Clan Houston facts for kids
Clan Houston is a historic group of people from Scotland. Unlike many other Scottish clans, Clan Houston didn't have a recognized chief for a long time. This means it was known as an Armigerous clan.
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The Story of Clan Houston
Where Did the Clan Name Come From?
The name 'Houston' comes from a very old area in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Around the 1100s, a man named Sir Hugh de Paduinan was given land called Kilpeter. By the mid-1300s, this land was known as Houston, which is now Houston, Renfrewshire.
One of the early leaders, Sir Finlay de Hustone, promised loyalty to King Edward I of England in 1296. The Houston family built their castle where an old monastery once stood. They also gained a large area of land near Whitburn, West Lothian. Houston House, which was rebuilt in the 1700s, still stands there today.
Important Times: 1500s and 1600s
During the wars between Scotland and England, Sir Peter Huston fought bravely at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Sadly, he was killed in this battle. His son, Sir Patrick Huston of Huston, was a close friend of King James V of Scotland. He also held an important job as Keeper of the Quarter Seal.
Later, another Sir Patrick, who was Sir Peter's grandson, was made a knight by Mary, Queen of Scots. He even went with her when she visited Lord Darnley in Glasgow.
In 1668, the 19th head of the family was given a special title by King Charles II of England. His son, Sir John, worked for Queen Mary and King William of Orange. He was their falconer, which meant he looked after their hunting birds.
Growing in the 1700s and 1800s
The fifth Baronet of the Houston family was a very successful merchant. He had many business interests in the United States. His son moved to Georgia in the US, and he and his brother greatly increased their family's land there. They became very wealthy and owned huge areas of land. Because of their success in America, the Houstons gave up their Scottish titles.
A very famous person connected to the clan was General Sam Houston. He was born in Virginia in 1793. Sam Houston was a schoolteacher and later became a US Senator for Tennessee. He fought for the independence of Texas from Mexico, leading the Texans to victory against Santa Ana. He was the first president of the Republic of Texas and later served as Governor of the State of Texas.
Another notable member was Sir Robert Houston. He was a successful ship owner in the Victorian era. He is known for helping to develop the idea of convoys, which are groups of ships traveling together for safety. This idea was first used during the Boer War.
The 1900s and Today
In recent times, a member of the clan named Josh Houston has asked the Court of the Lord Lyon to be recognized as the Chief of the Houston Clan. The Court is still deciding on this request.
Clan Motto
The motto of Clan Houston is: In Tempus ("In Time").
See also
