John Smith (1788-1856)
John was the first interment carried out at Hastings Cemetery and was known as a prominent builder who constructed many buildings around town.
He was apprenticed in Leeds, but before the term expired, he left his master, and walked to London in search of employment. He was engaged, with other workmen on extensive alterations at the Bank of England, Sir John Soane being the architect. Soon after reaching the age of majority, he was employed in the construction of the Grand Redoubt at Eastbourne. He was, afterwards engaged as foreman of works under Mrs. Edwards, of Rye, whom he ultimately married. He came to Hastings in 1816[1]; and from the erection of Nelson Buildings, in High Street for Mr. Breeds in the year immediately after his arrival[2], soon made his way as a builder and contractor, successively undertaking work on the first houses of Wellington Square, Pelham Place, Breeds Place, Bohemia House, 57 Marina and many others. He was an active politician in the Liberal interest and was greatly respected. He died suddenly of heart disease on the 29th of Nov. 1856, at the age of 68 years[1].
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References & Notes
- ↑ a b Brett Manuscript Histories Vol. 6 Chap. 55 Pg 17
- ↑ Facebook: Historical Hastings - Leigh Kennedy (retrieved 21 Aug 2023)
