Adam Spencer Houston (1857 - 1879) Adam Spencer Houston was born in Benstone, near Johnstone, the son of William Houston and Ann McCrae. The family moved to Hurlford in Ayrshire between 1873 and 1875 where Adam Houston met Agnes Beaton who had his illegitimate child. Agnes, the mother, was the daughter of Samuel Beaton (deceased coalminer) and Agnes (née Alexander).