John's father had moved his family to Hiwassee, McMinn County, Tennessee by 1827. John & Delana lived in the southern part of McMinn County, near the Hiwassee River. John was a farmer, carpenter & wagonmaker. John & his family left for Missouri, joined by Delana's parents, as well as two of Delana's brothers & one sister. The trip was 600 miles to be made by wagon. They arrived in Greene County, Missouri about 1853. In 1860 they were living in Centre Twp. They had purchased land by 1870. John was appointed Justice of the Peace about 1870.
