Born:

1783 - this year is guessed from the gravestone.

Life:

Married Janet (Jessie) Oswald 2 May 1817 at Kinghorn, Fife and had 9 children - John, Alexander, Mary, Jane #1, Janet (Jessie), Elizabeth, William, Agnes and Jane #2 between 1819 and 1835, all christened in the parish Church of Leslie, Fife (Church of Scotland).

Minister in Leslie Fife for 37-38 years (from 1814-1852). Ordained 21 Dec 1814 and came from Linlithgow West church. According to his son Alexander, took an active part in the discussions that brought about the formation of the Free Church in Scotland. In April 1852, son William was licensed by Kirkcaldy Presbytery to join him as a colleague. Moderation took place on 11 October but John died 3 weeks later.

Known as an able and instructive preacher, one sermon appearing in print not long before his death, said to have been taken down when he preached at Albion Chapel, London.

Died:

1 Nov 1852, age 69. An obelisk in Leslie kirkyard reads: "Rev John Johnston 1st Nov 1852 age 69 in 38th year of ministry by East United Presbyterian Congregation here".

Sources:

Letters to and between Alexander Currie and Jessie Currie (née Johnston) and their children
British birth, baptism and marriage records
Fife Gravestone Records
"History of U.P. Congregations" by Robert Small D.D.