Sunday, October 10, 2010

Ancestors of William Thornhill, b 1735

     I have searched many years for the ancestors of  Revolutionary War Veteran William Thornhill, who fought at the Battle of Cowpens and who resided in Bedford County, Virginia. His wife was Sarah, maiden name unknown. They had eight children: William, Ezekial, Rachael, Briant, Edna, Sally, Leonard and James. Virtually all of the researchers I have communicated with over at least thirty years have maintained that William was born in Maryland. In fact, it was stated that William had actually made such a statement. How that could be known I have no idea. No one that I am aware of  though ever found his parents there or, as a matter of fact, any where else-- up until now.
     Just within the last month I received information stating that William was not born in Maryland but in Rappahannock County Virginia to Bryant Thornhill b1705 also in Rappahannock Coutny, Virginia and _______ Thompson. Bryant was the son of Bryan Thornhill, the immigrant, who was  born abt 1670 in Yorkshire, England and Elizabeth Phillips.
     It is interesting to note that William named his third son Briant . The second son was named Ezekial. Could  that have been his wife Sarah's father's name?  As an interesting aside, I've seen three spellings, Bryant and Briant and  Bryan for the family name. I haven't the vaguest notion which is correct. Maybe all three were used to help determine which was which. I do suspect, however, that all will be found to have the same name, Bryant or Briant or Bryan. As the old saying goes, "you pays your money and you takes your pick."
     I would really appreciate some input on this family lineage.
      
    
     

5 comments:

  1. I do believe this is my family line. We would be the line that goes through James Thornhill. I would like to talk with you. Email me at chadecox@att.net if you have the time.

    Thanks
    Chad Cox

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  2. to Robert Holt....William Thornhill born 1735 died 1793 and married to Sarah???? born 1740 died 1802...were my great x4 grandparents....i have information from William forward but did not have prior to William until I found this today...if we can communicate my email is nana48.8142@hotmail.com....any information would be greatly appreciated

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    1. William S Thornhill's wife's name was Sarah Wormax

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  3. William Thornhill, He did not fight at the battle of Cowpens, I live about 10min from there and went last week to do some research. He was there but it was after the fighting. I looked through the records and this is what I found. William Thornhill, b c.1755 d before 1830 m Liddy Breland.He served thirty days in the militia during 1782. In addition, he supplied a horse and beef for militia use in 1780 and 1782 Patriot index. there was also a Robert Thornhill He served twenty-nine days in the militia during 1782
    My name is Paula Sosbee I live in Spartanburg SC. my email is psosbee@gmail.com

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  4. to anonymous, Paula Sosbee in Spartanburg SC....I believe you are speaking of his son, William S Thornhill Jr, born 1757 d 12/3/1855 in Breckinridge County Kentucky, Liddy Breland and Susanna Barton were his wives......

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