Young John Allen & Mary Houston-Missionaries to China

Young John Allen was born in Burk Co, GA on Jan 3,1836. His parents were Andrew Young John Allen and Jane Wooten.His father being a man of more education than was common in Georgia, conducted for some years an academy for the benefit of the children and youth of the community, but subsequently he engaged successfully in cotton planting, in which he accumulated a small fortune.Young John was orphaned as a child and was raised by his maternal Aunt and Uncle, Nancy and Wiley Hutchins.


While attending his first year at Emory College, September 1854, he became engaged to Mary Houston, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Houston, who at the time was less than 16 years of age. He induced her to enter college at Lagrange, Georgia for a period of two years and then she transferred to Wesley College, Macon, Georgia. Graduating with First Honors in 1858.


Young John and Mary were married on July 22,1858 in Atlanta, Georgia by Rev. Osborn L. Smith D.D. In December 1859 they sailed to China, taking with them their young daughter Melvina, who later became Mrs. George R. Loehr. After seven long months aboard the sailing vessel "Seaman's Bride". they arrived in Shanghai, China in July 1860, where they were stationed for the rest of their lives. Mary kept open house, not only for the missionaries of her church, but for the many wayworn travellers of the other denominations as well. Remembering her own hardships on the sea, her heart went out especially to sailors. They always found a welcome at her home.


Mary's husband, Young John taught many Chinese gentlemen to read and write, started the first Chinese newspaper. He was also instrumental in starting the first Chinese young lady's school, The McTyeire Home and School for Girls. Young John also played a role in getting the Soong sisters ( one of whom was Mei-Ling, later the wife of Chang Kai shek) to come to America and be educated at Wesley College.


"During the period 1868-1883, Young John allen became involved in a variety of activities that expanded his views on the scope of missionary work. Beginning as a preacher and teacher, he soon became Editor of two newspapers, and later a third, as well as a translator for the Imperial government"


Dr. Allen passed away on May 30, 1907, after 47 years of distinguished service in China, but his wife continued to live in Shanghai. On May 24, 1927, exactly 20 years to the month of the passing of her husband, Mary also passed to her reward. She was 88 years old and had spent 67 of these years as a missionary to China, a record unprecedented in missionary annals.

Notes about my Grandfather, Thomas Tifton Moore.....

If anyone can help me with my brick wall, please do!

One story says he was born at Rome, GA and then adopted by an Aunt and Uncle living there.

Another story:

Dad told us that his father, Thomas Tifton Moore, was born in North Carolina from parents that was a German (or European) man who was married to a Cherokee Indian woman in NC.  After Thomas was born, the story goes, people in the area did not like White/Indian marriages so they were burned to death in their home.  There were several children that were not at home at the time of the fire.  Thomas was one of these children.  My Dad said Thomas was adopted by some nearby relatives.   According to an old family Bible of my Mother, Thomas Tifton Moore was born May 22, 1864, place unknown.  The U. S. Census records of 1870 show a Thomas Moore, age 5, living with a family named David Hair, age 67, and wife Margaret, age 42, in Chambersburg Township, Iredell County, North Carolina. This could be our Thomas Moore, but we have no further evidence.   The age fits, the State of NC fits, and apparently living with a family other than his parents, fits the story.

I believe the following family is the family that my grandfather Thomas Tifton Moore was living with when he was 5 years old in 1870.

David HAIR Jr. b: 26 MAY 1801 d: 09 DEC 1884
          + Margaret TANNER b: ABT 1816
            4 Martha Elizabeth HAIR b: ABT 1837
              + James Knox GAY b: ABT 1837
                5 Margaret Nora GAY b: ABT 1870 d: ABT 1870
                5 Lillie Elmina GAY b: 06 SEP 1870 d: 17 MAY 1960
                5 Gracy David GAY b: ABT 1874
                  + Caroline Estelle BEALL b: ABT 1879
The 1860 census indicates Margaret's birth year was approx 1817-8
(age 42).  The 1860 census shows them living "south of the river",
which I believe is where Chambersburg is located.

Thomas Tifton Moore was buried at Hickman Cemetery at Sylacauga, Alabama according to Mom's family Bible.  No gravestone was found during a personal visit by me, Joseph Dean Moore, about 1998.


Census of 1930 lists Spelling of first name as "Tomas", also states 54 years old, indicating he was born in 1876.

1920 U.S. CENSUS lists him as T. M. Moore age 52, indicating an approx. birth year of 1868...............Wife Ramsey misspelled.  Pansy is correct.


1920 United States Federal Census
about Clarence Moore
Name:     Clarence Moore
Home in 1920:     Childersburg, Talladega, Alabama
Age:     8 years
Estimated birth year:     abt 1912
Birthplace:     Alabama
Relation to Head of House:     Son
Father's name:     T M
Father's Birth Place:     Alabama
Mother's name:     Ramsey
Mother's Birth Place:     Alabama
Marital Status:     Single
Race:     White
Sex:     Male
Image:     202
Neighbors:     View others on page
Household Members:    
Name     Age
T M Moore     52
Ramsey Moore     41
Lonnie Moore     19
Clara Moore     16
Oliver Moore     14
Eugene Moore     12
Clifton Moore     10
Clarence Moore     8
Virgel Moore     5
Ellie Moore     3
Florence Moore     1

Notes about Wyatt A. Robertson, b. 1830 Troup County, GA

Buried in Gerard Cemetery at Phenix City, Alabama
On Grave Marker:   Wyatt A. Robertson 
        Co. B
        37 ALA INF
        CSA

Birth date and death date recorded in family Bible.
Born in Troup County, Georgia.
Moved to Macon County, Alabama when he was fourteen. This information is from Aunt Lit's recollection.

                               VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI. JULY 9th 1863
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, KNOW YE THAT:
   I Wyatt a Robertson a private of Co. B Reg't 37th Ala Vols. C. S. A.,
being a Prisoner of War, in the hands of the United States Forces in virtue
of the capitulation of the City of Vicksburg and its garrison, by Lieut. Gen.
John C. Pemberton, C. S. A. Commanding on the 4th day of July 1863, do in
pursuance of the terms of said capitulation, give this my solemn parole under
oath ---
     That I will not take up arms against the United States nor serve in any
military, ___, or constabulary force in any Fort, Garrison or field w___ 
held by the Confederate States of America against the United States of
America ________ of prisons, depots or __________ discharge any duties
usually performed by _______ against the United States of America, until duly
exchanged by the proper __________.
                                                                Wyatt A.
Robertson
Sworn to and subscribed before me at Vicksburg, Miss this 9th day of July
1863.
        signature Lt. Col 23rd  Reg't Indiana Vols. AND PAROLE OFFICER

David Ross Houston, b. abt. 1774 Charleston District, SC

"David and Hannah (Reagan) Houston, natives of Ireland, came to Lauderdale County in 1813 and settled on their plantation about 13 miles west of Florence on the Waterloo Road, near Gravelly Springs, and adjoining the old Natchez Trace. They had lived in Tennessee until they moved here with their thirteen children. Their home was a large, three-story brick structure built along the typical ante-bellum lines. A huge water tank, located on the roof, caught rain water and furnished the household with running water. This home burned sometime before 1900.

"The Houston cemetery, some signs of the old brick foundations of the mansion, and remains of the once elegant garden house are the only signs today of the old home, the boyhood home of the onetime Governor and U.S. Senator, George S. Houston, one of the thirteen children.

"The Houston land supposedly exended from Gravelly Springs to the Tennessee River where they had a boat landing."

John Houston, Jr. B. April 10, 1760 Ireland

John Houston, Jr. was born April 10, 1760 in Ireland, according to
his pension records. The names of his parents were not
mentioned in the records, but descendants state they were John
and Mary Ross Houston.
He enlisted in the Revolutionary War on March 01, 1776 from
Orangeburg District, South Carolina, in place of his father, in
Captain Flood's Company. From June 01, 1776 one month in
Captain John Sally's company and from July 03, 1776 one month
in Captain Fullington's company, under Major Charles Limming.
He moved to Ninety Six District late in 1779 and served several
more tours of duty up through 1782, serving as a private. During
that time he served as follows; from Mary 05, 1779, four months in
Captain Thomas Dugan's company to range on the frontier; from
March 01, 1780, three months in Captain Dugan's
companyColonel John Purvis' regiment; from in the fall of 1780
until December 15, 1781 under Captains Thomas and James
Dugan and John Virgin, Colonels Joseph Hays and Levi Gaisey;
from March 01, 1782, three months in Captain Henry Keys'
company, under Colonel Jared Smith; from Jun e 06, 1782, four
months under Lieutenant James Stark. During his service he was
in skirmishes on broad River and was wounded at Cross Roads
between Demkins Creek and Encore Rover. Taken prisoner,
remained until Christmas, released on parole, broke parole and
re-enlisted. He was at the seige of Ninety-Six and an
engagement at Bush River.
He married in the summer of 1788, Mary Wilson. She was still
living in 1843. She was allowed pension on her application
executed November, 1835 at which time she was seventy-five
years of age. It is known that in 1836 she received $80.00 per
annum pension.
About 1801 he moved to Jasper County, Georgia, and by 1827
he is found in the tax records of Fayette County, Georgia. In 1833,
he is living in Coweta County, Georgia where by sworn statement
he made application on November 15 for his pension. He died
May 24, 1835 and his will is of record, being dated March 17,
1834 and recorded July 06, 1835, Coweta County, Georgia.

Gov. George Smith Houston

George Smith Houston

1874-1876
1876-1878

George Smith Houston was born on January 17, 1811, in Williamson County,
Tennessee, the son of David and Hannah Pugh (Reagan) Houston. Natives of South
Carolina, the family moved to Tennessee and in ca. 1821 moved to Lauderdale
County, Alabama, where they became farmers. George was the grandson of John and
Mary (Ross) Houston, who emigrated from County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1760.

Houston was educated in the Lauderdale County Academy, read law in the office
of Judge George Coalter in Florence, and completed his studies in Judge Boyle's
law school in Harrodsburg, KY. He was admitted to the bar in 1831, was elected
to the state legislature from Lauderdale County in 1832, and was appointed
district solicitor by Governor Gayle in 1834. In 1837 he was elected as a
solicitor and held the office until 1841. In 1841 he was elected to the US
House of Representatives, a position to which he was reelected eight times,
retiring for only two years in 1849. He retired again in 1861, resigning when
Alabama seceded.

Houston was consistently opposed to secession and ran as a Unionist candidate
for Congress in 1850. He advocated and became a member of the committee of
thirty-three to devise a means to save the union, but when Alabama seceded, he
drafted and presented to the speaker the formal withdrawal of the Alabama
delegation from the US Congress. Houston sympathized with the Confederacy and
contributed to its support.

Houston was elected to the US Senate in 1865, but Alabama was denied
representation. Houston resumed his law practice in Athens, Alabama. In 1874,
Houston defeated the radical incumbent David Lewis and became governor of the
state. Houston was an immensely popular man who became known as the "Bald
Eagle of the Mountains." The conservative Democrats won by a large majority
during the 1874 gubernatorial election, bringing about the victory of the
"White Supremacy" in Alabama. This election was known for its intimidation at
the polls to discourage the Republican vote. Houston, known as the Redeemer
governor of Alabama, won his office with the slogans of "White Supremacy" and
"home rule."

Aside from being a lawyer, Houston also had industrial interests. Before
Houston became governor, he was a close associate of James W. Sloss, one of the
leaders in the industrialization of north Alabama. Houston served as director
of one of the affiliated lines of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Loss,
who associated with the Alabama Democratic-Conservative Party, and William D.
(Pig-Iron) Kelley (Alabama and Chattanooga Railroad), who associated with the
Republican Party, both vied for the mineral resources in north Alabama.
Alabama was eager to fund the railroads, which brought the state to the brink
of bankruptcy. Financing of the railroad systems accounted for $17,000,000 of
the total estimated $25,000,000 debt incurred by the state after the Civil War.

As governor, Houston advocated a policy which converted the penitentiary into a
source of state revenue and urged economy in every department of state. The
most important measure before the legislature during his administration was the
state debt. The greatest challenge, according to Stewart, was deciding which
debts were valid and which were fraudulent. A committee was appointed to
investigate and adjust the debt. The debt commission consisted of Governor
Houston, who served as ex-officio chairman, Tristram B. Bethea and Levi W.
Lawler. The commission recommended that the state turn over to the creditors
first mortgages on the railroads which gad defaulted on interest payments. New
bonds were issued at a lower rate of interest to substitute for the old
carpetbag bonds. The commission's report was adopted and $8,596,000 in bonds
were issued by the state. (Stewart, p. 126) "Since the debt was always a
potential debt and would have become an actual debt only by the state's
becoming the owner of the railroads endorsed, the debt settlement' took the
form of relieving the state of its potential debt and the railroads of the
threat of foreclosure on mortgages held by the state." (Woodward, p. 10)
Residual obligations were therefore reduced to $12,000,000. Alabama staggered
under the interest payments on the old Reconstruction debt for another twenty
years, resulting in the poor and slow development of such public services as
education.

Also during Houston's two-term administration, the Alabama Constitutional
Convention of 1875 was held. The new constitution was marked by the outlawing
of loans by state, county, or municipal governments to private business and by
prohibiting the building of railroads by the state government. The
constitution became effective in December 1875. "The four main points of the
new constitution, followed assiduously by Governor Houston's administration,
were economy, education, payment or abrogation of old Reconstruction debts, and
a complete reversal of the practices of Reconstruction." (Stewart, p. 126)

Houston was reelected governor in 1876. At the expiration of that term in
1878, he was elected to the US Senate. He served in the extra session of 1879,
but did not return to Washington, DC due to ill health. He died in 1879 at his
home in Athens.

It was the Redeemers who laid the lasting foundations in matters of race,
politics, economics, and law for the modern South. Houston's administrations
reorganized the public school system and established the Alabama State Board of
Health, the first public health department in the South. Cullman County was
also created. Stewart states that by the end of Houston's second term, he
managed to reduce taxes and bring state expenditures under control.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorities:
Owen, Thomas M. History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, 1921.
Stewart, John Craig. The Governors of Alabama, 1975.
Woodward, C. Vann. Origins of the New South, 1877-1913, 1971.
Houston Genealogy Site - Click Here

Notes about Mary Alsis Charlotte Houston b. 04 April 1815 Wildwood, AL

An old record say that she was "posses with a high order of intellectual endowments, and afforded educational and social advantages suitable thereto, she became noted in her early womanhood for excellence in the attainments of a liberal education in general literature, arts and history."

The same record says, "During the life of her distinguished brother, Hon. George S. Houston, as a member of Congress, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Governor of Alabama, later U.S. Senator, she spent much time in our state and national capitals. She thus occupied prominent places in the social life of those great centers, becoming meanwhile an ardent and apt student of political history, state and national."

Story from Rev. Joseph Burch Walker in the late 1800's

"I also visited my grandfather Capt. William Powell in Hampshire Co. near Romney. These journeys took me across several rivers and over mountains. I thought in my childish mind, because I had been told grandfather lived in the country, that all "the country" was grandfathers. When leaving the City for the first time I was wonderfully struck with the largeness of the "lots," which I called the broad fields, and the great length and crookedness of the "streets" at grandfathers’, as I called the roads. Meeting some females in the rough mountain country who were shoeless in the summer weather, never having seen the like before, I exclaimed, "Oh mother, do the ladies go bare footed at grandfather’s?" My grandfather Powell was fond of singing and I learned from him several tunes, and after a lapse of sixty-five years remember and sing them still. My Grandfather came to his death from severe injuries from the fall of a tree. Two or three days terminated his sufferings. He died singing the hymn, "Oh for a closer walk with God."

Descendants of Joseph Burch Walker

Joseph Burch Walker b. 2 Jan, 1817 in Washington, DC m. my relative Rebecca Jane Ridley b 2 Feb 1827 in TN, both died in Mississippi. Searching for descendants of this family. If you are a descendant, please check and see if you included in our family tree online at http://www.cdagro.com/TNG/index.html . There are presently 49 Walkers in the tree. If you are a relative or descendant, would like to hear from you