JOHNSTON, Robert 4th of Crimond, Provost of Aberdeen ^{1 2}

   User ID: N388.

  General Notes:

"Arms of Johnston of Caskieben

(l) Seal of Robert Johnston, Bailie of Aberdeen, 1617 (Plate VI., fig. 9). (From cast of seal in British Museum.) He is probably Robert Johnston of Crimond who was Provost of Aberdeen in 1635."

from The Heraldry of the Johnstons ³

  Research Notes:

GENERATION CONFUSION?

1

The Genealogical Account of the Family of Johnston of that Ilk, formerly of Caskieben add a generation between James Johnston and Robert Johnston, and states on page 29:

" (Unnamed)Johnston of Crimond, who married Agnes, supra, page 8.3 third daughter of George Johnston of that Ilk, by the Honourable Christian Forbes"

and adds information that can without difficulty, other documents being absent, apply to James Johnston:

"The Laird of Crimond's name is in the roll of Spiritual and Great Temporal Barons and Freeholders, who appeared on 3d October 1598, at Aberdeen, to give suit and presence for their lands held of the Crown."

2

Memorials of the Aldermen, Provosts, Lord Provosts of Aberdeen states on pages 139-40:

"Provost Robert Johnston was the eldest son of George Johnston of Crimond, by his wife Agnes Johnston, and was received as a Guild brother of the burgh on 5th September, 1604. He married Agnes, a sister of John Johnston of that Ilk, by whom he had several children"

3

Agnes "third daughter of George Johnston of that Ilk, by the Honourable Christian Forbes" and Agnes " a sister of John Johnston of that Ilk" are the same person.

Moreover, although Robert Johnson did not become Provost until 1635, he became a guild brother in 1604. This affects the timeline between what is being suggested as his grandfather's lifetime and his own.

It seems more likely that Robert Johnson was the next generation after James Johnston, though without further evidence there is an open possibility that he may have as easily been a nephew as a son. ^{1 2}

  Noted events in his life were:

1. Received: as a guild brother, 1604, Aberdeen, Scotland. ²

2. Appointed: Bailie, 1617, of Aberdeen. ³

3. Appointed: Provost, 1635, of Aberdeen. ²

4. Appointed: Provost, 1637, of Aberdeen, Scotland. ²

Robert married Agnes JOHNSTON, daughter of George JOHNSTON of that Ilk and Christian FORBES.^{1 2} (Agnes JOHNSTON was born about 1577.)

  Marriage Notes:

"3d. Agnes (Johnston), married the Laird of Crimond, and had issue." (page 8)

"Robert Johnston of Crimond. He was, anno 1635, elected Provost of the city of Aberdeen, but in January 1636 was removed from that office by the Lords of the Privy Council, and Alexander Jaffray of Kingswells appointed in his room, of Aberdeen. Of Jaffray's elevation, Spalding in his History of the Troubles, says,

'Many thought little both of the man and the election, not being of the old blood of the town, but the oy of a baxter, and therefore was set down in the provost's desk to sermon, with a baken pye before him. This was done several times, but he miskenned all, and never quarrelled the samen.'

Robert was again, anno 1637, elected Provost of Aberdeen, and remained in office for the usual period, without molestation. We are unable to give any account of the family after this period." (page 29)

from Family of Johnston




"Provost Robert Johnston was the eldest son of George Johnston of Crimond, by his wife Agnes Johnston, and was received as a Guild brother of the burgh on 5th September, 1604. He married Agnes, a sister of John Johnston of that Ilk, by whom he had several children, among others George his eldest son, admitted a burgess on 14th August, 1619 ; William, admitted a Guild brother in August, 1638 ; James, baptised, 25th August, 1614 ; and Thomas, baptised 20th October, 1618. William, the second son, became afterwards a lieutenant-colonel in the Royalist army, and one of the most efficient officers which the King's cause had in the north, as Spalding says

'Generall Johnstoun, for his wit and policie, was honoured amongst them all, and had the first place at all thair meittingis.'

It is understood that this gallant officer learned the art of war while serving as a volunteer in the army of Gustavus Adolphus."

from Aldermen and Provosts

Note:

For the possible confusion of generations regarding the name of Johnston's wife and mother see the Research Notes for Robert Johnston on this site.

There may also be confusion regarding the name of Robert Johnston's father. The one given above is that of the father of Robert's wife as noted in other sources. ^{1 2}