Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-05-13

DR.. William Alexander Thorn. for
merry of Northampton county. Virginia,
but more recently spending much of
his til e in this city. departed this life
yesterday morning at 3 O'clock at the
residence of his SON, Mr.. Alfred z.
Thorn. of this city.
DIR, Thorn had reached an advanced
ase. being at The time of his death
in his .9th year.
He came of distinguished lineage. be-
lag the grandson of Alexander Thorn,
who espoused the cause OF the Pretend
CT. and, after the battle OF Culloden
Moor. was Obliged, with the other con-
spicuous followers OF the pretender, to
leave Scotland
lie settled in Wcs,moreland county,
Virginia, finally removing 10 Culpeper.
One OF his sons. John Thorn. married.
Abby DcHart Mayo. daughter OF Col
onel William Mayo, OF Powhatan seat,
near Richmond. and DR.. William Alex
ander Thorn Was one OF The children of
this union.
He WAS educated at William and
Mary College. ard 1T the Medical Col
lego of Virginia.
In 1871 he settled in Northampton
county. Virginia. where he practiced
his profession, with most distinguished
success. Tor many years
IN CONFEDERATE SERVICE.
on the breaking out of the war be-
tween the states he was made chair
man of the Committee of Safety on the
Eastern shore. and when the Confed-
crate forces evacuated the Eastern
Shore counties. he went to Richmond.
where. as surgeon in the Confederate
states army. he had charge successive
IN OF tho Rppnar no NH
q division In the Jackson Hospital
In 1864 he was detailed by the sur
geon general TO inspect and report on
the hospital service OF tn trans Mis-
sissirpi Department. In performing this
duty he was captured. and for a con-
siderable time imprisoned in New Or
leans, being. however, finally released.
RESUMED PRACTICE.
After the war hc returned to North
ampton county and continued the prac-
tice Of his profession until about four
teen years ago. when he retired from
active work and devoted his time to
MS farming interests on his beautiful
plantation of Stociucy, and TO the graf
iiicalion of his literary tastes.
y CONSPICUOUS FIGURE.
During I'll his career on the Eastern
shore. and in the Confederate service.
l)r Thom was most conspicuous fig
ure. and bore an honorable and un-
'i''''s'hSt ittlNtslltNll- lie WIS -EOnl-
nent IN politics being for many years
a member of the State Committee of the
Democratic party.
Recently. on account Of impaired eye
ssht and falling health ana strength.
hc has taken but little uart in public
TITITT9, nUI has STI.T- IT'S vTInc suT-
rounded by the love and Devotion Of his
cNldron and of a large circle OF friends,
ia whom his gentle courtesy. his un-
ialling sympa thy ana Kindness and his
loity character have greatly endearcd
him.
HIS FAMILY
In 1874 he married Miss Anna Parker.
daughter OF DR.. Jacob G. Parker. OF
No!thampton county. Il lady OF fine cub
ture and rare Christian virtues. who
preceded him 10 the grave by about five
years He leaves surviving him n
daughter Miss Marion T.. Thorn and a.
son, Alfred l.. Thorn OF this city An
other son, DR.. William \ Thorn. Jr.
Il prominent physician, and for many
Years Quarantine m-d.cal officer of this
port, died in. 1884.
y DEVOUr CHRISTIAN.
Dr Thcm was a veStrymar of Christ
Episcopal Church in Eastville for many
years. was actively engaged in church
work. and was frequently elected a Law
delegate TO >the church conventions.
During his stay in Norfolk he attended
81. Lukes Episcopal Church, from
which his cbseQuies will be held az | D.
M. to-day. In the absence from the city
of the rector. Rev. \ s. Lloyd they
will be conducted by Rev. DR. B., d
Tucker. OF st. Paul's. and Rev. DR..
G. T.. Grammer. OF Christ Church.
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