Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Exton, John
EXTON, JOHN (1600?–1665?), admiralty lawyer, born about 1600, was educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he proceeded B.A. 1619–20, M.A. 1623, LL.D. 1634. In 1649 he was appointed by the parliament judge of the court of admiralty, and in this office he was confirmed and reappointed by the Duke of York after the Restoration. Exton died about 1665. He was married, and had a family. A son Thomas is noticed below. John Exton, perhaps an older son, entered Merchant Taylors' School on 11 Sept. 1628. Exton wrote 'The Maritime Dicæologie, or Sea Jurisdiction of England, set forth in three several books,' 1664; 2nd ed. 1755. This book, which is of some value, was written chiefly to maintain the jurisdiction of his court.
Notes and Queries, October 1859, p. 310, November 1859. p. 389; Introduction to Black Book of Admiralty in Rolls Series; Cal. State Papers under 'Commonwealth' and 'Charles II;' Register of Merchant Taylors Sschool, i. 124.]