Born in Sussex county, New Jersey in 1800 according to 1860 census records.
Married Elizabeth. She was born in N.Y. in 1810 according to 1860 census records.
John is credited with the first land registry on the Sashabaw plains in 1826. His son, Townsend was reportedly the first settler's child to be born in Independence Township. According to 1860 records he was a 28 year old clerk at the time
1860 records also listed in the household were Noah, age 22; Ann, age 20; and Jenett, age 9. All were born in Michigan.
