cluer was born 28 january 1715 at london, the son of william dicey (1690- 1756) and mary his wife (nee atkins) . he was named after his uncle, john cluer, a london printer and music publisher. he married mary [sometimes given as maria] nutshawe 7 october 1738. they had two sons, william (who died in infancy 1739) and thomas, b. 1742. they also had three daughters, charlotte, b. 1740; sarah ann b. 1746, and elizabeth (dates not known). maria died 3 february 1761, at northampton.