W. John removed to Kansas, his son John having previously made his way to the Sunflower state. Because of the disastrous drought in the summer of 1860 he returned to Iowa, locating at Iowa Center, Story county. His wife died during the following summer and he then took up his abode in Indiana, remaining in the Hoosier state for a year. At the end of that time he once more came to Story county, here continuing to reside until called to his final rest in 1878, when he had attained the age of eighty-one years.
John W. John was reared under the parental roof, attending the common schools in the acquirement of an education. His 0pportunities in this direction were but limited, for he was able to attend school for only two or three months each winter. The little "temple of learning" was a log structure, with slab benches, puncheon floor, etc. Despite his early disadvantages, however, Mr. John has become a well informed man, constantly augmenting his knowledge by reading, experience and observation. When not busy with his textbooks he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot 0f the agriculturist. At the age of twenty-two years he was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. He began farming in Indian Creek township, Story county, cultivating some land which belonged to his wife. Subsequently he purchased a tract of fifty-three acres and as his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he added to his holdings from time to time until they embraced five hundred acres of rich and productive land. He recently disposed of a quarter section but still owns the home farm of three hundred and forty acres; a tract of eighty acres in Polk county, five miles south of Cambridge ; and two hundred and seventy-eight acres in Oklahoma. In the spring of 1891 he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Maxwell, there residing for four years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in Cambridge, where he made his home for fifteen years. In September, 1910, he returned to Maxwell, where he is now living in honorable retirement, enjoying all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He owns a handsome home in Maxwell and also has a residence in Cambridge. His labors as an agriculturist were attended with a gratifying measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and respected citizens of the county.
In March, 1860, Mr. John was united in marriage to Miss Sarah I. Bell, a daughter of John J. and Sarah (Kelly) Bell, of Nevada. To them were born eight children, as follows: Marion Edgar, who is a resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Charles C., living in Council Hill, Oklahoma; Carrie Blanche, the wife of A. L. Bartlett, of Leola, South Dakota; Ida M., who is the wife of C. M. Webb and resides on her father's home farm; John Willard, of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Anna R., who is the wife of John Bowen and likewise resides on her father's farm; Fred M., living in Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Esther B., who is with her parents.