John lived in the South Tyne Valley where the 1841 census records he worked on the land (although his death certificate described him as a miller). We know he was born in Northumberland, but not where.
His great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Lyn Wilson is investigating the line and there are potential links suggesting that John's ancestors were in or near Kellah, but this is to be proved.

Coal mining was developed in the area and many of his descendants found employment as miners. There was a gradual migration, mainly to the east down the Tyne valley where coal mining was more productive.

John Stark Wednesday 8 August 2007