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THORNTON, William A., soldier, born in New York state in 1803: died on Governor's island, New York harbor, 6 April, 1866. He was graduated at the United States military academy in 1825, and assigned to the artillery. He was made captain of ordnance on 7 July, 1838, commanded the ordnance depot in New York and the Watervliet and St. Louis arsenals, served on boards for the trial of small arms and cannon, and was inspector of contract arms in 1858-'61. He was promoted major on 28 May, 1861, and was commander of Watervliet arsenal till 1863, and subsequently inspector of contract arms and ordnance till his death, being promoted lieutenant-colonel of ordnance on 3 March, 1863, colonel on 15 September, 18G3, and brigadier-general by brevet on 13 March. 1865. During the last year of his life he was commandant of the New York arsenal on Governor's island.
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