Notes:

NOTE 1./ As a historical time frame point of reference; In 1585, Sir Francis Drake, the English explorer, rescued the 1st English attempt at colonizing the New World. This was at Roanoke Island North Carolina

NOTE 2./ e-mail: Houston family genealogy from Sherri Shrat <> 12-18-06

We – are currently researching and trying to find Dr William Houston, (our immigrant’s ancestry) – We know he came from Ireland and was born in County Antrim about 1710-1715. He came with his Uncle (by marriage) Henry McCulloh, a Merchant and Land Agent of King George. Bob Epperson, one of our cousins has been doing a great deal of research on the McCulloh connection and we have just recently connected with Fletcher Freeman a descendant of Henry McCulloh who has provided us with some interesting info. Fletcher is an attorney and former J.P. from Dallas who lives and practices in MN now.

I need to back up here and tell you we also have a blood connection to Henry McCulloh that we are currently working on securing record proof of. Edward Houston (Rev War Vet) (son of Dr. William Houston) was married to Mary Miller. His brother Henry married Mary’s sister Sarah. Mary & Sarah Miller were the daughters of George Miller and __________ McCulloch. Their mother according to several historians was the daughter of Henry McCulloh. There is some historical error/conflict as to which daughter.

NOTE 3./
Historical reference for the time frame cir the time the Houston family had emigrated to America: (from the Ancestry Weekly Digest, 03 July 2004)

COLONISTS OPPRESSED

King George III succeeded his grandfather, George II, to the English throne in 1760 at age 22. At the time of his ascent to the throne, the French and Indian War still raged over territories in North America. The Sugar Act was passed in 1764, which taxed the importation into the colonies of sugar, coffee, Madeira wine, silks and other cloths, indigo, and pimentos. It also imposed fines on shippers who sold such commodities to the colonies.

The Stamp Acts, passed by Parliament in 1765, placed a duty (tax) on "every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper on which shall be ingrossed, written, or printed," for the
purpose of "further defraying the expences [sic] of defending, protecting, and securing" the colonies. The expense was enormous. A Stamp Act Congress consisting of representatives from nine colonies
was convened on 19 October 1765 and produced a Declaration of Rights that complained about the Stamp Act and other injustices imposed upon the colonies by Parliament.

The Townsend Acts were passed in Parliament in 1767 for the purpose of raising revenue to support the British army in the colonies. Import duties were imposed on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. The
Townsend Acts also provide salaries for some colonial officials so that the provincial assemblies could not influence them by withholding wages. Other particularly offensive bills authorized blank search warrants called Writs of Assistance, created three additional vice-admiralty courts which operated without juries, established a Board of Customs Commissioners headquartered in Boston, and suspended the New York assembly for a failure to comply with the Quartering Act of 1765 which dealt with providing quarters for British soldiers.

Parliament also passed the New York Restraining Act, which suspended the provincial legislature until it provided "his Majesty's troops... with all such necessaries" as required by British law. Colonists
protested these taxes by petitioning Parliament and boycotting these and other British goods. On 5 March 1770, Parliament altered the measure, and the duties on all commodities except tea were repealed. The tea tax, however, was the most lucrative and was retained by Parliament to show the colonies that it still had the right to impose taxes on them.

On 5 March 1770, a young barber's apprentice, Edward Garrick, apparently yelled an insult at a British soldier, Hugh White. The soldier responded by hitting the boy with a rifle. The boy called out for help and a crowd of more than four hundred colonists responded in a short time and began to throw snowballs and ice at the soldiers. The soldiers, egged on by more insults, ultimately fired shots into
the crowd, killing five men and wounding others. Although the soldiers were arrested for murder in what became known as the "Boston Massacre," they were all acquitted at trial. Colonists became more
afraid and resentful of the standing British army presence and some areas began organizing their own provincial troops in secret to help protect the populace.

The British East India Company controlled all the tea shipments into the colonies and colonial boycotts of their tea placed the company in jeopardy of going out of business. The colonial merchants had been
smuggling tea in from Holland. However, the British government was determined that the British East India Company would survive. In May 1773, Parliament passed the Tea Act, which allowed the company to sell tea directly to the colonists. This action bypassed the colonial merchants and, in fact, made the price of tea cheaper than even the Dutch imports. The colonists demanded the removal of the tea tax and dockworkers refused to unload tea from the company's ships. The Governor of Massachusetts demanded that the dockworkers in Boston unload the tea. He also demanded that the people pay the duty on tea.

On the night of 16 December 1773, a group of men dressed as Mohawk Indians and calling themselves the Sons of Liberty, went to Boston harbor and boarded three ships. They incapacitated the crew and
guards and, over the next hours, conducted what has become known as the Boston Tea Party. They dumped forty-five tons of tea into Boston Harbor and escaped unchallenged. The Crown and Parliament were livid and retaliated with the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts. These included the following:
- The Boston Port Bill, which closed the Port of Boston to all colonists until the damages from the Boston Tea Party were paid.
- The Massachusetts Government Act nullified the original charter of the colonies and placed the British governor in complete control of town meetings. This act took control from colonists and, in effect,
stifled freedom of speech.
- The Administration of Justice Act stated that British officials could not be tried for capital crimes in provincial courts. They would be extradited to England for trial.
- The Quebec Act extended the Canadian borders to take over lands that had formerly been parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia.

Outraged, colonial leaders organized and convened the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia on 5 September 1774. Fifty-five delegates from all the colonies except Georgia attended and met until
late October. They sought to petition Parliament to right the wrongs imposed against the colonies, rather than advocating independence.

THE SHOTS ARE FIRED

The colonists' covert military organization had not gone unnoticed. On 15 April 1775, General Thomas Gage, the British military governor in Massachusetts, was ordered to destroy the rebels' military stores
at Concord. On 19 April, he led a large number of troops across the Charles River. Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott rode through the countryside and alerted the so-called Minutemen of the
impending arrival of the British.

When Gage's troops arrived at Lexington Green, they were met by a group of armed colonial militia. A shot was fired and the British troops began firing on the small group of militia, killing eight and
wounding ten more. The militia retreated and the British continued on to Concord.

The Concord militia was more prepared--it flanked the retreating British troops, shooting at them from behind trees and bushes. The British had never experienced such guerilla tactics, and their morale
was severely damaged. The British casualties were very high. The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of the full-fledged American Revolution.

NOTE 4./ Houston Family Scrapbook <>

Our "Houston Heritage" is rich and colorful. I have traced our "roots" in this line back to Dr. William Houston born about 1710, County Antrim, Ireland. He is our Houston line's original immigrant. The family name Houston, pronounced "House-ton" (the English pronunciation) was used by our line, rather than the Irish pronunciation of "Hugh's Town shortened to Hugh's-ton". Some of the descendants in our line have adopted or gone back to the original Irish pronunciation.

Dr. William Houston, although he has not been officially recognized as a Patriot by DAR, was in fact a Patriot. His son Edward Houston my family's direct line ancestor has been recognized as a Patriot. I have joined DAR through him. If any of you would like to join DAR through Edward, please let me know. I can send you information to assist you. I am going to have Dr. William Houston recognized as a Patriot and added as a supplement to my membership, which will open membership to all our Houston cousins who are interested and not direct descendants of Edward

Our Houston DNA tests show that we are of Viking descent. (A Viking in our genetic woodpile) Apparently Vikings controlled much of Ireland and Scotland from 800 - 1100 A.D. This was prior to the common use of surnames. This is why we have a Scot/Irish surname rather than a Scandinavian surname for our Houston line. I am continuing with other family members, researching to find documented proof of Dr. William Houston's ancestry.

Family/Spouse: Unknown MCCULLOH. Unknown (daughter of James MCCULLOH) was born about 1675 in Ireland; died in in Ireland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

WilliamEsq married Anna JONES about 1735 in North Carolina. Anna (daughter of Squire Griffith JONES and Margaret MCREE) was born in 1715 in Bladen County, North Carolina.; died about Apr 1805 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Note 1./
Samuel Houston; 1790 United States Census: Duplin County : 2,1,4,0,18. Note these counts vs 1784-1786 North Carolina census counts @ 1,2,8,2,1. In the four to six years between these census, one of Samuels sons aged to have 2 FWM over age 16, consequently had only 1 FWM less than age 16. 4 FWF were lost , 2 other free persons were lost, and 17 Slaves were added. Source: Taken from actual census images.

NOTES from Sharon Houston

1./ Estate Records, Duplin Co., sale of estate of Samuel HOUSTON, ESQ., deceased 28 Aug 1801; Purchasers- Nathanual W. ANNE, William HALL, Jr., Samuel ALBERSON, John HOUSTON, Samuel HOUSTON, Jr., James FREDERICK, Hugh W. ANN, Kenan LOVE, Jacob PARKER, John BRICE...

2./ Duplin Deeds, Book 3A, p. 493, 1 Aug 1808 John HOUSTON to Lewis Ashton THOMAS, for $800 lawful money, 400A on the ES of the Northeast of Cape Fear River, beg. the sd. HOUSTON's share of his father's lands & laid off as such 5 Oct 1807. Wit- Sam HOUSTON, Joseph T. RHODES. Oct. Ct. 1808.

3./ in Apr 1786, Samuel was living in Duplin Co. as head of household with 3 males under 21 or over 60, 1 male between 21 and 60, seven females, and 10 slaves.

4,/ in 1790, Samuel was living in Duplin Co. as head of household with 2 males 16 years and older, 1 male under 16, 4 females, and 18 slaves.

5./ in 1800, Samuel was living in Duplin Co. as head of household with 1 male 16-26, 1 male 45 and over, 1 female 26-45, 1 female 45 and over, and 16 slaves.

6./ Samuel does not appear in the 1810 US Census

Sources:
1./ Text: DUPREE, Garland Monna Crowe, PEOPLE OF PURPOSE, VOLUME TWO, Walker Printing, 1990.
2./ Text: Draughon, Eleanor S. ABSTRACTS OF DEEDS 1784-1813, Vol. 1. Rose Hill, NC: Duplin County Historical Society, 1983.
3./ Text: REGISTER, Alvaretta Kenan. STATE CENSUS OF NORTH CAROLINA 1784-1787. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1978.
4./ Text: 1790 CENSUS INDEX AND CENSUS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
5./ Text: ABSTRACT OF HOUSTON'S IN 1800 U.S. CENSUS OF DUPLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA.
6./ Text: ABSTRACT OF HOUSTON'S IN 1810 U.S. CENSUS OF DUPLIN CO. NC

Note 2./
Samuel HOUSTON , Sr., Esq. [Duplin] was born before 1750 in New Hanover Co.?, NC?. He died before 1807 in Duplin Co., NC. SAMUEL HOUSTON OF DUPLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Records of a Samuel Houston appear in Duplin County as early as OCT 1766. This Samuel Houston was apparently a son of William Houston, Sr. See Note for Dr. William Houston, Esq. On 18 APR 1771, Samuel Houston was granted a patent for 100 acres in Duplin County located on the East side of the Northeast Branch of the Cape Fear River and "below Soractey land". The grant joined land already owned by Samuel Houston and bordered the river. [Patent Book 20, page 661). This deed proves Samuel Houston was born 1750 or earlier. On the same date William Houston was issued a patent for 100 acres adjacent to Samuel Houston. [Patent Book 20, Page 683). This is presumed to be Dr. William Houston, later Esquire. Soracte, or later Soracta, was a town founded by the Houstons, with Samuel Houston one of the commissioners of the town. ROSTER OF NORTH CAROLINA SOLDIERS IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION includes, on page 219, #2333, Samuel Houston, of Wilmington District. The only Samuel Houston who was residing in the counties that comprised Wilmington District was Samuel Houston of Duplin County. #1334, Edward Houston, of Wilmington District, also of Duplin Co., was also listed as as RW soldier. The following data regarding Samuel Houston was found in DUPLIN COUNTY [NORTH CARLOLINA] COURT OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSIONS, ABSTRACTS OF MINUTES, PART 1, 1784-1787, (c) 1978, and PART 2, 1788-1791, (c) 1979. Compiled by Leora H. McEachern; publishe by Duplin County Historical Society. Thursday, 19 OCT 1784: "Court met at 9 o'clock according to adjournment. Present: Worshipful William Houston, Sr., Col. Thomas Routledge, Joseph Dickson, Col. James Kenan and Sam'l Houston, Esquires." The list of Justices was given for each day the quarterly court met, usually five days or less. Samuel Houston was named at about half of the court sessions. On 19 JUL 1785, Elizabeth Thomson, widow of William Thomson, was appointed executrix of his estate, with William Hubbard and Samuel Houston as bondsmen. Samuel Houston was the person who made the list of tithables in his district for most years beginning either in 1784 [year the census was ordered by the General Assembly] or in 1785. The Militia Captain for his district in 1786 and some succeeding years was [William ] Hubbard. In 1787 the Court Minute specified that the list of taxables was to be taken by "Samuel Houston, Esquire". A 22 OCT 1788 deed from John Brommel to Samuel Houston was proved by Griffith Houston. 24 OCT 1788: Samuel Houston, William Hubbard, and others to be Jurymen at next session of the Superior Court in Wilmington, 6 DEC [1788]. 22 APR 1789: reference to Samuel Houston, Surveyor. It is uncertain whether this was Samuel Houston, Sr. This could possibly have been a second Samuel Houston. Samuel Houston, Jr., was mentioned in a record dated 1782, but was not mentioned again until 1797.. 20 JAN 1790: William Houston deeded six slaves to Samuel Houston (two deeds). 20 OCT 1790: Samuel Houston deeded 300 acres land to Nathan Waller. 20 APR 1797: Samuel Houston, Jr., appointed overseer of the River from Roger's Landing to Limestone Bridge and to have Samuel Houston's six slaves, named, and others. This Samuel Houston, Jr., was apparently a legal adult, or born 1776 or earlier. The Samuel who was owner of the slaves was apparently Samuel Houston, Sr., Esquire. 18 OCT 1797: Samuel Houston, Jr., George E. Houston and Fredereick Smith, Jr. were ordered by the Duplin County Court to be Searchers for Capt. Jacob William's District. This record would appear to apply to a young Samuel Houston. [George Eustace Houston has been reported by at least one researcher to have been a son of Henry Houston, son of Dr. William Houston, Sr. This record indicates a birth year of 1776 or earlier. Mrs. DuPree reported a birth year of 1772 for George E. Houston..] As of 1797 the records of Duplin County, NC, did not clearly indicate the presence of more than two Samuel Houstons. The records of Duplin County do not seem to collaborate the report by descendants that Samuel Houston of Duplin County had migrated there from Rowan County, NC. The children of Samuel Houston of Rowan County and Duplin County, as purported in a DAR application, appear to have been the children of Samuel Houston, Sr., Esquire, who had resided in Duplin County since before 1766 and probably since his birth in the 1740s. [In the 1740s this territory was in New Hanover County.] Samuel Houston, Esquire, was enumerated on the 1790 census of Duplin County, with two white males of age 16 or over, one WM age less than 16, four while females, and 16 slaves. The only other Houston house- holds that were enumerated in Duplin County in 1790 were Dr. William Houston, with the Edward Houston household nearby or adjacent, and the William Ann Houston household. If there were more than one Samuel Houston in the county, they were not heads of households. The households of Peter Houston and James Houston were found in 1790 in Sampson County, formed 18 MAR 1784 partly from Duplin County. The 1790 census of Duplin County suggests that Samuel Houston, Esquire, had at least two sons and three daughters still residing at home. This matches the configuration of the family of Samuel Houston who was purported by Mrs. Marth Louise Kistler Whiteman in her 1952 DAR membership application to have been from Rowan County and Duplin County. [DAR National Number 419990. The DAR used information from DAR #117860 to verify the data submitted by Mrs. Whiteman. A copy of DAR #117860, with all supporting documents, should probably be obtained.]] On the 1800 census of Duplin County there was a Samuel Houston, age over 45, or born 1755 or earlier. This was obviously Samuel Houston, Sr., Esquire. In his home were a wife, also age 45 or over, another female age 26-44, and another male age 16-25. The latter was probably Samuel Houston, Jr., who first appeared on the census of Duplin County in 1810, adjacent to Eliza Houston, age 45 or over, and near Elizabeth Houston, age less then 44 years. Eliza Houston was probably the widow of Samuel Houston, Sr. Elizabeth Houston could possibly be a either a spinster daughter or a widowed daughter-in-law of Samuel Houston, Sr., of Duplin County.
http://home.hiwaay.net/~rts2/ancestry/d580.html#P1870

Ancestors of Susan Melinda Martin

72. Samuel Houston, Sr., born Bet. 1726 - 1750 in New Hanover County, NC (Possibly Rowan County); died Bet. 1800 - 1807 in Duplin Co., NC. He was the son of 144. Dr. William Houston and 145. Anna Jones. He married 73. Eliza.

73. Eliza, born Bet. 1720 - 1760; died Aft. 1810 in Duplin Co., NC?.

Notes for Samuel Houston, Sr.:
Ms. Garland C. DuPree, P.O. Box 526, Edinburg Drive, Fitzgerald, GA, 31750, has published a book entitiled PEOPLE OF PURPOSE, VOLUME II, DR. WILLIAM HOUSTON OF COUNTY ANTRIM, IRELAND AND DUPLIN COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA....., which includes some information about Henry Houston (b. aft 1790, Duplin Co., NC) of Dooly County, GA, and his descendants in southwest Georgia. Descendants of the several Samuel Houstons of Duplin County, NC, are not discussed, however. DuPree surmised that the elder Samuel Houston of Early County, GA, in 1840 may have been "the youngest brother of our older Henry Houston." That is, DuPree believed that the elder Samuel Houston of Early County, GA, in 1840, may have been a son of Dr. William Houston, born about 1715 in Ireland.

Note 3./
----Per Robert Strong, 119 Mystic Way, Madison, AL 35758-7113. 1997

Records of a Samuel Houston appear in Duplin County as early as OCT 1766.

On 18 APR 1771, Samuel Houston was granted a patent for 100 acres in Duplin County located on the East side of the Northeast Branch of the Cape Fear River and "below Soractey Land". The grant joined land already owned by Samuel Houston and bordered the river. [Patent Book 20, page 661] This deed proves Samuel Houston was born 1750 or earlier. On the same date, William Houston was issued a patent for 100 acre adjacent to Samuel Houston. [Patent Book 20, page 683] This is presumed to be Dr. William Houston, later Esquire. Soracte, or later Soracta, was a town founded by the Houstons, with Samuel Houston one of the commissioners of the town.

ROSTER OF NORTH CAROLINA SOLDIERS IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION includes, on page 219, #2333, Samuel Houston, of Wilmington District. The only Samuel Houston who was residing in the counties that comprised Wilmington District was Samuel Houston of Duplin County. #1334, Edward Houston, of Wilmington District, also of Duplin County, was also listed as a RW soldier. (There are also a Grifford and a Henry Houston listed as Sampson-Duplin Revolutionary War Soldiers in the NC Militia - LM)

The 1786 Duplin County tax list suggests that Samuel Houston, of Duplin County possibly had a wife, three sons, and six daughters in 1786.

The following data regarding Samuel Houston was found in DUPLIN COUNTY [NORTH CAROLINA] COURT OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSIONS, ABSTRACTS OF MINUTES, PART 1, 1784-1787, (c) 1978, and PART 2, 1788-1791, (c) 1979. Compiled by Leora H. McEachern; published by Duplin County Historical Society.

Thursday, 19 OCT 1784: "Court met a 9 o'clock according to adjournment. Present: Worshipful William Houston, Sr., Col. Thomas Routledge, Joseph Dickson, Col. James Kenan and Sam'l Houston, Esquires." The list of Justices was given for each day the quarterly court met, usually five days or less. Samuel Houston was named at about half of the court sessions.

On 19 JUL 1785, Elizabeth Thomson, widow of William Thomason, was appointed executrix of his estate, with William Hubbard and Samuel Houston as bondsmen.

Samuel Houston was the person who made the list of tithables in his district for most years beginning either in 1884 [year the census was ordered by the General Assembly] or in 1785. The Militia Captain for his district in 1786 and some succeeding years was [William] Hubbard.

In 1787, the Court Minute specified that the list of taxables was to be taken by "Samuel Houston, Esquire".

A 22 OCT 1788 deed from John Brommel to Samuel Houston was proved by Griffith Houston.

24 OCT 1788: Samuel Houston, William Hubbard, and others to be Jurymen at next session of the Superior Court in Wilmington, 5 DEC [1788].

22 APR 1789: reference to Samuel Houston, Surveyor. It is uncertain whether this was Samuel Houston, Sr. This could possibly have been a second Samuel Houston. Samuel Houston, Jr., was mentioned in a record dated 1782, but was not mentioned again until 1797...

20 JAN 1790: William Houston deeded six slaves to Samuel Houston (two deeds).

20 OCT 1790: Samuel Houston deeded 300 acres land to Nathan Waller.

20 APR 1797: Samuel Houston, Jr., appointed overseer of the River from Roger's Landing to Limestone Bridge and to have Samuel Houston's six slaves, named, and others. This Samuel Houston, Jr., was apparently a legal adult, or born 1776 or earlier. The Samuel who was owner of the slaves was apparently Samuel Houston, Sr., Esquire.

18 OCT 1797: Samuel Houston, Jr., George E. Houston and Frederick Smigh, Jr. were ordered by the Duplin County Court to be Searchers for Capt. Jacob William's district. This record would appear to apply to a young Samuel Houston.

1790 Census of Duplin County has a Samuel Houston, Esq listed 2 males over 16, 1 male under 16, 3 females in the household.

Children of Samuel Houston and Eliza are:
i. Boy Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
ii. Female Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
iii. Female2 Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
iv. Female3 Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
v. Female4 Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
vi. Female5 Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
vii. Female6 Houston, born Bet. 1770 - 1786; died Unknown.
36 viii. Samuel Houston, Jr., born Abt. 1774 in NC (Possibly Rowan County); died Aft. 1850 in FL (Possibly Madison County); married Nancy Thomas Bef. 1810.

Note 4./
Duplin County and Sampson Countys were formerly a part of New Hanover County, and about the year 1749 was divided from New Hanover County. In 1784, Sampson County was erected from the portion of Duplin

Note 5./

Samuel Houston Estate, Duplin Co Estate Records, North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh, NC
Minutes of the committee appointed "to divide the estate of Samuel Houston dec'd so as to ascertain each claimant's share of said Estate". "Total amount of this Negroe property, Do[llars] 6,840" Do Cts
Valued toMrs Houston Sundry Articles at 185 - 50
Miss Ann Houston ditto 82 - 0
Samuel Houston ditto 83 - 0
John Houston ditto 73 - 50
William Hall ditto 151 - 50
Felix Rhodes ditto 156 - 50
The above are the six claimants or heirs to the estate of Samuel Houston. They are by implication: his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Ann, his sons Samuel and John, and the husbands of his married daughters. William Hall is the husband of Mary Houston and John Felix Rhodes is the husband of Dorothy Houston.
Duplin Co, NC, Miscellaneous Records, NC Archives, Raleigh, NC: An Order for a Mill on Cypress Creek. Joseph Grimes. Report filed April Term 1787.
We the subscribers being appointed by an Order of Court to lay of (sic) an acre of land on both sides of Cypress Creek for a mill seat by order of said County [Duplin], we have accordingly & and on oath have valued one acre on the south side of Cypress Creek which we have valued to 1 .. 5 .. 0 [1 pound, 5 shillings, 0 pence] and the other on the north side to 15 [shillings] total
1 - 5 - 0
0 -15 - 0
2 - 0 - 0 [pounds]
given under our hands this 23rd of March 1787
[signed by] John Lanier
James Picket
Richd Williams
Sworn to before me Saml Houston, J P
In 1786, a tract of 100 acres lying on the west side of North East River on lands of Dr. William Houston, was incorporated as the town of Sarecto. Charles Ward, John Hill, James Outlaw, Samuel Houston, David Murdough, George Miller, and John Matchel were appointed commissioners “for the further designing, building, and improving the said town.” [North Carolina State Records, Vol XXIV, pp 846-847]
DAR Patriot Index, Centennial Edition, Washington DC, 1990: Samuel Houston born in Virginia 1735 died prior to 1822 in North Carolina married Elizabeth Hubbard. Patriotic Service in North Carolina.
Samuel Houston is also the subject of DAR Application for Membership, National Number 117860: Samuel Houston signed the Oath of Allegiance to the State of North Carolina in the year 1777:

By act of Assembly passed at Newberne, NC, 15 Nov 1777
I A B do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of NC to the power and authorities which are or may be established for the government thereof, not consistent with the constitution. And I do solemnly and sincerely declare that I do believe in my conscience that neither the King of Great Britain nor Parliament thereof, jointly with the said King, or separately, or any foreign prince, person, State, or potentate has or ought to have any right or title to the Sovereignty of the State or to any part of the government thereof. And I do renounce, refuse, and abjure any allegiance or obedience to them, or any of them. And I will do my utmost endeavor to disclo
se and make known to the legislature or executive powers of the said State all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts whatsoever which I shall know to be made, or intended against the said State. And I do faithfully promise that I will endeavor to support, maintain, and defend the independence of the said State against him, the said King, and all other persons whatsoever. And all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and succor, according to these express words, without equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever. And I make this acknowledgement, abjuration, renumeration, and promise heartily, willingly, and truly, so help me God!
signed:
Henry CannonSAMUEL HOUSTONWilliam Dickson
Michael KennanJames SampsonJ

RS married Elizabeth HUBBARD in 1756 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Elizabeth was born about 1738. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Rachel NOBLE. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Notes for Griffith Houston:( From Jacqueline B. Perrin)
Received much material from his descendant, David V. Brooks, at Brooks, Steven, and Pope, PA. Suite 150, 2000 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC. 27511; 919-481-9103

Context of North Carolina Will Abstracts, 1760-1800 the North Carolina Wills J. page 34
1782 JONES, GRIFFITH, Wife (not named); Margaret McRee and Mary White (daughters); Griffith Houston (grandsons).

FROM DUPLIN COUNTY DEEDS, BOOK 1A PAGE 21, May 13, 1784
A tract of land granted to William Houston Senr. of Duplin County It being part oof 840A granted to Henry McCulloh Esqr. March 3, 1745. It was granted to William Houston Esqr. May 1780, beginning at a maple & ash on the branch of Cape Fear River, William Hubbard's lower corner William Houston and wife had use of wood and said land for their plantation. On May 13, 1784 for $1 a tract of 256A on the Eastside of the Northeast River of Cape Fear. It was granted to Griffith Houston son of William Houston Esqr.
Witness: Charles Ward, Joseph Bray, Senr.
July Court 1784

Note 2./
Duplin County and Sampson Countys were formerly a part of New Hanover County, and about the year 1749 was divided from New Hanover County. In 1784, Sampson County was erected from the portion of Duplin

NOTE 3./ The Year Was 1780 Historical Note:

The year was 1780 and the American Revolution wasn't going well for the Americans in the South. British forces captured Charleston and 5,400 American troops garrisoned there. During the siege, South Carolina Governor John Rutledge managed to escape and when word reached the British General Cornwallis, he sent Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton to chase Rutledge and troops under Colonel Abraham Buford who were escorting him to North Carolina. Tarleton's men caught up with Buford's troops near the Waxhaws District six miles south of the North Carolina state line, as Governor Rutledge continued north. Buford's men put up a brief fight during which Tarleton's horse was shot from under him. As the American troops began to surrender, Tarleton's men, thinking he had been killed began renewed their attack on the surrendering Americans. More than one hundred men were killed outright and perhaps another hundred died of their wounds shortly after.

Up to that point, most thought that the South was going to remain loyal to Britain, but the Waxhaws Massacre became a rallying point for the rebels, with "Tarleton's Quarter" becoming synonymous with "no mercy."

The divisions in the South were apparent in the Battle of King's Mountain, which was fought between two American forces--Tories under the command of Major Patrick Ferguson, and the "Overmountain Men," American frontiersmen from what is now Tennessee and parts of Virginia. The Americans surrounded the Tories and this time it was they who gave "no quarter" to the surrendering Tory troops. Eventually American officers were able to reign in the troops and the battle was over. The defeat was a turning point in the Revolution in the South and forced General Cornwallis to retreat further south.

To the north, a British spy was captured with correspondence revealing that Benedict Arnold, who had recently been given command of West Point, planned to surrender it to the British. When news that the spy had been caught reached Arnold, he fled to the safety of a British ship and became a brigadier-general for the British, siding with them for the remainder of the war.

There was trouble in England as well. In 1778 a Catholic Relief Act had been passed, which reversed some of the Penal Laws of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It allowed Roman Catholics to join the armed forces with an oath amenable to Catholics and gave them the ability to hold longer leases on land. It also ended the requirement that a Catholic distribute his lands evenly among his sons upon his death. The Catholic Relief Acts weren't popular with some Protestants though and in 1780 Lord George Gordon established the Protestant Association in 1780. In June of that year an estimated 60,000 people marched on the House of Commons demanding the Relief Acts be repealed. The huge crowd turned violent and a week of rioting left two hundred and ninety people dead, and devasted Roman Catholic churches and related buildings, as well as the homes of prominent Catholics and supporters of the legislation. Troops had to be called in to end the rioting. Twenty-five of the leaders of the riot were hanged, but Gordon was found "not guilty" of treason.

May 19th was a dark day in New England--literally. A low-lying dark cloud that at times had a yellow and at times reddish hue descended on New England and was noted from Maine to as far south as New Jersey. It was darkest around northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire and Maine, where it became so dark that candles needed to be lit to see. The cause is thought to have been a combination of low clouds that mixed with smoke and ash from a forest fire, but at the time it wasn't known and the event caused panic for many.

New England's dark day was a minor event though in comparison to the hurricane season of 1780. Eight storms struck in various parts of America and the Caribbean. British fleets off American shores took heavy hits during several storms. (Hurricanes in the 1780s were the cause of more British Naval losses than battle.) The worst storm struck on October 10th devastating Barbados and the Windward Islands, and claiming an estimated 22,000 lives.

RS married Ann Martha PATSEY about 1778 in Dobbs, North Carolina. Ann was born about 1745 in Duplin County, North Carolina; died after 1800 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: RS William HUBBARD. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Note 1./
On August 1, 1781, British Major Craig left Wilmington for New Bern to punish those who would not declare for the king. Major Craig had 250 regular British professional troops and 80 Tories. (These 80 Tories were the same guys that Col. Kenan had chased out of the county.) Early on August 2, Col. Kenan got notice of his approach and make such preparation for defense as he was able by hastily throwing up a slight breastwork, it was inadequate for the purpose intended.

At the very instant when Major Craig made the attach on our breastwork with his cannon, we were attached in the rear by Capt. Gordon with about 60 horsemen, 10 of which were British Dragoons and two companies of infantry. They had made a circuitous march through the woods and were close upon our rear before being discovered. Confusion and dismay was the immediate consequence. The Militia broke and quit their post before one half of them had discharged their guns. Col. Kenan and some of his officers made every exertion they could to rally the men again, but to no purpose. Our ammunition, baggage, provisions etc. fell into the enemy's hands. Eight or ten of our men were wounded and made prisoners, none were killed. The British had one man killed there.

Two days afterwards Craig marched up to the Grove (Now Kenansville) and encamped at Col. Routledge's house, lay there about three days, collected some cattle, destroyed some crops of corn, burned Capt. James Gillespie's and Lieu. Henry Houston's Houses, and destroyed such of their property, as they could not carry away. Then they marched on towards New Bern, committing depredations and enticing Negroes to desert their Masters and go with them. They were followed and harassed by some Militia from Duplin, Onslow, and Dobbs Counties. Capt. Gordon of the British Dragoons was killed on the way by some of the Onslow men. This happen the first week of August 1781.

Thus two British Armies marched through Duplin in the year 1781. After they were gone, their trace was scarcely perceivable, we on their approach retired out of the way and as soon as they had passed by, we returned to our houses, which we frequently found plundered and our stock driven off.

After this the Tories made frequent attempts to embody both in the western and eastern parts of the county, but by the execution of Col. Kenan, Col. Moore, Capt. Gillespie , and other offices, they were often dispersed with loss as they attempted to collect together.

About the latter end of September 1781, the Tories were collecting on the Cohera when Col. Moore with Captains Williams, David Dodd, and Stephen Miller went out in search of their camp, surprised and dispersed them without sustaining any loss in Col. Moore's party, four of the Tories were killed in that action. They never made any considerable head in Duplin afterwards.

The spirit of the Tories was now broke, they generally came in and surrendered them selves up to the Government and complied with the requisitions of the law by going into or finding a substitute for the Army of the United States. Middleton Mobley, their leader, being abandoned by all his deluded followers was obliged to leave the county, he was afterwards taken in Martin County and brought back to Wilmington, tried, condemned, and executed.

At the Battle of Eutaw Springs (Sept. 8, 1781) in South Carolina Capt. Joseph Thomas Rhodes from Duplin, took a company of about 40 raw recruits (raised in Duplin) that behaved with as much personal bravery and intrepidity as any that were in that engagement, they had joined the army but a few days previous to the action.

When the line was formed for action, Capt. Rhodes had his post assigned to him on the main road leading down Santee, towards the Springs: General Greene in person observed to Rhodes, that he expected the enemy would endeavor to force our lines at that place, and if he could maintain his ground he might depend on being reinforced in a very short time. According to the general's expectation, the battle became violent in that part of the line, but the promised reinforcements never came till a very late stage of the action. The men under Capt. Rhodes' Command, behaved with the utmost order and bravery and sustained considerable loss; the reinforcements when they came, took the ground of the left, where at that time, the enemy began to retreat. Rhodes then with what men he had left and with the remains of Captains Goodman and Porterfield's companies (Both Captains being killed) advanced near the brick house and attacked the British Artillery and took possession of several field pieces, one of which they kept. The others were retaken by British reinforcements of a superior strength in number. During the whole of this action, which is said to be the hottest and most bloody for the number of men engaged, that occurred during the Revolutionary War, the men under Capt. Rhodes's Command, manifested such undaunted bravery as is seldom surpassed by old disciplined Vitrons. During this Action, only Captain Rhodes and thirteen of his men, came out unhurt. The others being killed or wounded and of those that came out unhurt, only three of them had no marks of the ball or bayonet.

After the war terminated, in June of 1784, the County of Duplin was divided by a line running from the head of Rockfish Creek, where the road crossed Bull Tail Branch, nearly north, crossing Stewarts Creek at the bridge and Turkey near the old Court House, and Goshen at the Mouth of Young's Swamp. All west of said line was erected into a separate county named Sampson....

Note 2./
Duplin County and Sampson Countys were formerly a part of New Hanover County, and about the year 1749 was divided from New Hanover County. In 1784, Sampson County was erected from the portion of Duplin

Note 3./ DAR Patriot Index, Centennial Edition, Washington DC, 1990: Henry Houston born about 1746 in North Carolina, died 1820 in North Carolina, married Sarah Elizabeth Miller and service as a Lieutenant during the Revolutionary War from North Carolina. Two days afterwards [British Major] Craig Marched up to the Grove and Encamped at Colo Routledges House, lay there about three days, Collected some Cattle, destroyed some Crops of Corn Burned Capt. Gillespies and Lieut. [Henry] Houstons Houses, and destroyed such of their Property as they cou'd not carry away; Then Marched on towards Newbern, commiting depredations and Enticeing Negroes to Desert their Masters and go with them. They were followed and Harrassed by some Militia from Duplin, Onslow and Dobbs Counties, Capt. Gordon of the Brittish Dragoons was Killed on the way by some of the Onslow men. This happened in the first week in August 1781. [William Dickson, History of Duplin County, Wilmington Star, 1810]

NOTE 3./ HOUSTON:

Henry was born in N. C. in 1746, a son of Dr. William and Ann Jones Houston. Soldier recieved pay vouchers #3731 for 2/8/0 pounds and # 3823 for 1/10/0 pounds. In N. C. Army Accounts, Vol. V1, Bk 23, pg 43, voucher # 22 for 10/ 18/ 6 pounds principal with interest of 2/12/10 pounds. British General Craig marched up to the Grove (Duplin County) and encamped at Col. Routledge's and Lt. Henry Houston's house and destroyed what they could not carry off. Solider's obituary in the Onslow Register stated "Lieut. Henry Houston age 89, died July 29, 1836. Married Sara Elizabeth Miller. Henry was a Methodist and pensioner.

Family/Spouse: Sarah Elizabeth MILLER. Sarah (daughter of George MILLER and Margaret MCCULLOH) was born about 1747 in Duplin County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./
During the Revolutionary War, Edward HOUSTON served in the North Carolina Continental Line from Wilmington District. (Roster of Soldiers from North Carolina in the American Revolution, p.219; Audit Vouchers #1334 and #1314, North Carolina Archives.)

From census records of Duplin Co., NC, 1820- Edward HOUSTON, age 45+, has one male living in household, age 26-45 (Edward E. about age 35); 1830- Edward HOUSTON, AGE 40-50 (probably Edward E.); 1840- Edward A. HOUSTON, age 40-50; Edward E. moved to Barbour Co., AL.

Sources:
Text: DUPREE, Garland Monna Crowe, PEOPLE OF PURPOSE, VOLUME TWO, Walker Printing, 1990.

Exerpts from the DUPLIN COUNTY DEED BOOK IA Page 1: William Houston, Senr. of Duplin Co. to Edward Houston, 13 May 1784, for $1, a tract of 360A on th ES of the Northeast River of Cape Fear, being part of 840A granted to HENRY McCULLOH, ESQR. 3 Mar 1745, & later granted to William Houston, Esqr. May 1780, beg. at a stake on the river Griffeth Houston's lower corner & runs with his line S & N to a water oak & gum in Bridle Branch. William Houston & his wife to have lifetime rights on sd. land. Wit: Charles Ward, Joseph Bray, Sen. July Ct. 1784.

NOTE 2./ The North Carolina State Census,

1784 - 1787, indicates that Edward Houston's household was recorded in Capt Hubbard's Militia District by Samuel Houston in April 1786. The household consisted of 1 White male between the age of 21 AND 60, 2 White males either below the age of 21 OR above the age of 60, 2 White females, 2 Black slaves between the ages of 12 and 50, and 9 Black slaves either below the age of 21 or above the age of 5 0. This indicates that Edward Houston was born
between 1726 and 1765.
Edward's household is recorded on line 46

1790 Edward Houston household has 1 male over 16, 4 males under 16, 1 female, 6 slaves - Edward would have accounted for the Male over 16, His wife Mary the female - 4 sons under 16 Houston household has 1 male over 16, 4 males under 16, 1 female, 6 slaves A second 1790 census shows Edward Houston's household consists of 1 male over 16, 3 males under 16, 1 female, 6 slaves

1800 Census shows Edward Houston's household to consist of 2 males under 10, 1 male 10-15, 2 males 16-25, 1 male over 45, 2 females under 10, 1 female over 45 and 4 slaves. In conclusion Edward and Mary at this point are over 45 and have 5 sons and 2 daughters still living with them.

1810 Census show's Edward Houston's household consisting of 3 males 16-25, 1 male over 45, 2 females 10-15, 1 female over 45 and 3 slaves

1820 Census with his household consisting of 2 males under 10 (James Lafayette 4 & Edward "Ned" 7), 1 male 26-45 (Edward E. age 32), male over 45 (Edward), 1 female under 10 (I do not have a record of this child), 1 female 16-26 (This could be Winneford), 2 females between 26 & 45 (Possibly Rebecca and Hannah). There is a mark for 1 person foreigners not naturalized. This could be a column error and should have been for 1 female over 45 for Mary and 5 slaves. This appears to be a combined household with Edward and Edward E.

Research Notes: During the Revolutionary War, Edward HOUSTON served in the North Carolina Continental Line from Wilmington District. (Roster of Soldiers from North Carolina in the American Revolution, p.219 ; Audit Vouchers #1334 and #1314, North Carolina Archives.)

NOTE 3./ Duplin Co and Sampson Co were formerly a part of New Hanover Co. Duplin was formed in 1749. In 1784, Sampson Co was made from Duplin

NOTE 4./ By Jerome Tew: <> <>

HOUSTON, Edward, Private, NC Militia
Soldier is listed on Pierce's Register and lived in Duplin in 1790 with four males over 16. William Houston sold to (son) Edward Houston 360 acres in Duplin in 1784 for $1. Soldier was born in 1755 to Dr. William Houston and Anna Jones and died December 13, 1834. He married Mary Miller 1755-1818. Issue: 1-Henry Houston born 1795 in Duplin, moved to Dooly after 1830, and died 1841 in Dooly Co. GA. He married Eleanor Stokes. His son Edward Joshua b1818 in Duplin Co. NC married in Dooly Co. GA Lucy Ann Royal and 2nd Eliza Jane Royal, daughters of Raiford Royal born 1800 in Sampson Co. NC.
2-Griffith Houston, 3-Rebecca Houston, 4-Winnifred Houston, 5-James Houston, and 6-Samuel Houston. Henry's widow Eleanor 1795- was living with son George Houston 1850 in Dooly.

NOTE 5./ e-mail 1-12-2005 ; DAR Lookup Request ; Reply by CNelson at Roots Web.com
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/SM.2ADE/4886.1

The DAR Patriot Index lists the following:

HOUSTON, Edward
Birth: NC Circa 1755
Service: NC
Rank: Sol
Death: NC 13 Dec 1824
Patriot Pensioned: No Widow Pensioned: No
Children Pensioned: No Heirs Pensioned: No
Spouse: (1) Mary Miller

If you would like a copy of the application with the patriot's information, you may request a copy from DAR National Headquarters. Send the above information with a $10.00 check made payable to: Treasurer General NSDAR and mail to: REGISTRAR GENERAL NSDAR; Attn: Record Copy Dept.; 1776 D Street NW; Washington, DC 20006-5303.
Please send only one check and one request per envelope. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to receive your copy as the office is very busy.

The application may contain names, dates, locations, service and reference sources that may be of interest to you. If you or any member of your family is interested in joining the DAR or the SAR, please let me know. I will be happy to put you in touch with someone in your area who will help you with the application process.

NOTE 6./ Historical Note: The Year Was 1789

The year was 1789 and in the U.S. a young government was beginning to take shape. In its first nationwide election, the popular Revolutionary War general, George Washington, became the country's first president and was sworn in at the first capitol of the United States, Federal Hall in New York City.

In France, a rebellion was underway and with the storming of the Bastille prison, the French Revolution began. In its reporting on the subject, The Times of London, England had the following to say of the conflict:

The spirit of liberty which so long lay in a state of death, oppressed by the hand of power, received its first spark of returning animation, by the incautious and impolitic assistance afforded to America. The French soldier on his return from that emancipated continent, told a glorious tale to his countrymen--"That the arms of France had given freedome to thirteen United States, and planted the standard of liberty on the battlements of New York and Philadelphia." The idea of such a noble deed became a general object of admiration, the [facets?] of a similar state were eagerly longed for by all ranks of people, and the vox populi had this force of argument--"If France gave freedom to America, why should she not unchain the arbitrary fetters which bind her own people.

Later that year, the Marquis de Lafayette, with the advice of Thomas Jefferson who was at the time the American ambassador to France, drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. It was adopted by France's National Assembly in August and ratified by Louis XVI in October.

There was unrest in other parts of the world as well. Sweden and Russia were at war, and briefly, Norway had joined the conflict, although a peace treaty was signed in July 1789.

In a smaller, but well-known conflict, the mutiny on the H.M.S. Bounty was also in the year 1789. On April 28, part of the crew of the Bounty, led by Fletcher Christian, mutinied and set Captain William Bligh and eighteen crewmembers adrift. Bligh managed to get the boat some 3,600 miles to Timor. Some of the mutineers were captured and prosecuted--three were hanged, while others, including Fletcher Christian ended up on Pitcairn Island, where some of their descendants live to this day.

In 1789, there was an epidemic of influenza in New England, New York, and Nova Scotia, which resulted in many deaths due to secondary cases of pneumonia. The new president was among those who fell ill. He caught a cold while visiting Boston, and later, was affected more seriously with influenza, which was dubbed Washington Influenza.

NOTE 7./ Historical Note: The Year Was 1780

The year was 1780 and the American Revolution wasn't going well for the Americans in the South. British forces captured Charleston and 5,400 American troops garrisoned there. During the siege, South Carolina Governor John Rutledge managed to escape and when word reached the British General Cornwallis, he sent Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton to chase Rutledge and troops under Colonel Abraham Buford who were escorting him to North Carolina. Tarleton's men caught up with Buford's troops near the Waxhaws District six miles south of the North Carolina state line, as Governor Rutledge continued north. Buford's men put up a brief fight during which Tarleton's horse was shot from under him. As the American troops began to surrender, Tarleton's men, thinking he had been killed began renewed their attack on the surrendering Americans. More than one hundred men were killed outright and perhaps another hundred died of their wounds shortly after.

Up to that point, most thought that the South was going to remain loyal to Britain, but the Waxhaws Massacre became a rallying point for the rebels, with "Tarleton's Quarter" becoming synonymous with "no mercy."

The divisions in the South were apparent in the Battle of King's Mountain, which was fought between two American forces--Tories under the command of Major Patrick Ferguson, and the "Overmountain Men," American frontiersmen from what is now Tennessee and parts of Virginia. The Americans surrounded the Tories and this time it was they who gave "no quarter" to the surrendering Tory troops. Eventually American officers were able to reign in the troops and the battle was over. The defeat was a turning point in the Revolution in the South and forced General Cornwallis to retreat further south.

To the north, a British spy was captured with correspondence revealing that Benedict Arnold, who had recently been given command of West Point, planned to surrender it to the British. When news that the spy had been caught reached Arnold, he fled to the safety of a British ship and became a brigadier-general for the British, siding with them for the remainder of the war.

There was trouble in England as well. In 1778 a Catholic Relief Act had been passed, which reversed some of the Penal Laws of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It allowed Roman Catholics to join the armed forces with an oath amenable to Catholics and gave them the ability to hold longer leases on land. It also ended the requirement that a Catholic distribute his lands evenly among his sons upon his death. The Catholic Relief Acts weren't popular with some Protestants though and in 1780 Lord George Gordon established the Protestant Association in 1780. In June of that year an estimated 60,000 people marched on the House of Commons demanding the Relief Acts be repealed. The huge crowd turned violent and a week of rioting left two hundred and ninety people dead, and devasted Roman Catholic churches and related buildings, as well as the homes of prominent Catholics and supporters of the legislation. Troops had to be called in to end the rioting. Twenty-five of the leaders of the riot were hanged, but Gordon was found "not guilty" of treason.

May 19th was a dark day in New England--literally. A low-lying dark cloud that at times had a yellow and at times reddish hue descended on New England and was noted from Maine to as far south as New Jersey. It was darkest around northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire and Maine, where it became so dark that candles needed to be lit to see. The cause is thought to have been a combination of low clouds that mixed with smoke and ash from a forest fire, but at the time it wasn't known and the event caused panic for many.

New England's dark day was a minor event though in comparison to the hurricane season of 1780. Eight storms struck in various parts of America and the Caribbean. British fleets off American shores took heavy hits during several storms. (Hurricanes in the 1780s were the cause of more British Naval losses than battle.) The worst storm struck on October 10th devastating Barbados and the Windward Islands, and claiming an estimated 22,000 lives.

RS married Mary MILLER in 1771 in Duplin Co., North Carolina. Mary (daughter of George MILLER and Margaret MCCULLOH) was born about 1751 in North Carolina; died between 1818 and 1824 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married William HALL before 23 Mar 1787 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Thomas MCGEE. Thomas was born about 1763. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ Duplin County, NC - Court Records

Petition to Establish Town of Hallsborough, Duplin Co., Nov. 1818

Contributed by Grace Williamson TURNER.
Transcribed by Sloan Mason

Source: Petition to Establish Town of Hallsborough, Duplin Co., Nov. 1818
General Assembly, Session Records, November-December 1818.

To The Honorable, The General Assembly of the State of North Carolina,

The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the County of Duplin. Respectfully Sheweth that the Lands on the Lower Side of Limestone Rock near the Mouth of the East Side of the North East of Capefear River is a healthy Situation and well calculated for the Establishment of Several Stores which might lend Greatly to the Corsetiere and advantage of Great part of said County.

Your Petitioners therefore pray that your Honorable Body will take the Subject into Consideration and pass a law to Establish a Town on the lands of William HALL, Senr. and sons Situated as above Stated by the Name of Hallsborough, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will Ever Pray.
November 1818.

John BISHOP, Thomas KENADY, A. Newkirk, Lewis JONES, Wm. PEACOCK ............Edward HOUSTON , .............John HOUSTON ...............Merril WILLIAMS, Danl. SOUTHERLAND, Junr., Merit MANNING, William HALL, Sr., Lewis HALL, Abraham HALL, Nicholas HALL, Joseph T. RHODES, A. PEARSALL, John CARR, Hillary BISHOP, Thomas P. HALL
Felix KENEDY, James SIMPSON, Levin WALLER, Soloman SOUTHERLAND, Samuel SOTHERLAND
Alexr SOUTHERLAND, David BROCK, Martin MANING

A Bill to Establish a Town on the Lands of William HALL, Senr. & Sons, in the County
of Duplin.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of North Carolina, and it is herby enacted by the Authority for the same, that Nicholas HALL, Thomas P. HALL, John FARIOR, Nathan WALLER, Archibald MAXWELL, & Samuel HOUSTON, Thomas KENNEDY (crossed out) be and they are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purpose of laying off a town on the lands of William HALL, Senr. & sons, on the lower side of Limestone Creek near the Mouth on the East Side of the North East of Cape Fear River, in the County of Duplin, by the name of Hallsborough, and it shall be the duty of said Commissioners or a
Majority of them, as soon or may be to lay off & exhibit a fair plan of said Town in acre or half acre lots, on such part of the lands of the said William HALL, Senr. & Sons, as they or a Majority of them may think proper; and when the said lots shall be so laid off, the same shall be at the entire will & --- disposal of the aforesaid Commissioners, and the money arising from the sale of said lots shall be applied to
the use of the said William HALL, Senr. & Sons. Provided that the consent of the Proprietors of the Land shall first have been obtained. Provided, further that the said William HALL, Senr. & Sons, shall at and before the laying out & selling the lots of the said Town, execute to the Commissioners aforesaid a good and sufficient title in fee simple to the lands upon which the said Town of Hallsborough is to be
established.

In Senate, Dec. 1818, Read the first Time and passed, By Order, HENDERSON, Clrk.

In Senate Dec. 11, 1818, Read the first time and passed, By Order, Robert WILLIAMS, C.S.

In. H. COMMONS 23rd. Dec. 1818. Read the second time, amended and passed. By Order, HENDERSON, Clk.

In Senate, Dec. 24th, 1818, Read the second time and amended and passed. By Order, Robert WILLIAMS

In Commons 25 Dec. 1818. Read the third time and passed By Order. Honorable Comm.

In Senate Dec. 25th, 1818. Read the third time and passed and Ordered to be ----By Order. Robt. WILLIAMS, C.S.

A Bill to Establish a Town on the Land of William HALL, Senr. & Sons in the County of Duplin.

NOTE 2./ Minutes of the committee appointed "to divide the estate of Samuel Houston

dec'd so as to ascertain each claimant's share of said Estate". "Total amount of this Negroe property, Do[llars] 6,840"
Do Cts
Valued toMrs Houston Sundry Articles at 185 - 50
Miss Ann Houston ditto 82 - 0
Samuel Houston ditto 83 - 0
John Houston ditto 73 - 50
William Hall ditto 151 - 50
Felix Rhodes ditto 156 - 50
The above are the six claimants or heirs to the estate of Samuel Houston. They are by implication: his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Ann, his sons Samuel and John, and the husbands of his married daughters. William Hall is the husband of Mary Houston and John Felix Rhodes is the husba
nd of Dorothy Houston.
Duplin Co, NC, Miscellaneous Records, NC Archives, Raleigh, NC: An Order for a Mill on Cypress Creek. Joseph Grimes. Report filed April Term 1787.

SamuelJr married Nancy Ann THOMAS on 20 Feb 1805 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Nancy was born in 1790 in North Carolina; died after 1850 in Madison County, Florida. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ Duplin Deeds, Book 3A, p. 493, 1 Aug 1808 John HOUSTON to Lewis Ashton THOMAS, for $800 lawful money, 400A on the ES of the Northeast of Cape Fear River, beg. the sd. HOUSTON's share of his father's lands & laid off as such 5 Oct 1807. Wit- Sam HOUSTON, Joseph T. RHODES. Oct. Ct. 1808. (Millie Note: Wit Sam Houston is brother to John Houston)

NOTE 2./ Petition to Establish Town of Hallsborough, Duplin County, NC - Court Records, To The Honorable, The General Assembly of the State of North Carolina,

The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the County of Duplin. Respectfully Sheweth that the Lands on the Lower Side of Limestone Rock near the Mouth of the East Side of the North East of Capefear River is a healthy Situation and well calculated for the Establishment of Several Stores which might lend Greatly to the Corsetiere and advantage of Great part of said County.
Your Petitioners therefore pray that your Honorable Body will take the Subject into Consideration and pass a law to Establish a Town on the lands of William HALL, Senr.and sons Situated as above Stated by the Name of Hallsborough, and your Petitioner as in duty bound will Ever Pray. November 1818.
John BISHOP
Thomas KENADY
A. Newkirk
Lewis JONES
Wm. PEACOCK
Edward HOUSTON
John HOUSTON
et all ......

NOTE 3./ Minutes of the committee appointed "to divide the estate of Samuel Houston

dec'd so as to ascertain each claimant's share of said Estate". "Total amount of this Negroe property, Do[llars] 6,840" Do Cts
Valued toMrs Houston Sundry Articles at 185 - 50
Miss Ann Houston ditto 82 - 0
Samuel Houston ditto 83 - 0
John Houston ditto 73 - 50
William Hall ditto 151 - 50
Felix Rhodes ditto 156 - 50
The above are the six claimants or heirs to the estate of Samuel Houston. They are by implication: his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Ann, his sons Samuel and John, and the husbands of his married daughters. William Hall is the husband of Mary Houston and John Felix Rhodes is the husband of Dorothy Houston.
Duplin Co, NC, Miscellaneous Records, NC Archives, Raleigh, NC: An Order for a Mill on Cypress Creek. Joseph Grimes. Report filed April Term 1787.

John married Catherine FREDERICK about 1799 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Catherine was born about 1780. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dorothy married John Felix RHODES on 19 Jan 1797 in Duplin County, North Carolina. John was born between 1766 and 1774. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married John MAXWELL on 06 Jun 1813 in Duplin County, North Carolina. John (son of William MAXWELL and Elizabeth Grason CROOM) was born on 22 Feb 1774 in Greene County, North Carolina; died on 03 Oct 1851 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Zacheus SMITH. Zacheus (son of Frederick SMITH and Winnifred SMITH) was born about 1780. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

William married Tabitha SMITH after 1810 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Tabitha (daughter of Frederick SMITH and Winnifred SMITH) was born about 1797 in Duplin County, North Carolina; died after 1830 in Duplin County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Duplin County, NC - Court Records

Source: General Assembly Records; November 1833-1834. Box 6.

To the honorable the General Assembly of the State of No. Carolina:
We the under assigned Citizens of Duplin County, do pray and Request that
your Honorable Body would alter and Replace Back our Courts of pleas &
Quarter Sessions for Said County to their former Station from the 4th
Monday In February, May, August & November, to the 3rd Monday In January,
April, July and October.

Jere Sandlin James Andrew
Gibson Sloan Wm. Southerland, Jr. Stewart Henderson
J.H. Pickett James Lanier Lewis Brown
James Sandlin Fdrick Pickett Wm. Johnston
Henry Brown Buckner Parker Henry Sandlin
Massy(?) M. Padgtte Wm. Wilkins John Canaday
N. Hall Isham Armstrong John Biship
David Woodard Henry Pickett James Wallace
Elijah Swinson Lewis Waller Stephen Wallace
Wm Cottle Robert Kennaday David Southerland
A. Jackson Keanen Murray Samuel Raines
Edwd. Armstrong Thomas Lanier Solomon Southerland
Henry Grady H. Lanier William Pickett
Loftin Quin Denis Lanier Wilson Grant
Jese Batts Haulden Lanier James Hall
Samuel Southerland Persall Lanier Danniel Whaley
John Davis Thomas Byton James Brown
John Prickett Kenan Costun John Bostick, Sr.
Arthur W. Halso John Henderson Othriel Mcanne
Nichodemus Sandlin Elijah Henderson Killis Newkirk
Elijah Butler Hugh Pearce John Brown
Jacob Lanier Isham Lanier Alexander Hines
Jacob Johnson Riley Sholar Wm. Pickett, Sr.
Thos. Cole James G. Lanier Stephen Rainer
Bryant Marelly Martin Maning Riley Davis
David Norman J. Murray Hugh Hunter
James B. Williams Nathan Murray Hosey Hunter
Allen Thigpen A. Maxwell William Hunter
Joshua Cole Wm. Pickett John Mcann, Jr.
Fed Brown Hezekiah Henderson Biggs Manning
H. Grant Gray Padgett H.P. Armstrong
Charley Whaley Joab Fountain Timothy Murphy
Jacob Brown John E. Fountain Jas. H. Jerman
Joh Gale Thomas Davis J. Wilkerson
Bryan Bishop Wm A. Houston

In Senate Jany 3, 1834. Presented by Mr. Hussey & ordered to be referred
to Committee on prop. & Grevances By order

S.T. Pattersan C.S.

Family/Spouse: LN HALSEY. LN was born about 1760; died after 1810 in Duplin County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married Mary WILLIAMS after 1810 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Mary was born about 1771; died after 1820 in Duplin County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ WILL:
Will made in Duplin Co., NC 19 Feb 1852, probated April Term 1852- DAR records show George Eustace HOUSTON, son of Dr. William HOUSTON and his wife Anna JONES, born 20 Jun 1772, Duplin Co., d. 20 Feb 1852, Duplin Co., m. Tabitha Williams, 20 May 1813, b. 27 Apr 1788, Duplin Co., d. 16 July 1853, Duplin Co.

Heirs listed in will were- (dates of birth and death added from tombstone records) son Calvin J. HOUSTON (Aug 1813- Aug 1861); son George E. HOUSTON, Jr. (Feb 1817- May 1897), m. Margaret x, daughter Sarah Eliza m. John MILLER, son Alfred HOUSTON (1823- 1882), d. 24 Oct 1882, m. Winnifred (28 Dec 1834- 28 Apr 1913), son Edward W. HOUSTON, daughter Temperance W. HOUSTON, grandson Henry Clay, son of George E. HOUSTON, Jr. Executors- Calvin and Alfred HOUSTON.

Tombstone records (Duplin County NC cemetery) show several children who died young, Stephen M, d. Mar 1810, age 11 yrs., Edward W., d. 12 Dec 1822, age 1 yr. 5 months, Henry, d. Aug 1820, age 5 yrs, 3 months.
Sources:
Text: DUPREE, Garland Monna Crowe, PEOPLE OF PURPOSE, VOLUME TWO, Walker Printing, 1990.

Duplin County, NC - Court Records

Source: General Assembly Records; November 1840-1841. Box 4.

State of No. C. Duplin Co.

To the Honorable the General Assembly of sd. State

Gentlemen we yr. Humble petitioners Laboring under a considerable incon-
venience & expence for the want of Inspectors for sd. County particularly
on the railroad do Humbly petition yr. Honorable body to pass an act
authorising our Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions to appoint one or more
Inspectors for sd. County & that when noticed they shall pass from Depot
to Depot or anywhere on the railroad within sd. County to Inspect Naval
Stores &c

Benjamin Cooper Jas. Williams J.B. Kelly
Tnomas Hill H. Bourdin Richd. Stricklin
John Cooper D. Gillespie William Chesnutt
A. Komegay, Jr. John F. Rhodes C.O. Hurst
J.M. Grady John L. Hill Herold Blackmore
Killy Bass O.D. Fillyaw R. Best
W.H. Hansley Zebulon Hollingsworth T.D. Love
J.M. Middleton Henry Colton Jno. D. Love
Th. J. Kinnar John Guy, Jr. O.R. Kenan
Jesse Butler John Gore David Stricklin
Haskkel Jones Daniel Boyette Cullen Izard
Culling Brown Wm. Pollock Pactrick
John Shine George Morisey Thomas Morsey
Jos. T. Rhodes W.L. Hill Jas. Pearsall
Geo. E. Houston Wright Boney Edwd. Pearsall

In Senate Dec. 25. Referred an motion of Mr. Hill to the
Court on Pro & Greavance. Ed By Order J.G. Howell(?).
In Senate Dec. 30. Mr. Moore rested against prayer agreed to.
Ed. By order Z.G. Stovel(?)

NOTE 2./ The gravestone of Maj George E Houston
located in the Houston Family Cemetery in a field on the right hand side of the road going from Kenansville to Sarecta, near the intersection of NC Hwy 11 and Hwy 1700. The information was collected 25 Nov 1960. The gravestone reads:
Maj George E Houston Died Feb 20, 1852, Aged 79 yrs. 8 mos.
"Behold my friends as you pass by As you are now so once was I, As I am now so must you be,
Prepare for death and follow me"

Major married Tabitha WILLIAMS on 20 May 1813 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Tabitha (daughter of George WILLIAMS and TABITHA) was born on 27 Apr 1788 in Duplin County, North Carolina; died on 16 Jul 1853 in Duplin County, North Carolina; was buried in Houston Family Cemetery, Duplin Co., NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary married William HALL on 01 Jan 1799 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Margaret married James JUDGE on 17 Apr 1809 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ James first appears in census records in 1810. The 1810 Duplin Co., NC Census shows James to be between 26 - 44 yrs old, 1 female under 10 and 1 female 16-25, no slaves.

Letter from James Houston to Edward "Ned" Houston in Barbour Co., Alabama

State of North Carolina, Duplin County, March 27, 1843
Dear Nephew,
I received your kind letter dated the fifth of February last which was very congratulating to me to hear from you and all our connection in that country and That you all are a plenty of support. I have the happynefs of informing you that we are all well at this time. Hoping that this few l ines will find you and your family Injoying good health and all our friends in that country. Your Aunt Rebecca and Winneford and the children has bin very sick with the measles they have overed it and is tolerable well at this time we have raised very good crops here the last year past and produce is cheap and navel stoars is low - terpentine one dollar ninety nine cents prem barrel bacon from Six to Seven Dollars per the hundred corn sixty cents per bushel. I believe that to be abought the common prices at this time. I don't no that I have anything more to inform you of at present only that I have had to give the best man said to be in the County a flogging in my old age. His name is Isaac Butts. I gave him his hire the seventh of this month, March and paid him off well. Your cousin Ezzas neck gits no better but keeps about the same thing, her husband and children are well at present. I was born the eighteenth day of August in the year 1782 which makes me 61 next August and your father was born May the thirty first day, 1788 which makes him fifty five this May coming. I will send you a lock of heare in this letter that you may see the change that has taken place on my head. The Stoakes family is all well at this time. Your Aunt Ezza sends some of her hair too that you may see it. No more at present but remain your affectionate Uncle until Death
James Houston

Note: Ezza was his nick name for his wife and daughter - both of them were named Isabella. This is how I came up with the birth dates for Edward E. and James Houston. Edward E. was in Alabama when James wrote this letter to "Ned".

James married Isabella JOHNSTON on 24 Feb 1806 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Isabella was born about 1790; died after 1830 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: James WILLIAMS. James was born about 1785. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./
1./ Edward Houston purchased Section 15, Township 16, Range 20 & 22-10-27 in Barbour Co. AL. Edward Houston, Sr., b. ca 1785 NC, in Ala. by 1832. Sarah____ (wife?), b. ca 1805 NC. Also, in this household in 1860 was Mary Johnson, b. ca 1770 NC.

2./ Edward moved to GA after Creek Indians had been driven out of GA. They settled in Quitman Co., GA. They worked on block wheeled ox-carts.

3./ lists Edward HOUSTAIN with one white male under 21, two white females under 21, two white females over 21, and no slaves.

Sources:
1./ Text: Godfrey, Marie H.. RURAL LAND OWNERS OF BARBOUR COUNTY, ALABAMA 1851. Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., 1990.
2./ Text: Zoa NeVauge HOUSTON, 1452 Church Street, Mobile AL; Notes.
3./ Text: FOLEY, Helen S. 1833 STATE CENSUS FOR BARBOUR COUNTY, ALABAMA. Eufala, AL: 1976.

NOTE 2./ See letter .jpeg image:

Edward E Houston and sons Stephen Hopkins, George Washington and John B Houston were accused and tried for the murder of James Orr. James Orr was a brother-in-law of Nancy Amanda Bush Houston, wife of Edward "Ned" brother James Lafayette. David Bush one of the accusers was her brother. He instructs Edward "Ned" at the end of the letter to tell James to cease all communication with his wife's family

NOTE 3./ Edward E Houston – had 12 children with 3 wives. The oldest 2 sons were Edward “Ned” and James Lafayette. They were 12 to 15 years older than the next set of siblings. They as far as I can tell were the first to leave Barbour Co.. Ned settled in Bienville Parish in 1845 and made trips to Scout the area as early as 1843. James Lafayette followed in 1851. Other families came with them from Barbour Co. such as Holland, Wimberly, Bush, Sims (to name a few I know of so far) – in Wagon Trains using overland routes – The Kings Highway passes through Winn Parish, LA., which is due south of Bienville. The Kings Highway was the main wagon train route that lead west to California. They could also have used another route – going along the gulf coast and ferrying up the Mississippi.

There are 3 more siblings that followed – Stephen Hopkins Houston, John B Houston and Mary W. Houston Sims. All of them stopped in Bienville Parish before going on to Texas, whether it was to spend the winter, restock provisions and rest or just visit family and it may have been for all of those reasons. John B came before the Civil War – He joined an LA Confederate Infantry unit. More of the siblings may have followed but I have not researched all of them yet to be able to tell you.

Edward married Sarah JOHNSTON about 1842 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Sarah (daughter of Unknown JOHNSON and Mary UNKNOWN) was born about 1805 in North Carolina; died after 1880 in Barbour County, Alabama?. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Hannah PLAYER about 1812 in North Carolina. Hannah (daughter of Thomas PLAYER and Rebecca WILLIAMS) was born in 1783 in New Hanover, North Carolina; died between 1816 and 1826 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Sally Ann WILLIAMSON about 1827 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Sally was born in 1788 in North Carolina; died about 1840 in Barbour County, Alabama. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

NOTE 1./ Recorded from Jacqueline B. Perrin Information: Notes for Henry Houston:

1/ This Henry Houston was named for his Uncle Henry Houston, brother of Edward Houston, in our ancestry. Records in NC refer to him as "Jr".
2/ This material comes from Sara Bryan Houston's father-in-law's file:
Henry Houston and Elendor Stokes were married in Duplin, NC, in 1816. Three of their sons came to Georgia. Edward J., Henry, and George Houston came to Georgia after 1830. We find Edward J. Houston in Dooly County, there he married Lucy Royal, date not sure. After her death, he married her sister, Eliza Jane, September 11, 1860. They moved to Miller-Early County Line, where he died. He gave the land for the Houston Cemetery. He was a member of the new Hope Baptist Church and served in the Civil War. His brother, George, was living in Dooly County GA., in the 1850 census. Their mother, Eleanor Stokes, (born 1795, NC) was living with George at this time. We do not know where or when Henry, the father, died. We assume in Duplin County, NC.

NOTE 2./ Historical Note: The Year Was 1818

The year was 1818 and the Convention of 1818decided the northern boundary of the United States and the southern boundary of Canada as being the 49th parallel, between the Lake of the Woods in Minnesota and the Rocky Mountains. The land west of the Rockies was under joint control of the U.S. and Britain. That boundary was settled in 1846 with the Oregon Treaty.

South of 49th parallel, Illinois was admitted as the twenty-first state. Initially the northern boundary was set just below the southern end of Lake Michigan, but at a population of around 36,000, Illinois was short of the necessary 60,000 minimum required for statehood. Illinois Congressional delegate, Nathaniel Pope, suggested that it would make better sense to move the boundary northward to include the City of Chicago and the area upon which the I & M Canal would be built, connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River, and from there the Gulf of Mexico.

In the South, the First Seminole War resulted from the escalation of conflicts between the Seminoles and settlers who were moving into Seminole territory. The Seminoles provided a sanctuary for escaped slaves and this provided additional fuel for the fire. Andrew Jackson pursued the Seminoles into Florida, which was then under Spanish control. His victory led to the accession of Florida to the U.S. the following year.

In the Ohio River Valley, an epidemic of what was commonly called "milk sick" broke out and in October it claimed Abraham Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. At the time, the illness was attributed to many things, but only a few suspected the real culprit. It wasn't until the early 1900s that it was determined that milk from cows that had eaten snakeroot caused the illness. By then it had claimed many other victims, the majority of them infants.

In literature, a young Mary Shelley's most famous book-- Frankenstein--was published. 1818 also marked the first time the Christmas hymn Silent Night was sung in the small Austrian village of Oberndorf.

Henry married Elenor STOKES on 17 Jan 1816 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Elenor (daughter of Redden STOKES) was born in 1795 in Duplin County, North Carolina; died after 1850 in Dooly County, Georgia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Winiford married Bright SUMNER on 18 Oct 1825 in Duplin County, North Carolina. Bright was born about 1800 in Duplin County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]