In love with Mary Lawrie, he went to the diamond mines in South Africa, hoping to make a fortune and return to marry her. His fortune gained, he returned to find Mary engaged to marry Mr. Whittlestaff, an elderly friend of her father who had befriended her after his death. She had told Mr. Whittlestaff of her love for John, and after some hesitation he released her from her engagement and she married her young suitor.

"...his short black hair, his bright pleasant eyes, his masterful mouth, his dark complexion, and broad, handsome, manly shoulders" - An Old Man's Love