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Friday 4 March 2022

Houston, Thomas


Lieutenant Thomas Houston MC
was born at Market Street, Magherafelt on 26th February 1894 to William Kerr Houston, Boot and Shoe Merchant and Jane Hannah Houston previously Steele (widowed). They had married on 25th September 1890 at Coleraine Presbyterian Church.

In 1901 Thomas (6) was living in house 6 Market Street, Magherafelt with his parents, a step-sister and 3 siblings; Annie E Steele (14 *), William E (8), Joseph M (6) and Helen F (4). A servant, Margaret Moore and a workman, John Wilkinson were also present in the property.

(*) Annie Elizabeth Steele was born at Market Street, Magherafelt on 10th July 1886 to John Steele, Boot and Shoe Merchant and Jane Steele nee Henry. They had married on 18th July 1884 at Magherafelt Presbyterian Church. John Steele, 40, Leather Merchant died on 21st August 1886 at Market Street, Magherafelt. 

In 1911 Thomas' parents were living in house 21 Market Street, Magherafelt with 2 daughters; Helen L (15) and Ruth (9). A servant, Maggie Moore and 2 visitors, Annie Dougan and Mary Donaghy were also present in the property.

On Census Day, 2nd April 1911 Thomas (17) was boarding with the Stephenson family in house 47 Market Street, Magheranure, Cootehill, County Cavan. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Clerk.

The bank staff ledger records Thomas as joining Northern Bank on 6th September 1911 at Head Office. 


Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street

Transfers followed to Raphoe (1911 - Junior), Lurgan (1913 - Junior) and Head Office (1916).


Northern Bank, Lurgan branch

On 25th April 1916, Thomas volunteered and enlisted into the Cadet Company, (Princess Victoria's) Royal Irish Fusiliers as a Private. His unit is recorded on the bank staff ledger as the ‘Artists Rifles’. His first theatre of war is recorded as France from 20th April 1918.


Thomas Houston - Medal Index Card
(Address: 42 Wellington Park, Belfast

Thomas was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers and later posted to the 1st Bn. Royal Irish Fusiliers.

The Belfast News Letter of 31st March 1917 reports:


Houston was later promoted to Lieutenant. He saw action with the Allied Advances 1918, was injured by a gunshot wound to the neck.

The Belfast News Letter of 21st September 1918 reports the awarding of the Military Cross (MC):

The Belfast News Letter of 11th November 1918 reports the awarding of the Military Cross (MC):




Demobilisation for Thomas came in October 1919. he was also awarded the British Victory Medal and the British War Medal.
Following his demobilisation, Thomas re-joined the Northern Bank on 10th November 1919 at Head Office. He stayed in Head Office until 1925 when he was transferred to Grafton Street (Sub-Manager).

Northern Bank, Grafton Street, Dublin

The Northern Whig of 8th August 1929 reported the engagement of Thomas to Miss Amy Margaret Wills with the wedding taking place in September.

Transfers followed to Kells (1935 - Manager) and Limavady (1943 - Manager).
The Belfast News-Letter of 9th September 1936 reports the birth of a son on 2nd September 1936 at the Park Nursing Home, Dublin to Mr & Mrs T Houston, Northern Bank House, Kells, Co. Meath.
The Belfast News-Letter of 6th August 1949 reported the death of Amy Margaret Houston nee Wills at Dublin on 5th August 1949 of Northern Bank House, Limavady.

Cheques drawn on Northern Bank, Limavady branch, 1963


Bank description from Ulster Architectural Heritage group

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