June 27, 1921 – Pioneer Resident Passes Away After Thirty Years Here – John Thornton, a pioneer resident of Muskegon, died Saturday morning at his home, 37 Prospect street, after a short illness, aged 70 years. Mr. Thornton was born in Lincolnshire, England, coming to Canada at the age of two years. He came to Michigan when seventeen years of age and settled at Owasso, later returning to London, Canada. From there he went to East Tawas, Michigan, where he lived for five years, coming to Muskegon thirty years ago. He had since made his home here. Mr. Thornton was a locomotive engineer, having spent practically all his working days on the railroad. He was a member of the Macoabees, and of the Canadian Order of Foresters. He leaves, besides his wife, four children, George Thornton of Muskegon Heights, Andrew Thornton, Ormand Thornton, and Mrs. Lottie Nibblenink, all of Muskegon; eight grand children; one brother and one sister. James Thornton of Windsor, and Mrs. Ann Scarce of London, Canada. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, from the residence, 37 Prospect street, Rev. W. Ernest Collins, pastor of the First Congregational church, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Information was found in the "People's Scrapbook" located in the Genealogy Room at Hackley Public Library. Transcription provided by Laura Plummer Ranville.

June 27, 1921 – Pioneer Resident Passes Away After Thirty Years Here – John Thornton, a pioneer resident of Muskegon, died Saturday morning at his home, 37 Prospect street, after a short illness, aged 70 years. Mr. Thornton was born in Lincolnshire, England, coming to Canada at the age of two years. He came to Michigan when seventeen years of age and settled at Owasso, later returning to London, Canada. From there he went to East Tawas, Michigan, where he lived for five years, coming to Muskegon thirty years ago. He had since made his home here. Mr. Thornton was a locomotive engineer, having spent practically all his working days on the railroad. He was a member of the Macoabees, and of the Canadian Order of Foresters. He leaves, besides his wife, four children, George Thornton of Muskegon Heights, Andrew Thornton, Ormand Thornton, and Mrs. Lottie Nibblenink, all of Muskegon; eight grand children; one brother and one sister. James Thornton of Windsor, and Mrs. Ann Scarce of London, Canada. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, from the residence, 37 Prospect street, Rev. W. Ernest Collins, pastor of the First Congregational church, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Information was found in the "People's Scrapbook" located in the Genealogy Room at Hackley Public Library. Transcription provided by Laura Plummer Ranville.