John, born c1788, was a son of John Mackay and Christina Macdonald. John married Christina Mackay; the couple had seven children: Catherine, b c1819, Alexander, John b c1826, Donald b c1828, Norman b c1831, Margaret b c1833 and Angus b c1837.

According to local tradition the family (with the exception of Catherine) emigrated to Huron County in Canada.