John and his brother Archibald chartered the 'Skerne' and were granted 16,000 acres - he selected land at Freshwater Bay (Butlers Swamp) as well as 6,000 acres in the Avon district and 972 acres in the Swan area and other land. He ran the 'Bush Inn', Freshwater Bay. Departed on 4 September 1836 per the 'Truelove' for New South Wales. John died in 1847 at Sydney, New South Wales. His widow and daughter Ann returned in June 1847 per 'William Wise' in an effort to recover lands forfeited for non-payment of dues. Anne applied for bank shares at Perth in October 1850.