At a meeting of the Penobscot County Bar, held on October 6, 1859, resolutions were adopted expresive of appreciation of the memory of the honorable professional character of Thornton McGaw, as a counselor of the courts, of his integrity as a man, and of his social and generous qualities as a companion and friend. The death of Thornton McGaw was announced to the court by Judge Hathaway, and the annoucement was responded to by Judge Appleton, who said in part:
"I first knew Mr. McGaw in the prime and vigor of his life, after he had commenced his professional career, and when by his skill in the management of affairs, by his accurate learning and ability, he had obtained a large and extensive practice. With the advantage which a liberal education confers, thoroughly read in the law, acquainted equally with its technicalities as with its more liberal and general principles; of unquestioned integrity, he soon acquired an eminent position in his profession. His habitual caution and prudence, his strong sense and legal acquirements, were all displayed in the sagacity of his professional advice and in the widsom of his judgment. Successful in early life in the acquisition of an estate amply abundant, he soon exchanged the harassing care and the annoying perplexities of forensic for the more congenial pleasures of social life, which his independent means permitted him to enjoy, and where his vigourous intellect, his liberal culture, his infinite wit and humor, made him one of the most attractive as well as one of the most instructive of companions."