. . "He was born in Exeter, England, and received his early schooling at St. John's School there. He was apprenticed to a blacksmith while still a child, spending his spare time improving his education. By attending night school and studying during odd moments, he was in time able to become a teacher and schoolmaster. He took advantage of the opportunities to study given him there, and eventually learned to read Latin and Greek."@en . . "John Horden"@en . . . . . . . . . "He was born in Exeter, England, and received his early schooling at St. John's School there. He was apprenticed to a blacksmith while still a child, spending his spare time improving his education. By attending night school and studying during odd moments, he was in time able to become a teacher and schoolmaster. He took advantage of the opportunities to study given him there, and eventually learned to read Latin and Greek. He was also an active member of his local Anglican congregation, and regularly attended Vicar's Bible class, which offered information on the mission opportunities available in addition to a Biblical education. With two other students, he expressed his interest in the mission field, and they met to pray and study. After some time, they all volunteered for the Church Missionary Society, and two were accepted. Horden was rejected -- he was told he was still thought rather young to be a church leader in heathen areas. He was, however, encouraged to continue his schooling, and was told that he would hear from the Society when they needed someone."@en .