John Crowder (Lord Mayor of London) facts for kids
John Crowder (1756 – 2 December 1830) was an important English politician. He served as an alderman for a part of London called Farringdon Within. He even became the Lord Mayor of London, which is a very high and respected position in the city.
Who Was John Crowder?
John Crowder was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1756. When he was young, he learned the printing trade through an apprenticeship. This meant he worked for an experienced printer to learn all the skills needed.
After finishing his training, he moved to London. He found a job in the King's printing office. Around 1780, he started working for Francis Blyth, who owned a printing office. This company printed popular newspapers like the Public Ledger and the London Packet.
Becoming a Business Owner
John Crowder was very active in Francis Blyth's printing business. In 1786, he married Mary Ann James, who was Blyth's niece. When Blyth passed away in 1787, John Crowder took over running the entire printing company.
He managed the business for more than 30 years. During this time, his company printed many important books for booksellers. In 1820, John Crowder left the printing business. He had become quite wealthy from some smart investments he had made.
A Leader in London
John Crowder lived almost his whole life in the ward of Farringdon Within. Because of his success and involvement in the community, he was elected to the common council in 1800. This council helped govern the City of London.
He later became one of the deputies for his ward. On May 1, 1823, he was elected as an alderman. An alderman is a senior member of the city council. In 1825, the citizens of London elected him as a sheriff. A sheriff is an important official who helps with law and order.
After his time as sheriff, he continued to serve as an alderman. On November 9, 1829, John Crowder reached the highest position in the City of London: he became the Lord Mayor of London. In the same year, he also served as the Master of the Company of Stationers, which was a guild for printers and booksellers.
Later Years
In mid-September 1830, John Crowder's health began to decline. On November 9, 1830, he moved to his home in Hammersmith because he was very weak. He passed away there on December 2, 1830, at the age of 74.
He was first buried in the parish church of Christchurch, Newgate-street. Many years later, in 1865, his daughter, Rosetta Waddell, had his remains moved. They were reburied in a family vault in the Lebanon Circle section of Highgate Cemetery.
