4th Sgt. William M. Thornton

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William M. Thornton - Pvt. 10/15/1861. Appointed 5th Sgt. June 1863; 4th Sgt. August 22, 1864. Surrendered at Appomattox, Va. 4/9/1865.

US Federal Census records for 1860 reveal William was born in Georgia about 1841, farmer, single, living with mother, Elizabeth Thornton, age 39, seven siblings, property valued at $750. Source: 1860 US Census, Elbert County, GA, page 81.

Elberton Star Newspaper
Thursday August 9, 1900

One by one the Confederate veterans answer the last roll call and fight the last battle of life. The last of these, who passed to the world beyond Tuesday afternoon, was Mr. W. M. Thornton. His death was not unexpected by his family as he has been in feeble health for some time. Wednesday morning, however, he seemed to be improving and sat on the front porch chatting pleasantly with his family and at the supper table he seemed cheerful when he was stricken down and fell from his chair.

Mr. Thornton was one of Elberton's best citizens and held the confidence and esteem of all our people, having served as Treasurer for four years, during which time he made a good and efficient officer. When the Civil War broke out he was among the first to go from Elbert County, where he stayed for four years, battling the cause he thought just and right. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Jones. Their home was blessed with seven children, six of whom survive him: Dozier, Thomas, Julia, Daisy, Emma and William Thornton. He joined the Baptist Church at Doves Creek when a boy and afterward transferred his membership to Elberton and was a steadfast believer in the faith. The interment took place at the cemetery Friday afternoon, Rev H. W. Williams officiating.

Obituary courtesy of Mr. Jeff Taylor


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