In John’s 1871 diary, his wife dies. He is left with the farm to run with four daughters and a son aged twelve. His daughters keep house for him until they marry and his youngest son, John Jr, farms with him for years. In old age, he moves not far away to Simcoe County to reside with John Jr. His later life and lengthy illness is recorded in John Jr’s diaries. His son was with him at his death.