Background
Thornton, William Taylor was born on February 9, 1843 in Henry County, Missouri, United States.
Thornton, William Taylor was born on February 9, 1843 in Henry County, Missouri, United States.
He was educated in Sedalia, Missouri and received a law degree from the University of Kentucky in 1861.
Thornton was taken prisoner in February 1862 and was held in Illinois until his release the following October. he then returned to his company and continued to serve until the end of the war. After the war Thornton passed the bar and began to practice law in Clinton, Missouri, and served two terms on the town council. He served in the Missouri House of Representatives in 1876.
Thornton relocated to New Mexico Territory in 1877, seeking a climate that would improve his health.
Though Thornton and Catron were both Confederate veterans from Missouri, Catron was a Republican, while Thornton was a Democrat. Thornton was also involved in several businesses, including mining, cattle ranching, real estate development, and land speculation.
In 1891 he was elected the first mayor of Santa Fe, and he served one two-year term. In 1893 Thornton was appointed Governor, succeeding L. Bradford Prince.
He served until 1897, and was succeeded by Miguel Antonio Otero.
After leaving the governorship Thornton returned to his legal and business interests. He died in Santa Fe on March 16, 1916. He was buried at Fairview cemetery in Santa Fe.
"Index to Politicians: Thornton".
The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 2008-2008-01.
Member of town council 2 terms. Member Missouri Legislature, 1876. Member Territorial Council, 1880.