John was the son of unknown parents. The date and place of his birth have not been found.
His wife was Christina McCreath, who he married on 5 JUL 1865 in Forehill by Ayr. Their five known children were Margaret (1866-1943), Christina (c1868-1939), Ada (?-?), John (c1871-c1947) and Andrew (c1875-1933).