THORNTON, JOHN (1844-1913) was born in Surrey and educated privately and at Highbury College, where he gained the first-class certificate of the committee of education. In 1864 he proceeded to India under the C.M.S. to engage in education in Telugu. After passing the necessary examinations, he took charge of a vernacular school at Masulipatam, training Christian students to go out as teachers to country schools. He spent two years reorganising the high school at Ellore, which had deteriorated owing to the admission of non-caste Christian students. In 1875 Thornton came to New Zealand and was for two years rector of the Oamaru Grammar School. From 1878 to 1910 he was principal of Te Aute College, Hawke's Bay. He was honorary secretary of the college students' association and a lay member of the Napier Cathedral chapter and the Waiapu synod. Thornton died on 4 Jul 1913.

Cycl. N.Z., vi (p); Stock; Hawkes Bay Herald, 5 Jul 1913.

Reference: Volume 2, page 195

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