, then said issue shall take the share that the deceased parent would have taken. Should he not leave lawful issue, then the whole place shall go to the survivor. Should bot of my said nephews die before the said Ellen Irvine, leaving lawful issue then said issue shall take the share that the deceased parent would have taken. Should he not leave lawful issue then the whole place shall to the survivor. Should both of my said nephews die before the said Ellen Irvine, leaving lawful issue, then said issue shal take, share and share alike. Should both of my said nephews die before the said Ellen Irvine without lawful issue surviving then, then when the said Ellen Irvin abandons the farm, the in either event I give the house and land to any of my kindred then living, share and share alike.

Item 3: Subject to the provision that during the life time of my wife, she is to have the net income from any and all property, wherever situated, of which I may died seized and possession, except as herein otherwise provided, I give, devise and bequeathe to my two sisters, Mary Ella Houston and Emma Houston Drennen of Birmingham, Alabama, in fee simple and share and share alike, all of the property real, personal and mixed, and wherever situated of which I may die seized and possessed except as herein otherwise provided.

Item 4: My brother John P. Houston has given, upon certain conditions to the town of Athens, Alabama his interest in the Houston Family residence and several acres of ground attached to it. I desire to make a similar gift, coupled with the following conditions. I give, devise and bequeath to the town of Athens, Alabama or to the proper authorities thereof, my interest in the Houston Family residence and several acres of ground attached to it, but this gift is effective only upon the condition that my sisters make a similar gift of their interest in the home place, and the gift of my interest shall be effective whenever the gift of my sisters takes effect, whether by will or deed. What I give is coupled with the further condition that it shall be kept and so used that the public shall get the continued use of it, and so as to keep before the people the name of my father, and should the use of this gift ever be diverted from the purposes as herein set out, then my interest shall revert and become a part of my estate as if same had never been disposed of as above. Should my sisters make a gift to the house and only a part of the surrounding land, then my gift shall cover only my interest in so much of the land as they give.

Item 5: It was the wish of our brother John P. Houston, that a part of our acreage, possibly on the Athens & Decatur Road, about six miles from Athens, be given to the public in such way as to helpful to the portion of the public most in need of help, the particular use to which it was to be devoted to be determined by his brothers and sisters. I request my sisters to carry out suggestions made by our brother. I leave to their judgment the determination of how this land shall be used, how much of it shall be used and when the gift shall take effect.

Item 6: I wish to follow the will of my brother John P. Houston and I therefore give and bequeathe to Houston County, in the State of Alabama, the sum of Two Thousand Dollars. I want this amount used in connection with the same amount given by my brother, and in the same way, that is, in some way calculated to keep before the people of the County the name of my father, for whom the county is named. I do not wish my personal representatives to pa this bequest until after the death of my wife and the same shall not bear interest.

Item 7: I give in the trust to the City Cemetery at Athens, Alabama, or to the proper authorities thereof, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, the income to be used for the upkeep of the Houston lot in that Cemetery.

Item 8: To my wife's niece, Ellen Irvine, if living at the time of my death, I give and bequeathe, fifteen shares of stock in the First National Bank of Birmingham, Alabama and twenty shares of stock in the Birmingham Realty Company of Birmingham, Alabama and also what stock I may own in the Belle Mina Bank at Belle Mina, Alabama. Should the said Ellen Irving not be living at the time of my death, then I give and bequeathe to my sisters, Mary Ella Houston and Emma Houston Drennen, share and share alike, the said shares of stock as just above enumerated, and set forth.

Item 9: All the rest and residue of my property, of every kind and description, and wherever situated, I give, devise and bequeathe to my two sisters Mary Ella Houston and Emma Houston Drennen, share and share alike.

Item 10: I nominate and appoint my two sisters, Mary Ella Houston and Emma Houston Drennen, my personal representatives, and waive oath and bond.

George S. Houston

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal on this the 2nd day of October 1928 signed and sealed in our presence by the testator, George S. Houston, who subscribed his name thereto in our presence, he at the same time declaring the foregoing instrument to be his last will and testament and at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, we hereunto subscribed our names as attesting witnesses on this, the second day of October 1928.

Witnesses: Mrs. Hoyt Williamson and Hoyt Williamson.

Codicil to Will:

I, George S. Houston, of Belle Mina, Alabama, hereby declare and present writing to be a codicil to my last will and testament dated the 2nd day of October 1928 and witnessed by Mrs. Hoyt Williamson and Mr. Hoyt Williamson. In "Item Eight" of my said will I have given and bequeathed to Ellen Irvine, fifteen (15) shares of stock in the First National Bank of Birmingham, Alabama, at that time. Since executing this will, said bank has issued new stock in the ratio of eight shares of new stock for each share of old stock. I Therefore give and bequeathe unto the said Ellen Irvine, in lieu of the bequest made to her in said Section of my will, one hundred and twenty shares of the new capital stock of the said First National Bank of Birmingham, Alabama. I do hereby ratify and confirm my said will in all other respects. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal on this day of September 1930.

George S. Houston

Note: This is also witnessed by Mrs. Hoyt Williamson and Hoyt Williamson

Recorded, Will Record 5 page 162

This will and codicil were probated in the Limestone County Probate Court and were then filed on August 27, 1937 in Lauderdale County Probate Court. Mr. George S. Houston owned property near the Natchez Trace Parkway and Gravelly Springs, where the Houston Plantation had been.

Children of George Houston and Mary Beatty are:

Children of George Houston and Ellen Irvine are:

42. Dr. Gray Jones³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born 1812 in TN, and died Aft. 1877 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX. He married Elizabeth Anderson Maverick Weyman 1836 in San Antonio, Bexar, TX. She was born Bef. 1822 in NY.

Notes for Dr. Gray Jones Houston:

Dr. Jones Houston practiced medicine in Tennessee before going to Texas where he located at San Antonio. At that time, San Antonio lack a lot of being a large city and Dr. Houston became of its best known physicians.

Children of Gray Houston and Elizabeth Weyman are:

46. Ann Hannah³ Houston (David Ross², John¹) was born 1819 in TN, and died 1868. She married John Bennington Boggs 29 Jul 1846 in Lauderdale Co., AL, son of William Boggs and Margaret Wrenshall. He was born Bef. 1830 in PA, and died Bef. 06 Dec 1850.

Notes for John Bennington Boggs:

First cousin of the wife of Ulysses S. Grant, Julia Boggs Dent.

Children of Ann Houston and John Boggs are:

48. Emily⁴ Houston (John Y.³, James², John¹) was born 22 Mar 1811 in Union Co., NC, and died 19 Aug 1847 in Coweta Co., GA. She married John Conder 05 Jan 1832 in Mecklenburg Co., NC. He was born 03 May 1806 in Mecklenburg Co., NC, and died 07 Dec 1862 in Loweth Co., GA.

Children of Emily Houston and John Conder are:

51. Augustus B.⁴ Culbertson (Mary 'Polly'³ Houston, James², John¹) He married Margaret H. Cadwell.

Child of Augustus Culbertson and Margaret Cadwell is:

52. Elizabeth Ann⁴ Culbertson (Mary 'Polly'³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 10 Dec 1808, and died 18 Nov 1878. She married John E. Conyers 1829 in Troup Co., GA. He was born 26 Dec 1801, and died 09 Feb 1889.

Children of Elizabeth Culbertson and John Conyers are:

53. David H.⁴ Culbertson (Mary 'Polly'³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 1810, and died 1866. He married Martha Jane Young 1837 in Clarke Co., GA. She was born 1821, and died 1854.

Child of David Culbertson and Martha Young is:

54. Mary Elizabeth⁴ Culbertson (Mary 'Polly'³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 05 Dec 1820, and died 23 Feb 1913. She married Benjamin Leigh 1840. He was born 12 Jan 1818 in Wilkes Co., GA, and died 25 Apr 1898.

Children of Mary Culbertson and Benjamin Leigh are:

56. Elisebeth Aubrey⁴ Johnston (Prudence³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 15 Mar 1822. She married Jackson Allen Abt. 1837. He was born Abt. 1815 in GA.

Children of Elisebeth Johnston and Jackson Allen are:

58. Mary Margaret 'Jean'⁴ Johnston (Prudence³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 12 Jun 1826 in Heard Co., GA, and died 1885 in Springtown, Parker, TX. She married Timothy M. Lee Abt. 1850 in Heard Co., GA, son of Woodson Lee and Sally <Unknown>. He was born 30 Nov 1829 in Carroll Co., GA, and died Feb 1920 in Springtown, Parker, TX.

Children of Mary Johnston and Timothy Lee are:

59. Lucinda⁴ Johnston (Prudence³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 09 Nov 1828 in GA, and died in Bell Co., TX. She married William G. Ray. He was born 1826 in GA.

Child of Lucinda Johnston and William Ray is:

63. Prudence Amanda⁴ Johnston (Prudence³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 10 Jan 1838 in GA, and died 08 May 1914 in GA. She married (1) Francis Marion Barrett, son of William Barrett and Sarah White. He was born 21 Aug 1835 in GA, and died 07 Oct 1865 in Heard Co., GA. She married (2) Sanford E. Hagins Bet. 1870 - 1874, son of B. Hagins and Martha <Unknown>. He was born 10 Jun 1848 in GA, and died 24 Aug 1905.

More About Prudence Amanda Johnston:

Burial: Glenn, Heard, GA

Notes for Francis Marion Barrett:

Barrett, Francis M.- private March 4, 1862 . Captured at Vicksburg, Miss. July 4, 1863 , and paroled there July 6, 1863 . Appointed 2d Sergeant October 1863 . Died at home in 1865.

More About Francis Marion Barrett:

Burial: Rock Mills, Randolph, AL

More About Sanford E. Hagins:

Burial: Glenn, Heard, GA

Children of Prudence Johnston and Francis Barrett are:

Children of Prudence Johnston and Sanford Hagins are:

74. Augustus C.⁴ Awbrey (Margaret 'Peggy'³ Houston, James², John¹) was born 04 Sep 1834 in Walton Co., GA, and died 28 Nov 1880 in Gadsden, AL. He married (1) Elizabeth Jestain Hale 17 Dec 1857. He married (2) Martha Lowe 14 Jan 1866.

Child of Augustus Awbrey and Martha Lowe is:

82. Sarah Frances⁴ Huston (David Ross³, James² Houston, John¹) was born 07 Mar 1840 in Walton Co., GA, and died 26 Jun 1880 in Walton Co., GA. She married Charles Crowley Garrett 22 Jan 1856 in Walton Co., GA, son of Charles Garrett and Nancy Yarborough. He was born 28 Sep 1828 in Walton Co., GA, and died 29 Jul 1910 in Walton Co., GA.

Notes for Sarah Frances Huston:

David Sims descends from this line dsims@reynoldsplantation.net

Children of Sarah Huston and Charles Garrett are:

87. Col. James Decatur⁴ Houston (Young Gresham³, James², John¹) was born 13 Apr 1836 in near Oxford, TN, and died 05 Nov 1889 in Magazine, Logan, AR. He married Nancy Grider Mitchell. She was born Abt. 1836 in Bowling Green, KY, and died 1882 in Hot Springs, Garland, AR.

Notes for Col. James Decatur Houston:

James Decatur Houston was in the Confederate States Army: "Private, Co. D, 1st Reg., Miss. Lt. Artilllery; enlisted April 10, 1862 at Lexington, by Capt. J.L. Wofford. Tfrd. May 1, 1863 to Co. "I" , same regiment; captured July 4, 1863 at Vicksburg where paroled July 7, 1863. Muster Roll for September and October 1864 (last on file) shows him absent on furlough. Again captured Apr. 9, 1865 at Blakely, Alabama, and received May 6, 1865 at Hdqtrs Exchange of Prisoners, Camp Townsend, on parole." James D. Is thought to have taught school and to have worked on the Lexington Advertizer. He was later the editor of the first newspaper in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Children of James Houston and Nancy Mitchell are:

88. John Scott⁴ Houston (Young Gresham³, James², John¹) was born 13 Sep 1838 in Lexington, Holmes, MS, and died 13 Jan 1906 in Tunica, Carroll, MS. He married Sarah Ann Elizabeth Hoover 16 May 1860 in Vaiden, MS, daughter of Louis Hoover and Harriett Matchett. She was born 11 Sep 1839 in Lexington, Holmes, MS, and died 27 Jan 1906 in Tunica, MS.

Children of John Houston and Sarah Hoover are:

92. Julia⁴ Hargrove (Eunice 'Nicey'³ Houston, James², John¹) She married William 'Billy' Lamberth.

Child of Julia Hargrove and William Lamberth is:

94. James Pugh⁴ Houston, Sr. (James Monroe³, Ross², John¹) was born 25 Jul 1851 in Phillips, AR, and died Abt. 1935 in Marianna, Lee, AR. He married Tennie Hickman 03 Mar 1886 in Forrest City, St. Francis, AR. She was born 03 Oct 1862 in Franklin Co., AL, and died 14 Nov 1949 in Marianna, Lee, AR.

Children of James Houston and Tennie Hickman are:

105. Margaret Emily⁴ Lamb (Rebecca Ann³ Houston, Ross², John¹) was born 06 Oct 1858 in Lorado, Greene, AR, and died 18 Mar 1930 in Lorado, Greene, AR. She married Christopher Columbus 'Kit' Cook. He was born 02 Mar 1852 in Lorado, Greene, AR, and died 22 Sep 1884 in Lorado, Greene, AR.

Children of Margaret Lamb and Christopher Cook are:

109. Benjamin Heriot⁴ Houston (James E.³, William², John¹) was born 17 Jul 1854 in Brunswick, Glynn, GA, and died 11 Mar 1926 in Brunswick, Glynn., GA. He married Harriet Berrie Pyles 24 Nov 1884 in Laurel Grove, GA, daughter of Henry Pyles and Elizabeth Berrie. She was born 23 Dec 1864 in Laurel Grove, GA, and died 04 Jan 1936 in Wilmington, NC.

Children of Benjamin Houston and Harriet Pyles are:

110. Mary Rebecca⁴ Houston (James E.³, William², John¹) was born 11 Jan 1859 in Brunswick Co., GA. She married Courtland Symmes May 1880. He was born 29 Dec 1854.

Children of Mary Houston and Courtland Symmes are:

111. Tallulah Lee⁴ Houston (James E.³, William², John¹) was born 11 Jan 1862 in Brunswick Co., GA, and died 25 Jan 1891 in Brunswick, GA. She married J. Stewart Johnson 08 Apr 1886 in Glynn Co., GA, son of Francis Johnson and Caroline Hickson. He was born 25 Dec 1859 in Florence Co., SC, and died 07 Nov 1936 in Alexandria, Rapides, LA.

Children of Tallulah Houston and J. Johnson are:

115. Laura⁴ Turnley (Frances Laura³ Houston, William², John¹) She married George Darby.

Children of Laura Turnley and George Darby are:

117. Robert Lee 'Bob'⁴ Turnley (Frances Laura³ Houston, William², John¹) He married Laura Howard.

Children of Robert Turnley and Laura Howard are:

118. Rebecca Jane⁴ Ridley (Sarah³ Houston, David Ross², John¹) was born 02 Feb 1827 in Williamson Co., TN, and died 30 Apr 1902 in Ocean Springs, Harrison, MS. She married Joseph Burch Walker 26 Nov 1844 in Madison Co, MS, son of Joseph Walker and Bartella Powell. He was born 02 Jan 1817 in Washington, DC, and died 26 Feb 1897 in Mississippi City, now Gulfport, MS.

Notes for Rebecca Jane Ridley:

After marriage, Rebecca's mother Sarah resided with the Walkers, as Sarah's only other daughter had married earlier.

Resided Williamson Co., TN, then Madison Co., MS.

Notes for Joseph Burch Walker:

A document from Montgomery Co., TN (dated 05 Mar 1849) shows J. B. Walker of Madison Co., MS giving Power of Attorney to Wm. B. Walker of the town of Dover, Stuart Co., TN in order to purchase 600 acres. This land was the same property where his father, Joseph Walker, was residing at the time of his death.

He was a prominent Methodist minister, and he wrote his autobiography which has been typed and is available covering the early years of his life through 1863. He was a "Circuit rider" and "itinerant" preacher, as was his brother, William Brent Walker. He served in Carondolet St. and other New Orleans churches, and received a Doctorate of Divinity.

Buried Ocean Springs, Harrison, MS.

The following is from the New Orleans Daily Picayune's front page obituary on February 17, 1897:

"A Venerable Leader of the Southern Methodist Church Passes Away After a Life of Four Score Years, During Which Time He Did Much Good for Mankind, And Modestly Bore Many Honors Bestowed by Those Who Knew Well His Worth.

News came to the city yesterday of the death in Mississippi City of Dr. Joseph Burch Walker, one of the best known and most popular Methodist divines of the south.

It is possible that the death of no one would be freighted with more regret and tender, loving recollections than that of this reverend leader, who has devoted his long, earnest life to living and preaching righteousness.

It is now more than a year that he has been compelled to give up active work in the pulpit by direction of his physician, Dr. E. D. Beach, of this city, but during that time his restless mind and energy could not be imprisoned, and his pen continued to labor after his oratory had been enjoined, and even this last mentioned luxury was on the point of being cut off by his friend and physician, when the news that the patient had gone 'where, according to man's best belief, eternity stretches its measureless peace and contentment to such beautiful lives as that of this eminent divine.

The doctor's death must have been somewhat sudden according to Dr. Beach. It was only yesterday that he received a letter from the family in Mississippi City saying that he was doing well. Said Dr. Beach last night: "It was simply the wearing out of the physical frame, which could no longer support the enormous activity of the mine. I enjoined my beloved friend something over a year ago from preaching, because he could no longer stand it. He had grown to old to endure the strain. But, as he himself said, the severest punishment that could be inflicted upon him was to keep him idle and inactive, and of late he has been writing considerably and contributing frequently to the Christian Advocate of this city. I had written him only a few days ago that he should give up this exertion and devote himself to rest.

Dr. Joseph Burch Walker was born in the city of Washington, D.C. Jan. 2, 1817. It is thus seen that he was in his 80th year. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother was Miss. Bertella Powell, a native of Virginia. The two families combined English, Scotch, Welsh and Irish blood.

Owing to his father's affairs, Dr. Walker's boyhood was divided between several different homes in several different states, and up to the time he had attained his 14th year he was never long in one locality. He was consequently sent to various schools, from his 4th to his 18th year.

The doctor had attained the age of 9, according to his own statement, before he learned to read, and he regarded it as a fortunate matter, for to it he attributed the fact that he had never suffered headache or delirium in fever. From that time, however, the doctor made up for lost time, for he was an indomitable reader, and books were one of the great delights of his active life. He used to regard a good book as a benediction.

The doctor was but 19 years of age when he was licensed to preach. That was Oct. 4, 1836. At that time he became a member of the Tennessee annual conference of the Methodist church. In that conference he continued ten years, filling two circuits and eight stations successively.

On Nov. 26, 1844, he married Miss R. J. Ridley of Madison county, Miss., and in December of 1846 he was transferred to the Louisiana conference and stationed at the McGee church, then at the corner of Poydras and Carondelet streets, which was burned at the same time as the destruction of the first St. Charles Hotel, igniting from sparks sent out by the shingles of that building. In those primitive days, there were no steam engines and fires were exterminated with hand engines. The telephone exchange to-day stands where the church then stood, and with the insurance of the destroyed house of God, pledged out with other funds, the later Carondelet Street Methodist church was built. The doctor occupied the McGee church on his first reaching this city, and among the first friends he formed here was Dr. Beach, who was his physician all through life. It was in that church that the doctor preached his first New Orleans sermon, and it was that church congregation which first learned to love the man for his munificent endowment of noble qualities. At the end of four years the doctor was transferred to the Felicity street church for two years, and was then made the presiding elder of the New Orleans district.

A year later he was again stationed at the Carondelet Street church, at which post he continued until the federal forces captured New Orleans. He and Dr. Palmer left the Crescent city together to avoid falling into the hands of Ben Butler. The remainder of the was period he spent a refugee in Mississippi, the greater portion of the time supplying the pulpit in Port Gibson, though nominally the pastor to the Carondelet street church.

He returned to New Orleans in July, 1865, and preached in the Unitarian church, whose pulpit was at the time vacant. He preached in this church for a period of four months, when President Johnson compelled the northern Methodists to vacate and restore the churches belonging to the southern Methodists. Dr. Walker once again occupied the church in which he had begun his labors in the Crescent city.

He was repeatedly appointed to succeed himself in the Carondelet street church until 1871, when he was transferred to the Texas conference and stationed in Galveston as the pastor of St. John's church. He occupied this pulpit for four years, when he was brought back to the Louisiana conference and stationed at the Felicity street church for four years. For two of these years he was also presiding elder. He was then stationed at the same church for two more years, when, finding that the labor was becoming too onerous for his endurance, he asked to be relieved, and was again appointed presiding elder. This position he had held only a year, however, when he was stationed at the St. Catles street church. Twelve months later he was again on the district work, in which he continued for four years. He later filled the Louisiana avenue church pulpit for four years, and was transferred to the Moreau Street Methodist church, where he labored four years. He was then transferred in Algiers, when his career in the pulpit was brought to a close December a year ago by the encroaching infirmities of age and the order of his physician.

Dr. Walker was one of the oldest and most eminent ministers of the church. In his solid, earnest, untiring career, he had been entrusted with the most important charges of the church and had been uniformly popular, beloved and successful. he commanded the devoted admiration of all with whom he was brought in contact. To the vast membership which has at one time or another been of his flock, to his innumerable friends, his name was a synonym of greatness of heart and loyalty to high purposes and aims. As a worker he was tireless, and his heart appeared to be filled with all the keen instinct which makes a man appreciative of and appreciated by his fellow-men. As a preacher he was a true follower of the gentle Philosopher, bringing ever by word and act and precept the sunshine of love for fellow mortals. His lofty idealism adapted itself to all the conditions and circumstances of life, and made his own full of native splendor, unobtrusive, and so the grander.

As a pulpit orator, he was always forceful. His rhetoric seemed to find its deepest source of inspiration and felicity from his earnestness. he used to begin his sermons in slow, earnest speech, as if weighing his speech with his thought. As he progressed, and his subject warmed his thought, his earnestness increased until at times his eloquence became an impassioned prayer in its intensity.

Hundreds upon hundreds of people will to-day recall the many things in the past which make Dr. Walker at once one of their brightest and sweetest memories, as friend, counsellor, beloved associate.

His wife survives him, and one of the pleasant recollections of the Carolndelet street flock is the golden jubilee tendered their beloved pastor and his wife on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding, on Nov. 26, 1891. Of the three children born to this union, a son and a daughter survive. one is Wm. W. Walker, of Brandon, Miss., one of the most gifted and graceful writers of English in the south, for years on the staff of the Picayune, in this city, and now a constant contributor to the Sunday Picayune. The oldest daughter is dead. She married a Mr. Fauquier, and to this union three children were born. The other daughter (Sally B) married M. A. McClaugherty of Pecan Grove dairy, near Mississippi City.

A great number of New Orleans friends will leave to-day for Mississippi City, where the remains will be taken on board the train, and go thence to Ocean Springs, where the interment will be. Among those will be Bishop Keener, who will officiate at the last sad rites, Dr. E. D. Beach, Mrs. W. W. Carre, Mrs. B. H. Moss and J. C. McAllister."

Note: Mrs. Carre purchased the beautiful pink marble marker which adorns the grave.

Children of Rebecca Ridley and Joseph Walker are:

119. Ann E.⁴ Ridley (Sarah³ Houston, David Ross², John¹) was born Abt. 1823 in TN. She married William Sadler 13 Nov 1838 in Madison Co., MS, son of <Unknown> Sadler and Matilda <Unknown>. He was born Abt. 1806 in SC.

Notes for William Sadler:

William Sadler and Augustus Sadler's families were enumerated in Madison Co., MS in 1850. There are not enough similarities to imp