John Blamires was born in Bradford in 1758 and lived most of his life in Eccleshill, where he and his wife Mary raised their two daughters, Hannah and Martha.
John was a school teacher, and taught at the Town School which was situated a little further on from the White Hart pub. John held the position of Town School Master for more than 40years. It is claimed that he was an eccentric man, but very mathematical, writing papers on the subject for ‘Lady’s Diary’ and ‘Mathematical Repository’ which were standard publications at the time. When he became unable to walk, it is said that he was carried to school on a bearer, such was his dedication to teaching.
Upon his death at the age of 65, he was the very first person to be buried in this cemetery on the 20th October 1823 – two days before the Chapel was officially opened!
His gravestone inscription describes him as ‘a man distinguished by industrious habits, affability of manners and integrity of conduct and was much respected by a numerous circle of acquaintances.’
His wife and daughters are also buried with him. Wife Mary died in 1836 at the age of 85, daughter Martha in 1837 at the age of 45, and daughter Hannah in 1851 aged 64.
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One of John’s former pupils, Thomas Waterhouse, became the first School Master at the 1825 Congregational Sunday School, which was situated alongside the Salem Congregational Chapel.