I'm trying to find out some information about two 18th century sisters, Lucy and Suphy Johnstone, daughters of Wayne Johnston of Hilton. Lucy (c. 1760-1797) married Richard Oswald of Auchincruive (Ayr), and died of consumption in Portugal. Lucy was reputed to have been a great beauty.
What interests me is that the sisters were musical. Suphy played the violin (and learned to blacksmith!), while Lucy composed airs and dance tunes ("Captain Cork's Death", "Miss Lucy Johnston's Compliments to Niel Gow").
In addition, several tunes were written for them ("Miss Johnston of Hilton's Fancy", maybe "Mrs. Oswald of Auchincrive", among others). Hunter (1979) says Lucy Johnston of Hilton (1765-1797), was "one of a number of aristocratic amateur composers of the late 18th century. A noted belle of the Edinburgh Dance Assembly, she was much admired by the Gows, Burns and Robert Mackintosh, who dedicated his second collection to her".
Does anyone know anything more about them? Personal or musical history (or blacksmithing, for that matter!) information would be appreciated.
Regards,
Andrew Kuntz
