My Genealogy Hound

EDWARD S. THORNTON is a native of Johnson County, Mo. He was born May 9, 1822, to John and Elizabeth (Wayland) Thornton, both of whom were Virginians by birth. The father devoted his early life to mechanical pursuits, but moved to Missouri after his marriage, located in Johnson County and engaged in farming. There he served the people as judge of the county. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812. His father, George Thornton, lived to be over one hundred years old. To the parents of our subject were born eight children: Angelina, Eliza, Julia, Sarah J., Adoniram J., Edward S., Elizabeth and Lucy. Edward S. remained in his native county engaged in farming until eighteen years of age, when he went to California, and resided there five years. At the outbreak of the late war, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, under Gen. Price, of Missouri, and served a period of four years. He was a member of the Second Missouri Infantry, commanded by Burbridge and Cockrill. After the war Mr. Thornton came to this county, and has since devoted his energies to farming. He has a present place of 100 acres, He married Miss Susan E. Boysseau, a daughter of Benjamin F. Boysseau, of Johnson County, Mo. This union has given six children, five of whom are living: Sarah E., Mattie D., Emma P., John A. and Richard C. Mr. Thornton is one of the present magistrates for the district, and is a farmer and citizen of substantial worth.