Article on Mr. John Horniman

Newspaper article presenting a personal portrait and some of the achievements of John Horniman in view of his passing. John Horniman was born in 1803 in Reading, so at the time of his passing he had attained the venerable age of 90 years. As a successful businessman, he did amass a very large fortune, but he was never satisfied with only the financial success. He got involved with various charitable and humanitarian causes, both at home and abroad. For instance, he took a great interest into the Anti-Slavery cause. His sympathy for the working classes, especially children, translated into building a home at Worthing where fifty convalescent poor children could speed up their recovery thanks to the fresh air of the southern coast. Being strongly against war and the capital punishment, John Horniman became an active member and supporter of the Peace Society. One of his latest donations was for the establishment of a training home for young missionaries of the Society of Friends. He contributed to the enlargement or erection of several Quaker meeting houses and schools, and diligently attended public worships up to the days of his passing. His closest surviving family was: Mrs. Horniman, of the age of 93; and the two sons, William H. Horniman and Frederick John Horniman.

Collection Information

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