John Walker 1781-1859. Near this site at 104 High Street John Walker was born on 29th May, 1781. During 1826 he finally developed a paste capable, when dried, of producing instantaneous light, with the first recorded sale of the friction match being dated 7th April, 1827. He died at 12 The Square, Stockton-On-Tees on 1st May, 1859, and was buried in Norton Churchyard.