11 Facts About Matthew Thornton

Matthew Thornton was an Irish-born Founding Father of the United States who signed the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Hampshire.

Thornton was born in Ireland in 1714 to James and Elizabeth Thornton, James Thornton lived on a farm within a mile of Derry, and this is where Matthew was probably born, although Lisburn and Limerick have been suggested as birthplaces.

James and Elizabeth Thornton fled from their burning home with Matthew, moving shortly thereafter to Worcester, Massachusetts.

Matthew Thornton became a physician and established a medical practice in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

Matthew Thornton was appointed as a surgeon for the New Hampshire Militia troops in an expedition against Fortress Louisbourg in 1745.

In 1760, Matthew Thornton married Hannah Jack, and the couple had five children.

Matthew Thornton became a Londonderry selectman, a representative to and president of the Provincial Assembly, and a member of the Committee of Safety, drafting New Hampshire's plan of government after dissolution of the royal government, which was the first state constitution adopted after the start of hostilities with England.

Matthew Thornton retired from his medical practice, and in 1780, moved to Merrimack, New Hampshire, where he farmed and operated Thornton's ferry with his family.

In 1783, Matthew Thornton represented the towns of Merrimack and Bedford in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, and then Hillsborough County in the New Hampshire Senate from 1784 to 1787, while simultaneously serving as a state counselor from 1785 to 1786 and as a state representative again for Merrimack in 1786.

Matthew Thornton is featured on a New Hampshire historical marker along US Route 3 in Merrimack.

Matthew Thornton, a suspected Loyalist who was charged with treason related to actions just before the Battle of Bennington in 1777.