His mother, Annie, encouraged the children to concentrate on their education, which, she felt, was the key to a fulfilling and dignified life. However, of her four children - John had an elder sister, Ruby, and two younger brothers, David and Robert - only John was able to stay on at school much over fourteen.
Kanyang ina, Annie, hinihikayat ang mga anak sa kanilang pag-isiping sa edukasyon, na, siya madama, ay ang susi sa isang fulfilling at marangal na buhay. Subalit, ng kanyang apat na anak - John nagkaroon ng isang ate, Ruby, at dalawang batang kapatid na lalaki, si David at Robert - lamang John ay upang manatili sa paaralan at marami sa labing-apat.