Francis Kingston John Shenton
Francis Kingston John Shenton (1832-1893)
1832 Born in Acton the son of Henry C. Shenton, an Artist Historical Engraver.
1874 Superintendent, School of Art, Science, and Literature at the Crystal Palace School of Engineering
1891 Living at Casleton, Longton Avenue, Sydenham: Francis K. J. Shenton (age 59 born Acton), Superintendent Literary Dept. Crystal Palace. Single. With his sister Adelaide P. E. Shenton (age 60 born London). Also his adopted Niece, a visitor and two servants. [1]
1893 Died. 'By the death of Mr. F. K. J. Shenton the Crystal Palace Company has lost one of its oldest and most esteemed officials. With the exception of Mr. August Manns, he was, we believe, the only member of the present staff who assisted at the opening ceremony on the 10th of June, 1854. He was then assistant to Mr. Samuel Phillips, who had charge of the literary department. Later on, after Mr. Phillips's death, the directors decided on establishing a School of Art, Science, and Literature, and entrusted the organisation of the scheme to Mr. Shenton, who carried it to a successful issue, and, almost to the day of his death, his best energies were directed to maintain and increase its scope and usefulness. He was a great reader and thinker, a brilliant conversationalist, and a witty and amusing companion. His death, on Sunday last, at the age of 61, after a brief illness, was a great shock to his colleagues and numerous friends.'[2]