Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography, edited by James
Grant Wilson, John Fiske and Stanley L. Klos. Six volumes, New York: D. Appleton
and Company, 1887-1889 and 1999. Virtualology.com warns that these 19th Century
biographies contain errors and bias. We rely on volunteers to edit the historic
biographies on a continual basis. If you would like to edit this biographyplease
submit a rewritten biography in text form.
If acceptable, the new biography will be published above the 19th Century
Appleton's Cyclopedia Biography citing the volunteer editor
Virtual American Biographies
Over 30,000 personalities
with thousands of 19th Century illustrations, signatures, and exceptional life
stories. Virtualology.com
welcomes editing and additions to the
biographies. To become this site's editor or a contributor
Click Here
or e-mail Virtualology here.
THORNTON, Sir William, English soldier, born in England about 1775; died near Hanwell, England, 6 April, 1840. He was commissioned as ensign in the British army on 21 March, 1796, and had risen to the rank of major in August, 180'7, when he was appointed military secretary to Sir James H. Craig, lieutenant-governor of Lower Canada. He returned to England in 1811, and in 1813 was assigned to the command of the 85th regiment. He served in Spain and southern France, took part in the battle of the Hive, was afterward sent to this country, in May, 1814, commanded the brigade of light infantry that formed the advance-guard of General Robert Ross's expedition up the Chesapeake, and wits seriously wounded and made prisoner at Bladensburg. Being exchanged for Commander Joshua Barney, he went with the army that was sent against New Orleans in the following October, commanded the advance on the landing of the troops, took part in the chief operations, and in the general attack on the American lines commanded a detached force on the west bank of the Mississippi, and was severely wounded. He attained the rank of lieutenant-general in 1838.
Unauthorized Site:
This site and its contents are not affiliated, connected,
associated with or authorized by the individual, family,
friends, or trademarked entities utilizing any part or
the subject's entire name. Any official or affiliated
sites that are related to this subject will be hyper
linked below upon submission
and Evisum, Inc. review.
Please join us in our mission to incorporate The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America discovery-based curriculum into the classroom of every primary and secondary school in the United States of America by July 2, 2026, the nation’s 250th birthday. , the United States of America: We The
People. Click Here
