John was born in Nailsea, Somerset, UK
He moved with his family to the Staffordshire Midlands with the closure of the Nailsea Glassworks and loss of work for his father, who was a Cratemaker
John married Esther Clarke, daughter of William Clarke, on 1st December 1879 in St Luke's Church, Bilston, Staffordshire, UK. (Esther Clarke was born Jun 1856 ? and died in 1931). This church unfortunately is no longer standing.
John was described as an Engineer on his marriage certificate.
On the 1891 census return he is described as a stationary Engine Driver, living with his wife and eldest daughter Kate, and sons William and John at 56, Chapel Street, Walsall, Staffordshire, UK.
A William Clarke is also on the census return as a lodger. It is likely that this was a relative of Esther.
The 1901 census return shows them now living at 18, High Street, Tipton, Staffordshire, with 6 of the children.
John's known siblings were
John and Esther's children were
