Why Catherine Johnstone was not the Daughter of Charles and Martha Johnston of North Carolina
Posted 23 Oct 2017 by mpetersendsm
The will of Charles Wilson Johnston (Orange County Will Book A, pp 74-77, made in 1789 (not 1787), listed several heirs beginning with his wife Martha. Included among several sons-in-law (without naming the wives) was Matthew McCauley. A Charles McCauley was also an heir without stating his relationship; it seems reasonable to assume he was a grandson, Matthew's son. William McCauley was also named in the will but not as an heir. Instead he was named an executor as a "trusty and well beloved friend". Witnessing the will were William Blackwood, Joseph Blackwood and James Blackwood.
Additionally, we have the statement of Martha Johnston McCauley, wife of Mathew McCauley, in her 1837 pension application:
"This Declarant first became acquainted with the aforesaid Mathew McCauley in the year of 1775, when the said Mathew came to New Hope in the aforesaid County and lived with his brother William McCauley, esq., who was neighbor to the Declarant's father, Charles Johnston...."
Had William McCauley been a son-in-law of Charles Johnston and brother-in-law to Martha Johnston prior to her own marriage, it is almost impossible to believe that such a relationship would not have been mentioned in one or both contexts above. Therefore, I do not believe that William McCauley can be considered Charles Johnston's son-in-law or Catherine, his wife, to be Charles Johnston's daughter.
https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/tree/120242/person/6286562776/media/c56a8463-9b19-46ff-b32b-237bff093375?_phsrc=oeA305&_phstart=successSource
