William George Johnston was my grandfather. He was born in 1857. I have been unable to find his actual date of birth, partly because he never celebrated his birthday. None of his children knew when he was born. He was baptised on 7th Jan 1858, in Broughshane, most likely 1st Broughshane Presbyterian. He was the son of Charles Johnston and Mary Eccles. He grew up on the family farm in the Townland of Cloneytrace. His parents died in 1882. Four of W.G’s siblings emigrated to the USA. My grandfather at the age of 35, and now owner of the farm, married my grandmother Annie Wiley, age 17, from the next Townland (Elgany). Their first two children emigrated to the USA when they turned 21. In 1924 my grandparents decided to emigrate with the remaining 7 children. Initially they also planned to head for the USA, but a late change saw them come to New Zealand where I still live. My mother, Agnes Ruth (always known as Ruth) had her 8th birthday on the ‘Suffolk’ en route to NZ.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1857 (circa) | |
| Date of Death | 29th Mar 1947 | |
| Father (First Name/s and Surname) | Charles Johnston | |
| Mother (First Name/s and Maiden) | Mary Eccles | |
| Place & Date of Baptism | 7th Jan 1858, in Broughshane, most likely 1st Broughshane Presbyterian | |
| Spouse (First Name/s and Maiden/Surname) | Annie Wiley | |
| Number of Children | 9 | |
