John Burton (scholar) facts for kids

John Burton (1696–1771) was an English clergyman, a university teacher, and a scholar who studied religion and ancient Greek and Roman writings. He was known for his work at Oxford University and for helping to plan the new colony of Georgia in America.

Early Life and Education (1696-1723)

John Burton was born in 1696 in a place called Wembworthy, in Devon, England. His father, Samuel Burton, was a church leader there. John went to school in Okehampton and Blundell's School in Tiverton. After his father passed away, he continued his education in Ely.

In 1713, John Burton became a student at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He earned his first university degree in 1717. Soon after, he became a tutor at the college, helping other students learn. He earned his master's degree in 1721 and became a fellow (a senior member) of the college in 1723.

A Popular Teacher at Oxford

As a tutor at Oxford, John Burton became very well-known. He taught many subjects, including logic, which is the study of reasoning. He also taught about how people should live their lives, using ideas from thinkers like Aristotle.

Burton was important because he helped bring the ideas of John Locke into university studies. Locke was a famous philosopher. Burton even printed special questions for his younger students to help them learn. He also taught ancient Greek writers like Xenophon and Demosthenes.

Life as a Church Leader

In 1733, John Burton became a fellow at Eton College, a famous school. Soon after, he also became the vicar (a type of church leader) of Mapledurham. He took over from Dr. Edward Littleton, who had recently passed away.

Dr. Littleton left behind his wife and three young daughters without a home or money. John Burton kindly let them stay in the vicarage for a while. Later, John Burton married Dr. Littleton's widow. He spent a lot of his own money to improve the church house and the land around it.

In 1752, he earned his highest university degree, a D.D. (Doctor of Divinity). Later in his life, in 1766, he moved from Mapledurham to become the rector of Worplesdon in Surrey. He helped build a special road over the River Wey so that people from his church could travel more easily to Guildford.

John Burton passed away on February 11, 1771. He was buried at Eton College.

Writings and Ideas

John Burton wrote many articles and gave many sermons (church speeches) throughout his life. Many of his sermons were collected and printed in books. He also wrote several Latin essays and speeches.

He wrote a series of papers about the history of the English Civil War, defending the famous historian Lord Clarendon. These papers were later published as a book.

Burton enjoyed telling jokes. He also wrote about important local issues, such as how to improve travel on the River Thames. He published a book in 1758 that included selections from ancient Greek plays.

He often visited his mother in Sussex and wrote a Latin poem about his travels there.

Political and Religious Views

John Burton was a Tory in politics, which meant he supported the traditional English government and church. He sometimes disagreed with other scholars and politicians. For example, he criticized William King, another academic, and also spoke out against the politician John Wilkes.

Burton also wrote about religious topics. He supported the ideas of Archbishop Thomas Secker and was involved in discussions about different religious viewpoints of his time.

Helping to Found Georgia

One of John Burton's most important roles was in the founding of the American colony of Georgia. He was asked by James Oglethorpe, whom he knew from Oxford, to help plan this new colony.

In 1730, a group called the Associates of Dr. Thomas Bray decided to create a colony based on kind and helpful principles. They received official permission from the King in 1732. This led to the creation of the Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in America. John Burton was named as one of the founding Trustees.

Because of his close friendship with Oglethorpe, it is believed that Burton helped design Georgia's economic system and how the settlements would be planned. The colony was meant to be a place where people could start fresh. Burton described it as a place where colonists would "begin the world again." He believed it would be a new society where hard work and good character would be rewarded. He also spoke about treating the native people of America fairly and kindly.