John Wolstenholme, born in Lancashire in 1851, spent much of his life in New Zealand after moving there in the 1880s. Before he turned to umpiring, he was an active cricketer for Hawke's Bay between 1886 and 1899. He appeared in 10 matches, scoring 280 runs at an average of 17.50, including a top score of 103. As a fast bowler with a low delivery, he also claimed 14 wickets at an average of 9.78 and took six catches.
His professional life in New Zealand centered on education. He worked as a school teacher and served as the headmaster of the school at Port Ahuriri in Napier starting in 1890. Under his guidance, the school saw improvements in both academic performance and attendance. Later in his life, he managed a store in Ongaonga and worked as a relieving teacher in Napier.
After his playing days concluded, Wolstenholme served as an umpire for several of Hawke's Bay's home matches between 1899 and 1901. His life took an unusual turn in June 1906 when he disappeared for several days, eventually being located in Wellington where he had been living under an assumed name. He passed away on 5 February 1914 in Hastings.