His father, also named John (1745-1806), who made successful investments in the Low Moor ironworks, was an attorney at Horsforth and Land Steward to the Spencer-Stanhope family. His father and grandfather had also been Stewards and Clerk to the Stanhope family of Horsforth.
His father, John (1745-1806), who made successful investments in the Low Moor ironworks, was a lawyer at Horsforth and Land Steward to the Spencer-Stanhope family. His paternal ancestors had also served as Stewards and Clerk to the Stanhope family of Horsforth.