Thornton, John Wingate, 1818-1878

John Wingate Thornton (1818-1878), a Boston lawyer, historian and antiquary, was a founder of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and was elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society in 1855. He authored several books, including _The Landing at Cape Ann_ (Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 1854) and _The Pulpit of the American Revolution_ (Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 1860), as well as several articles and pamphlets, including _The First Records of Anglo-American Colonization: Their History_ (Boston: Gould and Lincoln, 1859) and his speech upon the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Mayflower Compact. His controversial remarks at the Popham Celebration of 29 August 1862 were considered "not in harmony with the spirit of the occasion," and were excluded from the memorial volume; Thornton subsequently had his remarks privately printed (_Colonial Schemes of Popham and Gorges; Speech of John Wingate Thornton, Esq., at the Fort Popham Celebration, 19 August 1862_, Boston, 1863) and sent copies to individuals, libraries, and historical societies as far away as Wisconsin.

From the description of Papers, 1850-1877. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 207175328

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