He settled in Bristol, RI from Bridgewater in 1680. The deed to his land in Bristol was granted September 14, 1680 and confirmed by the General Court on the 29th. He and his Brother David were present at the first meeting of the town in September of 1681. He was admitted to the Congregational Church May 3, 1687, was elected deacon of the church and served as such till his death. He was appointed a rater of the town in 1681; was recording officer of the county and Clerk of Peace in 1683; and he was a representative to the Massachusetts General Court in 1694. He appears on a census of Bristol on 11 Feb 1689 with a wife and seven children. His name also appears on a tax list of Bristol of September 20, 1695, taxed at 1pound 17 shillings, which was the seventh highest tax for the town. He was labeled "merchant" on the list. On the same list he is noted as a selectman. Town records of the period also refer to him as "Sergeant Cary". (History of Bristol, Monroe)

Munro's History of Bristol describes John Jr. as follows, "Mr Cary built a house on the north side of what is now known as Malt House Lane. He was a brewer by trade and his brewery, from which the lane derived its name, was built near this house. Some trace of this building may still be seen on the farm owned by the late William Paul. Mr. Cary made a great quantity of ale. The greater part of this he shipped to Newport, from which port it was distributed throughout the colonies. He carried on the business until his death, and was suceeded in it by his son.

His will was dated 10 July 1721 (Bristol Records, 3:485, p.387-389) and mentions wife Abigail; sons Eleazer, James, Benjamin, Josiah, and John, deceased; daughters Abigail Howland, and others. The inventory amounted to 700 pounds. He was buried in the old cemetery on the common in Bristol where his epitaph reads: "Here lies ye body of Deacon John Cary, a shining pattern of piety, whose spirit returned to God who gave it, 14 July 1721 in ye 76 year of his age."
"A man of prayer so willing to do good,
His highest worth who of us understood.
Fear God, love Christ, help souls their work to mend.
So like this saint fit for bliss without end.