Ellerton, John, a clergyman of the Church of England, was born in London December 16, 1826. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating in 1849. From 1850 till his death, June 15, 1893, he filled various positions in the Church of England as vicar and rector, being appointed Canon of St. Albans in 1892. He was the author of some prose writings, but is best known as a hymnologist. His contributions to hymnody are not numerous--about fifty original hymns and ten translations. Many of these are in common use, and a few are of special value. Dr. Julian says of his hymns: "His verse is elevated in tone, devotional in spirit, and elegant in diction." He published his Hymns for Schools and Bible Classes in 1859, and in 1871, in connection with Bishop How, Church Hymns. His Notes and Illustrations of Church Hymns, 1881, was a valuable popular contribution to hymnology.