I even came across a John McNay (1801-1854) who married Isabella Muir (1802-1875)
He was born at Balhasie Farm, Kirkmabreck Parish, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland & Isabella born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Scotland.
They had 7 children that I know of, James Muir McNay (1826-1901) born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. Mary (1828) Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, David (1831-1832) unsure where born, John McNay (1832) Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. William (1834) unsure where born. Jessie McNay (1835-1905) Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Isabella (1837) Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Thomas (1839)Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.
I thought this was my John until some internet searching showed a lot of unusual comparisons. This site
https://gordons.site44.com/g1/p105.htm#i2604 has the Father, Mother and children the same,but his "John McNay" is spelt "John McNey".
He claims his "John" is correct due to this article
https://www.archive.org/stream/biogr...e/934/mode/2up
Also, apparently a book was released that claims his story
https://www.kirkcudbright.co/history...ID=298&p=5&g=4
I'm not sure why his surname is spelt McNey, yet other family members is spelt McNay.