John's parents were William and Ruth Massey.
Enlisted in the Continental Army in February of 1777 for the term of two and one half years. Served as a private in the 3rd North Carolina Regiment. Fought in the Battle of Savannah in December of 1778, also in the Battle of Brier Creek near the Savannah River in eastern Georgia on April 4, 1779. There he was wounded in the left arm and considered unfit for duty and was discharged. Married Lydia Sandlin on June 11, 1779 in Bute County, North Carolina.
On November 20, 1788 bought property in the fork between the Broad and Saluda Rivers on Fishdam Creek in Union County, South Carolina. On October 8, 1803 he sold 197 acres of land between the Broad and Tyger Rivers on Fishdam Creek. Moved to the west side of the Pigeon River across from Flowery Gardens, (now called Center Pigeon) Pigeon Township, Haywood County, North Carolina. Owned 187 acres of property where he lived the rest of his life. On October 5, 1832 applied for a pension due to his participation in the Revolutionary War. He died June 11, 1835 in Haywood County.
When applying for his pension he listed all his children and their birth dates. This document is filed in the Revolutionary War Pension Records and Bounty-land Warrants held by the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D. C.
Listed below are his children:
William Massey born May 22, 1780
John Massey born October 7, 1782
James Massey born February 20, 1784
Sary (Sarah) Massey born May 20, 1785
Jeremiah Massey born December 1, 1787
Lidey (Lydia) Massey born July 12, 1789
Mary Massey born March 10, 1791
Nicholas Massey born February 8, 1793
Ruth Massey born May 29 1794
Neomey (Naomi) Massey born February 1, 1797
Rachel Massey born October 7, 1798
Lebo Massey born August 1, 1800
Clary (Clarissa) Massey born September 14, 1802
James Massey born July 13, 1814