Hi Mark and Sylvia,

Sylvia, on the 1871 census John Callister's occupation starts with a "J" (compare with the two Johns) but looks more like Jailer than Joiner! But probably Joiner.

You wrote:
(1861) Kirk Patrick St, Peel, German ...
Margt Skelly h wid 65 No occupt Peel
John Callister gson 16 “ Peel
Esther gdau 12 Peel [these children have mother Margaret Greggor? How does this work?]
Walter gson 9 Peel
Beecher gson 2 Peel
&
(1851) Kirk Michael St, Peel, German ...
Thomas Callister h m 45 Joiner Peel
Margaret w m 31 Peel
Mary d 9 Peel
John s 5 Peel
Esther d 1 Peel

[Mark] wrote "John James ...
When Baptised: 1847, Jan 17th, No.9 (entirely correct where John on all other records is born late 1846, German)
Child's Christian Name: John [illigt son of]
Parent's Name - Father: ....................[i.e. no father listed] - Mother: Margt Greggor
Abode: Peel"

In the 1851 census, in Kirk Michael St. Peel, John aged 5 is entered as son of Thomas Callister. He was born within 2 years of his parents' marriage which makes him legitimate, if the right John.

[Mark]
"M038021 m. Thomas Collister (typo. Callister) & Margaret McGregor (typo. Greggor) 4 Nov 1848 Braddan"

Mark, if I remember correctly, Braddan was one of the parishes which had detailed marriage entries before 1849 - it would be worth looking at this record.

Sue