John was born c1822 to Duncan and Margaret nee Macleod, 3 Crulivig. He was married to Rachael nee Macaulay from Garyvard and, after marriage, lived at No9 Garyvard for a number of years - their first two children were born there.

They moved to Lower Bayble - sometime between 1853 and 1859 and are living there in 1861. In 1871 they are enumerated in Upper Bayble with three more children. They emigrated to Quebec in 1873 and settled in Whitton Township.

By 1910 John was in Vermont, living with his son, Murdo.