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William C. Thorn
Born May 16, 1859 |
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| William C. Thorn, who was the citizens' last choice as mayor of the town of Oxford Junction, was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 16, 1859, and is a son of George W. and Lucinda (Schriver) Thorn. The former was born in England, March 17, 1817, but came with his parents to the new world in 1826. They located first in Canada, near Toronto, later moving into the states. In 1841 he came to Iowa, taking up his residence upon a farm in Clinton county, which remained his home during the rest of his life. His wife was a native of the state of Ohio and passed away in 1865, while her husband lived until December, 1898, when his life was also brought to a close. Six children were born to them, namely: Ann, the wife of B. F. Jenkins; Minnie, deceased; Hannah, who is the widow of W. L. Brown and lives at West Bend, Iowa; Harold, a resident of Clinton county, Iowa; W. C., the subject of this sketch; and George W., who is living in Clinton, Iowa.
W. C. Thorn was but six years of age when he was deprived of a mother's care and love, although his father and older brothers and sisters endeavored to compensate for the loss. He remained under the paternal roof throughout the years of his boyhood, attending the district schools of his locality, in which he received substantial preparation for the responsibilities of life. At the age of twenty-one he began his business career. For several years he worked for farmers in his locality, but in 1882, having decided that agriculture was not his vocation, he turned to building bridges upon the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, devoting himself to that calling for about twenty-seven years. Now he has relinquished the heavier cares of life, and has taken up his residence in Oxford Junction, whose citizens, having confidence in the man as they had come to know him, elected him mayor. In his administration of his official duties he has had in mind the greatest benefit of his fellow citizens, supporting such measures as in his estimation would make for their advancement. In this way he has proved repeatedly that the confidence reposed in his judgment and honor was not misplaced.
In 1884 Mr. Thorn was united in marriage to Miss Florence Yale, who was also born in Clinton county, Iowa, and died in December 1885. Her father has also passed away, but her mother is still living. Since old enough to exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Thorn has given unqualified allegiance to the republican party. While he has not taken much part in the public affairs, his time has not been entirely devoted to selfish ends as is indicated by his election to the mayoralty. His relations with fraternal societies are limited to the Masons, the Oxford Junction lodge having his name enrolled upon its list of members.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 581. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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