History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

250 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Mr. Ueliaut is a member of the Komau Catholic church and is
a democrat in his political beliefs. Me served as school director
fur nfteen years and as road supervisor for four and in both
capacities proved a capable and reliable public servant. His life
has always conformed to the highest and most upright standards
and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an honored
one in this community.
JAMES B. H. THORNTON.
James B. H. Thornton has been a resident of Lee county since
1867 and has contributed substantially to its grovpth and develop-
ment, having been since that time closely and influentially connected
with agricultural interests here. He is today the owner
of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 31,
Bradford township, and by his intelligent and capable management
of this property has surrounded liimself with a gratifying
degree of prosperity. He is, moreover, entitled to a place in this
volume as a veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Oldham
county, Kentucky, September 15, 1840, and is a son of Phillip C.
and Adeline (Hall) Thornton, also natives of that state. They
moved to Missouri in 1844 and both died there. Of their eight
children five still survive.
James B. H. Thornton was reared in Missouri and he remained
at home until 1861. In that year he enlisted in Company
A, Eighth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, and he served for four
years, four months and nineteen days in the Civil war. He was
appointed captain of Company K, Twelfth Regiment of colored
troops, and he served in this capacity for two years and five
months. He took part in the battle of Nashville and although he
was in the thick of the fight, came out unwounded. He was discharged
at Nashville, Tennessee, and with a creditable military
record retui-ned to Missouri. He remained in that state until
1867 and then came to Lee county. Illinois, where he has since
resided. Fi'om the beginning he gave his attention to general
fanning and he has since been identified with agricultural interests
here. In 1875 he moved upon the farm which he now owns
and its present excellent condition is a visible e"\Tdonce of the care
and labor which he has bestowed upon it. The farm comprises
one hundred and twenty acres on section 31, Bradford township,