Hi Paddyd, thanks for your reply. This is interesting what you say about your relative John Johnston. Surely there ust be a connection. I mentioned that I am now in regular contact with a Johnston in Canada, who confirms a Benjamin Hardcastle Johnston emigrated to Canada in 1860, firstly farming in London, Ontario and later setteling in Port Carling in Ontario. He has a well documented history of them once they were in Canada, but like me he cannot find the exact place where they originated from in Westmeath. The name Rochfordbridge, came from them, but you know how names are mispelled or misheard over the years, it could well be Wynchfordbridge, especially as it is in Westmeath. Have you ever come across this middle name of Hardcastle in your research, it is a bit unusual, story goes it is the first born son through the generations, but where it came from we don't know, possibly the mother's maiden name. Interested to hear your thoughts on this. Regards J
