William Thornton was born in Yorkshire, England and came to America in York County Virginia in about 1646.  He is recorded as a Vestryman of Petsworth Parrish in 1677, moving to Stafford County later in his life.  He was a 16th great grandson of William the Conqueror (1027-1083).

     Descent:   William Thornton
                        Francis Thornton (1651-1726) m. Alice Savage
                           Elizabeth Thornton (1674-1732) m. Edwin Conway (1640-1697)
                                      See Conway Family