Howard Thornton
Howard Thornton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Governor's Island, New York, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 1917 (aged 67) Newburgh, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, politician |
| Years active | 1874–1917 |
| Known for | Member of the New York State Assembly (1892–1894) |
Howard Thornton (February 25, 1849 – January 13, 1917) was a distinguished American attorney and political figure based in New York.
Life
Born on February 25, 1849, at Governor's Island, New York, Thornton was the son of General William A. Thornton and Helen Smith. At the time of his birth, his father—a West Point alumnus and seasoned military officer with service in various conflicts—was assigned to that location.
Thornton completed his education at a New York City public school in 1865 before enrolling at the City College of New York, where he studied for two years. Although he initially intended to pursue a military career at West Point, influenced by his father's background, his plans changed following his father's passing. Subsequently, he transferred to Union College in Schenectady, graduating in 1872.
He pursued legal studies under Eugene A. Brewster in Newburgh and earned his degree from Albany Law School in 1874. Afterward, Thornton returned to Brewster's practice before establishing his own law firm in 1883. His community involvement included serving as president of the board of trustees for Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site and participating on the local board of education. Furthermore, he held executive positions as both director and president of the National Bank of Newburgh.
In 1891, Thornton secured election as a Republican assemblyman representing the first district of Orange County in the New York State Assembly, holding office from 1892 through 1894.
Thornton maintained memberships in numerous organizations reflective of his social and professional stature. These included the Sons of the American Revolution; leadership roles within Freemasonry; participation in Royal Arch Masonry and Knights Templar; affiliation with Chi Psi fraternity; membership in the University Club of New York; and involvement with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Additionally, he contributed as a trustee of Union College and served on the board of directors for the Newburgh City Club.
He passed away due to a stroke on January 13, 1917, at his residence in the Palatine Hotel and was interred at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh.