When was Oliver Johnston born?

Research note by Wesley Johnston - begun 10 Nov 2020, last updated 11 Nov 2020

https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/collection/1030/tree/34820597/person/172240729021/media/bc8bc7a7-cfe2-4d2e-a1f4-327bf331c572

Context

When Oliver JOHNSTON died 31 Mar 1897 (residing as he had since 1854 on the south half of Lot 16, Concession 6, Pickering Township, Ontario County, Ontario, Canada) his age was stated as 94 on his death record. Presumably his children and grandchildren believed this was his correct age. Thus, 1803 has been considered to be his year of birth in all subsequently published accounts.

However, no contemporary record shows him born as early as 1803. In fact, all but one of his census records place his birth about 1809-1813. This research note provides the specifics of his age in each census and the calculated year of his birth based on that age.

Oliver Johnston's Age in Canada Censuses

In all censuses, he was a resident of Pickering Township.

• 1851 Census (actually taken in 1852) - Age 39 - Calculated Birth Year 1813
• 1861 Census - Age 52 - Calculated Birth Year 1809
• 1871 Census - Age 69 - Calculated Birth Year 1809
• 1881 Census - Age 75 - Calculated Birth Year 1806
• 1891 Census - Age 81 - Calculated Birth Year 1810

Conclusion

All documented records of Oliver JOHNSTON's age while he was alive calculate to birth years 1809-1813 with the exception of one that calculates to 1806.

No record of the living Oliver JOHNSTON calculates to a birth year of 1803.

In general, records of age closer to the time of birth are more accurate than later records, so that his age 39 in 1852 was probably the most accurate record.

The calculation from a date early in 1852 of age 39 could have been from a birth in 1812 or 1813. All later records place his birth earlier and not later.

Thus, I am carrying his birth in my tree as "about 1812". If further solid evidence not yet known to me indicates this date should be changed, I will make the change.