John Hunting was born around 1849 in Bungay, the son of John Hunting, a blacksmith, and Esther. In 1851 he was living at 63 Castle Hill in Bungay. In 1861 he was living on the Heath in Ditchingham. In 1871 he was probably living in Clapham. In 1873 he was a baker, and married Elizabeth Rosa Garrould, the daughter of George Henry Garrould (1818) at Halesworth Parish Church. The name on the marriage certificate is given as Honton, but it seems more likely from all the evidence that this was a mistake on the part of the registrar.

Sources
• 1. Marriage Registers. John Honton & Elizabeth Rosa Garrould. Jun. 1873. 4a. 1057. Blything. • 2. Marriage Certificate. 6th May 1873, The Parish Church, Halesworth. John Honton, Full [age], Bachelor. Baker, Clapham, Surrey. Father: John Honton, Shoeing Smith. Elizabeth Rosa Garrould, Full [age], Spinster. Halesworth. Father: George Garrould, Cordwainer. Witnesses: George Garrould, Martha Laws. Curate: A. Watchett.