John Terry was born in the late summer of 1821, and was baptised at St. Alphege church, in Canterbury, Kent, England. He was the son of John Terry & Hannah Mary Terry (nee Steady/Steddy). The family was living on the Prince of Orange street near St. Alphege church when John was baptised on August 26th, 1821, by the Rector Thomas Bennett.

John had two older brothers. The eldest, George Terry was baptised at St. Alphege church on June 15, 1817, while the family was living on King Street. John Terry Sr. was working as a labourer.

The family moved to the Prince of Orange street sometime between June of 1817, and July of 1819, when John's other brother William was born. William was privately baptised in a ceremony on July 19, 1819, at St. Alphege. John Terry Sr. was working as a watchman at this time. This is also the year that Alexandria Victoria Guelph was born... better known as Queen Victoria.

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