On April 3, 1939 John married Mary Ann Burns, daughter of Samuel Burns. Mary Ann was born October 26, 1811 in Chester County, South Carolina. After their marriage they settled on Section 24, Township 4, Range 5 in Randolph County, Illinois. John and Mary Ann had 9 children:
- Robert - born about 1835 in Illinois, death unknown.
- Samuel B. - born January 1840 in Randolph County, Illinois; died March 14, 1913 in Anna, Union County, Illinois. Samuel married Margaret M. Miller about 1859. He is buried in the Coulterville City Cemetery, Randolph County.
- Nancy Ann - born June 1842 in Randolph County, Illinois; died sometime after January 1920. She married Richard Elliott December 9, 1858 in Randolph County.
- William J. - born about 1843 in Randolph County, Illinois, death unknown. He married Jennie B. Miller December 24, 1863 in Randolph County.
- Sarah Jane - born October 1844 in Randolph County, Illinois, death unknown. Sarah married William Hood September 25, 1866 in Randolph County.
- John M. - born about 1846 and died June 21, 1848 in Randolph County, Illinois. He is buried in the Caledonia Cemetery, Sparta, Illinois.
- John S. - born about 1849 and died August 26, 1850 in Randolph County, Illinois. He is buried in the Caledonia Cemetery.
- Joseph L. - born October 1850 in Randolph County, Illinois; died sometime after January 1920, probably in Oklahoma. He married Mary R. Linn November 16, 1871 in Randolph County, Illinois.
- Mary Eliza - born January 1854 in Randolph County, Illinois; died some time after April 1910, place unknown. She married James A. Carlisle August 15, 1872 in Randolph County.
John died December 8, 1894 in Randolph County, Illinois and is buried in the Caledonia Cemetery.
