John Houston was born on Wednesday, March 8, 1882 at Omoa Square, Cleland to Sarah Houston, m.s. Reynolds (1854 - 1891) and Cornelius Houston, Coal Miner (c1852 - 1898). [See Section HN-6-4 for family background.]
Agnes McComb was born on Wednesday, May 19, 1875 at 12 Brown's Close, Canongate, Edinburgh to Jessie McComb m.s. Thom (c1846 - ) and John McComb, French Polisher (c1843 - ). [See Section MB-6-1 for family background.]
1903 On Friday, April 17, John Houston and Agnes McComb were married at 32 Saxe-Coburg Place, [Stockbridge,] Edinburgh after Publication according to the Forms on the United Free Church of Scotland. The marriage was registered No.96 in the District of St Andrew, Edinburgh on April 22.
John was a Bachelor, age 21, occupation Labourer and usual address 5 St Bernards Place, [Stockbridge,] Edinburgh. His parents are recorded as Cornelius Houston, Coal Miner (Deceased) and Sarah Houston, m.s. Reynolds.
Agnes was a Spinster, gave her age as 21 [she was 27], occupation Laundress and usual address as 4 St Bernards Place, Edinburgh. Her parents are recorded as John McComb, French Polisher and Jessie McComb, m.s. Thom.
The officiating minister was Andrew Keay and the witnesses were Barbara McComb [probably Agnes's sister] and James Inglis. All parties were able to sign their names.
1905 Cornelius Houston was born at 10h45m p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at 145 Omoa Square, West District of Shotts to Agnes Houston, m.s. McComb and Cornelius Houston, Coalminer who married on April 17, 1903 in Edinburgh. His birth was registered No.43 at Cleland on April 5 by John Houston, Father, Present.
1911 April 2 The family were living at 10 Huttonridge, Cleland in a house with one windowed room, a few doors along from John's uncle, John Reynolds & Annie (McDermott) and family.
Rel. Age Mar. Occupation Status Birthplace John Houston Head 28 Mar Coal Miner Hewer Worker Lanark, Shotts 1 Agnes do. Wife 29 Mar 8 - 1 - 1 Midlothian, Edinburgh Cornelius do. Son 6 School Lanark, Shotts John and Agnes had been married for 8 years and produced one child, who was still alive.