MILTON THORNTON BAGLEY BUNKER JENKINS THOMPSON Milton THORNTON, who is living retired in the city of Geneva, has been a resident of Kane Co. for more than 61 years, having located here in May 1837, at a time when the whole country was comparatively new, the cabins of the settlers being few and far between. He is a native of New Hampshire, born in the town of Thornton, Grafton Co., Oct. 20, 1809. His father, William THORNTON, was also a native of NH and a direct decendant of Matthew THORNTON, of national reputation, and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was a farmer in NH, and there spent his entire life. His wife was Polly BAGLEY, a daughter of Winthrop BAGLEY, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Milton THORNTON grew to manhood in his native state, and had but limited educational advantages. He is mostley self-educated, his knowledge, which is of a practical nature, being acquired since reaching mature years. He remained on the home farm with his father, assisting in its cultivation until he was 28 years old. He then came west by way of the New York and Erie Canal and the Great Lakes, to Chicago, and crossed the Fox River at Geneva may 24, 1837. He at once took up a claim in the town of Virgil, Kane co., comprising of a tract of 275 acres, on which he built a dwelling house, and fencing the land, began its improvement. In due time he had a splendid farm, on which he resided for about 40 years. He first built a small house, to which additins were later made. For seven years after his arrival in Kane co., Mr. THORNTON lived a bachelor's life, and during that time suffered from fever and ague, the prevailing disease of that eary time, and also endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. His first marriage was in June 1844, when he married Miss Ruth JENKINS, a native of Columbia Co., NY, who came to Illinois with her father, Joseph JENKINS, who was also a pioneer of Kane Co. There were 2 children by this union, both of whom died in childhood. This wife died Jan 27, 1847, and Mr THORNTON nexted married Paulina BUNKER, the wedding ceremony taking place Dec. 23, 1847. She was a native of Columbia Co. NY, and died May 16, 1876, at the age of 65 years. There were also 2 children by this marriage and they also died in childhood. In Campton township, may 31, 1877, Mr. THORNTON married Mary C. THOMPSON, a native of Greenbrier Co., WVA, who came to Illinois in childhood, and was reared in Kane Co. Her faterh, Robert THOMPSON, was also a native of W. VA., and one of the pioneers of Kane Co. In early life, Mr. THOMPSON was an old-line Whig, and cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay in 1832. In 1840 he voted, in Kane co., for Harrison and Tyler, "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." Being a strong anti-slavery man, and a believer in equal rights for all, he voted for John C. Fremont, in 1856, and has since been a staunch Republican, casting his last presidential vote at the age of 87 for William McKinley and protection. He has never missed a presidential election since casting his first vote for that office. He has held several local positions of honor and trust, including township supervisor, justice of the peace, road commissioner and in what ever position elected, made a faithful and efficient officer. He and his wife are members of the Unitarian church, being a firm believer in its doctrines and tenets. By his exemplary habits and upright character, he has won the respect and esteem of all who know him. The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Illinois S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. July, 1898 pg. 12 Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above parties. Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.