John was the second child and eldest son of John and Mary Godfrey Ordway.

He inherited his father's homestead where he resided until about 1730 when he moved to Amesbury, MA, settling in the part of town which is now South Hampton, NH. In 1742 he was chosen deacon of the church and served in that capacity until his death. He was the town treasurer, often a selectman, and one of the leading citizens. His homestead was near the center of town.

His first wife was supposedly Hannah, daughter of Richard and Hannah Emery Bartlett. She was born in Newbury, MA on November 8, 1674.

His second marriage was in Salisbury, MA to Sarah Carr on December 8, 1742.

He made his will on October 21, 1765. He died when he was 90 years old on August 25, 1773.