Jean, Jane or Jeanie Gardner was born on 6^th November 1815. This corresponds with the fact that her age was given as 35 in the 1851 census. Her place of birth appears in this source as ‘Renfrewshire, Abbey’. From the fact that her parents were married less than eleven months previously, it is almost certain that there were no previous children of the family.

Her maiden name is given as ‘Gardiner’ on her daughter Elizabeth’s death certificate.

Jane Gardner married William Pinkerton in Abbey, Paisley, on 4^th September 1838. Her place of residence at this time was entered as Lincleve.

Jean Gardner appears, aged 65, in the 1891 census record, living with her husband, two sons, and a maid at 3, Hamilton Street, Paisley. Her place of birth was entered as Paisley.

William and Jean both died during 1887, and in each instance the usual residence at time of death was 11, Abercorn Street, Paisley. Both were entered as 75 at the time of death, which is an approximation. In each instance, the informant was J. L. Pinkerton, their son. Jean’s age at the time of death was correctly given as 71 on her daughter Elizabeth’s 1898 mental health notes from Woodilee Asylum. Jean died on 14^th January of apoplexy, after an illness lasting three days. The informant was her son, J. L. Pinkerton. The cause of death was given as pneumonia on daughter Elizabeth’s 1898 mental health notes from Woodilee Asylum.

Brothers and Sisters

Jean appears to have been one of twins, or even triplets. She and her twin brother, James, were born on 6^th November 1815 and christened on 9^th. From the IGI, the possibility emerges that there might have been a third child, John. If this is the case, then John did not survive, as a second son of that name was born in 1833.

Janet was born on 29^th November 1820 and christened on 24^th December. It would seem that she was dead by 1826.

William was born on 25^th May 1822 and christened on the 26^th. It would appear that he did not survive infancy.

A second William was born on 19^th May 1824 and christened on 13^th June. He appears living in the family home in both the 1841 and 1851 census records.

A second Janet was born on 20^th March 1826 and christened on 16^th April. She appears living in the family home in both the 1841 & 1851 census records.

Alexander was born on 21^st April 1828 and christened on 2^nd (or 21^st?) June 1828. He appears living in the family home in both the 1841 & 1851 census records.

Matthew was born on 24^th October 1829. He appears living in the family home in both the 1841 & 1851 census records.

Elizabeth was born on 18^th July 1831. She appears living in the family home in both the 1841 & 1851 census records.

John was born on 13^th December 1833. He appears living in the family home in both the 1841 & 1851 census records.

All of these events took place at Abbey, Paisley.