John was born at 8 South Street, Greenock on 25th March, 1882. He was one of four children of William, a grocer and Annie (m/s Thom) who were married in 1879 at Bell Street, Glasgow. William's was living at Roxburgh Street, Greenock at the time of his marriage and Annie was living at Regent Street, Greenock.

​

On the 1891 census, John was living with his siblings, parents and grandparents at Point Place, Inverkip. His grandfather is recorded to be 'living on private means'. In 1901, John was living at 9 Brisbane Street, Greenock, with his siblings and his grandmother was head of the family. His occupation was an apprentice marine engineer.

​

In 1911, he had moved to 5 Brisbane Street and was a marine engineer. His father appears to have died or moved away - his mother is head of the family and his four siblings are also at the same address.

​

He served in the 1st/5th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and was killed at Gallipoli. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial and the Inverkip War Memorial. An anthem is said to have been sung in Inverkip Parish Church by his mother (pictured) after his death. Annie died at Point Place, Inverkip, in September 1923. Many thanks to relative, Mrs Dorothy Rodden, for sharing the charm sent to Private Muir's mother after his death which she had on a bracelet. The inscription reads 'Pte J Muir A&SH, World War 1914-19 Parish of Inverkip'. A precious family item.