John, son of David Hoening, was born in Schenectady, New York, where he attended the public schools. He learned the trade of Carpenter, and when a young man removed with his parents to the town of Phelps, Ontario county, New York, where he afterward followed farming for his main vocation. He was a successful and representative citizen, and an influential and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Phelps. He married Angeline See, born in Schenectady, New York, daughter of Garret and Ann See. Children: Margaret, Mercy, Spencer, Burdett, Nettie, Ambrose V., mentioned elsewhere.