John was born about 1803 and married Hannah Shillito at St Peter’s Church in Bradford (now the cathedral) on 7 January 1827. They had the following children:
- Eleanor Shillito (1829-1884)
- Mary Hannah (1831-1906)
- John William (1833- )
- Richard (1835-1839)
- Sarah (1841- )
Early directories record John as a grocer and tea dealer working from 13 Upper Headrow and then 22 Upper Headrow.
The 1841 Census records the family living on Upper Headrow in Leeds and John was working as a grocer.
By 1851 the family had moved to Grosvenor Mount off Grosvenor Road in Near Headingley. John was still working as a grocer. Directores suggest he was also a tea dealer and wine merchant.
The 1861 Census shows John, Hannah and John William living at Bleak House on Kirkstall Road. John William appears to be working with his father. John Senior was now a prosperous grocer and had the house built.
At the time of the 1871 Census, John and Hannah are recorded as living at 2 Grosvernor Mount and he is shown as a “Retired Tea Merchant” Sadly, Hannah died on the 12 August of that year.
In 1881 John had moved to North Street in Wetherby. He was now 77 years old and lived with his 73 year old housekeeper and relative by marriage, Sarah Ackroyd and a servant.
John died on 28 September 1884 and was buried on 1 October in the graveyeard at St Matthew’s Church in Chapel Allerton.
SACRED
to the Memory of RICHARD
Son of John & Hannah Eyres, Leeds
Grocer, who departed this Life 11th
May 1839 Aged 3 Years & 6 Months
Also of the above named
HANNAH EYRES
who died August 12th 1871
Aged 72 Years
Also of the above named
JOHN EYRES
who died September 28th 1884
Aged 81 Years
John appears to have moved to The Terrace in Boston Spa before he died. Probate tells us that Sarah Ackroyd inherited.
Probate reads:
EYRES John. 27 November. The Will of John Eyres late of the Terrace Boston Spa near Tadcaster in the County of York Yeoman who died 28 September 1884 at Clifford near Tadcaster was proved at Wakefield by Sarah Ackroyd of 26 Springfield-Mount Woodhouse in the Parish of Leeds in the said County Widow the sole Executrix.
Personal Estate £185 17s. 4d.