[1] In January 1848, his father Joseph emigrated to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) as an agent of the Van Dieman's Land Colonial Mission Society and was appointed the resident Independent minister at Richmond within a few weeks of his arrival.

Unfortunately, on 10 September 1848 Joseph died after being seized with an apoplectic fit while preaching the divine service.

[2][3] John immigrated with his mother Elizabeth, his wife Mary Ann, his brother James Foote and 3 sisters, Clarissa, Lucy and Harriet on the Emigrant arriving in Moreton Bay on 12 August 1850.

The ship on arrival in Moreton Bay was placed under quarantine, and was not brought into Brisbane until 28 September 1850.

[7][8][9] John Clarke Foote came to Ipswich in about 1852 where he worked as a manager in the general store owned by Benjamin Cribb.