Thornton, James, 1727-1794

1784, James Thornton sailed from Philadelphia 5mo 24, [aged] 61. Returned 10mo 1789. Died 4mo 24th 1794, aged 67, minister 47 years. He came to Pennsylvania to settle in 1750.

<p>THORNTON, James, 1727-1794.</p>
<p>b. 1727 at Stoney Stratford, Bucks., Eng., son of James Thornton. His mother died when he was 8 years old and his father when he was only 14.</p>
<p>Helped his father in his shop until his death. Then was employed by neighbors cutting firewood and making hay, etc. Apprenticed to Edward Limpkin, a weaver where he remained over 6 years.</p>
<p>1750 emigrated to Phila., Pa. In 1751 he made a trip to New England with Jonah Thompson and upon his return opened a shop in Bristol, Pa.</p>
<p>m., 1751, Mary Knight (d. c.1793)</p>
<p>1753 had his certificate transferred to Abington, Pa. Mo. Mtg. Did considerable travelling on the eastern seaboard during the next 30 years.</p>
<p>1793 attended Phila. Y.M. despite danger of Yellow Fever.</p>
<p>d. April 24, 1794, Byberry, Pa. in his 67th year.</p>
<p>... On his marriage he settled at Byberry. He travelled many miles in the ministry and was in Europe in 1788-89.</p>