John was married to Catherine nee Mackay and lived in Reef with issue. He died before 1824 as Catherine was recorded as a widow in the Reef Farm tenant list of that year.

The following is from 'Genealogies of the Mathesons by Rev William Matheson;

.....John, tenant in Reef, who married Catherine, daughter of Malcolm Mackay, Linshader with issue, Donald, tenant in Geshader; John (Iain Ban na Loch) (1803-1888), grand-father of the late Donald Matheson, Mangarsta, and great-grand-father of Dr Peter Matheson, Uig; Norman who emigrated; Mary who married Malcolm Maclennan, Reef; and Christina who married Norman Mackay....