John Smith

     John Smith was christened on 25 Mar 1819 in the Par. of Watten, CAI, SCT; OPR entry reads: Alexander Smith in Achentoft had a son begotten in fornication betwixt him and Helen Manson in Cogill baptized named John before witnesses James Manson and Donald Manson both in Coggill" (witnesses assumed to be Helen's father and brother).^2,3
     John Smith died on 30 Oct 1875 at Catchery, Par. of Watten, CAI, SCT, at age 56; cert reads: John Smith, farmer, single, illegitimate, son of Alexander Smith, retired farmer and reputed father, and Helen Manson, farm tenant dec, died 30 Oct 1875 at Catchery, Watten aged 57, of bronchitis, 2 mths, inf Alexander Mackay, neighbour, of Catchery Watten.^1,4
     John Smith and Mary Smith were possibly related, as there is a Catchery connection, and a possible Johnston one which may account for the confusion over his grandmother's maiden name. She may also be the informant for John's aunt's death (Christian Manson).⁷ John Smith appeared on the census of 7 Jun 1841 in Watten, CAI, SCT, in the household of David Manson.⁸
     John appeared on the census of 30 Mar 1851 at Catchery, Par. of Watten, CAI, SCT, enumerated as John Smith, 31 head, labourer b Watten; Mother Helen Manson, 59 pauper b Watten; Visitor Christian Manson (actually aunt), 50 b Watten; John Henderson, 5 cousin b Canisbay.^9,10
     John Smith was the informant for the death of his mother Helen Manson on 14 Sep 1859 in Catchery, Watten, CAI, SCT.¹
     John Smith appeared on the census of 1861 at Catchery, Par. of Watten, CAI, SCT, enumerated as SMITH: John 42 farmer 10 ac b Watten; Aunt Christian Manson, 67 dom servant b Watten; Nephew John Henderson 14 scholar b Canisbay (I make the relationship cousins, both 1st and 2nd).¹¹
     John Smith was the informant for the death of his cousin John Henderson on 3 Aug 1862 in Watten Loch, CAI, SCT.^11,12
     John Smith appeared on the census of 1871 at Catchery, Par. of Watten, CAI, SCT, enumerated as John Smith, head, unm, 53 farmer 10 ac arable, b Watten; "sister" (sic, actually aunt) Christian Manson unm, 77 annuitant b Watten; Visitor: James Christian, mar, 52 beggar b Wick.¹³