He was a bookkeeper at the time of his marriage in 1846.
In 1861 he was a commercial woolen cloth clerk and agent.
In 1891 aged 83, he was living with wife Sarah 71, daughter Mary Ellen Stead aged 38, and niece.
There are many letters from John Stead to William Hall (surgeon) concerning the will of Joseph Woodhouse.
http://www.stanwardine.com/melyniog_letters/name/John_Stead_from.htm