Thomas Elford Poynting (1813/14–78)

Unitarian minister. Son of a labourer; became a qualified schoolmaster at the age of 22. Master, Flowery Field School, Hyde, 1841. Attended Manchester New College; assistant minister, 1845; minister, 1846. Wrote on education, science, theology, and philosophy. Theological tutor, Unitarian Home Missionary Board, 1874–8.