Hooker was born at Bourbridge Hall in Exeter, Devon, England. He was the second son of Robert Vowell or Hooker and Agnes Doble, his third wife. The Vowell family had acquired the name Hooker in the 15th century, but usually retained the earlier name; in fact John Hooker was known as John Vowell for much of his life. By the time he was born the family had been prominent in Exeter for several generations.

In the 1540s he married Martha, daughter of Robert Tucker of Exeter and they had three sons and two daughters. By 1586, Martha had died and he had married Anastryce (c. 1540–1599), daughter of Edward Bridgeman of Exeter. They had seven sons and five daughters.

Notes

John Hooker had three wives but his daughter Mary is not mentioned. It would seem probable that she was his daughter by his second wife Anstice, daughter of Edmund Bridgman of Exeter.

Links

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hooker_(English_constitutionalist)