Re: pedigree of Moses A. Thornton b. fl 1847
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In reply to:
pedigree of Moses A. Thornton b. fl 1847
William Thornton 10/06/09
I expect you have searched the 1850 and 1860 U.S. censuses. This would be my first recommendation.
The Thornton surname has a substantial genealogical presence in Ireland. I suspect that Moses' parents or grandparents were Irish immigrants. The southern states advertised in Ireland with promises of free land, usually 200+ acres. However most of the Thornton rcds are for Catholics. There are NO surviving Thornton B/M rcds in Ireland with this forename; therefore, it wasn't a name used in earlier generations. The use of Moses as a forename suggests his lineage had long been in contact with the predominantly protestant south.
Of the 3,424 surviving Thornton B rcds in Ireland, 285 are forenamed John. The earliest B rcd for John is in 1739, Co. Meath.
Moses MAY have served in the CSA, or one of the state militias. While the Confederacy wasn't noted for being organized, rcds for soldiers were kept. I believe surviving confederate service rcds are kept by the National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132. Google the name to reach its website. Then download an information request form, complete it, and send it with the requisite fee to the address indicated. The Daughters of the Confederacy are a tighly knit group which has zealously preserved rcds. This may also be a good contact.
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Re: pedigree of Moses A. Thornton b. fl 1847
William Thornton 11/18/09