John Peele Clapham (1801–1875) was an English philanthropist, public official, and editor from Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire. Though he initially pursued training for a medical career, he chose to abandon the field in the 1820s. Despite facing significant personal and financial adversity—including losing a fortune in 1842 and dealing with fragile physical health throughout his life—Clapham remained a dedicated public servant. He served as a justice of the peace for the West Riding of Yorkshire and worked as the treasurer for the Yorkshire county courts.
Clapham's most notable contribution to religious literature was his work as an editor. In 1833, he compiled and edited the Sunday School Union Hymn Book. The collection proved to be highly successful, enjoying a very large circulation and passing through numerous subsequent editions. In addition to his editorial efforts, Clapham was a prominent supporter of local religious institutions. He funded and commissioned the construction of Salem Chapel on his own land between 1839 and 1840, and later led the building committee for the West Park Congregational Church in Harrogate during the early 1860s.
