Thornton Cemetery, Merrimack, NH
Matthew Thornton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, placed a marker on May 22, 1982, at the grave of Matthew Thornton. The site is recognized by the State of New Hampshire Register of Historical Places. Thornton was one of the three signers of the Declaration of Independence from New Hampshire.
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Participants were: Gladys Grigas, chapter vice regent 1980-1983; Ida Maybe, state regent 1980-1983; Harriett Gray Partington, chapter regent 1980-1983; and Mrs. Edward Hunt, state chaplain 1980-1983; other DAR members. 
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Photo by Judy J. Eriksen
Vice Regent 2003-2006
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Matthew Thornton Grave Inscription:
ERECTED
TO THE MEMORY OF
THE HON’r
MATTHEW THORNTON
WHO DEPARTED JUNE 24
1803
AGED 89 YEARS
THE HONEST MAN
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A monument made of Concord granite standing 13 feet high with a base of 6 ½ square feet is located next to the cemetery and was erected in honor of Matthew Thornton.
Photo by Judy J. Eriksen
Vice Regent 2003-2006
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It reads:
IN MEMORY OF
MATTHEW THORNTON
ONE OF THE SIGNERS OF THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
ERECTED BY THE STATE OF
NEW HAMPSHIRE UPON A LOT
AND FOUNDATION PRESENTED
BY THE TOWN OF MERRIMACK
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Near this monument at roadside is a State Historical Marker.
Photo by Judy J. Eriksen
Vice Regent 2003-2006
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In 1784, Matthew Thornton won legislative consent to acquire the Lutwyche Ferry on the Merrimack River from Sarah Lutwyche. It became known as district of Thornton's Ferry. In 1789, Thornton purchased a large estate, which included the homestead across the street from the Thornton Cemetery. The homestead was known for many years as the Hannah Jack Tavern, named after Matthew Thornton’s wife Hannah Jack. The Tavern closed in 2004. The homestead is currently the Common Man Restaurant.
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Photo by Judy J. Eriksen
Vice Regent 2003-2006
Hannah Jack’s grave is also in the Thornton Cemetery.
Photo by Judy J. Eriksen
Vice Regent 2003-2006
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HANNAH THORNTON
ERECTED
IN MEMORY OF MRS.
HANNAH THORNTON
WIFE OF HONBLE
MATTHEW THORNTON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
DECr 5th AD 1786
AGED 44 YEARS
She desir’d to die, Appea’d Contented
She liv’d belov’d and died Lamented
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Location: Thornton Cemetery is on the corner of Daniel Webster Highway/Greeley Street. The house is directly across the street.
Sources: NHSODAR State History 1970-1992 p. 86 and Matthew Thornton Chapter History Files.
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Hyperlinks to other sites are not the responsibility of the NSDAR, the state organizations, or individual DAR chapters.
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Thornton Burial Site