Matthew Thornton

He married Hannah Jack in 1760 and had five children with her.

After retiring from both his public career and medical profession, he spent his leisure time farming. He also operated a ferry service. He led an active life till the very end and died in 1803 at the age of 89.

He was born to Elizabeth and James Thornton in Ireland. The family migrated to America when he was three years old. At first they lived in Maine but soon shifted to Massachusetts following an attack on their home.

He attended Worcester Academy from where he received his basic education. His goal was to pursue a career in medicine and he completed his medical studies at Leicester under the guidance of a physician relative, Dr.Grout.

After completing his education, the young and ambitious Thornton started a medical practice in 1740 when he was 26 years old. His practice thrived and soon he made a name for himself as a successful physician and surgeon.

He was enlisted as a surgeon in the New Hampshire Military in 1745 during the King George’s War that lasted till 1748. He played a major role in siege of the French Fortress of Louisbourg.

In 1758, he was chosen as a delegate to the colonial assembly where he represented Londonderry. He took active part in colonial affairs and was a prominent participant in the protests against the Stamp Act in New Hampshire.

He believed strongly in the concept of freedom and liberty and was of the view that the states of America should be freed from the control of the British Empire. He openly condemned the oppressive acts of the British Parliament.

He was appointed the President of the New Hampshire Provincial Congress in 1775 and also elected the Chairman of the Committee of Safety which was in charge of raising ammunitions at times of war.

He played a major role in the expedition leading to the capture of the French fortress of Louisbourg. The troops were led by Colonel William Pepperell and Thornton was the accompanying surgeon. The expedition was a physically excruciating one for the soldiers, but only six among the 500 entrusted to the doctor died of sickness.

He is famous as one of the 56 signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Initially he was not able to participate in the signing of the Declaration on 2 August 1776, but then he got the opportunity to sign the document on a later date along with some others.