Bro. George Houstoun
The fourth Laird of Johnstone was another George Houstoun who succeeded his father Ludovic who had succeeded his father, also Ludovic. He was born on the 8th September 1744, his mother being Jane Rankine. He succeeded his father at the age of 14 in 1757 and in 1779 he married Mary McDowall, daughter of William McDowall, M.P. of Garthland (a member of Garthland St. Winnoch No.205). They had two sons, Ludovic and William (first master of 242) born in 1780 and 1781 respectively. During his time as Laird George extended Johnstone Castle, was involved in coal mining at Quarrelton, had lime works at Floor Craig and cotton mills on his estate. He was also a founding partner of the Paisley Union Bank in 1788 along with nine others. In 1838 the bank was taken over by the Union Bank of
Cross Keys March 2021
Scotland. He affiliated to 242 in 1811 from Glasgow Kilwinning No.4 (possibly because his son was founding master) and died on the 31st December 1815; he was succeeded by his son Bro. Ludovic who joined 242 in 1811. He left estate valued at £29,750, in economic power terms worth over £155 million today. Ludovic married Ann Stirling, daughter of John Stirling of Kippendavie and Kippenross in 1809. They had one son, another George, more of which later. He carried on with the businesses his father had established and in the 1861 census, when he was 80 years old it was recorded that he farmed 120 acres, employed 55 miners and 12 labourers in his coal works, 14 miners, 14 labourers, 2 joiners and 2 blacksmiths in the lime works and in his three mills 156 males and 276 females. Clearly a major employer in the area.
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