Rival Held Thornton in High Esteem

Correspondent at State Capitol Built Great Reputation in 32 Years of Service

Shortly before his death in 1908, John
E. Thornton, famous early-day state capitol correspondent of The Dallas and Galveston News, was warmly praised by a newspaper rival as "clever, genial, honest."

No member of the editorial staffs of the two papers was more highly regarded within the organization. For thirty-two years he had been a valuable member of the organization, entrusted with many of the most important assignments in the day's work. (He was succeeded by his son, William M. Thornton, Dallas News Capitol correspondent to-day, who has achieved an equally honorable record of service.)

John E. Thornton was born in Arkedelphia, Ark., in 1839, but the greater part of his life was identified with the Lone Star State. He was educated at the University of Virginia, where h was graduated in law. He practiced his profession for a time in Jefferson during the hey-day of that East Texas community when it was a larger city than Dallas.

Served Confederacy.

During the War Between the States, John Thornton and his brother, William, served the Confederacy. The two brothers were members of the famous Eighth Texas Cavalry, popularly known as Terry's Texas Rangers. William Thornton was killed on the field of battle and John Thornton gained an honorable record, being twice wounded severely. A monument to Terry's Rangers has long been a notable feature on the Capitol grounds at Austin.

Although educated for the law, John Thornton cared more for writing, and after the war he decided to enter journalism. In 1866 he joined the staff of The News, being assigned first to the collection of Galveston locals while the paper was still being published as a "refugee" in Houston. When the newspaper returned to Galveston later in the same year, he was appointed city editor, holding that post until 1870. He left journalism for several years but returned to The News in 1874 as a member of its business staff.

In 1875 Thornton was sent to Austin to become full-time staff correspondent in the capital. Here he found his true place in the craft. He reported the stormy scenes attending the final overthrow of Radicalism in Texas and the memorable constitutional convention, which sealed the redemption of Texas from the excesses of Reconstruction in 1875-76.

Over the years he became the leading newspaper man concerned with state politics. A profound scholar and widely read, he approached his work with the student's and scholar's eye and understanding, although he passed through at close range some of the most hectic years in the history of the politics of the state. He became the political expert for The News and was called upon to write most of the editorials bearing on political matters.

Shortly after The Dallas Morning News was established in 1885 Thornton was sent to the Panhandle of Texas to investigate complaints over the enforcement of land laws affecting settlers and large ranchers. After many weeks of firsthand travel over the sparsely settled country he wrote a series of articles which were widely acclaimed. He became a star witness before a special committee of the Legislature charged with framing laws to ease the conflict between ranchmen and farmers.

Fearless and Faithful.

The contemporary tribute to Thornton referred to above pointed out that he was surpassed by no man in Texas in the field he won for his own. He was termed fearless and faithful.

"It has required ability of a surpassing order, excellent judgment, indefatigable labor and all the skill of a trained newspaperman to fill so long and so acceptably the position which he has occupied for the last twenty years," the same tribute continued.

"No man in Texas is so thoroughly equipped with a knowledge of state politics and state affairs as he. Personally one of the most genial and companionable of men, free from the envy and the arts of deception of little men, he is broadminded, kindhearted, courteous and true. No man has ever been thrown in contact with him but has learned to admire and love him as a companion and to respect him as a man and capable newspaper worker.

"Alert for news and tireless in hunting it, the reportorial competitor who has had to match wits with him has often learned that only eternal vigilance is the price of victory over him. There are no better men or more attractive characters in journalistic work in Texas than clever, genial, honest John Thornton."

Article provided by Bill Page.

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