John was born in Thompson, Connecticut in 1825, and came to New York in 1851, initially to New Berlin. For four years he served there as school master, and afterward moved to Utica where he worked as a bookkeeper in the old court office. Around 1871 he assumed charge of the old American Hotel. In 1883 he became a partner with his brother-in-law, William Gazlay, in the Dudley House. He married Miss Harriet Gazlay, of New Berlin, in 1853. John was known as a kind, generous, and well respected man, his charities were well known among his wide circle of friends. Funeral services were conducted both in Utica and in New Berlin, where he was buried in St. Andrews Cemetery.4, 5