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Johnston

The Johnston's play an important part in the bringing up of John Wilson born in Dundonald 1854. His mother was Sarah Johnston, the reputed father was Alexander Wilson, and it appears John took his surname, but not in his younger days when I think he was referred to as John Johnston. Sarah is referenced on John’s first wedding certificate, to Janet Clark. It shows her as Sarah Blane nee Johnston. The only marriage of Sarah Johnston to a male Blane is 15h November 1859 in Coylton. This is right time and place and therefore I can assume this to be correct. 

The marriage certificate shows David Blane 25 and Sarah Johnston 22. Sarah's parents are William Johnston and Mary Johnston - maiden name Bankhead.

A couple of years later the couple are on the 1861 Census in Dalrymple.

David Blane 26
Sarah Blane 23
David Blane son - cannot work out the age.

I would have expected to see the 7 year old John Wilson here but he is not shown.  He is also not showing as being with his reputed father. In fact I think I have found him with Sarah's brother William Johnston. On the 1861 Census William Johnston is shown with his wife Agnes Johnston, and the first child listed is a John Johnston aged 7 born Dundonald. Too much of a coincidence I think not to be our John Wilson, although he is shown as son, but this could just be bad recording. It might be that William brought up young John, or it might be John was staying there for a while as 3 days before Sarah had given birth to another boy David Blane with her new husband. Not sure we will ever find out as by the next census, 1871 both Sarah and David have passed away. 

More information can be found in the Wilson section.

Sarah's parents have also been found. They are William Johnston and Mary Bankhead and were married 28th November 1820 in Mauchline, Ayr.