Born:

9 Feb 1826, in Leslie Fife, fifth child and third daughter of John Johnston and Janet Oswald. Christened in Leslie Parich Church on 26 Feb 1826.

Life:

27 Apr 1859, age 26, married Alexander Currie, 7 years younger, fourth son of James Charters Currie and Rosanna Clement. Living in 6 Austin Friars, London.

Had 5 children, Oswald James 1860, Rosina (Rose) Jessie 1863, John Alexander (Jack) 1865, Winifred Mary 1867 and Mabel Agnes 1871. By then Jessie was 45, living at 7 Morley Villas Lewisham.

By 1881, they were living in "Leslie" (probably No 9), Mycenae Road (also called Westcombe Park), Blackheath, and had a servant, 23-year old Elizabeth Evans from Carmarthenshire, cook and domestic servant. Jessie's sister, Mary Johnston 55, was also staying with them at the time of the census. (Jessie's age given as 47 instead of 55!)

Early 1890s, marriage of daughter Rosina to Harry Poole Berry.

2 Jun 1892, marriage of daughter Mabel to Percy Pembroke.

1895, aged 69, visited son Oswald in South Africa along with husband and daughter Winifred. Marriage of Oswald to Sara Gubbins.

11 May 1896, husband Alexander died.

1900 son Jack died of heart problems. "Leslie" was sold and Jessie and daughter Winifred went to live with Mabel in Chislehurst.

Died:

February 1912 died at The Mount, Chislehurst, age 86.

2 Mar 1912 , buried in Nunhead Cemetery (now in Southwark) grave 1734/162

Sources:

James Charters Currie's Diary on the death of his wife and daughter 1850
Letters to and between James Charters Currie and Rosanna Currie (née Clement)and their children
Letters to and between Alexander Currie and Jessie Currie (née Johnston) and their children
British birth, baptism and marriage records
British Cemetery records