While the entire contents of the 1905 manuscript are included herein, I have revised it so as to make for easier reading, updating the language of the document, except as in the referenced appendices. The manuscript by Charles Thornton Adams includes the following acknowledgement:

"By permission of William Harris, a grandson of Charles Thornton Adams, this manuscript has been transcribed into computer storage by Richard Thornton, for the purpose of reproduction and limited distribution as genealogical circumstances warrant. Richard Thornton, Largo, Florida, 1988"

A computer search for an address and phone number for Richard Thornton proved unsuccessful. There is no Richard Thornton listed in Largo, Florida. There are several Richard Thorntons (24, in fact) in the state of Florida, but it is impossible to ascertain if any of them are this Richard Thornton.

While the language of the original manuscript is in present tense, where possible, I have updated to past tense or made a notation "[as of 1905]" to clarify the lines. Other editorial clarifications are noted in brackets. Please also note this manuscript is somewhat incomplete as to my branch (Samuel) as I am still gathering family information from my own relatives.

I wish to extend to my mother, Edith Thornton Earl Decker, and my aunt, Eliza Thornton Puntasecca, my deepest thanks for their assistance in reviewing all this information, and especially to Aunt Eliza for turning me on to the entire Thornton family history. To Francis Main, who proofread my original typewritten version for obvious typos; to Tim "Webmaster Tim" Tadt for helping me set up this website and his patience. And to my husband, Leonard, for his support and patience while I tore out my hair getting all this information online - I am sure he thought I was going to lose it once or twice. My heartfelt thanks to all.