Hi Billy,
Thank you for your information. It could be my GGG grandfather and it gives me another point of reference. I am sure that he and the next two generations after him lived in and around Ballymena, and went to the two local Church of Ireland Churches. I know that there are several variations on the Houston name and so far have not found any of the ones that I have investigated to have the alternative spelling that you suggest but, there is always a first time. Interestingly enought I am looking into four four family names, paternal and maternal mothers and fathers and my maternal grandmother was a Wallace and the family lived in the Portstewart Coleraine area. Her family had a hotel in Portstewart. I guess that we are all truly related.
thanks again
r