John Horner was born in Belfast. He became an engineer and an industrialist, but was also a linguist, a scientist and a botanist, accumulating a rich collection of books, art and scientific specimens. He helped initiate the University Extension Lectures, which brought international scientists to Belfast, and in 1895 he was one of the main organisers of the Industrial Exhibition. He was a member of the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society and acted as its treasurer and secretary. He is best known as the author of The Linen Trade of Europe during the Spinning-Wheel Period (1920). His unique collection of spinning wheels was bequeathed to the Ulster Museum.

Born:	1858
Died:	1919