Matthew Thornton

Matthew Thornton was born in Ireland, in 1714, and came to America with his father's family when about three years of age. They settled in Wiscasset, Maine, but were driven away by the Indians, and removed to Worcester, Massachusetts. He studied medicine, and settled in Londonderry, New Hampshire, where he soon acquired a large practice and much influence.

He was a member of the Provincial Assembly, and was appointed a colonel of militia. He was also a member of the Committee of Safety, and in 1775 was appointed President of the Provincial Convention. In 1776 he was elected a delegate to the Continental Congress, and took his seat in November, after the Declaration of Independence had been adopted. He approved of the measure, and affixed his signature to the parchment copy.

He continued in Congress for about a year, and then returned to New Hampshire. He was appointed a judge of the Superior Court, and was afterward a member of the State Legislature. He was a man of strong mind and sound judgment, and was highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens.

He died in 1803, in the ninetieth year of his age.

Source:
Lossing, Benson J. The Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. New York: A.S. Barnes & Co., 1855. Patriot Echoes Archive