Houston, We Have No Problem.

Samuel Nelson Houston (1791-1878) was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate 1828-1832, 7th district, Lancaster County. He was born in Wrightsville, York County and died in Columbia, Lancaster County. He's buried in Mt. Bethel Cemetery with his wife, Susan Strickler.

Samuel Nelson Houston, an uncle of John Houston Mifflin

Samuel was an uncle to Lloyd's father, John Houston Mifflin. Sam's father, Dr. John Houston of Pequea, was also for whom John Houston Mifflin was named. At the risk of going down a genealogical rabbit hole, Dr. John Houston's wife, Susanna Wright, was the granddaughter of two Columbia founders, John James Wright and Robert Barber. The Mifflin-Wright-Houston 'cabal' ran deep and long, to say the least.

The 'horse and rider' image is a unique one. No expense was spared by travelling to the best animal photographer, Schreiber & Son, in Philadelphia. The notation on the recto of the photo card uses the charming phrase, "photographed from life." One might estimate the card year to around 1870. Curiously, one of the reviews for the photographer is by one, Charles L. Sharpless (not exactly the most helpful inference considering the circumstance). Samuel borrowed this beautiful equine from his son, "H. H. Houston," Henry Howard Houston (1820-1895).