Hi Lumber - Jack
Have just found a couple of old Roots Web messages from a lady back in 1999 chasing this same family. She states that John BEATON was born in Cape of Good Hope Africa, 31 Jan 1810, lived for 12 years in India ( father was a school headmaster ), Approx 1822 on the way back to UK, the father died and was buried at sea near St Helena Island. By 1843 John BEATON is in Ontario.
That narrows it down a lot. I will try the email link for this lady, but it's been nearly 10 years. At that point she was living in Bristish Columbia Canada. Fingers crossed.
Maybe this will jog someones memory.
Karenlee