I would think their would be a closer relationship than "back in Britain." Samuel Elihugh Thornton's grandaughter had a copy of the Declaration of Independance that was a third printing. This document was donated by the granddaughter to the State of Iowa. This information was just brought to the States attention most recently. The state did a search, found the document and authenticated the printing. Their will be a public presentation next month. The granddaughter had said she was a direct descendant of Matthew Thornton, the signer. To be in posession of such a valuable document, I would think their would be some direct relationship. I just haven't been able to find it. Does anyone have Samuel Elihugh, or Elihu Thornton in their family tree?