Like many members of the regiment, William Thornton was born in New York. At the time the Regiment was formed, William was a 31 year old "commercial merchant" living in Detroit. He enlisted in company I on August 7, 1862, and was mustered into service on August 14, 1862.
William was the the 24th Michigan during the Battle of Fredericksburg and was also on Burnside's Mud March. In February 1863, a call went out for volunteers from the Iron Brigade to help fill vacancies in Battery B, 4th US Artillery (the "Iron Brigade Battery"). William volunteered, and the majority of his active service was with the battery.
After return from his artillery service, William was promoted to corporal on November 11, 1864. He was again promoted, this time to first sergeant on March 1, 1865. He mustered out with the Regiment at Detroit on June 30, 1865.
Last Updated: 04/30/98
Webmaster: Rob Richardson
robr@advnet.net
All original material © Copyright 1997, 1998, 1999 Rob Richardson