From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 505.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.

JOHN N. THORNBURG

John N. Thornburg, a well-known citizen of Elm Grove, is a grandson 
of Ezekial Thornburg, one of the earliest pioneers of Ohio county.  
The latter was the third settler on Little Wheeling creek, taking 
possession of his farm in 1774-5 and was a prominent man in the days 
of old Fort Shepherd, and the era of Indian wars, and was a friend of 
the Wetzels and other worthies of that time.  He married an adopted 
daughter of Col. Shepherd.  His son, David, who was born June 3, 
1796, succeeded to the old homestead.  The latter was, married June 
15, 1826, to Sarah Martin, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1892.  He 
died March 10, 1881, having survived his wife, who died July 15, 
1880.  To these parents eight sons were born, of whom three survive: 
John N., Daniel S. and D. M.  John N.  received his education in the 
common schools, and was reared as a farmer.  He has given his 
attention principally to agriculture, but has also since April, 1883, 
in partnership with his two brothers, been engaged in the business of 
undertakingat Elm Grove.  In January, 1884, Mr. Thornburg was 
appointed surveyor of public roads, an office he holds at the present 
time.  He is a member of the Presbyterian church at the forks of the 
Wheeling, and is highly esteemed by the community.  In December, 
1869, he was married to Anna Smith of Missouri, who, died July 9, 
1874, leaving one son.  He was subsequently united, November 22, 
1883, to Anna Jones, of Elm Grove, by whom he has one daughter. 


(Linda Fluharty)