Jane Manson or Williamson was born in Watten about 1836 and was baptised at the parish kirk on 7 March 1836.[1] The fact that Jane was given two surnames in the baptism record could indicate an illegitimate birth.
In 1841 Jane is recorded on the Scotland census as living with her maternal great-grandfather, Benjamin Williamson, and other family members at the Williamson farm at "Scouthal" in Watten, Caithness. Jane's mother, Stina, is not recorded as living with the family on the census at the time.[2]