John, born in 1877, was a son of Angus and Ann nee Macleod from 13 Breaclete. He was married twice; his first wife Catherine Macdonald from 7 Tobson was the mother of his seven children. There was no issue from his second marriage to Annie Macdonald, 24 Kirkibost

During WW1 John was a leading seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve; was interned in Holland and he holds the Mons Star.