Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File B. L. Wt. 1870-450, for John Thornton, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Thornton, John
B.L. Wt 1870-450
CONTENTS

Thornton. The undersigned James Madison Winston on behalf of the heirs at law (in right of his deceased mother), of the late Col. John Thornton presents this application to the Department of War of the United States for a warrant for the bounty land due & unclaimed to his late grandfather for his services in the Revolutionary War as Lieut Colonel of Infantry in the Virginia line on Continental establishment in the war aforesaid. He respectfully refers the Department to the evidence on file in the House of Representatives of the United States which accompanied the petition of Mrs. Jane Thornton at the late session of Congress & to the Report of the Committee on Revolutionary claims to whom it & the documentary testimony were referred. The undersigned represents that except Alfred A. Thornton he is the only one of the heirs, now of lawful age. The children of Col. Thornton are all dead. Teste James M c Winston
J. S. Barbour

I certify that James Madison Thornton prisoner subscribing the within power is the same person mentioned in the accompanying certificate of the Court of Kentucky County
J. S. Brabour April 19 th 1839

John Thornton N o 1870.

At a Court held for Culpeper County on Monday the 16 th day of January 1832.
The Court doth order it to be certified that Col. John Thornton late of the Virginia Continental line, departed this life some time since leaving as heirs at law, James Madison Thornton Winston, who departed this life on the 15 th day of October 1831. in the 29 th year of his age, only child and heir at law of his Daughter Mary Thornton , who was his Mother, and who intermarried with Doct r Isaac Winston, and departed this life before her Father, Francis G. Thornton, Mary Francis and Elizabeth Thornton, only Children and heirs at law of Jane W. Thornton who was a Daughter of Col. John Thornton, but departed this life and who intermarried with Francis Thornton, but who departed this life before her said Father, and Geo. W. S. Thornton, and that they are the only heirs at law of said Col. John Thornton at the time of his death, but that his Daughter Francis G. Thornton is since dead, leaving the following Children, Alfred A. Thornton, Matilda A. S. Thornton, Caroline H. Thornton who has since intermarried with Francis Thompson, George W. Thornton & Aylatt H. Thornton. That his son George W. S. Thornton is likewise since dead leaving one child named Jane W. Thornton that she is his only heir at law; and that Isaac Winston (his father) is heir at law, Distributee and devisee of said James Madison Thornton Winston. In Testimony that

the foregoing is a true Copy from the Records, J. Francis J Lightfoot, Clerk, have hereto Subscribed my name and Affixed the Seal of the Said Court this 16 th day of January 1832
Signed J J Lightfoot
The foregoing is truly Copied from the original, which original was deposited in the Gen l Land Office on the 4 th of August January 1832. Accompanied by Land Warrant N o  1808 1870 issued to the heirs of Col. John Thornton
Wm Gordon. Clk

Case of the hairs of Lt. Col. John Thornton
Approved
L. G.
Dec. 12. 1831

Dep t . of War, Bounty Land Office Nov r . 28 th 1831
It is respectfully reported to the Hon ble Secretary of War, that an application for bounty land, has been filed in this Office by the Heirs of John Thornton, deceased, who was a Lieut t Colonel of the Virginia, Continental line in the War of the Revolution; and this Department is referred to the files of the House of Representatives for the evidence upon which the Applicants rely, for the establishment of their claim.
The papers containing the evidence referred to, have been furnished this Office by the Clerk of the House of Rep s , and have undergone a careful investigation; from which it appears that, Col. John Thornton was appointed a Captain in 1775. in the 3 d Virg a . Reg t commanded by Col. Hugh Mercer; and that he received his Commission, as such, from Congress, in 1776. It further appears that, he was appointed a Major in 1777 in the Regiment commanded by Col. Thruston, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Lieut t Colonel; and continued in active Service until the summer of 1778, at which period, his Regiment, as well as some others, being incomplete, a consolidation took place, which left him without a command in the Continental line of the Army. It further appears by the evidence of Capt s Reuben Moore, Thomas Vaughan, and Reuben Rosen, that in the year 1781. when the

State of Virginia was invaded by Cornwallis, that Col. Thornton was in command as an Officer of the Continental line; and that he acted by, and under the orders of Major Genl. Lafayette, in that character; that he discharged this duty in the year 1781. It is also proven by the testimony of Col. Abraham Maury, and other living witnesses, that the said Thornton never did resign his Commission.
The Resolution of Congress bearing date October 1780 promised half pay for life to all those Officers who should serve to the close of the War, or who might become Supernumerary; also grants of Land at the close of the War, agreeably to the Resolution of the 16 th Septem r 1776.
The doubts existing in this Office in relation to the right to bounty lands from the U. States, by Col. Thornton, grew out of the fact that, his name is not returned on the list of Officers of the Virginia Continental line, on file in this Department, among those, entitled to that bounty. This fact, although justly operating, is not deemed conclusive against his claim; inasmuch as, it is believed that our Records are not altogether perfect in relation to Supernumerary Officers.
The evidence adduced in relation to the rank and services of Genl. Col. Thornton, in the Continental line of the Army, up to the Summer of 1778. is deemed incontrovertible: The facts in relation to his subsequent service in 1781. appear to be sustained by credible & respectable

testimony, and necessarily leads to the conviction that, he never resigned his Commission; hence, that he ought to be considered as a Supernumerary or deranged Officer, as late as the year 1781, and therefore entitled to bounty land from the U. States. agreeably to the Resolves of Congress of Sept r 1776. and October 1780.
The report of the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, and the Bill predicated thereon, (Copies of which are herewith submitted) shew that, that Committee considered Col. Thornton as entitled to the benefits of the Resolutions of Congress of Oct r 1780. and of March 22 d 1783, by their reporting a bill. declaring that, "the commutation of five years full pay is now due to his legal representatives." If this bill, which appears to have had two readings, be finally passed, then the right to commutation being confirmed, the right to bounty land from the U. States, follows, as a necessary consequence — Should the bill in question be, on the contrary, finally rejected, or modified, the right to land bounty would remain unimpaired, if it be conceded that the claimants have satisfactorily proved that Col. Thornton became a reduced or Supernumerary Officer even as early as the year 1778, and that, he did not at any subsequent period of the War, resign his Commission.
The Hon ble Secretary of War
I have the Honor to be With great Respect &c H. Gordon

DEPARTMENT OF WAR.
Regulations for the heirs of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, who were slain by the enemy, or who have died since the War, and have not received Land from the United States.
By an Act of Congress, of the 16th September, 1776, it is provided, that the Officers and Soldiers who engaged for, and continued to serve, during the War, or until discharged by Congress, and the heirs of such Officers and Soldiers as shall be slain by the enemy, shall receive land in proportion to their rank.
N. B. Those who engaged for three years, or for any other period than during the war, or who died of sickness, fatigue, or casualty, are not entitled to land from the United States.
The following declaration (and enclosed blank form of heirship) must be filled up and signed by the proper authorities :
State of Virginia County of Culpeper }
I, Isaac Winston one of the heirs at law of John Thornton do upon oath testify and declare, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that John Thornton did enter in 1775, for the term of during the war, and served the Regiment No. as a Lieut. Colonel under the command of Colonel _____ of the Virginia Continental line ; and that he continued in the service aforesaid until he was rendered Supernumerary in 1778. I further declare, that I have never received a warrant for the Bounty Land promised to St. Colonel John Thornton on the part of the United States ; nor do I believe that he ever received it, or transferred his claim to it in any manner whatsoever : therefore, Isaac Winston
Know all men by these presents, that I, _____ aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint _____ to be my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States, a warrant for the quantity of Land due to me as aforesaid ; and my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or attorneys under him, for the special purposes above expressed.
Attest, Subscribed and sworn to before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid. This 2 nd day of August. 1832  H. M. Thompson
Personally appeared the above named _____ subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and in my presence acknowledged the power of attorney thereto subjoined to be free act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
Attest,
Justice of the Peace.
In testimony that the above-written _____ was a magistrate authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, &c., in the State of _____ at the above date, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature, I have hereunto affixed the county seal, and subscribed my name and quality, at _____ this _____ day of _____ 1832
18
In testimony that the above written Hugh M. Thompson was a Magistrate authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments &c. in the State of Virginia at the above date, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature, I have hereunto affixed the County Seal, and subscribed my name and quality, at Culpeper Court House the 2 nd day of August 1832
Hugh M. Thompson C. Clerk, &c. Elizabeth Black the Clerk, County of Culpeper

Copied from M.M. 77.
August 4, 1931
Mrs. Philip A. Spence Wytheville Virginia
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section B.I.Wt.#1870-450-John Thornton EHL
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the records of this office that John Thornton was appointed a captain in 1776 in the Third Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Hugh Mercer, promoted Major in Colonel Thruston's Regiment and subsequently became a Lieutenant Colonel and continued in service until the summer of 1778.
In 1781 when Virginia was invaded by Cornwallis he was in command as an officer under Major General Lafayette.
His children were Mary Thornton who married Dr. Isaac Winston. Their son, James Madison Winston, died October 15, 1831, and in April of that year was a resident of Culpeper County, Virginia.
Jane W. Thornton who married Francis Thornton. Their children were Francis G. Thornton, Mary Frances Thornton and Elizabeth Thornton.
George W.S. Thornton who had a daughter Jane W.Thornton.
Francis G. Thornton, name of husband not stated, died leaving the following children: Alfred A. Thornton, Mattie A.S.Thornton, Caroline H. Thornton (who married Francis Thompson) George W.Thornton and Aylett H. Thornton.
The above noted heirs were allowed bounty land in full satisfaction for services rendered by John Thornton, War of the Revolution.
This is the history of the only soldier named John Thornton, of Virginia, found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
Letter in case Raymond Ward 8, 32047

(Copy)
21 st Congress 2 d Session H. R. 593.
July 2 d 1831. Read twice, and committed to a Com tee of the whole house to- morrow
Mr. Crane, from the Com tee of Revolu n Claims reported the following Bill.
A. Bill. For the relief of the legal representatives of Col. Jn s Thornton deceased
Be it enacted by the Senate and Ho. of Rep s of the U. States in Congress assembled, That the proper accounting officers of the Treas y be directed to settle and adjust the account of the late Col. John Thornton deceased, for five years full pay, in commutation of the half pay for life, promised by the Resolves of Congress to the Officers of the Continental Line in the War of the Revolution; and that the same, together with the interest thereon, at the rate of _____ per Centum per Annum, be paid to Mrs. Jane Thornton as Trustee for the distributees of the said Col. John Thornton, to be divided among them according to the laws of Virginia directing the distribution of the estates of persons dying intestate; which Sum of Money shall be paid out of any Money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated

Dear Sir.
I enclose you the paper properly authenticated.
I be good enough to see that all right is done.
I expect to be in Washington early next week
With friendly Respect J. S. Borrow
Kueper Aug. 2 nd 1892

Sir.
Chesapeake County April 8 th 1831
The enclosed application is sent you, in order that the subject may be brought under your investigation as early as may be convenient. A power of attorney will be executed by Alfred A. Thornton & myself to a common friend who will visit Washington the last of this week. Mr Thornton is now absent but will be here in time to execute the power of attorney. And my object in now writing you is get an early decision on the subject & to prevent delay when we send on. The certificate of the Court will show who are the heirs at Law & that is also enclosed to you. The evidence of service & that my grandfather was a reduced pensioner at the close of the war is believed to be sufficient, it was so held to be, by the H o of Delegates of Virg a & by the Com e of the House of Representatives of the M o State.

The proof these facts are also on the files.
Very Respectfully Yrs
James M c Winston
W. Gordon Esq:

Rev War Columbia, Mo. June 29 th - 1920.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington. D.C.
Will you kindly advise me of any record you may have of the Revolution -ary services of Col. John Thornton of Va. (wife Mil- -dred Gregory). Also a list

of his children and greatly obliged
Lucile Rucker. N. 8 th Street.
Columbia.
Missouri.

712 1/2 Y. Gang Blvd., Dallas, Texas. January 2nd, 1925.
Bureau of Pensions, War Department, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
I am desirous of obtaining membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and have been referred to you for information in regard to the Thornton genealogy.
Can you tell me whether or not John Thornton, -son of Anthony Thornton, Sr., and a brother of Anthony Thornton, Jr., of Ormsby, Caroline Co., Virginia (who rendered distinguished service) - rendered

2 service during the Revolution? If so, for how long and in what capacity?
Our family records show that M rs  Ann Thornton, Sr., rendered valuable service both prior to and during the Revolution. Can you give me any information sub- stantiating this?
If there is any you for this information, kindly advise me - I will be glad to remit promptly.
Thanking you in anticipation for your courtesy in the matter, I am,
Very respectfully, Mrs. W. F. Drake.

V.L.M. Rev. War Sec.
October 14, 1930.
Lucile Hucker, N. 8" Street, Columbia, Missouri.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 28" of June, you are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau show that John Thornton was appointed a Captain in 1776 in the Third Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Hugh Mercer, promoted Major in 1777 in Colonel Thruston's Regiment and subsequently became a Lieutenant Colonel and continued in service until the summer of 1778. In 1781 when Virginia was invaded by Cornwallis he was in command as an officer under Major General Lafayette.
His children were Mary Thornton who married Dr. Isaac Winston, their son James Madison Thornton Winston died October 15, 1831.
Jane W. Thornton who married Francis Thornton, their children were Francis G. Thornton, Mary Frances Thornton and Elizabeth Thornton.
George W. S. Thornton who had a daughter Jane W. Thornton.

Frances G. Thornton, name of husband not stated, she died leaving the following children: Alfred A. Thornton, Matilda A. S. Thornton, Caroline H. Thornton (who married Francis Thompson) George W. Thornton and Aylett H. Thornton.
The above noted heirs were allowed bounty land in full satisfaction for services rendered.
Very respectfully,
F. D. Byington Acting Commissioner.

MMH
January 23, 1925
Mrs. W. F. Drake 7182 North Zang(?) Blvd., Dallas, Texas
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau it appears that John Thornton was appointed a Captain in 1776 in the Third Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Hugh Mercer, promoted Major in 1777 in Colonel Thruston's Regiment and subsequently became a Lieutenant Colonel and continued in service until the summer of 1778.
In 1781 when Virginia was invaded by Cornwallis he was in command as an officer under Major General LaFayette.
His children were Mary Thornton who married Dr. Isaac Winston, their son James Madison Thornton Winston died October 15, 1831 and in April of that year was a resident of Culpeper County, Virginia.
Jane W. Thornton who married Francis Thornton, their children were Francis G. Thornton, Mary Frances Thornton and Elizabeth Thornton.
George W. S. Thornton who had a daughter Jane W.

Scott
Thornton.
Frances G. Thornton, name of husband not stated, died leaving the following children: Alfred A. Thornton, Matilda A. S. Thornton, Caroline H. Thornton (who married Francis Thompson), George W. Thornton and Ay-lett H. Thornton.
The above noted heirs were allowed bounty land in full satisfaction for services rendered by John Thornton, War of the Revolution.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.