Pre-Confederation Canada Johnstons
by Wesley Johnston
begun 2 Aug 2018, last updated 28-29 Jan 2023 - Add County Antrim family in Gloucester Twp, Carleton County
Click here to return to my main family history page.
Copyright © 2022 by Wesley Johnston All rights reserved

I am a descendant of Thomas Johnston, who was born c 1801 in northern Ireland, in Pickering Township, Canada West, by the mid-1840's and died there in 1861, leaving one known son, John Johnston. This web page is an incomplete collection of the descendants of every Johnston(e) who came to Canada before Confederation in 1867. It is initially mostly focused on the area around Pickering Township, with Toronto to the west and Oshawa to the east. But it is gradually expanding to all parts of Canada.

The purpose of this page is to connect as many of these families as possible. Since the Dublin (Ireland) Public Record Office was destroyed in 1922, DNA is the only way that most of us can definitively connect. So please do Y-DNA testing (direct male line Johnston descendants, done by Family Tree DNA only) and autosomal DNA testing. If you do autosomal testing (the most common DNA test), unless you upload your results to the free GEDmatch website or you will only receive a small fraction of the benefit of your DNA test. Note that the I-CTS2392 SNP is the signature of the Johnstons of Annandale DNA project, administered by Cliff Johnston.

The families are grouped by where they originated. Links for each immigrant take you to an online tree. Where it says LIVING, there may be more than one descendant, and it may be that one or more have passed away, but my trees do not have their death. -- Wesley Johnston

Click here for my web page of all 581 Johns(t)on(e) Upper Canada land petitions.
Click here for my web page of 18 Johns(t)on(e) Upper Canada Sundries (1802-1833).
Click here for my web page of Johnston Online Trees.
Contents
Here are tools to quickly research two Ontario online resources.
The second one is not working recently.

Canadian Johnstons of Origin in Ireland
Northern Ireland - Unknown County

Northern Ireland - Unknown County: Came to Upper Canada
In order by destination county, geographically from west to east
(See this 1836 map of districts and counties and townships and these outline maps of counties and townships and of 1826 districts.)

HOME DISTRICT - EAST RIDING

Thomas Johnston of Pickering Township, Ontario County
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-BY300 > I-BY3791 - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: Wesley Johnston

  • 1 Thomas JOHNSTON b. Between 1800 and 1802 d. 1861
    Elizabeth - Eliza - GRAY b. Between 1805 and 1806 d. 1882 or later
    • 2 John JOHNSTON b. 11 Mar 1847 d. 11 Mar 1892
      Emma Emily BUTSON b. 1854 d. 10 Aug 1897
      • 3 George Henry JOHNSTON b. 22 Apr 1877 d. 6 Apr 1972
        Martha BOEZEL b. 25 Feb 1877 bur. Mar 1969
        • 4 Walter George - born George Walter JOHNSTON b. 13 Jul 1897 d. 18 Aug 1973 [ =>]
        • 4 Emma Gertrude JOHNSTON b. 7 Aug 1899 d. 12 Apr 1980 [ =>]
      • 3 Walter JOHNSTON b. May 1880 d. Bef 1900
      • 3 Charles Fredrick JOHNSTON b. 10 Aug 1882 d. 12 Oct 1967
        Eliza Louise RICHMOND b. Abt 29 Jul 1882 d. 14 Aug 1947
      • 3 Ernest JOHNSTON b. Abt 1886 d. Bef 1900
MIDLAND DISTRICT

James Johnston of Ireland to New York to Ernestown, Upper Canada as Loyalist
Big Y-700 R-M269 > R-FTA31769 - Ancestry - Primary Contact: Louise Weir
Note that while online trees place the family origin at Belfast, I do not find the evidence of that origin sufficiently solid to place it there on this web page.
In fact, while I have shown James as the father of Daniel, I think there is uncertainty about that connection. So Daniel is really the earliest person for whom I think the evidence is strong.

  • 1 James JOHNSTON b. c 1735 Ireland d. 27 May 1810 Ernestown Township, Lennox and Addington County, Upper Canada
    m Catherine ?PEGG? b. c. 1745 New Jersey d. 22 Feb 1819 Ernestown Township
    • 2 Daniel JOHNSTON b. 28 Feb 1768 Skenesborough (now Whitehall), New York d. 14 Feb 1837 Bath, Ernestown Township
      , Zebiah SHOREY b. 1771 d. 11 Feb 1859
EASTERN DISTRICT - JOHNSTOWN

Robert Johnston of Kitley Township, Leeds and Grenville County
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-BY300 - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: Shelley Colvin

  • 1 Robert JOHNSTON b. c 1797 Ireland d. 5 Aug 1872 Kitley Township, Leeds and Grenville County, Ontario (immigrated 1822)
    Elizabeth LOVE b. c. 1789 d. 10 Oct 1858 Ontario (then Canada West)
    • 2 William JOHNSTON b. 18 Nov 1818 Ireland d. 17 Oct 1887 Kitley Township
      Elizabeth LATIMER b. c. 1825 d. 24 Apr 1893
    • 2 Mary JOHNSTON
    • 2 Elizabeth JOHNSTON
    • 2 Jonathan JOHNSTON b. May 1830 Kitley Twp d. 21 Feb 1914 Leeds and Grenville County
      Ann McANAUL b. 14 Apr 1837 d. 11 Jun 1927
EASTERN DISTRICT - OTTAWA

Johnston Families of Plantagenet Township, Prescott County
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-BY300 - Ancestry - Very Limited Public - Primary Contact: Cliff Johnston (Ancestry tree by Vivian van Ginkel Smith)
Cliff Johnston's web site of 45 images from the JOHNSTON FAMILY ALBUM

The exact composition and origin of this family is highly uncertain. This configuration is Cliff Johnston's conception as of October 2020. He descends from Robert "Red Robin" Johnston. -- ORIGINS: Cliff finds that Francis/Frank was born in England. The only other specific reference to an origin is from the wife of Robert the son of Robert "Red Robin" as informant on her husband's 1914 Michigan death certificate where she stated that her husband's father was born at Armagh, Ireland. Since she could have confused Armagh and Omagh, we are not really sure whether Robert "Red Robin" was born at Armagh. -- RELATIONSHIPS: The structure shown here is Cliff's best estimate of how the different immigrants who lived and farmed close together (See Cliff's map) on Concessions VII, IX and X of Plantagenet Township (later separated into N and S) are related.

  • 1 maybe grandfather JOHNSTON b. c. 1740-1745? maybe Ireland maybe Scotland
    • 2 maybe father of Robert and Archibald JOHNSTON b. c. 1767 maybe Ireland maybe Scotland
      • 3 Robert "Red Robin" JOHNSTON b. c. 1808 Ireland d. c. 1894-1896 Ontario
        m 22 Jul 1833 Plantagenet Twp - Mary Frances "Mae"/"May" McQUEEN b. 20 Apr 1819 Glasgow, Scotland d. 8 Oct 1884 N Plantagenet Twp
      • 3 Archibald "Archie" JOHNSTON b. c. 1815 Ireland d. 4 Jan 1902 Melita, Manitoba
        m 27 Mar 1837 Plantagenet Twp - Margaret Jane "Peggy" GORDON b. c. 1819 Plantagenet Twp d. 2 Apr 1900 Melta Manitoba
    • 2 George JOHNSTON b. c. 1767 maybe Ireland maybe Scotland d. 1820's Plantagenet Twp
      • 3 Francis "Frank" JOHNSTON b. c. 1805 England d. 1851 Ontario (wife is widow in 1861 census)
        m c 1825 Upper Canada - Frances HURST b. c. 1803 d. 29 Aug 1888 Carleton, Ontario
      • 3 3rd daughter on voyage with Archie JOHNSTON
      • 3 Catherine JOHNSTON - on voyage with Archie; on Frank's farm in assessment rolls
      • 3 ?Jane? JOHNSTON - on voyage with Archie
      • 3 Thomas JOHNSTON - on Frank's farm in assessment rolls
Northern Ireland - Unknown County: Came to Lower Canada

5 Johnston Families of Rawdon, Quebec and Maryborough Township, Wellington County
Y-111 I-M223 - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: None
These five families appear together in the Rawdon 1851/2 census and some of them in the 1871 Maryborough Township census, showing they are all connected. But it is not yet known if they are siblings or cousins. I am listing them here as if they are siblings.

  • 1 Unknown parents (possibly James and Elizabeth JOHNSTON) of the five family members
    • 2 Francis JOHNSTON b. c. 1798 Ireland d. 17 Dec 1830 Carrowpadeen, Easky, Co Sligo, Ireland
      in Ireland - Rebecca SCANLON
      • 3 Letitia JOHNSTON b. 1 Oct 1822 Carrowpadeen, Easkey, Co Sligo, Ireland (baptized Church of Ireland 17 Oct 1822)
        m Michael GREENAN
      • 3 Francis JOHNSTON b. c. 1824 Ireland d. 24 Feb 1847 Rawdon
      • 3 Mary JOHNSTON b. c. 1826 Ireland
      • 3 John JOHNSTON b. c. 1830 Ireland
      • 3 Elizabeth JOHNSTON b. 11 Apr 1828 Carrowpadeen, Easkey, Co Sligo, Ireland (baptized Church of Ireland 18 Apr 1828)
      • 3 Jane JOHNSTON b. 22 Nov 1830 Easkey, Co Sligo, Ireland (baptized Church of Ireland 28 Nov 1830)
        m at Albany, New York 25 Dec 1853 - John MARTIN
    • 2 Robert JOHNSTON b. c. 1798 Ireland d. 30 Jul 1844 Rawdon
      in Ireland - Rebecca McLEARY b. c. 1796 Ireland
      • 3 Elizabeth "Bessie" JOHNSTON b. 10 Jun 1818 (alt 1819) Ireland - d. 16 Nov 1907 Rawdon
        m at Rawdon 1838 - Thomas SHARP
      • 3 James JOHNSTON b. c. 1821 (alt 1822) Ireland - 1851-1871 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario - d. 25 Jan 1915 New Westminster, British Columbia (see web page)
        m at Rawdon 28 Dec 1847 Emilia SINCLAIR b. c. 1830 Ireland
      • 3 Mary JOHNSTON b. c. 1822 (alt 1816-1817) Ireland - 1851-1871 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario - d. 21 Nov 1890 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario
        m1 at Rawdon 27 Dec 1838 - James GRAY d. Dec 1840
        m2 at Rawdon 12 Oct 1841 Thomas MORGAN b. 6 Feb 1816 d. 6 Oct 1877
      • 3 Anne JOHNSTON b. 16 Jul 1827 (alt 1823-1826) Ireland - d. 19 Nov 1912 Innisfil, Simcoe County, Ontario
        m at Rawdon 20 Oct 1844 - William GRAY
      • 3 William JOHNSTON b. 17 Nov 1828 Ireland - d. 23 Jan 1906 Rawdon
        m at Rawdon c. 1858 Ann COOK b. c. 1841 - d. 23 Jan 1884 Rawdon
      • 3 Jane JOHNSTON b. c. 1831 Ireland
        m at Rawdon 28 Aug 1857 George MORGAN
      • 3 John JOHNSTON b. c. 1833 Rawdon - 1871 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario
        m Elizabeth TAIT
      • 3 Thomas JOHNSTON b. 6 Dec 1834 Rawdon - 1871 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario
        m 3 Feb 1875 Margaret Carroll
      • 3 Robert JOHNSTON b. 8 Jan 1837 Rawdon
      • 3 Francis JOHNSTON b. 24 Oct 1839 Rawdon
    • 2 Thomas JOHNSTON b. c. 1801 Ireland d. 30 Jul 1844 Rawdon
      8 Jun 1829 in Kingswinford, Staffordshire, England - Sarah SHAW
      • 3 Elizabeth JOHNSTON b. c. 1828 England - d. 30 Aug 1846 Rawdon
      • 3 James JOHNSTON b. c. 1831 England - d. 30 Aug 1846 Rawdon
      • 3 Thomas JOHNSTON b. c. 1833 England
      • 3 Ann JOHNSTON b. c. 1839 England
      • 3 Rebecca JOHNSTON b. c. 1841 England
      • 3 Sarah JOHNSTON b. 21 Jan 1846 Rawdon
      • 3 Jane JOHNSTON b. c. 1848 Rawdon
    • 2 George JOHNSTON b. c. 1811 Ireland - 1861 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario - d. 10 Aug 1870 Maryborough Township, Wellington County
      m in Montreal 13 Sep 1833 - Helen/Ellen/Eleanor KIRKBY d. 13 May 1879 Maryborough Township, Wellington County, Ontario
      • 3 Mary Ann JOHNSTON b. 1 Dec 1835 Rawdon
      • 3 Elizabeth JOHNSTON b. 31 Jan 1838 Rawdon
      • 3 Sarah Jane JOHNSTON b. 8 May 1840 Rawdon
      • 3 James Kirkby JOHNSTON b. 1 Jun 1842 Rawdon
      • 3 John Robert JOHNSTON b. 17 Jul 1844 Rawdon
      • 3 Hannah JOHNSTON b. 29 Nov 1846 Rawdon
      • 3 William Randall JOHNSTON b. 30 Jan 1849 Rawdon
      • 3 Eleanor JOHNSTON b. 26 Dec 1850 Rawdon
      • 3 George JOHNSTON b. 4 Jun 1853 Maryborough Township, Wellington County
      • 3 twin - Thomas JOHNSTON b. 21 Jul 1859 Maryborough Township, Wellington County
      • 3 twin - Rebecca JOHNSTON b. 21 Jul 1859 Maryborough Township, Wellington County
      • 3 Emeline JOHNSTON b. c. 1862 Maryborough Township, Wellington County
    • 2 Ann JOHNSTON b. c. 1816-1821 Ireland
      m Easkey, Co Sligo, Ireland 11 Feb 1841 - James McLEARY
      • 3 John McLEARY b. c. 1842 Ontario (possibly Ireland)
      • 3 Eliza McLEARY b. 6 Sep 1844 Rawdon or Chertsey, Quebec
      • 3 Henry McLEARY b. c. 1847 Rawdon
      • 3 Robert McLEARY b. 5 Feb 1849 Chertsey, Quebec
      • 3 Elizabeth McLEARY b. 1 Sep 1851 Chertsey, Quebec
      • 3 Ann McLEARY b. 4 Octt 1853 Rawdon, Quebec
      • 3 James McLEARY b. 4 Mar 1856 Chertsey or Rawdon, Quebec
      • 3 Mary McLEARY b. c. 1859 Chertsey or Rawdon, Quebec
County Antrim

John Johnston of County Antrim to Gloucester Township, Carleton County about 1825
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry and Ancestry - Primary Contact: Peggy Gordon

  • 1 John JOHNSTON (c1765-1845 Gloucester Twp) - married Anna ???? (c1765 Ireland-bef1861 Cloucester Twp)
    • 2 James J. JOHNSTON (c1798 Co Antrim - 15 Jan 1870 Gloucester Twp) - married (1) in Ireland c1821 with Margaret Ann GROVES (c1803 Ireland-1845 Gloucester Twp) and (2) in Canada 1847 with Margaret Waddell (c1800-1884)
      • 3 Three children (John, Mary Ann, Margaret) born Ireland, last one about 1824 - first child (James) born Gloucester Twp 17 Nov 1826 (of 9 from father's first marriage and 4 from second marriage all born Gloucester Twp 17 Nov 1826)
    • 2 Catherine JOHNSTON (c1803 Ireland-Apr 1856 Gloucester Twp) - married James RITCHIE 1825 in Ireland and Thomas DUNCAN 1841 in Canada
    • 2 William JOHNSTON (c1812 Ireland-Oct 1842 Gloucester Twp) - married Elizabeth MITCHELL in Canada
County Cavan

I am currently working on two families that came to the same immediate area of Brant Township in Bruce County, Ontario (one family first settled in Toronto). One of these families is documented in an obituary as being from County Cavan. Their close proximity at Brant Township may mean that they were from the same family, but we will probably need DNA tests from both families to confirm or refute this. The Ireland-born immigrant ancestors of these two families are:

    William Johnston (born c 1803 County Cavan - died 22 Sep 1870 Walkerton, Ontario) - wife: Jane Dobson
    Big Y-700 R-M269 > R-FGC30399 - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: Kaitlyn Reimer
    Summary from Kaitlyn:
    "Our earliest ancestor is William 'The King' Johnston, born about 1803 in Co Cavan, Ireland (Source: Belden 1880 Atlas of the County of Bruce). He married Jane Dobson (sister to William Dobson) in 1825 and arrived in an undetermined location of North America, likely the States, in either 1825 or 1826. He settled first in the County of Chateauguay in Lower Canada, spent two years in Pennsylvania and then returned to reside successively in the Counties of Leeds and Brant before settling in 1849 in the County of Bruce. He died 22nd of Sep 1870 in Bruce County. Children were
    • Eliza Ann,
    • David,
    • William Edwin,
    • Robert, Abraham,
    • Margaret Jane,
    • Andrew,
    • Samuel, and
    • Nathaniel (my great-great-grandfather)."

  • Thomas Johnston (born c 1808 Ireland - died between 1861 and 1871 Walkerton, Ontario) - wife: Anne McBrian

More to come ...

County Derry/Londonderry

Richard Johnston of Drumsaragh Townland, Tamlaght O'Crilly Parish in 1835 to Charlotte County, New Brunswick
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: Gail Remaly

  • 1 Richard JOHNSTON (Aug 1794 - 4 Feb 1865 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada) - Elizabeth MOONEY (1803-1873)
    • 2 James JOHNSTON (23 Jan 1827 Drumane, Tamlaght O'Crilly Parish - 4 Jun 1900 Minneapolis, Minnesota) - Margaret Jane MITCHELL (1834-1914)
    • 2 Henry "Harry" JOHNSTON (16 Mar 1829 Drumane, Tamlaght O'Crilly Parish - 10 Aug 1901 Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada)
    • 2 Jane JOHNSTON (129 May 1831 Drumane, Tamlaght O'Crilly Parish - 29 Dec 1909 Tower Hill, New Brunswick, Canada) - Archibald LOGAN (1825-1897)
    • 2 Richard JOHNSTON (17 Aug 1834 Drumane, Tamlaght O'Crilly Parish - 1887)
    • 2 William JOHNSTON (19 Jan 1837 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada - 2 Jan 1895)
    • 2 Mary JOHNSTON (28 Feb 1839 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada - 2 Oc 1867)
    • 2 John V. JOHNSTON (28 Jun 1841 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada - 23 Jun 1911 St. David Ridge, New Brunswick, Canada))
    • 2 Andrew JOHNSTON (21 Jul 1843 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada - after April 1901)
    • 2 Emily JOHNSTON (8 May 1847 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada - 24 May 1859 Sorrel Ridge, Dumbarton Parish, New Brunswick, Canada)
County Donegal

See the family of Lancelot Johnston (born 1810, Mullanmeen Townland, Co Fermanagh) under County Fermanagh.

County Fermanagh

Charles Johnston: his son James born Ballynant Townland - To Nova Scotia 1819, Hallowell Township by 1825, Brock Township 1826, Mariposa Township
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-BY300 > I-BY118983 - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: Susan Samuels and Joseph Daunt Johnston

NOTE:

  • There are much more complete trees for this family on Ancestry.
  • Elaine McQuaig McLean of Barrie, Ontario, wrote (1990's) a 40-page history of this family that so far no one has been able to obtain and share, although Elaine is very willing to share it.

  • 1 Charles JOHNSTON b. 1752 d. 3 Mar 1845 (1) Rhoda IRVINE (possibly Rhoda FITZPATRICK, widow of William IRVINE) b. Bef 1765 d. Aft 1797
    • 2 Robert JOHNSTON b. 1784 d. Abt 1861
    • 2 John JOHNSTON b. 1789 d. 1874
    • 2 William JOHNSTON b. Abt 1792 d. 14 Oct 1858 Catherine IRWIN b. Abt 1813 d. 15 Mar 1869
      • 3 Rhoda JOHNSTON b. 1818 d. 1919
      • 3 Christine Elizabeth JOHNSTON b. 1819
      • 3 John JOHNSTON b. 19 Jul 1821
      • 3 Catherine Anne JOHNSTON b. 17 Feb 1824 d. 28 Mar 1909
      • 3 Sarah Margaret JOHNSTON b. 22 Feb 1824 d. 8 May 1912
      • 3 Mary Jane JOHNSTON b. Abt 1825
      • 3 Charles Daniel JOHNSTON b. 23 Dec 1828 d. 28 Feb 1905
      • 3 William Thomas JOHNSTON b. 14 Jul 1831 Mathia - married William Johnston - b. Abt 1839
        • 4 Nelson JOHNSTON b. Abt 1859
      • 3 Irwin Mathias JOHNSTON b. 27 Apr 1833 d. 8 Jul 1912 Hannah STEVENS b. Abt 1834
        • 4 William C JOHNSTON b. Abt 1854
        • 4 Maria JOHNSTON b. Abt 1856
        • 4 Sydney Charles JOHNSTON b. Abt 1858 d. 15 Dec 1893
        • 4 Wilson Broman JOHNSTON b. 1859 d. 1946
        • 4 Curtis Albert JOHNSTON b. Abt 1861
        • 4 Loveday JOHNSTON b. Abt 1865
        • 4 Irwin Henry - John Henry - JOHNSTON b. 1867 d. 1952
      • 3 Esther Sophia JOHNSTON b. 1835
    • 2 Caroline JOHNSTON b. Abt 1793 d. Aft 1861
    • 2 Irvine JOHNSTON b. 24 Dec 1796 d. 17 Jan 1885
  • 1 Charles JOHNSTON b. 1752 d. 3 Mar 1845 (2) Susannah (widow Sproule) b. c 1770 d. 3 Mar 1835
    • 2 James J JOHNSTON b. 1819 d. 7 Mar 1892 Brock Twp (Ontario Co)
Richard Johnston of Fartagh Townland, Devenish Parish - to Cartwright Twp (Durham Co) and Wallace Twp (Wellington Co)
son in Prince Albert (Reach Twp, Ontario Co), dau in Holland Twp (Grey Co)
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-BY300 > I-FTB1638 - Ancestry - Public (NOTE: There are much more complete trees for this family on Ancestry.) - Primary Contact: Kerry Johnston

  • 1 Richard JOHNSTON b. c 1783 Ireland - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) - d. abt Dec 1868 Wallace Twp (Wellington County) - wife: Christian c 1780-11 Feb 1862
    • 2 James Elden JOHNSTON bap. 10 Nov 1810 Fartagh Townland - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) and more - 19 Apr 1901 Vancouver, BC
    • 2 Christiana JOHNSTON c 1811 Co Fermanagh - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) - c 1868 Wallace Twp (Wellington County) - husband: Ezekiel Evans c 1802-27 Mar 1875
    • 2 Jane JOHNSTON c 1814 Co Fermanagh - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) - 2 Nov 1898 Wallace Twp (Wellington County) - husband: James Armstrong Jan 1807-1889
    • 2 John JOHNSTON c 1818 Co Fermanagh - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) - Prince Albert (Reach Twp, Ontario Co) - 20 Jun 1897 Palmerston (Wellington County)
    • 2 Robert I. JOHNSTON 16 Jul 1820 Co Fermanagh - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) - 5 Jun 1904 Palmerston (Wellington County)
    • 2 Catherine JOHNSTON c 1821 Co Fermanagh - lived Cartwright Twp (Durham County) - Holland Twp (Grey County) - c 1892 Isabella County, Michigan, USA - husband: David Wark c 1821-8 Jun 1892
SPECIAL SECTION: DUNDAS AND RENFREW COUNTY, ONTARIO

This special section is for two possibly related families that both came from County Fermanagh and settled in what is now eastern Ontario, one in Dundas County and one in Renfrew County. We need three Y-DNA tests to see if they are one and the same family. We have one of those three tests so that we still need two others -- one from a proven Y-DNA descendant of Nicholas and Margaret Johnston and one from a proven Y-DNA descendant of James and Margaret Johnston.

Nicholas Johnston of Enniskillen - to Inkerman, Mountain Twp (Dundas Co)
Big Y-700 R-M269>R-FGC34569>R-FTT72 -- NEED ANOTHER TESTER TO VERIFY THIS - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contacts: Sharon and Robert Johnston, Bill Hull

  • 1 Nicholas JOHNSTON b. c 1776 Enniskillen, Ireland - d. 25 Mar 1860 Inkerman, Mountain Twp (Dundas County) - wife: Margaret BEATTY 1784-1877
    • 2 Rev. William JOHNSTON c 1802 Enniskillen - 29 Jan 1878 Matilda Township, Dundas County
    • 2 James N JOHNSTON 16 Dec 1829 Upper Canada - 19 Oct 1894 Inkerman -- HIS DESCENDANT R-FTT72 - not really sure if James was son or grandson of Nicholas but definitely a Y-DNA descendant
    • 2 More children
James Johnston born Co Armagh but married at St. Mary's Church, Ardess, Magheraculmoney, Fermanagh - to Renfrew County but died in Mountain Twp (Dundas Co)
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry - Public - Primary Contact: Bill Hull

  • 1 James JOHNSTON c 1806 County Armagh - 7 Apr 1877 Westmeath, Renfrew County married Ardess, Magheraculmoney, Fermanagh 6 Feb 1838 with Margaret BEATTY (c1805-1884)
    • 2 John JOHNSTON (bap 12 Nov 1838 Ardess - 29 Dec 1914 Renfrew County, Ontario)
    • 2 all other surviving siblings were female

Robert Johnston of Bohevny Townland - three sons to Harwich Township in Kent County; one son to Trenton, New Jersey
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry - Public (NOTE: There are much more complete trees for this family on Ancestry.) - Primary Contact: None
NOTES: County Fermanagh has two Bohevny Townlands, and it is not yet known which one was the birthplace of Robert Johnston. Also Robert and his wife did NOT emigrate.

  • 1 Robert JOHNSTON b. c 1777 d. 13 Feb 1838 - wife: Anne SANDERSON b. c 1778 d. 25 Dec 1825
    • 2 William Graeme JOHNSTON b. 11 Feb 1809 d. 4 Nov 1871 Trenton, New Jersey - wife Mary JOHNSTON of Copany, Donegal, 1814-1896
    • 2 John JOHNSTON b. 1789 d. 1874 emigrated to Canada 1846-1849, lived in Harwich Township, Kent County
    • 2 Robert JOHNSTON b. c 1814 d. 20 Jun 1903 Harwich Township, Kent County
    • 2 James JOHNSTON b. c 1818 d. c Apr 1841 in Ireland?
    • 2 George JOHNSTON b. 9 May 1819 d. 26 Dec 1890 Harwich Township, Kent County
Oliver Johnston of Lankill Townland - to Pickering Twp (Ontario Co)
Big Y-700 I-M223>I-BY300>I-BY118983 - Ancestry - Public (NOTE: There are much more complete trees for this family on Ancestry.) - Primary Contact: Briton Nicholson

  • 1 Oliver JOHNSTON b. c 1812 Ireland - d. 31 Mar 1897 Pickering Twp (Ontario County) - wife: Elizabeth SMITH 1822-1908 married 9 Mar 1847 Pickering Twp (Ontario Co), Canada
    All children born in Canada
    • 2 John JOHNSTON 1847-1923
    • 2 Arthur C JOHNSTON 1850-1937
    • 2 Sarah Jane JOHNSTON 1852-1902
    • 2 William F JOHNSTON 1854-1934
    • 2 Thomas Oliver JOHNSTON 1857-1937
    • 2 Elizabeth Sophia JOHNSTON 1859-1950
    • 2 Martha JOHNSTON 1861-1950
    • 2 Lancelot JOHNSTON 1864-1933
    • 2 Rebecca Alzina JOHNSTON 1868-1869

Lancelot Johnston & brother Abraham's children: Mullanmeen Townland to Oxford, Grenville County
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry (Lonnie Fink-Lancelot) - Ancestry (C Johnston-Abraham) - Primary Contact: research done by Lonnie Fink and Kerry Johnston

This family did not all come at one time together, and many never came. The parents were Henry & Eleanor Johnston who, among other children, had sons Lancelot (1810) and Abraham (c1812). Lancelot and Abraham married sisters Margaret (1809) and Anne Noble (1814) of Dromore, Co Tyrone, daughters of John and Letitia Noble.

Lancelot & Margaret brought their family to Canada in 1841. About 1849-1850, Abraham's wife Anne Noble (sister of Lancelot's wife Margaret Noble) died. Abraham remarried with Isabella Johnston, daughter of John Johnston, whose family we do not yet know.

In 1859, Lancelot made a return trip to Ireland and brought Abraham's son Lancelot (born 1848) back to Canada with him. More of Abraham's children, from both his first and second marriages later emigrated to Canada.

Mullanmeen Townland is in Co Fermanagh very near the border with Co Donegal. And at some point, Abraham moved to Co Donegal, where some of his children who later came to Canada were born.

The following chart is based on Lonnie Fink's tree on Ancestry, as of 28 Jan 2021. Click on the image to view it in a PDF file.

County Sligo

Andrew Johnston of Co Sligo - To Adjala Township, Simcoe County in 1832
(Andrew's brother John's son) William Johnston of Fortland Townland, Easkey - To Mulmur Township, Simcoe County by 1867
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-Y8830 > I-BY300 > I-FGC69226 > I-FT368392
For Andrew: Ancestry - Primary Contact: Lori Johnston
For William: Ancestry - Primary Contact: Sonja Johnston

Note that when Dufferin County, Ontario, was created in 1875, by carving out parts of Simcoe County and other counties, their land changed from Simcoe County to Dufferin County, even though they did not move.

  • 1 Andrew JOHNSTON b. 1 Aug 1813 Co Sligo d. 18 Jun 1905 Rosemont, Adjala Township, Simoce/Dufferin County
    m (1) 15 Nov 1835 at Toronto - Mary Ann Thompson b. 1815 Co Sligo d. 9 Jul 1851 Rosemont, Simcoe County (2) 23 Apr 1852 at Mono, Ontario - Jane McGuire b. c1816 Co Fermanagh d. 16 Nov 1898 Adjala Twp, Simcoe/Dufferin County
    • 2 Mary JOHNSTON 5 Nov 1836 Adjala Twp - 19 Nov 1889 Banda, Dufferin County
      m 1854 - Thomas Porter 3 Jn 1829-13 Jun 1895
    • 2 Thomas JOHNSTON 18 Dec 1838 Adjala Twp - 6 Aug 1923 Stayner, Simcoe County
      m (1) 1864 - Mary Shaw 1839-1872 (2) 1873 Julia Ann Clemenger 1849-1925
    • 2 Ann JOHNSTON 11 May 1841 Adjala Twp - 16 Dec 1923 Lavender, Dufferin County
      m 25 Feb 1862 - John Brett 8 Jun 1838-21 May 1920
    • 2 William JOHNSTON 24 Dec 1843 Adjala Twp - 1 Sep 1928 Dufferin County
      m 14 Apr 1870 at Mulmur Twp - Jane Kirkpatrick 14 Feb 1859-11 Oct 1889
    • 2 Andrew JOHNSTON 8 Jan 1846 Adjala Twp - 14 Aug 1932 Simcoe, Ontario
      m 11 Jun 1869 - Hannah Lee 1843-7 Feb 1901
    • 2 Robert JOHNSTON 1 May 1848 Adjala Twp - 1933
      m - Sara Ann Walker 1857-
    • 2 Ray JOHNSTON 1851 Adjala Twp - 1851 Adjala Twp
  • 1 William JOHNSTON b. 20 Jun 1834 Fortland Townland d. 12 Jan 1916 Mulmur Township, Dufferin County
    m 30 Oct 1867 at Mulmur Township, Simcoe County - Jane Lee b. 15 Oct 1840 Perm, Simcoe County d. 2 Aug 1937 Lavender, Simcoe County
    • 2 Margaret Ellen JOHNSTON 5 Oct 1868 Mulmur - 12 Jun 1936 York County
      m 18 Apr 1906 at York County - Joseph Campbell 24 Jun 1865-Mar 1942
    • 2 Robert John JOHNSTON 3 Sep 1870 Mulmur - 18 Jan 1965 Stayner, Simcoe County
      m 2 Jan 1906 at Creemore, Simcoe County - Mary Jane Millsap 12 May 1877-30 Apr 1954 Stayner, Simcoe County
    • 2 Mary Jane JOHNSTON 16 May 1872 Mulmur - 26 Dec 1939 Woodstock, Oxford County
    • 2 William James JOHNSTON 8 Jul 1874 Mulmur - 5 May 1955 Simcoe County
      m 31 Oct 1901 at Creemore, Dufferin County - Hannah Langford 20 Aug 1877-5 Dec 1956
    • 2 George Wesley JOHNSTON 6 Oct 1876 Mulmur - 19 Mar 1953 Detroit, Michigan, USA
      m 17 Mar 1913 at Lambton County - Ella Evelyn Davis 31 Dec 1883-14 Nov 1944 Lambton County
    • 2 Annie JOHNSTON 4 Nov 1878 Mulmur - 23 Mar 1971 Simcoe County
    • 2 Emma Jane JOHNSTON 1881 Mulmur - 1881 Mulmur Township
    • 2 Henry "Harry" JOHNSTON 6 Sep 1882 Mulmur - 26 Sep 1969 Simcoe County
      m 16 Dec 1908 at Simcoe County - Mary Ann Ferris 31 Oct 1888-26 Jul 1936 Collingwood, Simcoe County
    • 2 Thomas "Herbert" JOHNSTON 6 Dec 1883 Mulmur - 18 Jul 1972 Regina, Saskatchewan
      m 5 Jul 1912 at Rouleau, Saskatchewan - Eva Lucy McDowell 13 Oct 1886-31 Jul 1961 Regina, Saskatchewan
    • 2 Richard Russel "Ernest" JOHNSTON 17 Mar 1885 Mulmur - 7 Apr 1968 Simcoe County
      m 18 Sep 1912 at Simcoe County - Elisabeth Lucinda Leighton 13 Sep 1891-2 Dec 1971 Simcoe County
    • 2 David Edgerton JOHNSTON 29 Oct 1887 Mulmur - 30 Nov 1964 Creemore, Simcoe County
      m 18 Mar 1914 at Gray County - Martha Ann Bell 16 Sep 1890-29 Mar 1959 Creemore, Simcoe County
County Tyrone

Hugh Johnston of Omagh, County Tyrone and Moore Township, Lambton County (Sarnia) - with first stop in Niagara
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry - Incomplete Public Primary Contact: Bonnie Ann Hill and Bryan Johnston

  • 1 Hugh JOHNSTON b. c. 1789 Omagh, Co Tyrone d. 14 Nov 1866 Moore Twp, Lambton Co
    m 8 Sep 1810 at Omagh - Mary Bell 1780-1862
    • 2 Mary JOHNSTON b. 16 Jul 1811 Omagh d. 1811 Omagh
    • 2 Dr. Thomas William JOHNSTON b. 24 Mar 1813 Omagh d. 12 Mar 1875 Sarnia, Lambton Co
      m 24 Nov 1847 at Lambton Co - Grace Sutherland 1824-1861
    • 2 George Bell JOHNSTON b. 10 Dec 1814 Omagh d. 123 May 1894 Sarnia, Lambton Co
      m - Emily Sophia Donnelly 1808-1897
    • 2 Eliza JOHNSTON b. 29 Apr 1816 Omagh d. 13 Jun 1855 Froomfield, Lambton Co
      m - Froome Talfound 1807-1902
    • 2 Hugh JOHNSTON b. 4 Mar 1818 Omagh d. 1889 Texas
      m - Matilda Rich 1824-1910
    • 2 Robert JOHNSTON b. 23 Feb 1819 Omagh
    • 2 Stewart JOHNSTON b. 7 Oct 1820 Omagh d. 6 Mar 1901 Courtright, Lambton Co
      m - Mary Ann Little 1827-1902
    • 2 Ann Jane JOHNSTON b. 21 Mar 1822 Omagh d. 8 Mar 1894 Courtright, Lambton Co
      m - Dr. John Hyde 1803-1843
    • 2 Maria Louisa JOHNSTON b. 26 Jan 1824 Omagh d. 1864 Drummondville, Quebec
    • 2 Sarah Bell "Sally" JOHNSTON b. 27 Oct 1825 Omagh d. 7 Feb 1848 Stratford, Perth Co
      m - Archibald Constable Gelkie
    • 2 Isabell JOHNSTON b. 10 Sep 1827 Omagh d. 20 May 1853 Moore Twp, Lambton Co
    • 2 James JOHNSTON b. 16 Mar 1829 Omagh d. 1856 Geelong, Victoria, Australia
    • 2 John A JOHNSTON b. 8 Apr 1830 Omagh d. 20 Sep 1908 Courtright, Lambton Co
      m - Eliza Gaw 1843-1913
    • 2 Mary Ann JOHNSTON b. 2 May 1831 Omagh d. 1854
    • 2 William Colborne JOHNSTON b. 7 Jul 1832 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Co, Ontario d. 1 Oct 1853 Moore Centre, Lambton Co
Robert Johnston of Castlederg and Caledon Township, Peel County - with descendants in Toronto and Pickering Township
Big Y-700 I-M223 > I-BY300 > I-FT379430 - Ancestry - Public Primary Contact: Hawley Johnston

  • 1 Robert E JOHNSTON b. Abt 1820 d. 30 Apr 1878 Margaret Jane MCFARLAND b. 9 Nov 1818 d. 28 Jan 1901
    • 2 Arthur McFarland JOHNSTON b. 2 Nov 1839 d. 22 Aug 1915
      • with Christina Margaret Arnott BIRRELL b. Abt 05 Jun 1844 d. 30 Jun 1886
        • 3 Robert Ebenezer JOHNSTON b. 15 Nov 1869
        • 3 Janet Catharine - Nettie - JOHNSTON b. 21 May 1875 d. 24 Oct 1906 James Henry CLARE b. Abt 1874
          • 4 Arthur Johnston CLARE b. 30 Jul 1906 d. 20 Nov 1990
        • 3 Christina Margaret JOHNSTON b. 31 Jan 1878 d. 19 Sep 1879
        • 3 Susannah Mabel - Mabel - JOHNSTON b. 30 Jun 1880 d. 16 Apr 1964 Arthur John HOWDEN b. 25 Mar 1880
          • 4 Living HOWDEN
      • with Emeline Catherine MOWBRAY b. 5 Feb 1854 d. 28 Feb 1938
        • 3 George Arthur Mowbray JOHNSTON b. 27 Apr 1892
        • 3 Eleanor Alberta - Eleanor Aileen - JOHNSTON b. 12 Oct 1895 + Ralph Edward WHITE b. Abt 1895
    • 2 George H JOHNSTON b. 1 Oct 1841 d. 7 Dec 1915 + Matilda Watson PATTULLO b. 1 Oct 1845 d. 2 May 1922
    • 2 James JOHNSTON b. Abt 1842 + Mary Ann CRAWFORD b. Abt 1845
    • 2 Ann J JOHNSTON b. 30 Mar 1845 + William MCMASTER d. Bef 1901
    • 2 Samuel Fife JOHNSTON b. 15 Aug 1847 d. 13 Jun 1916 Rachel Maria SMITH b. 18 Sep 1859 d. 26 Jan 1949
      • 3 Joseph Robert JOHNSTON b. 8 Sep 1878 d. 1956 + Annie Margaret MACKAY b. 1878 d. 1958
      • 3 Mary Ann Jane JOHNSTON b. Abt 1879 d. 22 Apr 1967 John George INNES b. Abt 1868
        • 4 Living INNES
      • 3 Margaret M JOHNSTON b. 3 Sep 1884 + James I MILLER b. Abt 1881
      • 3 Christena Mable - Lena - JOHNSTON b. 9 Oct 1894 + Samuel Boardman ARNOLD b. Abt 1896
    • 2 Catherine Rebecca JOHNSTON b. Abt 1850 d. 4 Feb 1908 David BIRRELL b. Abt 1842 d. 25 Mar 1927
      • 3 Divina BIRRELL b. Abt Jun 1869 d. 24 Sep 1870
    • 2 Robert JOHNSTON b. 1851 d. 25 Sep 1913 Margaret MCGOWAN b. Nov 1882
      • 3 Living JOHNSTON
    • 2 Janet JOHNSTON b. Abt 1854
    • 2 Joseph JOHNSTON b. Abt 1856
    • 2 Susanah JOHNSTON b. Abt 1859
    • 2 Margaret Ann - Maggie - JOHNSTON b. Abt 1861
    • 2 David JOHNSTON b. Abt 1863 d. Abt 1864
Samuel Johnston of Legacurry Townland to Oshawa in East Whitby Township
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry - Public Primary Contact: Linda Cullor

  • 1 Samuel JOHNSTON b. Sep 1837 d. 9 Mar 1919 Jane MCNAUL b. 1839 d. 16 Oct 1894
    • 2 Samuel JOHNSTON b. 15 May 1865 d. 5 Mar 1943 Fanny FREEBORN b. 18 May 1864
      • 3 Living JOHNSTON
      • 3 William John - Willie - JOHNSTON b. 7 Mar 1887 Ladora May - Dora May - Dora - PARKER b. 29 Jan 1888
        • 4 Morley Elton JOHNSTON b. 15 Feb 1912 d. Bef 23 Dec 1972
        • 4 Lloyd Thomas JOHNSTON b. 29 Sep 1914 d. 30 Mar 1947
      • 3 Edna JOHNSTON b. 25 Sep 1889
      • 3 Winefred E JOHNSTON b. Abt 1890
      • 3 Lena May - May - JOHNSTON b. 17 Apr 1893 d. 1979
      • 3 Gordon JOHNSTON b. 9 Jun 1894 d. 18 Jul 1971 Annie VIVIAN b. 18 Oct 1897 d. 9 Dec 1992
        • 4 Raymond JOHNSTON
        • 4 Donald V JOHNSTON b. 3 Oct 1921 d. 10 Jul 1996
      • 3 Thomas Lloyd - Lloyd - JOHNSTON b. 18 Feb 1897 + Lillian Nadine LOWRY b. 1891
      • 3 Elton Walter JOHNSTON b. 6 Jun 1902 d. 22 Dec 1987 + Mabel Irene BABCOCK b. 17 Oct + Viola May WALLING b. 1 May 1898 d. 25 Feb 1961
    • 2 Rebecca Jane JOHNSTON b. 20 Sep 1866 d. 12 Sep 1934 Isaac A ELFORD b. 25 Nov 1860 d. Bef 1933
      • 3 Living ELFORD
      • 3 Gertrude Eveline ELFORD b. 22 Jul 1891 d. 1962
      • 3 Evalena May ELFORD b. 1893 d. 1974
      • 3 Olive Pearl ELFORD b. 1896 d. 1952
      • 3 Herbert Newton ELFORD b. 1898 d. 1982
      • 3 Harold Roy ELFORD b. 4 May 1902 d. 22 Jul 1964 Ethel Maude WILCOX b. 23 May 1903 d. Wed. June 21 2000
        • 4 Living ELFORD
        • 4 Donald Edward ELFORD b. 29 Apr 1931 d. 26 Dec 1932
    • 2 John JOHNSTON b. 1869 d. 14 Feb 1964 Sarah Elizabeth - Lizzie - OLDFIELD b. Abt 1867
      • 3 Annie Marie JOHNSTON b. 1889 + John Howard EAKINS b. 1867
      • 3 Alvin Oswald JOHNSTON b. 1892 d. 25 Jun 1984 Mary Sophia Mildred TINNEY b. 1898 d. 6 Sep 1966
        • 4 Living JOHNSTON
        • 4 Jordan Wray JOHNSTON b. 21 May 1926 d. 23 Oct 2004
      • 3 Eva Elizabeth JOHNSTON b. 1894 + Charles Henry LEE
      • 3 William John Herbert - John William Herbert - Herbert - JOHNSTON b. 11 Sep 1896 d. 26 May 1928 + Franklin Mahetta - Malletta F - Millie - CAMPBELL b. Abt 1895 + Georgina ANDERSON b. Abt 1889
    • 2 Henrietta JOHNSTON b. 1870 d. 12 Dec 1872
    • 2 Jessie J JOHNSTON b. 8 May 1872 d. 29 Jan 1964 William HAMLYN b. 1872
      • 3 Living HAMLYN
      • 3 Gertrude HAMLYN b. 1894 d. 18 Nov 1939
      • 3 William HAMLYN b. 1896 d. 17 Jun 1912
      • 3 Lillian HAMLYN b. 1898
      • 3 Reuben E HAMLYN b. Sep 1902 d. 3 Apr 1929
      • 3 Douglas Howard HAMLYN b. 21 Oct 1910 d. 4 Sep 1980
    • 2 Alena May - Lena - JOHNSTON b. 1874 d. 2 May 1903 Thomas Henry KNOX b. Abt 1865
      • 3 Living KNOX
Canadian Johnstons of Origin in Scotland

Argyleshire

I am currently working on two families, both with sons named Lachlan/Lauchlan, who came to Canada from the isle of Coll. One family came to Pictou, Nova Scotia, and the other had three brothers who came to Ontario County and Simcoe County, Canada West. More to come ...

Dumfriesshire

James Hardie Johnston of Annan and Uxbridge Township, Ontario County - descendants in Toronto & Wellington County
Y-DNA not yet known - Ancestry - Public

Canadian Johnstons of Origin in England

Lincolnshire

Wesley Edward Johnston of Navenby, Lincolnshire 3 generations came to Ottawa 1840 - son William Johnston moved to Bentinck Township, Grey County
Y-DNA R-M263 - Ancestry - Public Primary Contact: Cedric Johnston

Contact Information

EmailSend E-mail to wwjohnston01@yahoo.com

Copyright © 2023 by Wesley Johnston
All rights reserved