Good morning, I have a question about one of the names in a marriage record from 1816. It reads: John MCGILL, Blacksmith, Panmoors close Canongate, Hunter's land, ground story, and Christian JOHNSTONE, parish of West Linton, Daughter of Robt. JOHNSTONE, Cattle-dealer there, gave up their names for marriage. Certified by Thomas MCGILL, Smith, Panmoor close Canongate, and Alex JOHNSTON(E), Flesher Maitland Street, Edin. My question is about Alex JOHNSTON(E). Since the fathers of the bride and groom are listed, do I assume this is the grandfather of Christian or could it be some other family member? Thanks. Jeanne

This is a good example to all of us, not to assume that no useful information will be found in an old marriage record. Although ones like this are unfortunately not common, it is a goldmine. My only advice is: never assume anything! I would think it more likely that Alex was a brother, but this new part of the jigsaw puzzle will keep you happily prowling for some time! Ken Harrison North Vancouver, Canada -----Original Message----- From: lanark-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:lanark-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of TwoSides22@aol.com Sent: August 9, 2010 8:21 AM To: lanark@rootsweb.com Subject: [Lanark] Marriage record Good morning, I have a question about one of the names in a marriage record from 1816. It reads: John MCGILL, Blacksmith, Panmoors close Canongate, Hunter's land, ground story, and Christian JOHNSTONE, parish of West Linton, Daughter of Robt. JOHNSTONE, Cattle-dealer there, gave up their names for marriage. Certified by Thomas MCGILL, Smith, Panmoor close Canongate, and Alex JOHNSTON(E), Flesher Maitland Street, Edin. My question is about Alex JOHNSTON(E). Since the fathers of the bride and groom are listed, do I assume this is the grandfather of Christian or could it be some other family member? Thanks. Jeanne -------------------------------

In my opinion you cannot assume anything about Alex Johnstone from the marriage entry. He might be Christian's grandfather, or an uncle or a brother. It's even possible, though rather less likely, that he is no relation at all. Anne ----- Original Message ----- From: <TwoSides22@aol.com> To: <lanark@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, August 09, 2010 4:20 PM Subject: [Lanark] Marriage record > Good morning, > > I have a question about one of the names in a marriage record > from 1816. > It reads: > > John MCGILL, Blacksmith, Panmoors close Canongate, Hunter's > land, ground > story, and Christian JOHNSTONE, parish of West Linton, > Daughter of Robt. > JOHNSTONE, Cattle-dealer there, gave up their names for > marriage. Certified > by Thomas MCGILL, Smith, Panmoor close Canongate, and Alex > JOHNSTON(E), > Flesher Maitland Street, Edin. > > My question is about Alex JOHNSTON(E). Since the fathers of > the bride and > groom are listed, do I assume this is the grandfather of > Christian or could > it be some other family member?