John Dinham (1788-1864) founder of Mount Dinham, Exeter
1788 August 5th. Born at Kenton the son of Thomas Dinham, Farm Bailiff at Powderham Castle, and his wife Sarah.
1802 Apprenticed to Tucker, a grocer in High Street, Exeter
1808 August 27th. Married(1) Martha Ford who died 1823
1809 Started in business as a jeweller at 84 Fore Street
1826 His premises at 84 Fore Street (corner of Milk Street), put up for sale as he is bankrupt - formerly a jeweller and grocer.[1]
1827 Appointed manager of the Exeter branch of the London Tea Co
1831 Married(2) to Susannah Foster who died 1859
1841 Living in Fore Street, Exeter: John Dinham (age c50), Tea dealer. With his wife Susannah Dinham (age c50).[2]
Started his own tea business and from his great success he built Mount Dinham, formerly known as Turner's Garden, and founded the Exeter Free Cottages and the church of St. Michael and All Angels.
1851 Living at 104 Fore Street, Exeter: John Dinham (age 62 born Powderham, Devon), Wholesale Tea Dealer in partnership with Mr. Wilcocks (employing 15 men). With his wife Susanna Denham (age 65 born Exeter). Two servants.[3]
1861 Living at 104 Fore Street, Exeter: John Dinham (age 72 born Powderham, Devon), Wholesale Tea Dealer employing 19 men and 2 boys - Widower. 1861 Census
1864 June 27th. Died at Dawlish. Of the firm Wilcocks, Dinham and Westron, tea dealers of 104 Fore street, Exeter.[4]