John attested for the Royal Artillery at Lisburn, Antrim on 8 March 1839. His age was given as 18 years 3 months, suggesting he was born in December 1820. He was born in Seagoe and his trade was weaver. He served as gunner and driver for 21 years including four years three months in Jamaica and 10 years seven months in Mauritius. He was discharged in Woolwich, London, home of the Royal Artillery on 21 August 1860 and lived there for the rest of his life. He is described as a Chelsea Pensioner in the 1881 census.
He married Christina (or Christiana) Stewart in the Free Church of Scotland, North Leith on 11 December 1846. They had six children: Elizabeth Jane (1840 Paisley, Renfrewshire), James William (1851, Mauritius), Charles (c.1857, Mauritius), Mary Harriett (c.1860 Mauritius), John Joseph (1861 Woolwich) and Emily (1865, Woolwich). John must have been a Catholic as there are records of baptisms for John Joseph and Emily at St. Peter the Apostle, Woolwich. Christina was baptised at St. Peter in 1875.
John was buried in a communal grave in Plumstead Cemetery, London on 22 July 1895.
So far no details have been found of his parents or any siblings.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Dec 1820 | VIEW SOURCE |
| Date of Death | 1st Jul 1895 | VIEW SOURCE |
