Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Thornton, H. Gorham 1913
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Ionia Standard, 1 Aug 1913

H.G. Thornton

Passes Away Into the Vast Unknown Monday Afternoon.

H. Gorham Thorton, a well known and esteemed citizen, passed over the great
divide that hides the unknown on Monday afternoon, after a sickness since the
first of November last, which had confined him to the bed for over four months.
 The end was quiet and peaceful in harmony with his life.

Mr. Thornton was born July 16, 1839, in the town of Fleming, Cayuga county N.Y.
 His early life, until 19 years old, was passed on a farm.  He attended the
common school and the Auburn academy.  He studied law and was admitted to the
bar in 1860, continuing in practice until 1866, when he engaged in manufacturing
business in Auburn.  In 1861 he spent six months in Europe.  In 1884, having
sold out his interests in Auburn, he came to Ionia to look after interests which
his father had acquired in this vicinity, and since that date he was a resident
of the city, fixing his home on Jackson street.

Having plenty of leisure and a natural taste for all things connected with
gardening, he erected a greenhouse on the home lot in 1885, which grew from year
to year until it outgrew the possibilities afforded by the location, and the
business was sold to Vincent Brothers in 1902, they having been employed by him
and having the necessary knowledge to carry it on.  From this time he was not
connected with any business enterprise, but found healthful and pleasurable
occupation in his home garden.  He was the pioneer in the greenhouse business
here, and was proud to say that he had done more than any other man to beautify
Ionia.

In politics he was a strong Republican, seldom getting away from the straight
ticket.

He united with the Presbyterian church in early life, and continued in that
communion.  He was chosen ruling elder of the Ionia church in 1908.

In 1862 he was married to Miss Helen M. Hardenburgh of Auburn, who died in 1902.
 In 1904 he was married to Miss Hassie Preston, daughter of Clark A. Preston of
Ionia, who survives.  No children were born of either marriage, and no relatives
nearer than cousins survive.

Remains will be taken to Auburn, N.Y. for interment, leaving here on the 11:20
train Thursday morning, accompanied by Mrs. Thornton, her sister, Mrs. Nina
Preston, and a nephew of Mr. Thornton’s, Prof. E. H. Waldo of the Illinois
University, who is expected to reach here tonight.  Funeral service at the home
on Jackson St., Thursday morning at 10 o’clock conducted by Rev. Dr. Spencer.


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