missing, who represented Renfrewshire in 1593-94 and again in 1609. Sir Ludovic Houston had a long record of service in Parliament between 1628 and 1651. While he resided in Renfrewshire, he represented Dumbartonshire in numerous sessions and Renfrew in others.

From another part of the country, Anthony Houston represented Whithorn, Wigtownshire, in 1643 and William Houston was elected from that district in 1648. Sir John Houston IV served Renfrewshire in Parliament "upwards of 20 years, which trust he discharged to his own honor and the great satisfaction of the freeholders there." 1 Evidently part of this service was before he inherited the family estate. Patrick, who apparently was the younger brother of the baronet, served from 1698 until his death in 1699. About this time, John Houston V, not yet a baronet, was serving in Parliament from the Sheriffdom of Linlithgow, which is now the Shire of West Lothian.

By the beginning of the 18th century, the family had become prominent throughout the Lowland shires and the name was well-known in the city of Glasgow as well as in Edinburgh, the capital, cultural and religious center.

Linen manufacturing was an important industry in Scotland and a Mr. John Houston was engaged in that business at Kilbarchan, a scant three miles west of Johnstone. Houston also had a large brewery at the same time—around 1742—according to Crawfurd.

1 Campbell, p. 58.