John was born on June 8th, 1882 in 22 Wescott St, Southwark, London. John's father was Henry Pocknell and his mother was Harriet Jemimah Slade. His paternal grandparents were John Pocknell and Mary Ann North; his. He was the oldest of two children. He had a brother named Henry. He died, at the age of 31 years, 9 months and 20 days, on March 28th, 1914 in 231 Tabbard St, Southwark, London.