Freeman, Norwich by 1674, sheriff 1687–8, alderman by 1689, mayor 1694–5.1Norf. Rec. Soc. xxxiv. 186; Norwich Freemen, 110, 150, 151; H. Le Strange, Norf. Official Lists, 115; Statutes, vi. 119.
It has not been possible to trace Ward’s parentage with any certainty. On the assumption that he was a native of Norwich, as suggested by his civic career, it is possible that he was the John Ward baptized at St. Andrew’s church in the city on 2 Mar. 1648, whose father was also named John Ward. Another John Ward had been baptized at St. Stephen’s church on 17 Mar. 1643. Ward’s unopposed return at a by-election in 1694 was described as a victory for the ‘the hot party’ among the Tories of Norwich. He was given leave of absence on health grounds on 26 Jan. In the 1698 election he came bottom of the poll. Ward’s will was proved at Norwich in 1699.2 IGI, Norf.; Folger Shakespeare Lib. Rich mss Xd.451 (214), William Weddell to John Aldred, 3 Dec. 1694; Norf. Rec. Soc. 186.