Magnus Gunn, a veteran of the Napoleonic wars, lived in Boquhan once his army days were over. He married Agnes McFarlane and had a large family, including a daughter Janet (b approx 1821) known as Jenny.

Magnus Gunn died in his 90s, in the 1850s, and Janet was living in the family home in the 1861 census, acting as housekeeper to her elder brother Duncan. After Duncan's death, Janet remained in the family home until her own death in 1904.

Janet informally adopted a daughter, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Buchanan.