John was born at Lyndoch on 25 April 1853. He attended Pine Hut School and then worked on the family farm with his stepfather and stepbrothers. during that time he was known as John Rice.

In his early twenties John's stepfather made land available to him at Frankton near Dutton and he farmed there for about forty years. In 1914 he sold the farm and bought a holding at Neals Flat where he grew wheat and kept cows, poultry and pigs. In those days foxes and dingos were always about and over the years John lost quite a few birds to these predators. John was a very hard worker but in times of drought (especially 1914) it was difficult for everyone.

John was a staunch Methodist and held services in his home at Neals flat for seventeen years. He was very good with the accordion and for many years played at dances and other gathering while living at Frankton and Neals Flat.

John and Williamina (born 20 March 1855) were married on 15 November 1876 at Dutton. They had seven children Sarah (Bessie), Mary (Polly), Herbert (Bert), David, Harriet (Ettie), Blanche and Williamina (Margaret), who lived only two years. Williamina and her twin brother George Evan ALLANSON were born on 20 March 1855. George replaced a child of the same name who died previously.

Williamina's parents Thomas and Elizabeth (Stannage) came to Australia in 1851 from England. They had six children when they arrived on 8 August 1851 but by 1855 four had died. Elizabeth died in 1860 after the birth of her youngest daughter.