John Alker (1775
Life and career
John Alker, son of James Alker, was baptised on the 15th of April 1775 at All Saints' Church, Wigan.
He was first recorded as a clockmaker in his marriage to Margaret Hickman in 1794.
John and Margaret would go on to have six children together, with several also becoming reputed clock and watch makers, before her death of consumption in 1808.
From their storefront on Market Place in central Wigan, John and his family would craft intricate longcase clocks for use in the home and large
for public spaces.
In 1813 he installed one such turret clock at St Wilfrid's Church in
Ribchester.
John was described as having a preference for the newer fashions of his time, as shown through his use of painted dials.
John passed away at his home in Scholes and was buried on the 14th July 1850 at All Saints' Church, Wigan.
Legacy
John Alker began a legacy of clock and watch manufacturing within his family, spanning over 100 years. The original storefront in Wigan was in operation from at least 1794
to 1860,
being run by John and subsequently his sons and extended family. Eventually expanding to a second store in
Chorley that was active until the late 1800's.
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Thomas Alker (1794
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Nicholas Alker (1803
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James Alker (1818
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John Alker (1819 - 1859
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Nicholas Alker (b. 1828
== Gallery ==
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