John Clowes was born in Manchester on 20 October 1743 and baptised on 17 November of that year at St Ann's Church in the town.
He was the fourth son of a barrister, Joseph Clowes (1700–79), and Catherine née Edwards (1712–52), who father may have been curate at Llanbedr in North Wales.
[1] Clowes was educated at an academy run by John Clayton in Salford and may also have gone to a grammar school in the same area.
However, on 13 August 1769 he accepted the position and remained there until his death despite being offered a bishopric by William Pitt the Younger in 1804.
He preached that doctrine in his church and also in twice-weekly meetings,[1] as well as in field-meetings addressing the factory workers of nearby towns.
[1] Despite being involved in many controversies relating to his beliefs, including disputes with other Anglican clergymen and a referral to his bishop, Clowes was able to retain his position as rector of St John's and was appointed chaplain to the Manchester Volunteers.
His Religious Instruction for Youth (1812) brought together in a single volume many of his earlier publications aimed at children.