Col. John Thornton
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John Thornton (c1739-1782) was a Colonel who played an important role in the Battle of King's Mountain. He made the gunnpowder used by the rebel troops. He may have fired the fatal shot that killed the British Colonel. Thornton was born around the year 1739; he died in 1882.
He was the son of Frances Thornton III and Fraces Greagory , herself a descendant of Edward III, King of England and other such glorious and esteemed persons of high rank and power.
- His wife, Jane Augusta Washington Thornton, was his second cousin (he being descended from Mildred Washington, sister of Augustine Washington I). She was the third daughter of Augustine Washington, Jr. and Anne/Ann Aylett. She was born after 1726; she died in the year 1833.
- One of their children, Nancy Augusta Thornton Rogers, met her future husband at Kings Mountain. She was carrying water to the rebel troops when she met him. They were soon married. When called a rebel she became annoyed, for she preferred "Patriot".
Children of Col. John Thornton and Jane Augusta Washington:
- Nancy Augusta Thornton (1763-1848). She married Hugh Rogers (1741-1800)
