John was born in 1823. He was the son of Anthony Stillwell and Sarah Howard.

Christening Date - 14 May 1826 - Byfleet, Surrey, England

He married Mary Ann New in 1846 in Shoreditch, Middlesex, England.

They had two children before they emigrated from England to New Zealand on board the "Lord William Bentinck", departed London 26 March, 1850 and arrived in Auckland on 26 August, 1850, with Captain Allan in command.

Father to:
Sarah Ann (Stillwell) Barnes
Eliza Harriet (Stillwell) Bentley
Charlotte Theresa (Stillwell) Windsor
Mary Ann Stillwell
John Arthur Stillwell
Joseph George Stillwell 7.12.1866 to 1867 Tauranga
James Anthony Stillwell
Frances Edith Beatrice (Stillwell) Furniss

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 134, 7 June 1900, Page 6
THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY. THE VOLUNTEER PARADE REVIEW BY THE GOVERNOR THE ROYAL SALUTE THE VETERANS.
The naval and military veterans, numbering about 160 (whose names are given below) were formed up in double rank on three sides of a hollow square. In the centre of the square stood a flagstaff, from which a Union Jack fluttered in the breeze. Captain RICHARDSON was in command of the veterans. The latter were in mufti, but sported all their medals and decorations. Each veteran wore a button-hole, consisting of a rose, representing England, a shamrock for Ireland, a sprig of heath for Scotland, and a spray of fern to represent a Federated Australia. The button holes were donated by Messrs A. Yates and Co., seed merchants. Miss GRANT, daughter of Captain John GRANT, late district adjutant, was present with the veterans.
Handsome bouquets were presented yesterday to Lady Ranfurly and Lady Constance Knox by the Imperial veterans and colonial veterans respectively. A third bouquet was presented by Messrs Yates and Co. to Lady Eileen.
John STILLWELL, late Royal Engineers