Duplin County NcArchives Obituaries.....Houston, Capt. Wm. J. 1863
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Steve C. Peasall scpearsall@bellsouth.net February 9, 2014, 2:46 pm

Weekly State Journal
Weekly State Journal, Raleigh, NC, Wednesday, July 15, 1863 (p1, c5)

Death of Captain Houston.

     We regret to learn that the reported death of Captain Wm. J. Houston, of 
Duplin, is fully confirmed.

     He was killed in the battle of Middleburg, five miles from Ashby’s Gap, on 
last Sunday week (June 21st), in the fight between Pleasanton and Stuart.

     It would seem that Captain Houston’s company was dismounted and fighting as 
infantry.  They became nearly surrounded by overwhelming forces, when Col. Baker 
sent word to Captain Houstain (sic) to fall back, but the messenger was cut off.  
Houston, seeing that the regiment was falling back in haste gave orders to those 
with him to get away as fast as possible.  In doing so, Houston himself gave out 
and sat down upon a stone wall to rest. He got up and commenced walking towards 
Col. Baker’s column, but before arriving there, a Yankee slipped up behind and 
shot him in the back part of the head, the ball coming out through his forehead.  
Thus perished as brave, noble and generous a man as has fallen since this war 
commenced. In his native county of Duplin and indeed wherever he was known, he 
was admired for his talents and beloved for his generous qualities.  High-toned 
and chivalrous, he was the very soul of honor.  A sound lawyer and an eloquent 
advocate, he stood high in his profession.  More than once entrusted by Duplin 
county with the care of her interests in the State Legislature, he took rank 
with the acknowledged leaders of the branch to which he belonged.  Still young, 
a bright prospect of future honor and usefulness lay before him, but that 
prospect is now blighted forever, and his sorrowing family and friends can only 
find consolation in knowing that he died like a true soldier, without fear and 
without reproach. Peace to his ashes.

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