Apols for any delay getting back to this thread, but having double checked all the info posted in the responses, I agree that John the son of Wm Callister the blacksmith born Santon can be eliminated. The only option left is John Callister son of Thomas Callister & Margaret, listed 1861 IOM census living with his grandmother Margaret Skelly. The birth place in German and date 1846 fits, but I can find no record of a marriage between Thomas Callister & Margaret Skelly. Assuming John was the eldest child, they must have married circa 1840-45. Does anybody have any info re: Thomas Callister & Margaret Skelly, i.e. birth, marriage, death dates etc?

Many Thanks

Mark