John McMurtrie was born on March 28, 1838, in Dalmellington, Scotland, to James and Jane McMurtrie. He was baptized on April 8. The family immigrated to America around 1850 and settled in Bristol, Illinois. By 1870, he was working as a tailor, and he owned $28 of personal property. He lived with his parents in Bristol until at least 1880, and by 1900, he was living in his sister Grace’s household in Yorkville, Illinois. He died sometime after 1900.