John Clarkson Major, 1875 - 1876

Major was born on 22nd March 1826, in Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, where his father was a yeoman farmer, a landlord and tenant. Major was educated at Wesley College, Sheffield and at University College, London. He began a chemical manufacturing business in Chester, and between 1859 and 1860 transferred this business to Monmore Green, Wolverhampton, where it proved to be successful. He was elected to Wolverhampton Council as a Liberal in December 1865, representing St Mark's Ward, a position he held until September 1875 when he became Alderman for St Paul's Ward. He later became a justice of the peace. His term of office as mayor ran from 1875 until 1876. He also became Chairman of the Sanitary Committee, a position he held for twenty-five years. It was during this period that the Infectious Disease Hospital was built. Major attended Penn church and was an advocate for self-help. He died at home, 'Bhylls', Compton, on 21st December 1895.

J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 1 (EJ Rowland, Wolverhampton)
Listed in Jones's Mercantile Directory of the Iron District of South Staffordshire & East Worcestershire 1865 (Jones & Proud, London)
Death Wolverhampton Chronicle 25th December 1895
Photograph Index - Y1/MAJ and OV/54, 55