John, born 1828, was a son of Malcolm and Annabella nee Maciver, 29 Valtos. He was a tenant in Valtos at the time of his marriage to Mary nee Macleod, 31 Valtos; by 1867 he was a policeman in Ullapool, and in 1871 a school teacher at Strathcanaird. They moved back to Uig where John taught at Lochcroistean school - a post he held from 1879 to 1890.

They had eight children; Annabella c1865, Euphemia 'Effie' 21/3/1867, Angus 26/6/1869, Margaret c1872, Christina c1873, Malcolm c1875, Mary Jane c1876, Catherine Ann c1879. Annabella and Angus were born Uig, Effie in Ullapool and the rest in Strathcanaird.