About John Thurston
Lived 1777 – 1850 (aged 72–73). John Thurston was an inventor, author, entrepreneur, translator, design engineer and tradesperson.
John Thurston (1777–1850) was an inventor who developed the use of slate beds and rubber cushions for billiard tables. He was dubbed "the father of the billiards trade."
In 1799, he founded a business to make billiard tables as well as general cabinet making. The company, Thurston & Co. Ltd, continues in business.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Thurston's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Thurston?
British manufacturer (1777–1850)
When was John Thurston born?
John Thurston was born in 1777 in England.
When did John Thurston die?
John Thurston died on 7 August 1850.
What was John Thurston's occupation?
John Thurston was an inventor, author, entrepreneur, translator, design engineer and tradesperson.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Thurston (inventor)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Thurston. https://biography.guide/john-thurston/
MLA: "John Thurston." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-thurston/.
Chicago: "John Thurston." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-thurston/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:17 UTC