Person Page - 2

     Her common name was Jeanie. Norma Jean Thornton was enumerated as Roy Thornton. Single white male, age 15. Is able to read, write, and speak English. Attending school. Born in Iowa, as were both parents.¹ Norma was born at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, on 8 September 1939. She was the daughter of Carl Roy Thornton and Pauline M. Jackson. Norma Jean Thornton died Summer 2002 at Missouri.

     Betty was born on 29 August 1922.¹ She married Russell Claude Thornton on 23 August 1941. Betty died in August 1987 at Melcher, Iowa.¹ Her body was interred at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at Laurel Hill Cemetery.²

     Kay was born on 28 December 1942. She was the daughter of Russell Claude Thornton and Betty Turner. Kay died on 2 October 1994 at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at age 51. Her body was interred at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

     Donna was born at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, on 7 April 1945. She was the daughter of Russell Claude Thornton and Betty Turner. As of circa 1966, her married name was Mccarl. Donna Jean Thornton died on 12 May 2008 at Newton, Jasper County, Iowa, at age 63; She is survived by her children: Tammy Blalock of Melcher-Dallas, Jode (Daren) Bingham of Melcher-Dallas, and Billie (Clint Eilander) McCarl of Newton; 8 grandchildren: Wally, William, Terra, Wendi, Billy, Alyssa, Justine, and Aleea; her brother Thomas (Lily) Thornton of Knoxville; special friends Terry and Sharon McCarl of Newton; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.¹

     She married Virgil Franklin Thornton. Sally died at Louisville, Kentucky.

     Lois was born at State Center, Iowa, on 13 January 1924. She married Kenneth George Thornton at Kansas City on 29 June 1946. Lois Clemons died on 10 March 2007 at Orlando, Orange County, Florida, at age 83.¹

     Jack was born at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, on 22 June 1919. Jack's occupation: Office Worker.¹ Jack died on 3 November 1989 at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at age 70. His body was interred at located in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at Glendale Cemetery.

     Martin was born at Polk County, Iowa, on 11 April 1855.^1,2,3 He was the son of Riley H Thornton and Rachel Hayworth. The 1860 Census listed Martin Luther Thornton in addition to Rachel Hayworth, Nathan Thornton, Charity Thornton, Susanna L Thornton, George H Thornton, Richard Golden Thornton, Clara Thornton and Daniel G Thornton in the household of Riley H Thornton, in Douglas Township, Polk County, Iowa.⁴ Martin Luther Thornton was enumerated as M.L. Thornton. Male, age 5, born in Iowa.⁴ He married Rebecca A. Martin at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, on 29 November 1877.⁵ Martin Luther Thornton lived in 1891 at 1429 E Maple, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁶ He was employed at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

Martin Luther Thornton is head of household in the 1900 Census of Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as M.L. Thornton. Married white male. Born April 1858, age 42, married 22 years. Born in Iowa, both parents were born in Illinois. He is an engineer and was unemployed 0 months. He can read, write, and speak English. He rents his house. Enumerated with Martin Luther Thornton was Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton.⁷ As of 2 June 1900, Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin lived at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁷

Martin Luther Thornton is head of household in the 1910 Census of Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as M.L. Thornton. Married white male. Age 54, married 32 years. First marriage. Born in Iowa, father and mother born in Ohio. He is a steam engineer and was unemployed 10 weeks during 1909. He is able to read and write. He rents his house. He is either deaf or dumb. Enumerated with Martin Luther Thornton was Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton.⁸ As of 16 April 1910, Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin lived at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁸ Martin died on 29 September 1912 at Polk County, Iowa, at age 57. Martin L. Thornton of East Sixteenth and Garfield Streets died Sunday at the Des Moines General Hospital. He was 58 years old. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at the Greenwood Church at 9 o'clock..⁹ His body was interred on 2 October 1912 at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.

     Her last name is shown in various documents as Martin, Jones, and Johnson. She seems to be a very mysterious person as some documents list the state in which she was born as Illinois, some as Iowa and some as Kansas. Her daughter, May, who was from her first marriage, states that both May and her mother were born in Illinois and that May's parents were married in Illinois. In the 1925 Census May listed only her mother's first name and left the surname blank. It also seems May was born when her mother was 10 years old.

Had two daughters at time of marriage to M.L. Thornton: Julia and May. Julia married Tom McDonald and they had a son named Walker. Tom had a farm on Aurora.

May married Bill Olds and they had two sons: Harold and Roy. Rebecca A. Martin was also known as Anna Rebecca Jones.¹ Rebecca was born in 1854.² She married Martin Luther Thornton at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, on 29 November 1877.³ As of 29 November 1877, her married name was Thornton.⁴ Rebecca A. Martin was also known as Annie Thornton.⁵ The 1900 Census listed Rebecca A. Martin in addition to Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁶ Rebecca A. Martin was enumerated as Anna Thornton. Married white female. Born January 1958, age 42, married 22 years. Mother of 9 children, with nine children still living. This statement is incorrect because, in addition to the children born to this union, she had two daughters "Julia" and "May" from a previous marriage which would make her the mother of eleven children, ten of whom were still living. Born in Iowa, father born in Iowa, mother born in Illinois. She can read, write, and speak English.⁷ As of 2 June 1900, Rebecca A. Martin and Martin Luther Thornton lived at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁶ The 1910 Census listed Rebecca A. Martin in addition to Edward Horace Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁸ As of 16 April 1910, Rebecca A. Martin and Martin Luther Thornton lived at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁸ Rebecca A. Martin was enumerated as Anna Thornton. Married white female. Age 54, second marriage. She is the mother of 12 children, 10 of which were living. She was born in Iowa and both parents were born in Ohio. She is able to read but not write.⁸ Rebecca died circa 1918.^9,2 Her body was interred at Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.²

     His common name was Eddie. Edward was born at Iowa on 29 September 1879. He was the son of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed Edward Horace Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Edward Horace Thornton was enumerated as Eddie Thornton. Single white male. Born September 1879, age 20. Born in Iowa, father born in Iowa, mother born in Iowa. He is a teamster, unemployed 0 months. He can read, write, and speak English.¹ As of 2 June 1900, Edward Horace Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Edward Horace Thornton was employed as a Teamster; Teamster.¹ The 1910 Census listed Edward Horace Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² Edward Horace Thornton was enumerated as Edward Thornton. Single white male. Age 31. Born in Iowa, both parents born in Iowa. Edward does not have an occupation. He is able to read and write.² Edward died on 14 March 1927 at Iowa at age 47.³ His body was interred at Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.³

     Alta was born at Iowa circa October 1881.¹ She was the daughter of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed Alta Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Alta Thornton was enumerated as Alta Thornton. Single white female. Born October 1881, age 18. Born in Iowa, as were both parents. She is an employee at a laundry, unemployed 0 months. She can read, write, and speak English.¹ As of 2 June 1900, Alta Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Alta died in 1944.² Her body was interred in 1944 at Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.²

     Riley was born at Polk County, Iowa, on 24 March 1883.¹ He was the son of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. Riley's occupation: Laborer & Coal Miner.¹ The 1900 Census listed Riley George Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Riley George Thornton was enumerated as Riley Thornton. White male, age 17; born in Iowa; occupation coal miner.¹ As of 2 June 1900, Riley George Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ The 1910 Census listed Riley George Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² As of 16 April 1910, Riley George Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² Riley George Thornton was enumerated as Riley Thornton. Single white male. Age 28. Born in Iowa, both mother and father born in Iowa. He is acoal miner and was unemployed 10 weeks in 1909. He is able to read and write.² He married Etta Pickett at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, on 11 July 1915.³ Riley died on 29 February 1956 at age 72. His death was the result of pneumonia. Riley and Etta had no children..⁴ His body was interred at Douglas Township, Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.⁵

     Occupation Ford Motor Company. They lived in Des Moines. Carl completed only five years of school. The cause of his death was listed as coronary occlusion. Carl was born at Polk County, Iowa, on 22 May 1889.¹ He was the son of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed Carl Jefferson Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Carl Jefferson Thornton was enumerated as Carl Thornton. Single white male. Born May of 1889, age 11. Born in Iowa as were both parents. He is attending school, and can read, write, and speak English.¹ As of 2 June 1900, Carl Jefferson Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ The 1910 Census listed Carl Jefferson Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² As of 16 April 1910, Carl Jefferson Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² Carl Jefferson Thornton was enumerated as Carl. He is a 21-year-old white male. Born in Iowa as was both parents. He is a teamster, hauling dirt. He was unemployed 5 weeks in 1909. He can read and write.² He married Hazel McFadden on 25 April 1912. Larry Warren's research reports Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa..³

Carl Jefferson Thornton is head of household in the 1930 Census of Lee Township, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as Carl Thornton. Married white female, age 41. Owned his home, which was valued at $1500. First married at age 23. He is able to read, write, and speak English. He was born in Iowa, father and mother was born in Illinois. He worked as a laborer at a food plant. Enumerated with Carl Jefferson Thornton was Hazel McFadden, Albert Donald Thornton and Evelyn Irene Thornton.⁴ Carl died on 20 June 1944 at Polk County, Iowa, at age 55.⁵ His body was interred on 20 June 1944 at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at Laurel Hill Cemetery.⁶

     Edna lived at 4720 Madison in Des Moines at the time of her death, which was the result of a heart attack. She was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. One source lists her birth year as 1892 and the year of her marriage as 1908. She had 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren at the time of her death. Edna was born at Iowa on 16 February 1893.¹ She was the daughter of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed Edna Bell Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Edna Bell Thornton was enumerated as Ednna Thornton. Single white female. Born February 1893, age 7. Born in Iowa as were both parents. At school. Cannot read, cannot write, but does speak English.¹ As of 2 June 1900, Edna Bell Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ She married Peter Ever Rounds at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, on 17 June 1908.^2,3 As of 15 April 1910, Edna Bell Thornton and Peter Ever Rounds lived at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁴ Edna Bell Thornton was enumerated as Edna Rounds. Married white female. Age 18, married 1 year. Mother of one child, still living. Born in Iowa, father born in Illinois, mother born in Illinois. Can read, write, and speak English. The 1910 Census listed Edna Bell Thornton in the household of Peter Ever Rounds, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁵ Edna died on 24 January 1954 at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at age 60. Died at Mercy Hospital..⁶ Her body was interred at Douglas Township, Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.^7,8

     Irvin was born at Iowa on 15 August 1894.¹ He was the son of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed Irvin Martin Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Clifford Harold Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² Irvin Martin Thornton was enumerated as Irvin Thornton. Single white male. Born August 1894, age 5. Born in Iowa as were both parents.² As of 2 June 1900, Irvin Martin Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² The 1910 Census listed Irvin Martin Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ As of 16 April 1910, Irvin Martin Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Irvin Martin Thornton was enumerated as Irvin Thornton. He is a 16-year-old single white male. Born in Iowa as were both parents. He is a trapper, unemployed 10 weeks in 1909. He can read and write and does not attend school.¹ He married Rose Ellen McNeeley on 27 June 1927.

Irvin Martin Thornton is head of household in the 1930 Census of Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as Irvin M. Thornton. Married white male, age 36, first married at age 33. He was born in Iowa, as were both parents. He is able to read, write, and speak English. He worked as a machine threader at Wood Co. He was a veteran of WW. Enumerated with Irvin Martin Thornton was Barbara Ann Thornton and Rose Ellen McNeeley.³ Irvin Martin Thornton was employed.⁴ Irvin died on 3 August 1971 at at Veteran's Hospital at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at age 76.⁵ Irvin lived at 1516 East Madison in Des Moines at the time of his death. He was a member of Miller United Methodist Church. He served in the U.S.Army in WWI. His body was interred at Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery.⁵

     He was a member of the Miller Evangelical United Brethren Churcn. Clifford was born at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, circa June 1896.¹ He was the son of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed Clifford Harold Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and William Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² Clifford Harold Thornton was enumerated as Clifford Thornton. Single white male. Born June 1896, age 3. Born in Iowa as were both parents.² As of 2 June 1900, Clifford Harold Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² The 1910 Census listed Clifford Harold Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton and Irvin Martin Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ As of 16 April 1910, Clifford Harold Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.¹ Clifford Harold Thornton was enumerated as Clifford Thornton. He is a 12-year-old white male. Born in Iowa as were both parents. He can read and write and attends school.¹ He married Elsie Bernice Ruby at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, on 3 October 1917.³

Clifford Harold Thornton is head of household in the 1930 Census of Lee Township, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as Clifford Thornton. Married white male, age 33, first married at age 21. He is able to read, write, and speak English. He owns his home, which is valued at $500. He was born in Iowa, as were both his mother and father. Enumerated with Clifford Harold Thornton was Elsie Bernice Ruby and Jacob Martin Thornton.⁴ He resided at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa,. Occupation: Electrician at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. At Ford Motor. He had also been employed as a laborer at the Black Hawk Tire & Rubber Company..⁵ Clifford died on 26 February 1962 at at home, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁶ His body was interred at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at Laurel Hill Cemetery.⁷

     William was born at Iowa circa January 1898.¹ He was the son of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin. The 1900 Census listed William Thornton in addition to Rebecca A. Martin, Edward Horace Thornton, Alta Thornton, Riley George Thornton, Roy Clinton Thornton, Carl Jefferson Thornton, Edna Bell Thornton, Irvin Martin Thornton and Clifford Harold Thornton in the household of Martin Luther Thornton, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² William Thornton was enumerated as William Thornton. Single white male. Born June 1898, page 2. Born in Iowa as were both parents.² As of 2 June 1900, William Thornton was living with Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin at at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² William died before 16 April 1910.^3,2

     Baby was born circa 1900. She was the daughter of Martin Luther Thornton and Rebecca A. Martin.

     Riley was born at Montgomery County, Ohio, circa 1 November 1824.² He was the son of Nathan Thornton and Charity Cook. He resided at Ohio in 1825. Conflicting evidence states that Riley was born at Vermilion County, Illinois, on 31 October 1825.¹ He married Rachel Hayworth at Vermilion County, Illinois, circa 1843.³

Riley H Thornton is head of household in the 1850 Census of Fort Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as Riley Thornton. White male, age 24, born in Ohio. Occupation is farmer, with real estate owned valued at $2,000. Enumerated with Riley H Thornton was Rachel Hayworth, Nathan Thornton, Charity Thornton and Susanna L Thornton.⁴

Riley H Thornton is head of household in the 1860 Census of Douglas Township, Polk County, Iowa as Riley. Male, age 34, farmer, born in Ohio; value of real estate owned $3,000; value of personal estate $600. Enumerated with Riley H Thornton was Martin Luther Thornton, Rachel Hayworth, Nathan Thornton, Charity Thornton, Susanna L Thornton, George H Thornton, Richard Golden Thornton, Clara Thornton and Daniel G Thornton.⁵ He married Mary Winslow at Story County, Iowa, on 3 May 1877.^6,7 He resided in 1890, 4 1/2 miles SE of Osceola.

Riley H Thornton is head of household in the 1900 Census of Green Bay, Clarke County, Iowa, U.S. as R.H. Thornton. White male, age 75. He was born in November 1824 in Ohio. Both of his parents were born in North Carolina. He was a farmer and owned his own farm. He was able to read, write, and speak English. Enumerated with Riley H Thornton was Mary Winslow, Ruth Thornton, Agnes Thornton, Clayborn Thornton, Clarence Thornton, Cora B Thornton and Fred Hildebrand.⁸ Riley died on 31 July 1900 at Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa.¹ His body was interred at Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa, at Green Bay Cemetery.¹

His obituary in the Osceola Sentinal on 8-9-1900 said he was "survived by 13 children and 6 step-children and many near and kindred and dear friends to mourn. Father Thornton had a birthright in the Friends' church. For over fifty years he was a member of the United Brethren church. He was a most acceptable local preacher and was a pillar in the church. He was energetic and well to do in business. His last sickness was of short duration.... A brother and several of the children were present from Polk County. Some in Cass County and on the Pacific coast could not be present. The presiding elder, E.W. Curtis of Des Moines, preached the sermon from a text chosen by the deceased. Job 19-25-26.¹ His estate was probated on 11 December 1900 at District Court of Iowa, Clarke County, Iowa.⁹

     Her body was interred at Greenwood Cemetery. Rachel was born on 1 January 1826.^1,2 She was the daughter of William Perry Haworth and Ruth Wright. She married Riley H Thornton at Vermilion County, Illinois, circa 1843.³ As of circa 1843, her married name was Thornton.³ The 1850 Census listed Rachel Hayworth in addition to Nathan Thornton, Charity Thornton and Susanna L Thornton in the household of Riley H Thornton, in Fort Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.⁴ Rachel Hayworth was enumerated as Rachel Hayworth. White female, age 24, born in Illinois.⁵ The 1860 Census listed Rachel Hayworth in addition to Martin Luther Thornton, Nathan Thornton, Charity Thornton, Susanna L Thornton, George H Thornton, Richard Golden Thornton, Clara Thornton and Daniel G Thornton in the household of Riley H Thornton, in Douglas Township, Polk County, Iowa.⁶ Rachel Hayworth was enumerated as R. Thornton. Female, age 34, born in Illinois.⁶ Rachel died on 1 November 1876 at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, at age 50.

     The nationality of Nathan Thornton was Scotch-Irish. Nathan was born at North Carolina on 25 April 1799. He was the son of Thomas J. Thornton and Abigail Spencer. He married Charity Cook at Union County, Indiana, on 11 July 1821.² He resided at Vermilion County, Illinois, between 1826 and 1845. He resided at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, between 1845 and 1878.

Nathan Thornton is head of household in the 1850 Census of Fort Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa as Nathan. White male, age 51, born in North Carolina. He is a farmer with real estate owned valued at $2,500. Enumerated with Nathan Thornton was Charity Cook, Newton Thornton, Anna Thornton, Jane Thornton, William Thornton and Thomas Jefferson Thornton.³ He married Jemima Pearson at Story County, Iowa, on 6 October 1854.

Nathan Thornton is head of household in the 1860 Census of Douglas Township, Polk County, Iowa as Nathan Thornton. Male, 66 years old, born in North Carolina, with real estate owned valued at $4,000 and personal estate valued at $700. Enumerated with Nathan Thornton was Jemima Pearson, Jane Thornton, William Thornton, Thomas Jefferson Thornton and Franklin Delaware Thornton.⁴ Nathan died on 7 August 1878 at Polk County, Iowa, at age 79. He was buried on 9 August 1878 at Greenwood Cemetery, Polk County, Iowa, row 8, 23rd space. Nathan is buried between his first and second wife. In 1865, along with Mr. & Mrs. Powell Johnson he deeded approximately 2.56 acres for Greenwood Cemetery and Church to Society of Friends of Greenwood (a Quaker organization).

     She is of English ancestry. Charity was born at North Carolina on 15 March 1805. Conflicting information states she was born about 1796 in South Carolina.. She was the daughter of Thomas Cook and Kezia Henderson. She married Nathan Thornton at Union County, Indiana, on 11 July 1821.¹ Charity, as Nathan Thornton's wife, resided with him, at Vermilion County, Illinois, between 1826 and 1845. Charity, as Nathan Thornton's wife, resided with him, at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, between 1845 and 1878. The 1850 Census listed Charity Cook in addition to Newton Thornton, Anna Thornton, Jane Thornton, William Thornton and Thomas Jefferson Thornton in the household of Nathan Thornton, in Fort Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.² Charity Cook was enumerated as Charity Thornton. Charity is a 45-year-old female, born in South Carolina.² Charity died on 23 October 1853 at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, at age 48. Her body was interred at Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa, at Greenwood Friends Cemetery, row 8, 24th spot.

     His body was interred at Vermilion County, Illinois, at Elwood Friends Cemetery. Thomas was born at Orange County, North Carolina, on 11 October 1762.^1,2 He was the son of Thomas A. Thornton. He married Abigail Spencer in February 1792.¹ Thomas immigrated, late 1700. Destination: Charleston, Pennsylvania.¹ He married Sarah Elizabeth Thomas at Montgomery County, Ohio, on 1 September 1813. Thomas died on 20 October 1834 at Vermilion County, Illinois, at age 72.¹

      Abigail Spencer was also known as Abigail. Abigail was born in February 1773.¹ She married Thomas J. Thornton in February 1792.¹ Abigail died on 3 February 1810 at Miami County, Ohio.

     Robert was born at Wakonda, South Dakota, on 14 August 1920. He was the son of Jens Nelson Jorgensen and Mabel Blanche Hanson. The 1930 Census listed Robert Vernon Jorgenson in addition to Mabel Blanche Hanson, Ardis Jorgenson, Merlin Daryl Jorgenson and James V. Jorgenson in the household of Jens Nelson Jorgensen, in Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota.¹ Robert Vernon Jorgenson was enumerated as Robert V. Jorgensen. White male, age 9. Attending school. Born in South Dakota, as were both parents.² He began military service on 25 November 1940 at Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota.³ He died on 27 December 2004 at Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, at age 84.⁴ He was buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens located in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.

     Jens was born at Wakonda, South Dakota, on 31 January 1890. He was the son of Emanuel Marinus Jorgensen and Maren Magdalene Nielsen. The 1900 Census listed Jens Nelson Jorgensen in addition to Maren Magdalene Nielsen, Andrew C. Jorgensen, Johanna Marie Jorgensen, Mary Jorgensen, Metha K. Jorgensen, Carl Jorgensen and Otto Jorgenson in the household of Emanuel Marinus Jorgensen, in Riverside Township, Clay County, South Dakota.¹ Jens Nelson Jorgensen was enumerated as Jens Jorgenson. White male, age 10. Born Feb 1890 in South Dakota. Parents born in Denmark.¹ He married Mabel Blanche Hanson at Vermillion, South Dakota, on 2 March 1916.

Jens Nelson Jorgensen is head of household in the 1930 Census of Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota as Jens Jorgensen. Married white male. Age 40, married at age 26. Born in South Dakota, mother and father born in Denmark. He was a labour doing odd jobs. Able to read, write, and speak English. He rents his home for $20 a month. Enumerated with Jens Nelson Jorgensen was Mabel Blanche Hanson, Ardis Jorgenson, Robert Vernon Jorgenson, Merlin Daryl Jorgenson and James V. Jorgenson.² Jens died on 21 March 1957 at Vermillion, South Dakota, at age 67.³ Jens was a farmer until moving to Vermillion, at which time he went to work at the University of South Dakota.

     Mabel was born at Sioux City, Iowa, on 22 April 1896. She was the daughter of Iver Magnus Hanson and Anna M. Vold. The 1900 Census listed Mabel Blanche Hanson in addition to Anna M. Vold, Hannah Marie Hanson and Clara Josephine Hanson in the household of Iver Magnus Hanson, in Pleasant Valley, Clay County, South Dakota.¹ Mabel Blanche Hanson was enumerated as Mable B. Hanson. White female, age 4. Born April 1896 in Iowa, both parents born in Norway.² She married Jens Nelson Jorgensen at Vermillion, South Dakota, on 2 March 1916. As of 2 March 1916, her married name was Jorgensen. The 1930 Census listed Mabel Blanche Hanson in addition to Ardis Jorgenson, Robert Vernon Jorgenson, Merlin Daryl Jorgenson and James V. Jorgenson in the household of Jens Nelson Jorgensen, in Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota.³ Mabel Blanche Hanson was enumerated as Mable Jorgensen. White female, age 33. Married at age 19. Born in Iowa, father and mother born in Norway. Is able to read, write, and speak english.⁴ She in addition to Hannah Marie Hanson, Clara Josephine Hanson and Melvin Olin Hanson witnessed Anna M. Vold's death at Dakota Hospital, Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, on 7 May 1952.^5,6 Occupation: Homemaker; volunteer work. Mabel continued to live by herself in her home until one month shy of her 106th birthday, at which time she was moved to a nursing home in Vermillion. She drove until she was 96.

Mabel was very handy and knitted many afghans, embroideried many tablecloths and crocheted. Mabel Blanche Hanson died on 10 June 2003 at Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, at age 107; Mabel B. Jorgenson

Mabel B. Jorgenson, 107, Vermillion, the oldest living South Dakotan, died Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at the Sioux Valley Vermillion Care Center.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Vermillion, with the Rev. Judith Johnson officiating. Burial will be in BluffView Cemetery, Vermillion.

Visitation is scheduled from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Iverson-Siecke Funeral Home, Vermillion. The family will be present at the funeral home from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Mrs. Jorgenson was born April 22, 1896 in Sioux City, IA to [Iver] and Anna (Vold) Hanson.

She married Jens N. Jorgenson March 12, 1915 in Vermillion. Mr. Jorgenson died March 21, 1957.

While active in the Vermillion community, Mrs. Jorgenson was employed by Meisenholder Department Store and the Vermillion Civic Council.

She served as past noble grand of the Vermillion Rebekah Lodge, and financial secretary of the Degree of Honor Lodge.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

She is survived by a daughter, Evelyn, and her husband, Willard Peterson, Vermillion; a son, Robert, and his wife, Maxine Jorgenson, Des Moines, IA; a daughter-in-law, Rachel (Jorgenson) Meidinger, Pierre; 11 grandchildren, 29 great- grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter, Ardis Sailor; two sons, James V. Jorgenson and Daryl Jorgenson; a grandson, James B. Jorgenson; three sisters and three brothers.^7,8

She was buried on 14 June 2003 at Bluff View Cemetery, Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota.

     Ardis was born at Wakonda, South Dakota, on 28 February 1917.² She was the daughter of Jens Nelson Jorgensen and Mabel Blanche Hanson. The 1930 Census listed Ardis Jorgenson in addition to Mabel Blanche Hanson, Robert Vernon Jorgenson, Merlin Daryl Jorgenson and James V. Jorgenson in the household of Jens Nelson Jorgensen, in Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota.³ Ardis Jorgenson was enumerated as Ardis Jorgensen. White female, age 13. Attending school and able to read and write. Born in South Dakota, as were both parents.⁴ Ardis died on 25 March 1978 at Bakersfield, California, at age 61.

     Willard was born on 2 July 1915. He died on 23 March 2004 at Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota, at age 88.

     Merlin was born at Wakonda, South Dakota, on 22 April 1922. He was the son of Jens Nelson Jorgensen and Mabel Blanche Hanson. The 1930 Census listed Merlin Daryl Jorgenson in addition to Mabel Blanche Hanson, Ardis Jorgenson, Robert Vernon Jorgenson and James V. Jorgenson in the household of Jens Nelson Jorgensen, in Vermillion, Clay County, South Dakota.¹ Merlin Daryl Jorgenson was enumerated as Merlin D. Jorgensen. White male, age 7. Attending school. Born in South Dakota, as were both parents.² Merlin died on 15 August 1981 at Sioux City, Iowa, at age 59.