San Francisco County Biographies

HON. J. D. THORNTON

Submitted by: Pamela Storm Wolfskill & Ron Filion

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1907

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE FOUNDERS AND PRINCIPAL SUPPORTERS 
OF THE SAN FRANCISCO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

Among those chosen in the early years of our Seminary to help conduct its 
affairs was Judge J.D. Thornton, a prominent lawyer of San Francisco.  He was a 
Kentuckian by birth and education, who came to California many years ago; and, 
amidst all the rush of this Western metropolis, he retained the calm, courteous, 
dignified deportment of a Gentleman of the Old School.  He was a Ruling Elder in 
Dr. Scott�s church, and naturally would be conversant with, and interested in, 
the affairs of the Seminary.  In October, 1878, hw was elected a Director and 
Trustee, and continued as such for twenty years.  He was also the Attorney for 
the Seminary from 1879 on for many years, and was Chairman of the Board of 
Trustees from 1885 to 1897.  In this three-fold office he rendered efficient 
services for the Seminary. 
On account of his increasing age and infirmities he offered his resignation 
April 27, 1898.  This was accepted by the Board of Directors October 14, 1898, 
with much regret, and with expressions of high regard, in which they said:  
�That we bear testimony to his fidelity and efficiency as a Director, and that 
his wisdom and experience as a counselor have been invaluable.�  He died a few 
years since, and his memory is held in high esteem and honor by this many 
friends. 
 
Source:  Curry, James, D.D., History of the San Francisco Theological Seminary 
of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and Its Alumni Association 
Reporter Publishing Company, Vacaville, California, 1907.