Jerry T. Thornton, a farmer of De Kalb County, is a native of Missouri, born in 1834. He is the son of William and Sallie (Todd) Thornton, natives of Kentucky and South Carolina, respectively. The mother came to Kentucky with her parents when quite young, and is living, being ninety-five years of age. Jerry T. has always followed farming and stock dealing. He came to this county when seven years of age, and located on the farm where he now resides, in 1861. In that year he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, under Gen. Price. He was wounded at the battle of Blue Mills Landing, and was compelled to return home. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Martha E. McConnell, daughter of Alexander and Sarah A. McConnell. They have had fifteen children, two of whom are dead. Those living are William A., John B. (united in marriage with Ella Courtney in 1885), Mary F., Elvira J. (who became the wife of George W. Swails in 1886), James C., Oliver A., Laura A., Albert E., Artie B., Lillie M., Lula M., De Ethelbert, and an infant not named. Mr. Thornton owns 500 acres of good land. He is a member of the Old School Baptist Church. Politically he is a Democrat.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 588-589.