John Mearns Brown was one of 7 sons born to James Brown of Scotland who came to the Island around 1815 (with a weak heart !). He married Catherine Cowell on 13 May 1824 at Bride. She was born in 1801 to Wm Cowle (1764-1847). JMB and CC's sons were James b1823, David 1825, William 1827, John Mearns 1829, Walter 1831, Robert 1835 and Richard 1837.

Whilst the Cowell side provides problems, Scottish James Brown is a big problem. He was born c1779 in Scotland, and farmed the Kimmeragh in Bride c1820 and later in Andreas, where he died in July 1837. Does anyone have any details on Scottish James Brown.

My ancestor, John Mearns is a possible clue, as mearns is a district in Scotland and also a Scottish family name, but with no more than an approx irth date c1779 and a quite common Scots name, James Brown, it is a needle in a haystack situation.

James Mearns Brown married Isabella Christian, daughter of William Christian of Ballakey, Bride, and I would be interested to hear from any members of the Ballakey Christians.