From the William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine
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| Genealogies Of
VIRGINIA FAMILIES From the William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine Volume V Thompson - Yates (and Appendix)
Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1982 William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 2. (Oct., 1895), and Vol. 5, No. 1. (Jul., 1896). 
THE THORNTON FAMILY. BY W. G. STANARD. Though there have been in Virginia several different families of this name, the largest and most prominent has been that which originally settled in Gloucester county, spread to Stafford, King George, Richmond, Northumberland, Essex, Caroline, Spotsylvania, Orange, Culpeper, Madison, Brunswick, and other counties, and has now representatives in almost every State in the Union. The first of the name of whom there is any record is said to have come from Yorkshire. On May 11, 1646, William Thornton obliged himself, by a paper recorded in York county (including Gloucester), to care for the cattle of John Liptrot until the latter came of age. On February 16th, 1665-'66, as "Mr. William1 Thornton", he had a grant of 164 acres of land, in Petsworth parish, Gloucester, adjoining the land where he lived, and that of Mr. Richard Barnard. He was a vestryman of Petsworth parish in 1677. There is on record in Essex a power of attorney, dated September, 1673, from William1 Thornton, of Gloucester, to James Kay, of Rappahannock county, concerning 2,000 acres of land in the freshes of Rappahannock, on the north side of the river, adjoining the lands of Andrew Buckner, Col. Wm. Ball, and Mr. Richard Whitehead, and Muddy Creek, a tract of land which he had bought from Mott. There is also recorded in Essex, in 1708, a deed, dated July 16, 1675, from William Thornton, of Gloucester, gentleman, to Francis and Rowland, "two of his sons", conveying 2,000 acres in Rappahannock county, and also a power of attorney, dated 1708, from Wm1 Thornton, formerly of Gloucester, but now of Stafford, authorizing the confirmation of said deed. So in his old age Wm. Thornton removed from Gloucester to Stafford. It is not known whom he married, but he had issue: 1. William2, Jr.; 2. Francis2; 3. Rowland2; was witness to a will in Rappahannock, 1686. There is a deed, Richmond county, 1692, from Rowland Thornton, of Rappahannock county, planter, and his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Fleming, to Francis Thornton, of the same county, gentleman. Elizabeth Thornton, daughter of Captain Alexander Fleming, sold land in what was afterwards King George, in 1699. In May, 1701, the bond of Elizabeth Thornton, as administratrix of Rowland Thornton, of Richmond county, deceased, was recorded. There is no evidence that they had issue. 1. WILLIAM2 THORNTON, JR., of Gloucester county, was born March 27, 1649, and died February 15, 1727 (Family Bible). He was married three times, viz., on August 24, 1671; April 11, 1688; and October 20, 1720; but the name of none of his wives is known. On April 26, 1704, as "William Thornton the younger", he received a grant of 110 acres of land in Petsworth parish, Gloucester, adjoining the land of "Mr. William Thornton the elder". He was a vestryman of Petsworth. Issue (1st m): 4. Elizabeth3, born August 26, 1672; 5. Margaret3, born August 14, 1674; 6. Mary3, born May 11, 1676; 7. Esther3, born January 6, 1677; 8. Sarah3, born August 17, 1679; 9. Jane3, born August 10, 1681; 10. Judith3, born October 22, 1683; 11. Anna3, born June 15, 1685; 12. William3, born September 11, 1686; (2d m.): 13. Susan3, born June 11, 1686; 14. Francis3; 15. Seth3, born October 13, 1694 (vestryman of Petsworth); 16. and 17. William3 and Prudence3 (twins), born March 31, 1699; 18. John3, born April 17, 1701; 19. Johanna3, born December 3, 1703. 2. FRANCIS2 THORNTON, born Nov. 5, 1651, settled in Stafford county, probably before the year 1700. He married first, Alice, daughter of Captain Anthony Savage, of Gloucester county (who was a justice of Gloucester in 1660, and had considerable landed estates on the Rappahannock), and secondly Jane, widow of John Harvey, of Stafford. He had no issue by the second marriage. In 1706 Francis Thornton, of Stafford, and his wife, Jane, widow of John Harvey, made a deed of 684 acres in Stafford and Westmoreland to Anthony, son of the said Francis Thornton, with reversion to his other sons, Francis, Rowland, and William. (Westmoreland and Stafford Records). In 1715-'16, Anthony Thornton, of Stafford, petitioned the proprietors of the Northern Neck for a regrant of this land, which he stated had been left to Mrs. Jane Thornton, by her former husband, in 1700; that the said Jane died without heirs; but being "an imperfect deed" gave the land to him (A.T.) in 1706. The grant requested was issued. It is not known when Francis2 Thornton died, unless he was the Francis Thornton whose will was presented to King George County Court for probate, by his widow Anne, in 1726. (This appears from the order-book. The will-book covering this period was carried off by Federal soldiers during the late war. About ten years ago some person in the State of New York wrote to the authorities of the county offering to sell them this book. Unfortunately, the offer was not acted on, and it is not now known where the book is. It is to be hoped the present possessor will make its existence known, as possibly arrangements may be made to purchase it). Issue (first marriage only): 20. Elizabeth3, born January 3, 1674; 21. Margaret3, born April 2, 1678, married Wm. Strother, who was sheriff of King George in 1726. There is re-corded in King George a deed, dated 1727, from Margaret Strother, widow, for land deeded by her grandfather, Anthony Savage, gentleman, to her father, Francis Thornton, and Alice his wife; 22. William3 (twin with Sarah); 23. Sarah3, born December 17, 1680 (twin), married Laurence Taliaferro; 24. Francis3; 25. Rowland3; 26. Annie3, born March 22, 1689; 27. Anthony3. It is probable that there were many descendants of the various sons of Wm3 Thornton, of Gloucester, especially in Gloucester county; but of these we have, at present, only disconnected notes, which will be given later in this account. 14. FRANCIS3 THORNTON (William2, William1), of Gloucester county, was born June 7, 1692, and died February 6, 1737. He was a vestryman of Petsworth parish. He married _____, who died August 1, 1741. Issue: 28. William4. 22. WILLIAM3 THORNTON, born December 14, 1680; settled in that part of Richmond county which was afterwards in King George; was sheriff of Richmond in 1709 and 1717, one of the first justices of King George in 1720, and member of the House of Burgesses from that county in 1723 and 1726. (Virginia Historical Register). He married Frances _____, and died in 1742 or 1743. In 1742 they made a deed for land in King George, and in 1743 Frances Thornton, widow of Francis Thornton, late of King George, gentleman, made a deed to William Thornton, only son and heir of her husband, Wm. Thornton, deceased. The will of Wm. Thornton was dated Nov. 3, 1742, and was in the missing will-book. Issue: 29, William4. He cannot be identified with any other Wm. Thornton who made a deed or will in King George between 1750 and 1800. I cannot trace him further. Perhaps he lived in that portion of King George which was made part of Stafford. A more complete examination of the records of King George might show. 24. FRANCIS3 THORNTON, born January 4, 1682; according to a deposition made in 1733, in relation to the dispute over the boundary of the Northern Neck (printed in Slaughter's St. Mark's Parish, in the deposition he is styled "Francis Thornton, of Caroline county, gentleman"), he settled at Snow Creek, near the present Fredericksburg, about 1703. There is recorded in Essex a deed, dated March, 1703-'4, from Francis Thornton, of Stafford, conveying to Francis Thornton, Jr., then of Essex, a tract of about 700 acres at Snow Creek. In May, 1719, Francis Thornton, Jr. and Mary his wife, of St. Mary's parish, Essex, conveyed to Augustine Smith and John Taliaferro, church wardens, for a consideration of five shillings, 300 acres in the fork of Snow Creek, for a glebe. Francis Thornton was one of the first justices of Caroline. There is a deed, recorded in Spotsylvania, dated 1722, by which Mary and Winifred Thornton relinquish the right of dower in 400 acres of land sold by Francis and Anthony Thornton. Francis Thornton, a justice of Essex, was Burgess for Spotsylvania in 1723 and 1726. (Virginia Historical Register). Though I have not been able to ascertain the fact with absolute certainty, yet I have no doubt that this Francis Thornton, Jr., who settled at Snow Creek in 1703, was the Francis Thornton who was Burgess from Spotsylvania, as above stated, and who was the first of what are generally called, from their seat, the "Fall Hill" Thorntons. The only thing to cause a doubt is that the Francis3 Thornton here treated of calls himself, in 1733, "of Caroline county". Probably he lived at various times on estates in both Caroline and Spotsylvania. It will, in this account, be assumed, tentatively, that he was the first of the "Fall Hill" Thorntons. Issue: 30. Francis4; 31. Reuben; 32. John. 25. Rowland3 Thornton, of "Crowes", King George county, born August 1, 1685, died 1748; was vestryman of Hanover parish, King George, 1723, and was appointed a justice of King George in 1722. He was alive in 1733. Married Elizabeth (born Sept. 6, 1689, died 1751), daughter of Col. John Catlett, of Essex. Issue: 33. Francis4; 35. Alice4, married John Fitzhugh, of "Bellair", Stafford county (and perhaps other issue). 27. ANTHONY3 THORNTON, of St. Paul's Parish, Stafford county, born ___ 27, 1695, died 1757. He was a justice of Stafford, and, having been for a time out of the commission, was restored in 1733. He married Winifred, daughter and heiress of Col. Peter Presley (note 1) of "Northumberland House", Northumberland county. His will was dated January 3d, and proved November 8, 1757, in Stafford county. He gives his son Presley Thornton the several negroes which he (Presley) had in possession, and which the testator had a title to in right of his wife, except one negro woman and her children, which he had before given to his son Francis; to son Anthony Thornton, all the land he (the testator) had at the mountains; to daughter Winifred Bernard, a tract of land on Wash Run, in Spotsylvania, containing 650 acres; to son Peter Thornton, a tract of land on Mattapony River, containing 1313 acres, with all the negroes, cattle, horses, etc., and all other things on said land; also ten head of young cattle from the plantation where he (the testator) lived, and four other negroes; to wife Winifred, a tract of low ground where William Conner then lived, this to go after her death to his son Anthony; also to his wife four negroes, which are to go after her death to his son Peter; gives remainder of negroes, not otherwise disposed of, to his wife, with his stock of horses, cattle, and sheep, and remainder of estate to be equally divided between wife and son Peter, and appoints the latter his executor. Issue: 37. Presley4; 38. Francis4; 39. Peter4; 40. Anthony4; 41. Winifred4, married _____ Bernard. ------------------------------------------------------ William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 5, No. 1. (Jul., 1896), pp. 58-60. THE THORNTON FAMILY. By W. G. STANARD. (Continued from page 157 of Vol. IV). 38. FRANCIS4 THORNTON (Anthony3, Francis2, Wm.1), of "Society Hill," King George county, was J.P. and Colonel of militia in that county. He married in 1747, Sarah Fitzhugh (Parish Register), and died in 1784, in which year his will was recorded in King George. From about 1752 Col. Thornton was prominent on the turf in Virginia and Maryland. The American Turf Register, Vol. VI., p. 57, in a note, says: "Col. Francis Thornton, of Society Hill, in King George county, a gentleman of great respectability and proverbial for his great knowledge of pedigrees." Issue: 74. Winifred5, married Col. Daniel McCarty, of Pope's Creek, Westmoreland county; 75. Elizabeth5, married her cousin Presley Thornton; 76. Lucy5, married John Brooke, of Essex county; 77. Alice5, died November 12, 1811, aged 52; married in 1759 her first cousin Capt. Presley Thornton; 78. John5, of King George county, d. s. p. in 1800; 79. William5. 39. PETER4 THORNTON (Anthony3, Francis2, Wm.1) of "Rose Hill", Caroline county, married Ellen Bankhead. Issue: 80. James Bankhead5; 81. Peter5; 82. Winifred5, married Sterling Thornton; 83. Elizabeth5, married Joseph Pollard. 40. ANTHONY4 THORTON (Anthony3, Francis2, Wm1), of "Ormesby", Caroline county. This estate was acquired by Anthony Thornton, the elder, who it is stated, about 1715 built the oldest portion of the present house, and gave the estate to his son Anthony. He was sheriff of Caroline in 1767, and was alive in 1778. He married, first, Sarah Taliafero, and secondly, in 1764 (Parish Register) Susannah Fitzhugh. Issue (1st m.), 84. Anthony5; 85. Peter5; 86. Charles5, 87. Page 59. George5; 88. Reuben5; 89. Presley5; 90. Judith Presley5, married Aylett Buckner, and had issue, Col. Thornton Buckner, Richard Buckner, M.C., from Ky., James Buckner, Elizabeth, who married Mr. Taylor, of Ky., and Louisa, married Tho. Buckner; (2d m.) 91. Henry5; 92. Thomas Griffin5; 93. John5. 54. PETER5 PRESLEY THORNTON (Wm 4, Francis3, Wm.2, Wm1), born November 12, 1765 in Brunswick county, died August 6, 1856; married March 9, 1792, Elizabeth McCulloch (born February 25, 1771, in Amherst county, died September 19, 1851). Issue 94. Elizabeth Horsley6, born March 7, 1793, died June 24, 1842; 95. Wm. Sterling6, born November 9, 1794, died February, 1805; 96. Roderick McCulloch6, born August 28, 1796, died June 24, 1842; 97. Jane Clark6, born August 24, 1798, died June 1, 1863; 98. Isabella McCullough6, born November 9, 1800, died unmarried September 11, 1823; 100. Peter Presley6, born February 28, 1805, died July 3, 1836; 101. James Francis, born October 24, 1807, died about 1880; 102. Robert Horsley6; 103. Belinda Ann6, born November 23, 1811, married Francis E. Quarles, of King and Queen county, and died July 20, 1835. 55. FRANCIS5 THORNTON (Francis4, Francis3, Francis2, Wm.1) of "Fall Hill," Spotsylvania county, married in 1759 Ann, daughter of Rev. John Thompson, by his wife Butler Brayne, widow of Governor Spotswood. The will of Francis Thornton was dated Feb. 13, 1794, and proved in Spotsylvania April 8, 1795; gives his wife Ann all of his negroes, horses, cattle, sheep, household furniture, &c., and 200 acres of land for her life; to son Francis the remainder of his land where he lived, and the reversion of estate left his wife to daughters Elizabeth Gregory Thornton, Mary Thornton and Dorothea Thornton £500 each in specie; to daughter Francs Buckner a mourning ring; daughter Mildred Washington Maury £100 in specie. Issue: 104. Francis6; 105. Elizabeth Gregory6, married Robert Dunbar, a Scotch merchant, of Falmouth, Va.; 106. Mary6, married Dr. Voss, of Madison county; 107. Frances6, married Dr. Horace Buckner, of Culpeper county (she probably married 2d. Strother Jones); 108. Mildred Washington6 married Col. Abraham Maury, of Madison county; 109. Dorothea married Samuel Washington, of Culpeper county. 56. GEORGE THORNTON5, (Francis4, Francis3, Francis2, William1) was left an estate in Orange county. He was a member of the Convention of 1776 from Spotsylvania, and of the House of Delegates in 1777, and perhaps other years. He is said to have been a Major in the Continental Line (though I can find no record of it) and to have died in service April 30, 1781. He married Mary, daughter of John Alexander. Information in regard to this Geo. Thornton is conflicting, and there may possibly be error in this account. Issue: 110. Lucy F.6, married Captain John Posey (and was doubtless mother of Col. Thornton A. Posey, of the U.S. Army); 111. Reuben6; 112. George Washington6. 57. Col. William5 Thornton (Francis4, Francis3, Francis2, William1) of "Montpelier", in that portion of Orange which is now Rappahannock; married Mary or Martha, daughter of John Stuart. Issue: 113. John6, who is stated to have married Mrs. Susan Gordon, granddaughter of Charles Lee; but Dr. Edmund J. Lee's "Lee Family" shows no such person; 114. Frances married Dr. Aylett Hawes; 115. William6; 116. George6; 117. Philip6; 118. Stuart6, married Adelaide Stuart, of Fairfax county, and had many children, one of whom married Dr. Horace Ashton, of King George county; 119. Howard6, married Charlotte Norris, of Charlestown, Jefferson county (West Virginia), and had Frances7, who married Isaac Tyson, of Baltimore, and Jane7; 120. Martha6 married Thos. Fitzhugh, of Fauquier county; 121. Maria6 married Charles Stuart; 122. Lucy6 married Philip Rootes Thompson. [To be continued] 58. John5 Thornton (Francis4, Francis3, Francis2, William1), of “Thornton Hill,” Madison county, was born ___, and died in 1822. At the beginning of the Revolution he commanded a company of minute men from Culpeper county; was commissioned captain in third Virginia regiment, Continental Line, February 12, 1776; major of Grayson’s additional Continental regiment March 20, 1777; lieutenant-colonel November 15, 1778; retired April 2, 1779; commanded a regiment of Virginia militia at Yorktown. Between 1833 and 1855 the State of Virginia issued to his heirs land-bounty warrants for 7,666 2/3 acres for his services. The names of his children are given in the warrants. He married Jane, daughter of Augustine Washington, and niece of President Washington. Issue: 123. Mary,6 married. Dr. James (or Isaac) Winston; 124. Jane W.,6 married Rev. Francis Thornton; 125. Frances Gregory,6 married George Thornton; 126. Caroline R.,6 married ___ Thompson; 127. George w.,6 married Mildred, daughter of Aris Buckner, of Prince William county, and had an only child, Jane Washington6 Thornton, who married James B. Beck, U. S. Senator from Kentucky; 128. Augustine,6 said to have died s.p., not named among his father's heirs. 65. William5 Thornton (Francis,4 Rowland,3 Francis,2 Wil1), of “Crowes,” King George county, married, in 1757, Elizabeth Fitzhugh (Parish Register), and died in 1779, when his will was proved in King George: Issue: 129. Susannah6, married ___ Courts; 130. Francis6; 131. Elizabeth6; 132. Anne.6; Francis6 Thornton may have left issue, but I have no information concerning him. Peter Presley5 Thornton (Presley4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1), of “Northumberland House,” Northumberland county, was born in St. Stephen’s parish, Northumberland, August 10, 1750 (Parish Register); member of the House of Burgesses for that county in 1772 and. 1774, and of conventions of July and December, 1775; appointed colonel of a regiment of minute men in 1775, but afterwards resigned, to accept a position as aide-de-camp to General Washington (Virginia Gazette), to which position he was appointed September 6, 1777. (Ford's Writings of Washington, XIV., 433.) On August 5, 1777, General Washington wrote from Germantown to John A. Washington: “I have taken Col. P. P. Thornton into my family as an extra aid. This, I dare say, his own merit, as well as the great worth of his father, well entitles him to.” (Ford.) P. P. Thornton married, in 1771, Sally Throckmorton, of Gloucester county. (Virginia Gazette.) She was the daughter of Major Robert Throckmorton. It is believed that Peter Presley Thornton died before 1781. The records of Northumberland county will probably show whether he left issue. It is probable that he did not. Presley5 Thornton (Presley4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1) was born March 2, 1760, in St. Stephen’s parish, Northumberland county (Parish Register), and was taken to England in boyhood by his mother. Judge John Tayloe Lomax, son-in-law of Captain Presley Thornton, said, in a letter dated October 1, 1858, writing of Mrs. Thornton and her sons: "Not many years after Colonel Thornton’s death in 1769, the loyalty of this lady to her king at ‘home’ was much disturbed at the signs of the times, foreboding the political change in the relations between the colonies and the English government. She, in consequence thereof, shortly before the war, left this country and removed. to England with all her children, and among them her three sons, Presley Thornton, John Tayloe, and Charles Wade Thornton. This lady’s loyalty was very favorably remunerated after her arrival in England, for she was allowed by the king a pension, and her sons Presley and Wade were, while very young, placed in the army, and Tayloe in the navy. It seems there was an understanding that they should not be employed in service against the colonies. They all three distinguished themselves in the British service. Presley was wounded at the siege of Gibraltar, where he displayed, much gallantry.” (DeBow's Review, XXVI.) He returned to Virginia immediately after the Revolution, and, under an act passed October, 1783, was restored to all rights as a citizen of Virginia, on condition of taking the oaths of allegiance. When an army was raised in 1798-’99, in view of expected war with France, Washington wrote, March 31, 1799, to Major-General C.C. Pinckney: “I have very little more knowledge of the captains in the Virginia Line, as arranged by us at Philadelphia, than what was derive from the source of information then laid before us. I have no hesitation, however, in mentioning the name of a gentleman (conditionally) to whom, under my present view of them, I should give a decided preference. It is Presley Thornton, son of one of the most respectable gentlemen, now deceased, of the same name in this State. He is thirty or thereabouts, amiable in his character. He was a British officer during our Revolution, but would not fight against his country, and therefore went to Gibraltar, and was in Garrison there during the siege by the Spaniards, where, it is said, he distinguished himself by his gallant behaviour.” He also says that he will probably appoint Mr. Thornton one of his staff. (Ford’s Writings of Washington.) Presley Thornton was captain in the 8th U. S. Infantry in 1799, and was honorably discharged June 15, 1800. About this time he sold his Northumberland estate, “Northumberland House,” and removed to Genesee, New York, where he died in 1807. He married, soon after his return to Virginia, his cousin Elizabeth, daughter of Col. Francis Thornton, of “Society Hill.” Issue: 133. Charlotte6, married, July 25, 1805, at “Mannsfield,” Spotsylvania county, Judge John Taloe Lomax, of Caroline county; 134. Arthur Witham6; 135. Presley6, died unmarried. 72. Sir Charles Wade5 Thornton (Presley4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1), born in Northumberland county June1, 1764 (Parish Register), died unmarried April 6, 1854. A notice in The Gentleman's Magazine gives an account of the death, on the date named, at his apartments in St. James' Palace, London, of Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Wade Thornton, Knight, K.C.H., and Lieutenant-Governor of Hull; appointed second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery in 1779, first lieutenant in 1782; in March, 1782, accompanied the Guards to Holland; was wounded at the battle of Famars; was at the siege of Valenciennes, and lost his right arm at the taking of Lannoy; captain, November, 1793; lieutenant-governor of Hull, 1816; equerry to the Duke of Cumberland, July 24, 1813; had the friendship of George IV. and William IV.; lieutenant-colonel, 1811; colonel, 1825; knighted, 1831; received the Royal Hanoverian Order and was commissioned major-general in 1837, and lieutenant-general in 1846. It is stated that during the Walcheren expedition he saved the life of the Duke of York. (DeBow.) The name of Sir Charles Wade Thornton frequently appears in The Gentleman's Magazine as a participant in coronations and royal funerals. 73. John Tayloe5 Thornton (Presley4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1) was born in Northumberland county on February 19, 1766. He was taken to England with his brothers, and received an appointment to the English navy. Judge Lomax says, in the letter before quoted: “Tahoe was desperately wounded in one of the most desperate naval battles ever fought, between an English and a French frigate. In this engagement the action ceased, by the mutual destruction of both ships, and all the men on both sides would have been lost but for the timely intervention of an approaching English vessel, which rescued from drowning the survivors, among whom was Midshipman J. T. Thornton. He returned to Virginia in 1783, and died about 1797, at ‘Kennersly,' Northumberland county. He was, doubtless, the John Thornton who was member of the House of Delegates from Northumberland in 1784, 1785, and 1786. He married Susan Kenner.” Issue: 136. Charles Wade6; 137. John Tayloe6. Addenda.– It should have been stated on page 164, Volume IV., that Charlotte5, daughter of Col. Presley Thornton, of the council, married Philip Fitzhugh, of “Marmion,” King George county. [To be Continued] Page 39 79. William5 Thornton (Francis4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1), of “Society Hill,” King George county, born ____, died 1800, the year in which his will was proved in King George Co. He was a member of the House of Delegates in 1784, 1785, and 1786, and of the Convention of 1788. He married Elizabeth, second daughter of George Mason, of “Gunston,” the distinguished statesman. Issue: 137. George Francis6, died, unmarried, in Alexandria, in 1824. In September, 1818, he sold to Henry Lee, guardian of Elisabeth McCarty, the “Society Hill” estate, 700 acres; and. on July 29, 1822, when a resident of Washington city, he sold to John Stith, of King George, a tract of land in that county called “The Cottage.” His will, dated September 1, 1823, and proved in King George July l, 1824, gave his whole estate to his "friend William Herbert, of Shooter’s Hill." Mr. Herbert qualified as executor, giving bond in $20,000. 138. William Mason6, died, unmarried, at Princeton College. In October last, the compiler of this genealogy, being in King George, paid a visit to “Society Hill” The house is reputed to be (and it bears every evidence of the truth of the belief) the oldest house in the county. It was probably built by Anthony3 or Francis2 Thornton. The house stands on a high hill near the “Brickhouse Landing" on Potomac Creek, and commands a beautiful view of the river. The thick walls, heavy chimneys, and narrow windows, all show its age. No signs of its former occupation by a family of wealth and standing exist around it, except traces of terraces on the steep hillside in front. The building itself, with the exception of the walls and chimneys, is a mere wreck. Most of the doors have disappeared, and the vacant places have been supplied by planks nailed to the door-frames. The first floor, four or five feet from the ground, was originally reached by semi-circular stone steps; but these have been broken down, and entrance can now be obtained on one side only, by a pile of fragments. The interior, which is in such wretched condition that one feels surprise at finding a family poor enough to occupy it, yet retains evidences that it was once a costly and handsome house The walls of the high-pitched rooms on this floor are panelled to the ceiling; the windows are closed with solid inside shutters; and the corner fireplaces retained until lately hooks, which showed that they had once been surrounded by tiles. Several steps have fallen away from the staircase leading to the second story, and, with a gap in the floor, open to the cellar, make the ascent difficult to any but a boy or a cat. In the second story are several rooms of good size, but in some of them the floors have fallen, and in all it is dangerous to walk. From this story stairs ascend to a large garret, which formerly derived its light from circular windows at each end, but now receives rain as well as sunshine through broken places in the roof. From the garret a shaky ladder leads to an opening in the roof, from which there is a most striking view of the surrounding country, the wide Potomac, and the Maryland shore. 80. James Bankhead5 Thornton (Peter4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1), of “Mount Zephyr,” Caroline county, born 1770, died March 29, 1843. He was justice of the peace for Caroline from 1802. He married Mildred Rootes, daughter of Colonel Anthony Thornton, of “Ormsby.” In 1845, Anthony, Peter R, James B., Charles W., and R, B. Thornton advertised for sale “Mt. Zephyr,” “the seat of the late James B. Thornton, and of the family for several generations.” Issue: 139. Anthony6; 140. Ellen6, married Thomas Rowe; 141. Peter6; 142. James Bankhead6; 143. Dr. Rootes6, according to one account, died unmarried; according to another, married Miss Buckner; 144. Charles6; 145. Mary Rootes6, died young; 146. Mildred6, died young. 81. Peter5 Thornton (Peter4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1), of “Rose Hill,” Caroline county, born 1774; died September, 1833. He married ____ Taylor. Issue: 147. Edmund; 148. Taylor. 84. Anthony5 Thornton (Anthony4, Anthony3, Francis2, William1), of “Ormsby,” Caroline county, born February 1, 1748; died December 1, 1828. He was a member of the Caroline county committee of safety, 1775 – ’76; was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the militia in that county in 1777, and county lieutenant in 1779 or 1780. He held the latter office until 1789, or later, sad rendered, throughout the Revolution, useful and efficient service. The Calendar of Virginia State Papers contains several letters to and from him, as follows: (1.) “Hanover Town, January 16, 1781. Col. Anthony Thornton informs the Governor he has been ordered by Genl. Nelson to march his troops back to Caroline, and hold them in readiness until further orders. He judges from this he will be sent to Potomack, and begs to be supplied with two hundred and fifty muskets, as he can do nothing without arms.” (2.) “August 21, 1781. Col. Anthony Thornton informs Col. Davies of the condition of the Militia, &c., in his county. He has so arranged the Muster Rolls as to get rid of useless men, and to keep at least one-fourth of his force always in the field. Mr. Higgins has sixty-five stand of arms repaired, and can have no more done without Salt. He has always sent the six-months men to the field, and the county now has only these and the men who have served their time in the service. The clothing has been collected, and delivered to Major Nelson.” (3.) “Col: Anthony Thornton, Jun: to Col. Davies. Caroline Co., Sept. 6, 1781. Regretting his inability to give correct returns of the number of men remaining in the County, owing to the fact that the entire Militia and Officers capable of making returns were in the field. At the time of the Semi-Annual report required, he was too ill to attend to business. The entire force of the County, 644 men. On this account, the demands upon them have been ‘exceeding burthensome,’ compared. with those of other Counties. Instead of one-fourth, one-half are required to go to the field at once. He is determined, however, to meet the wants of the Service by Keeping the full quota on duty." (4.) Governor Nelson to Colonel Anthony Thornton, Jr., Caroline county; “Williamsburg, Sept. 19, 1781. Sir: A large Body of Troops being expected in a few Days down the Bay, under his Excellency Genl: Washington, which will probably land, in Gloucester, I beg that you will have all the Flour you can procure at Port Royal, or in any part of Caroline or the adjacent Country; sent in Vessels round into Piankatank with all possible Dispatch. I have the Liberty of giving you this Trouble from a conviction that your zeal for your Country’s Good will incline you to undertake a Business so serviceable to it, & that your Influence will enable you to execute it with the greatest success.” Colonel Thornton commanded the Caroline militia during the siege of Yorktown, and his force took part in the attack on Gloucester Point. The following letter was written from that place: (5.) "Col. Anth. Thornton to Governor Nelson. Gloucester, Oct. 21st, 1781.” On his way to that place he was taken ill, and consequently did not arrive until Wednesday evening. Has been for two days trying to see Governor Nelson, but “the French General positively forbid my crossing over to York, tho' I informed him I had particular business with you.” Bequests directions as to his proceeding “to collecting the Grain, Fother, & Hay; &c.”; concludes, “Permit me to congratulate Your Excellency on the happy end of the Siege, & believe me to be, with the greatest Esteem.” (6.) “Col. A. Thornton to Col. Wm. Davies. Caroline Co., Dec. 24, 1781." His letter in regard to the British prisoners, said to be hiring themselves out in this county, has been received. He ears of not more than six or eight in that neighborhood, but learns that they are scattered about in almost all the counties "between this and the ridge." He will at once order his officers "to attend to this matter, and dispose of them as directed." (7.) "Caroline Co., May 1st, 1782." Colonel Anthony Thornton informs Col. Davies that the clothing due from that county has been ready at the Bowling Green for some months. He adds: "I sincerely lament with you the languor of every measure attempted to be taken; but unless the Legislature will make Salutary Laws, it is impracticable for them to be effectually executed." (8.) " Col. Anth. Thornton to Governor Beverley Randolph. Caroline County, May 14,1789. Not having received a single shilling for the Militia fines, thought it unnecessary to make any report about it, until urged to do so by a notice yesterday from the Solicitor that a motion would be made against me for neglect of duty." He hopes that the executive will direct the solicitor to waive the intended motion. "Nothing but the present deranged state of the Militia, and my great wish to see them in better order, would keep me a single day in commission," etc. Late in life Col. Thornton removed to Kentucky with all of his children except his son Philip. Col. Thornton married, May 8, 1772, Mary, daughter of Philip Rootes, of "Rosewall," King and Queen county, and his wife, Mildred Reade, of Gloucester county. Mrs. Thornton died December 21, 1828. Col. Thornton and his wife were involved in lengthy litigation in attempting to recover a legacy left to her by her father. The case came twice before the Court of Appeals. Issue: 149. Mildred Rootes, born _____; died _____; married James B. Thornton; 150. Katherine Taliaferro, died young; 151. Anthony; 152. Philip; 153. Charles Taliaferro; 154. Mary Reade, married Judge Benjamin Mills, of the Circuit Court of Kentucky; 155. Lucy, died single at an advanced age; 156. Elizabeth Edmondson, died young; 157. Judith Presley, born June 28, 1788; died December 29, 1851; married, September 6, 1808, her cousin, William Thornton (son of Sterling and "Winifred Thornton), who was born January 17, 1789, and died May 7, 1871. They lived at various times in Bourbon and Montgomery counties, Kentucky, and removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1834. They had issue: (a). Mildred R., married Rev. Duly Whitney; (b). Emma D., married John B. Duryee, of Strathan, Logan. county, Ill.; (c), William, married, January 1, 1888, Roxanna Lyman, and died January 11, 1838; (d), Eliza W., unmarried; (e), Lucy D., married, 1st, Francis Conway Thornton, and had two children; she married, 2ndly, William K. Hardee, of Virden, Ill. William Thornton served in the war of 1812 as a lieutenant in the Kentucky troops. 158. J. Rootes; 159. Lewis; 160. Walker. Note by the Editor. Among the papers preserved in the Virginia Historical Society is a very old manuscript, certainly not later than the year 1700, which may serve to indicate the origin of the Thornton family of Virginia. It was, perhaps, once in possession of some member thereof. It reads as follows: "In the Cemetery of St. Giles in the fields, Inscription on a Tombstone: " 'Johannes Thornton, in Memoriam clarissimse Uxoria Margaritee, filise Georgij Collins, jujus parochise Sancti Agidii in Campis, hoe monumantum posuit. " 'Under this sad Marble Sleeps She for whom ev'n Marble weeps; Her praise liveth still, tho' here she lyes, Seeming Dead that never dyes; Religion, Love in suffering breast, Her Charity, Mildness, and the rest, Have crowned her soul; all mourn with flame Her husband's loss and Midwifes blame. She dyed in Childbed, 70 times blest & seven, Her Child & she delivered both in Heaven. Ob: 8 .Jan: 1611.'
" 'Full south this Stone 4 feet doth lye His ffather John & grandfather Henry Thornton, of Thornton, in Yorkshire bred, Where lives the flame of Thornton, being dead.' "
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86. Charles5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), of "North Garden," Caroline county, Va., and of Kentucky, commonly called "Captain" Charles Thornton (doubtless from his holding that rank in the militia), married, 1st, Mary, daughter and heiress of Wm. Jones, of Essex, and also heiress of her uncle, John Jones, of Essex. She had no issue. He married, 2ndly, Sarah, daughter of John Fitzhugh, of "Bellair," Stafford county, Va. Captain Thornton removed to Oldham county, Ky., about 1812. Issue: 161, Fitzhugh, 6 married Caroline Fitzhugh, and died in Henry county, Mo., in 1864; all of his children died without issue, except Sarah Ann, 7 who married James Todd, of Henry county, Ky.; 162, Alice,6 died unmarried; 163, Henrietta,6 married Frank Taliaferro, of Orange county, Va.; 164, Katherine Presley,6 married Cole Fitzhugh, and had a daughter, Ann,7 who married Richard F. Taylor, and lives near "Windsor, Henry county, Mo.; 165, Elizabeth, 6 married Richard Meriwether, of Shelby, Ky., and had one son, Richard, who died without issue; 166, Dr. Charles, 6 married Mary Taliaferro, and had a large family, and has many descendants ; all of his children are dead, except Reuben T.7 Thornton, of Nevada, Vernon county, Mo.; 167, Dr. John Henry Fitzhugh, 6 married, 1st, Mary Symmes, daughter of President William Henry Harrison, and had issue: (a), "Wm. Henry Harrison,7 of Ellettsville, Monroe county, Indiana; unmarried; (b), Charles,7 surgeon in the United States army; died unmarried; (c), Anna Harrison,7 died January 17, 1883; married Lee Mason Fitzhugh, of "Fern Bank," Ohio; (d), Alice Elizabeth,7 married John C. Lewis, of Chicago; (e), Lucy Harrison,7 died young; (f), John Fitzhugh,7 of "Fern Bank," married Lela Morgan West, and had Charles West8; died young. Dr. John Thornton married, 2ndly, Sarah Fitzhugh, and had Susan Fitzhugh7 and George Fitzhugh.7 168, Daniel McCarty,6 purser United States Navy, married, 1st, Susan, daughter of Hay Taliaferro; 2ndly, Mary, daughter of General Lawrence T. Dade, and had issue: first marriage: (a), Charles Hay,7 served in Confederate States army; married Betty Johnson, and had issue: Charles Hay,8 Virginia Susan,8 and Nathaniel8; (b), Henry,7 served in the Richmond Howitzers, C. S. A.; married Betty Conway, and had Henry8 and Marian8; (c), Virginia,7 married Dr. Frederick Roddy, of Richmond; (d), Emma,7 married, first, Nathaniel Norfleet, and secondly. Col. Wm. E. Cutshaw, C. S. A., of Richmond; (second marriage): (e), Lawrence7; (f), Baylor,7 married; (g), Foxhall A. Parker,7 married; (h), Hay,7 married; (i), McCarty,' married; (j), Arthur Conway7; (k), Iiucy,7 married Catlett Conway ; (l), Mary,7 married Catlett Conway; 169, Henry,6 married a Miss Curry, and left an only son, Charles Henry Thornton, who married twice, leaving, by his first marriage, a daughter, Sallie, and by the second (Mrs. Belle Thornton, who survives, and is living at Los Angeles, California), two children; 170, Francis, 6 married Anne Rose Thornton, and died near Jacksonville, Ill, leaving a number of children; 171, 'William Tucker. 6 87. George5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), born in Caroline county, Virginia, November 18, 1752; died August 30, 1853, aged nearly 101 years; married, June 9, 1774, Margaret Stanley. He served in the Revolution as a private in Capt. Wm. Buckner's and other companies of militia, and later received a pension; the papers in regard to it have been preserved. About 1784 he removed to what is now Greene county, Va. Issue: 172, Catherine Taliaferro,6 born August 18, 1775; 173, Ann,6 born December 25, 1776; married Edward Eastham; 174, Peter,6 born March 5, 1779; lived in Madison county, Va.; 176, Mary P.,6 born September 20, 1781; married Willis Kirtley, and removed to Kentucky ; 176, Charles,6 born December 12, 1783; removed to Muhlenberg county, Ky., and had a son, Edward7; 177, George,6 born March 3, 1786; 178, Lucy Buckner6 (twin), born March 3, 1786; married ___ Smoot, Madison county, Va.; 179, Thomas S.,6 married Mary Herndon, and had George,7 Varinda,7 and Lucy7; 180, Anthony6; 181, John,6 born October 31, 1792; removed to Muhlenberg county, Ky. 88. Reuben5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), of Caroline county (and also, probably, of Spotsylvania and Hanover), was justice of the peace for Spotsylvania in 1805; married Mildred, daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla (Rootes) Grymes. Mrs. Mildred Thornton married, secondly, Peter Dudley. In her will, dated March 16,1822, and proved in Spotsylvania in September, 1822, she made bequests to her son, Anthony R. Thornton, and his wife, Mildred B., and his daughter, Mildred Ann Grymes Thornton; to Mary H., wife of her son Benjamin G. Thornton; to Ann, wife of her son Wm. F. Thornton; to Maria, wife of her son Reuben Thornton; to Susan, wife of her son Nicholas C. Thornton; to Lucy B., wife of her son Charles T. Thornton; and to her nephew John A., son of Wm. Wedderburn. Page 46 Lucy Rootes Grymes made a will dated April 18, 1812, and proved in Spotsylvania November 8, 1817, in which she made bequests to her nephews Benj. Grymes Thornton, Reuben Thornton, Anthony Thornton, Wm. Fitzhugh Thornton, and Chas. Taliaferro Thornton; and to her sister, Mildred Dudley. Issue: 182, Anthony R.,6 married Mildred B. Walker; 183, Benjamin Grymes,6 married Mary H. North; 184, William. Fitzhugh6; 185, Reuben,6 married Maria ____; 186, Ann6; 187, Nicholas Cabell,6 married Susan ___; 188, Charles Taliaferro,6 married Lucy B. ___. 89. Presley5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), born 1760; died in Kentucky November 5, 1811. He was commissioned cornet in the Third Continental Dragoons February 21, 1777; was promoted to lieutenant and captain, and served till 1783. On June 17, 1783, a warrant was issued to him for 4,000 acres of bounty land for three years' service; and on March 30,. 1796, a warrant for 666 acres more for his seventh year's service. When the first warrant was issued, the following certificate was filed: "I do certify that Captain Presley Thornton was appointed a Cornet in the 3d Regiment of Light Dragoons the 17th of March, 1777; he was promoted to the rank of second Lieut. the 27th of May, 1778; also to the rank of first Lieut. the 15th of November, 1778; and to a Captaincy the 10th of May, 1780, which commission he resigned the 25th of March, 1781 George Baylor, "Colo. of the 1st Begiment of Cavalry." Captain Thornton subsequently reentered the army, and served to the end of the war. He married Alice, daughter of Col. Francis Thornton, of "Society Hill." Issue: 189, Francis Anthony6; 190, Sally Fitzhugh,6 died aged eighteen months; 191, McCarty,6 died in New Orleans, aged twenty-two years; 192, Presley,6 died aged one year; 193, Elizabeth Presley,6 married Dr. Avery Gwin, of Kentucky. 91. Dr. Henry5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), born July 14, 1765; married Ann Rose, daughter of John Fitzhugh, of "Bellair." Issue: 194, Anthony,6 born July 29, 1796; 195, John6; 196, Maria,6 married Edward Fitzhugh; 197, Susan,6 married ____ Meriwether; 198, Harriett,6 married John Conway; 199, Ann,6 married Anthony Thornton; 200, Dr. Henry, Jr., died unmarried; 201, Eliza.6 Page 47 92. Thomas Griffin5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), of Caroline county (he bought "Ormsby" from his brother Anthony), was born June 11, 1776. He was a justice and sheriff of Caroline, and, while holding the latter office, he was murdered by a man against whom he had a writ. Mr. Thornton was, in his day, noted as a fox-hunter; and The American Turf .Register and Sporting Magazine contains anecdotes illustrative of the great excellence of his hounds. He married, October 19, 1796, Ann H., daughter of William and Sarah (Digges) Fitzhugh, of Fauquier county. Issue: 202, Susan6; 203, William6; 204, Sarah,6 married Lewis Battaile; 205, Harriet,6 married Charles Jesse; 206, Gordon6; 207, Thomas Griffin6; 208, Mary Digges,6 married Chas. Jesse (another); 209, Ellen,6 married ___ Catlett. 93. John5 Thornton (Anthony,4 Anthony, 3 Francis, 2 William1), of "Fairfield," near Guiney's station, Caroline county (the place where General Jackson died), and afterwards of "Ormsby," was born March. 4, 1775 [so given in a copy from the family Bible, but evidently erroneous, as his brother T. G. is given as born on June 11 of the same year]; married, first, September 17, 1795, Sarah, daughter of George and Mary (Digges) Fitzhugh, of Fauquier county; married, secondly, Mildred Washington Dade; married, thirdly, October 22, 1812, Jane Laughlin; no issue except by first marriage. Issue: 210, Susan,6 married Captain Royston.; 211, George Fitzhugh,6 John6; 212, Mary Ann,6 married Wm. Royston; 213, Edward Digges6; 214, William Fitzhugh6; 216, Addison F. 6; 216, Elinor.6 102. Robert Horsley6 Thornton (Peter Presley,5 William,4 Francis,3 William,2 William1), born October 16, 1809; married, January 27, 1853, Louisa, daughter of Rev. Charles Wingfield, of Albemarle county. Issue: 217, Charles Presley,7 born March 15, 1854; 218, Mary Cary,7 born September 3, 1855; 219, Camilla Jane,7 born May 10, 1857; 220, Robert Horsley,7 born June 3. 1859; 221, Marie Rosalie,7 born August 4, 1861, and died May 24, 1863. 104. Francis6 Thornton (Francis,5 Francis,4 Francis, 3 Francis, 2 William1), of "Fall Hill," Spotsylvania county, born 1760; died ___; was appointed justice of the peace for Spotsylvania in 1790; married Sally, daughter of Judge Harry Innes, of Kentucky, and niece of James Innes, colonel in the Revolution, and attorney-general of Virginia. Issue: 222, Elizabeth,7 born December 22, 1793; married J. H. Fitzgerald, of Fredericksburg; 223, Francis7; 224, Harry Innes7; 225, Sally Innes,7 born January 11, 1799, married Murray Forbes, of Falmouth, Virginia; 226, James Innes7; 227, Robert Callaway,7 born 1802; died unmarried; 228, Catherine,7 born 1804; married Thomas Marshall, of "Happy Creek," Fauquier county, Va.; 229, Butler Brayne,7 born 1806; died 1833. (To be continued.') 
Page 48 111. Reuben6 Thornton (George,5 Francis,4 Francis, 3 Francis, 2 William1). Accounts as to his line of descent differ. One gives it, as it has just been stated, making George5 Thornton, who married Mary Alexander, brother of Francis5 Thornton, of "Fall Hill," while another states that the George Thornton who married Mary Alexander was the son of Col. Wm. Thornton, of " Mountpelier." Whatever the descent may have been (which it is hoped some reader will give correctly), this Reuben Thornton lived at "Greenwood," near Germanna. Married in 1810 Anna M., daughter of George A. Washington, and had issue: (1), Churchill Jones; (2), Charles Augustine, of Enfield, N. C. 112. George Washington Thornton was the brother of the preceding, and of course, there, is the same doubt as to his line of descent. He lived at "Rumford," and died December, 1816, when a resident of Orange county. Married, in 1805, Mary, daughter of Henry Randolph, of Warwick, Chesterfield county. Issue: (1), Henry Randolph, of Livingston, Mobile county, Ala., born February 28, 1807, died November 21, 1862; married, first, in 1829, Maria Agnes Bradford; secondly, in 1848, Ellen, daughter of Geo. Slaughter Thom, Culpeper county, Va.; (2), Lucy Ward, born March 21, 1811, died July, 1840; married Richard Adams, of Richmond; (3), Mary Goode, born 1813, married, first, Lieutenant Alex. C. Maury, United States Navy; secondly, Rev. J. Jackson Scott, Pensacola; (4), Seth Brett, born May 25, 1815, captain United States Army; killed in front of the city of Mexico, August 18, 1847; a gallant and distinguished officer. Henry Randolph Thornton (above) had issue by first marriage: (1), George, born 1830, married in 1860, Fanny Reed, and had issue: Bradford, Maria Agnes, Kate Garrison and Henry Williams; (2), Alex. Cunningham; (3), Samuel Bradford, died young. By second marriage: (4), Reuben Thom, of Birmingham, Ala.; (5), Hortense; (6), Henry Ward, of Chicago; (7), Margaret Virginia, married John S. Johnston; (8), Lucy Cobbs; (9), Seth Brett, died young. 115. William6 Thornton (William,5 Francis,4 Francis, 3 Francis, 2 William1) married Eleanor, daughter of Philip Rootes Thompson, member of Congress, and had issue: (1), Dr. ___ Thornton, married Charlotte, daughter of George Hamilton, of Spotsylvania; (2), Susanna Thompson, born July 6, 1804, died October 18, 1836; married February 1, 1825, Andrew Glassell, Jr., of Culpeper county; (3), Daughter, married Charles Gibbs; (4), Philip Rootes, married Sarah Hamilton. 116. George6 Thornton (brother of proceeding), is, as has been stated, not positively distinguished from 56, George5 Thornton. But an account, which is probably correct, states that George,6 son of Col. William Thornton, of "Montpelier," married Frances Gregory, daughter of John Thornton, of "Thornton Hill," Rappahannock county, and had issue: (1), Franklin, died young; (2), Matilda, married John Thompson, of Kanawha county; (3), Alfred Augustine, married Delia S., daughter of Murray Forbes, of Falmouth, Va., and had issue, Sally Innes, George Alexander, Caroline Hounselle, Delia Forbes, Robert Augustine, Catherine Forbes, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Anne Dunbar, Frances Gregory and Virginia Lee; Caroline Homoselle married Thompson, of Kanawha county, and had a number of children; (5), Aylett Hawes, married Miss Hudson, and died without issue from an accidental wound during the war; (6), George Warner married Margaret Hamilton, of Spotsylvania county, and had issue, Robert S., Margaret Hamilton, and Frances Gregory. 117, Dr. Philip6 Thornton, of "Montpelier," Rappahannock county, member of the House of Delegates, 1832, 1833, 1834, and probably other years. He married first, Ellen, daughter of Dr. James Bankhead, who, Mr. Hayden says (Virginia Genealogies) died without issue; but another account states that there were children by this marriage, whose descendants live in Tennessee. Married secondly, Caroline Homoselle, of Philadelphia, and had issue: (1), Martha C., who married, in 1841, Frederick G. Skinner, of Maryland; (2), Mary, married Robert S. Voss, of Baltimore (formerly of Culpeper county, Va.) 134, Arthur6 Witham Thornton (Presley,5 Presley,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1) entered the United States Army as an ensign in 1808, commissioned captain in 1835, and died November 2, 1836, at Pensacola, Fla. He married Marcella (Gonzales) Brent, widow, and had two sons, who are stated to have been both officers in Confederate States Army, and killed in battle. 136, Philip Wade6 Thornton (John Tayloe,5 Presley,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), of " Chatterton," King George county; married Lucy, daughter of Champe Brockenbrough, of Port Royal, Caroline county, and his descendants resided there. 137, John Tayloe6 Thornton (brother of preceding), inherited "Kennerley," Northumberland county, but in 1829 was living in Orange county. He married Ann ___. 139, Anthony6 Thornton (J. B.,5 Peter,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), married Ann, daughter of Dr. Henry Thornton, and had issue: (1), Elizabeth Presley, married Rev. Robert Ryland,2 D. D., President of Richmond College; (2), Henry; (3), James. 140, Peter6 Thornton (brother of preceding) of Caroline county, married ___ Rowe, and had issue: (1), Sally Tunstall (Thornton); (2), Mary Rootes (Thornton); (3), Thomas; (4), Callender; (5), Read. 142, Dr. James Bankhead6 Thornton (brother of preceding), of Caroline county, member of State Senate, 1839-'43, etc.; married first, Marianna Tabb, daughter of Dr. Gustavus B. Horner, of Warrenton; secondly Susan Thornton; removed to Memphis, Tenn., where he became a very prominent physician. Issue: (1), Mary Mildred; (2), Albert; (3), Dr. James B., a distinguished physician of Memphis; (4), Dr. Gustavus B., now President of the Memphis Board of Health. Page 51 144, Charles6 Thornton (brother of preceding), married Sally Catlett, of Caroline county, and had issue. 147, Edmund6 Thornton (Peter,5 Peter,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), married, and had no issue. 151. Judge Anthony6 Thornton (Anthony,5 Anthony,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), of Kentucky, married Mary Towles, and was probably the father of Thomas Towles Thornton, member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from Bourbon county, 1837. There were probably other children. 152. Philip6 Thornton (brother of preceding), born April 28, 177-, died May 29, 1829. Member of the House of Delegates of Virginia from Spotsylvania county, in 1828. Married Sarah Taliaferro, daughter of Capt. Francis Conway, of Port Conway, King George county. Issue: (1), Elizabeth Fitzhugh, born August 8, 1801, died March 6, 1806; (2), Sarah Taliaferro, born August 6, 1804, died Oct. 4, 1890; married John Champe Stanard, of "Roxbury," Spotsylvania county; (3), Rowland Conway, born April 6, 1808; (4), Francis Fitzhugh Conway, born September 6, 1810, (6), Elizabeth Fitzhugh, born April 9, 1813, died July 4, 1814; (6), Col. Lewis Bedford, born May 28, 1815, removed to Tuscumbia, Ala.; was several times in the Legislature of that State. Married twice, and left children; (7), Philip Anthony, born May 28, 1818, was lost at sea in the North Pacific; (8), Charles Walker, born December 4, 1819, died May 25, 1822; (9), Thomas Jefferson, born January 24, 1822, married in Louisiana; moved to Oregon, where he died September 17, 1877, leaving children. 153, Dr. Charles Taliaferro6 Thornton (brother of preceding), married Anne Buckner. 158, john rootes6 thornton (brother of preceding), born November 4, 1786, removed to Bourbon county, Ky., where he became a prominent lawyer, and was member of the Kentucky House of Representatives 1844, and State Senate 1829-'33, 1833-'37; married Elizabeth M. Owings, and died December 4, 1873. 160, Walker6 Thornton (brother of preceding), removed to the West; married Sally Caldwell, and left children. 159, Lewis6 Thornton (brother of preceding), married, first, Anne Bedford; second, Eliza Caldwell; third, Ann Curry. 171, Dr. William Tucker Thornton (Charles,5 Anthony,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), born May 1, 1808, and removed with his father to Oldham county, Ky., about 1812; married, March, 1833, Caroline Jefferson Taylor, daughter of Major William Taylor (of the Virginia Revolutionary army), and died in this place, 1874. Issue: (1), Louisa, died in childhood; (2), Virginia, died in childhood; (3), Anna, died in childhood; (3), Paul Fitzhugh, judge of court of Vernon county, Texas, 1872-'82, served in Confederate States army as captain, surrendering at Shreveport, La., June, 1865, now resides at Austin, Texas, married, January 11, 1872, Medora M. Rogers, of Clinton, Mo., and has several children; (4), William Taylor, served Confederate States army, member of State Legislature of Missouri, was, in 1896, etc., governor of the Territory of New Mexico, married, June 30, 1868, Henel Maltby, of Sedalia, Mo., no issue; (5), James Jameson, married December 24, 1872, Sue Horton, Lafayette county, Mo., and has one daughter, Carrie Weaver Thornton; (6), Caroline Virginia, married first, on March 15, 1868, W. S. Stone; married, second. Horner C. Wilson, Waco, Texas. 180, Anthony6 Thornton (George,5 Anthony,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), born October 14, 1790, was for many years justice of the peace and captain of militia in Green county, Va., and died February 4, 1855. He married May 27, 1816, Nancy Twyman, and had issue: (1), Dr. George A., born November 19, 1817, lived at Buckersville, Greene county, died unmarried February 1, 1860; (2), Samuel; (3), Francis, born January 4, 1820, married E. L. Walker, Madison county; (4), Jackson L., of Greene county, born September 22, 1868, married first, Sarah A. Buckner (issue died in infancy), and second, Mary Mansfield, and had issue: William P., married Lizzie Pendleton; Leila, married J. C. Gentry, Baltimore; Clarence, Cecil Devol, and Kenneth. 184, General William Fitzhugh6 Thornton (Reuben,5 Anthony,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), born October 4, 1789, in Hanover county, removed first to Kentucky and afterwards to Illinois, where he was a prominent citizen, married Anne McClenahan, of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and had issue: (1), Mildred Eliza Ann; (2), Margaret Mary, married M. M. Berge; (3), Anne Grymes; (4), Maria Louisa, married ___ Holloway; (5), Mildred Eliza Antonia; (6), William Wedderburn, Shelbyville, Ill.; (7), Thomas McClenahan, Shelbyville, Ill. 189, Francis Anthony6 Thornton (Presley,5 Anthony,4 Anthony,3 Francis,2 William1), entered U. S. N. in 1812 as purser, and served until his death, February, 1862. He married Sallie Donaldson, daughter of Dr. Heap, of Shippensburg, Pa., and sister of Dr. Heap, U. S. Consul in Turkey, and had issue: (1), Margaret Donaldson, married Commodore John B. Marchand, U. S. N.; (2), Frances Antonia, married Admiral Geo. F. Emmons, U. S. N.; and had, with other issue, a son, Lieutenant Geo. Thornton Emmons, U. S. N.; (3), Elizabeth Presley, married Admiral Thornton A. Jenkins, U. S. N.; (4), Virginia; (5), Alice Presley; (6), Burwell Bassett, died in infancy; (7), Francis, died unmarried. 223, Rev. Francis7 Thornton (Francis,6 Francis,5 Francis,4 Francis,3 Francis,2 William1), of "Fall Hill," born September 12, 1796, died. 1881; was a minister in Kentucky, and a soldier in the war of 1812; married first, Jane W., daughter of Col. John Thornton, of "Thornton Hill"; second, Susan "Wormeley, issue: (1), Mary, married ___ Clinton, Louisville, Ky.; (2), Mary, married first, ___ Grant, Louisville, and second, ___ Slaughter: (3), Doctor Francis of Louisville, surgeon Confederate States army, killed at Chattanooga in 1863. 224, Harry Innes7 Thornton (brother of the preceding), born April 3, 1797, died 1867, judge of the Supreme Court of Alabama, and of the Court of Claims, San Francisco, married Lucy, sister of John J. Crittenden, United States Senator. Issue: (1), Margaret, born 1828, married first, in 1841, H. M. Judge, and second, in 1859, J. C. Fall; (2), Sarah, born 1825, married Judge James D. Thornton, of the Supreme Court of California, a native of Virginia, and had issue: Crittenden, married Helen Collin; Lizzie, married Captain J. C. Watson, United States navy; Ann Mary, married Lieutenant Chapman Todd; William; Gertrude, married Commander Henry Glass, United States navy; Harry I.: Margaret, married Abbot Kinney; John T.; Virginia J.; (3), Gertrude, 1827-'53, married David Creswell; (4), Colonel Harry I., married his first-cousin, K. M. Thornton, and died without issue; (5), Elizabeth, married B. R. Nesbett. 226, James Innes7 Thornton (brother of preceding), born October, 1800, died September, 1877; Secretary of State of Alabama, and held other prominent offices; married first, Mary Glover, and second, Ann Smith. Issue (first marriage): (1), Mary, married ___ McIntyre; (second marriage): (2), George F.; (3), Kate M., married Col. Harry I. Thornton; (4), Innes, married Col. Brown; (5), Butler, married Murry Taylor; (6), Harry I., married Mrs. Sarah (Gould) Goudy. As this Thornton pedigree has run out to an unexpected length, it has been necessary to conclude it with this installment, in which it has also been necessary to condense as much as possible, and to omit the detail given in the former numbers. The compiler expects, in the future, to reprint in book form the account of the Thorntons, and urgently requests that corrections of errors in the published genealogy may be sent to him, as well as such additional data as will enable him to make the republication as complete as possible. Full accounts, to the present day, are desired of all lines which have not been traced in these articles, with all possible dates, accounts of civil or military offices held, etc. Corrections of errors will be printed in the Quarterly. W. G. Stanard 314 W. Cary Street, Richmond, Va. Alice Thornton.—"Daughter of Col. Francis Thornton, of Snow Greek, Caroline county, Va. Mr. Stanard, in his account of the Thornton family, does not state the fact that the above-named Alice was first wife of James Taylor, of Orange, eldest son of James Taylor and his wife Martha Thompson. The proof is as follows: James Taylor, the nephew of Reuben Thornton, was also his executor and one of his legatees. He was the son of James Taylor, of Orange, and was the well-known Col. James Taylor, of Midway, Caroline county. He was the father of Gen. James Taylor, of Newport, Kentucky. See Taylor MSS. Gen. James Taylor was well known as a most accurate and conscientious man. In his MSS. account of the Taylor family and of his own life he states that his grandmother was Alice Thornton. Many years ago this Gen. James Taylor, Gen. Memican Hunt, and Hon. Mr. Robert Taylor, of Orange, met by appointment at Washington (probably when Mr. Robert Taylor was in Congress), in order to make an accurate chart of the Taylor family, and each one kept a copy of the chart they made out. I have a chart made out from Mr. Robert Taylor's chart, with additions to it. This copy was made in 1848, and carefully compared with original. The chart proves that the wife of James Taylor, of Orange, born in 1707, was Alice Thornton, and their daughter, Alice Thornton Taylor, married Anthony Winston, and the Winston records agree with the Taylor's. Beyond all doubt a man like Gen. James Taylor, of Newport) Ky., who took great interest in his family history and left a lengthy MSS., a large part of which is about his family, knew his own grandmother's name. Page 55 The Merriwether book proves the marriages of the two Merriwethers to the Misses Thornton. Gen. Memican Hunt's copy of the Taylor chart, lost for many years, has recently been recovered from a junk shop in New Orleans, and this corresponds in the Alice Thornton matter with the chart the writer has."—A. G. Grinnan, M.D., P. O. Madison Mills, Va. |
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