The Whites were prominent in the commercial, civic and Methodist life of Sunderland. John White (1764-1833), born in Monkwearmouth, by his astuteness and industry progressed from being a cooper to being a wealthy shipowner, and head of the Bishopwearmouth Iron Works and the Wear Flint Glass Company. He was 'a strict paternalist to his employees and a Sabbatarian'. Though maintaining his Anglican loyalties, he was also a committed Methodist. A keen supporter of Sunday Schools, he built the Nicholson Street Schools in Sunderland.

Of his three sons, Andrew White (1792-1856) maintained the family interests in ironworking and shipping, but was also a colliery owner and chairman of the Sunderland Joint Stock Banking Company. His business affairs ran into serious difficulties in the 1840s and 50s. In 1835 he was the first to be elected mayor after the revival of the Corporation, and was re-elected in 1836 and 1842. He was Liberal MP for Sunderland 1837-1841. Brought up in Wesleyanism, he may later have joined the UMFC. John White jun. (1794-1828) was actively involved in the Sunderland Sunday Schools and other local and philanthropic causes. Richard White (b. 1804) was involved in various family business interests and served as councillor, alderman and mayor of Sunderland.

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