On 22 Jan 1922 the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser carried an obituary:

On Monday last there was laid to rest, in Girthon Cemetery, one who was in past years a familiar figure in Gatehouse. He was born at Greddock, Kirkmabreck in February 1828. His father, Thomas Houston, was born at Ross, Borgue, in 1787, and belonged to the Borgue branch of the Houstoun family, whose grandsire William Houstoun of Muncraig, married Marion Gordon of Carleton (presently Earlston), and resided in Muncraig early in 1700. William Houstoun of Muncraig was the son of George Houstoun of Bushy and Elizabeth Cunninghame of Craigend.Mr Houston, on his mother's side, was also connected to another old family, the Brown's of Carsluith.

Deceased was at one time landlord of the Commercial Hotel, Gatehouse. In 1864 Mr Houston leased Barlay Mill, and with advancing years he retired from the milling business in 1901, and the aged couple went to live with their youngest daughter, Mrs D A Clement. After his wife died he removed to Dunbar House, Creebridge, the residence of another daughter, Mrs Johnstone, where he passed away on Thursday.

He is survived by a family of three sons and four daughters.