The Clayton Tribune (Rabun Co. GA) Thursday, July 9, 1936:

“Celebrates Eighty-Ninth Birthday---Mrs. John Pope Thornton celebrated her 89th birthday Saturday, June 29, at a quiet family gathering of her kin, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Ernest C. Kontz, at Lakemont.

Mrs. Thornton, a native of Meriwether County, was, before her marriage, Miss Kittie Willis.

Her husband, known as “Jack” Thornton, a native of Troup County, was a brave Confederate soldier, participating in the Mississippi campaign, being in the artillery. It was his gun, under the immediate command of General Nathan Bedford Forest, at the battle of Murfreesboro, which changed a rout by the “Yankees” into a great Confederate victory, and the capture of some 1,500 Union troops.

He took part in the battle of Jonesboro, besides others, to Appomattox, and then returned to his farm in Troup, near LaGrange, Georgia.

Mrs. Thornton has for some years, made her home with Mrs. Kontz, and by the alertness of her mind, and her genial disposition, has made many friends among the people of Rabun.

The Tribune cordially wishes that she may have many happy and prosperous returns of the day.”