The brewery of John Winton is mentioned in 'Reminiscences of the royal burgh of Haddington and old East Lothian agriculturists' by Martine, John, as follows:-
https://archive.org/details/reminiscencesro02martgoogPage 69:
MARKET STREET, or, as it was formerly called, the Back Street, extends from Tibbiedale and the Townhouse to Hardgate Street It contains not a few relics of antiquity and of historical interest to Haddingtonians. An old tenement at the west end, and opposite the Tolbooth, was long occupied by John Carfrae, of the Carniehaugh family of Carfraes. He was town treasurer and a bailie of Haddington in his day, as far back as 1780 and aftervards. He was an extensive grocer and merchant. The old house had an outshot projecting into the street, which, from its shape, was called the " saut backet" At Carfrae's death, which occurred about the close of last century, his property was acquired by William Shiells, who for many years carried on a brewery up the close, and brewed "twopenny," "groatum," and strong ale. A new tenement was built some years ago by the late Mr Brown, plumber, and the "saut backet" was demolished. Another brewery on the same side was long carried on by John Winton (" the Earl,") a character in his day, and afterwards by Mrs McBean.
Mrs McBean was 'Catherine Matthew' whose brother Alexander was a writer in Haddington. Her husband John McBean was a Farmer then Brewer and he was a brother-in-law to John Winton, who married his sister Janet McBean.
Catherine Matthew / McBean's father was Andrew Matthew, whose wife was Catherine Newton. Catherine Newton's father was Alexander Newton and her mother was Catherine Shiells. Whether there was a relationship between Catherine Shiells and William Shiells the brewer of Haddington, mentioned above, I do not know. Catherine Newton's sister Isabella Newton married John Yelloweless and their son was William Yellowlees, the portrait artist known as 'The Little Raeburn'. John Yellowlees' sister Elizabeth married Robert Wilson and their daughter Janet Wilson married Samuel Smiles of Haddington - their son was the famous Samuel Smiles, author of 'Self Help' and other books.
I would be interested in any details you may have about this connection as 'Mrs McBean' is a relation.
