Mitchell County Georgia Obituaries John Jasper Thornton 1911 ****************************************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for FREE access. ****************************************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Sam Luckey Oct 2002 Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/mitchell.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Obituary of John Jasper Thornton as written in "The Camilla Enterprise" dated 11 Aug 1911. Camilla, Georgia. Mr. Jasper Thornton, about sixty years old, a prominent farmer of the Twelfth district and well-known throughout the county, committed suicide Wednesday by leaping into a deep well at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. Bob Graham. The well was sixty feet deep and dry, with a rock bottom. Mr. Thornton was fearfully mangled by the fall and death resulted instantly. Mr. Thornton had the reputation of being one of the hardest working men in the county and several years ago his health gave way to the severe physical strain, self-imposed. At that time, he showed signs of failing mentally, but in time he seemed to have regained his faculties. About a month ago he was taken ill again, and the old trouble returned in a more violent form. His family were aware of his condition and watched him closely. Several times he tried to make way with himself but was prevented by his children. Wednesday he appeared better and went over to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bob Graham. Mr. Graham and Mr. Thornton were walking about the yard, the former being on the lookout all the time. Passing near the old well Mr. Thornton stepped off a few feet, apparently to detract his son-in-law's attention, and then ran quickly to the curb and leaped in before he could be interferred with. His neck, back, and limbs were broken in several places. Mr. Thornton was a member of the Baptist church and his funeral services were held at the Hopeful church yesterday. He was considered by all who knew him to be one of the most honorable men in the county. Honest and true to all with whom he dealt, he had a host of good friends who deeply regret the misfortune which brought about his death. He leaves a family of ten children, all grown.