Anthony THORNTON, Congress, IL (1814-1904)

THORNTON, Anthony, a Representative from Illinois; born near Paris, Bourbon County, Ky., November 9, 1814; attended the common schools and Centre College, Danville, Ky.; was graduated from Miami University, Ohio, in 1834; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Shelbyville, Ill., in 1836; major of militia during the war with Mexico; delegate to the State constitutional conventions in 1847 and 1862; member of the State house of representatives in 1850; elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-ninth Congress (March 4, 1865-March 3, 1867); was not a candidate for renomination in 1866; resumed the practice of law; justice of the supreme court of Illinois from 1870 to 1873, when he resigned; president of the State bar association for four terms; chairman of the State board of arbitration 1895-1897; died in Shelbyville, Shelby County, Ill., on September 10, 1904; interment in Glenwood Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present