John was Alice's husband. From what I can gather they were close in age. He inherited the family business and turned it into a success. He is described in our 1911 Census documents as a merchant. That would have encompassed the pub or tavern that he owned, the grocery shop, the hardware shop, the undertakers, the properties he rented, the land he owned. He seemed to be able to support a large family of siblings and children, and the people he employed were provided with residence also.
Other than that, I know very little about him. My late mother was only six when he died rather suddenly. His death must have been a crushing blow to all those people who were dependent on his skills and energy.