John was born on October 22nd, 1792 in Alve, Yorks and his christening took place on October 30th, 1792 in Alne, Yorks. John's father was John Whitling and his mother was Ann Snarey. His paternal grandparents were <Unknown> and Ann. He had a brother and two sisters, named George, Margaret and Mary Ann. He was the second youngest of the four children.