John Thornley was born 25 June 1822 in Leyland, England. He came across the ocean on the ship Golconia from Liverpool, England, they arrived in New Orleans 18 Mar 1854 with hie first wife Martha Seed and two children. Settled in Layton, Utah. Married Elizabeth Newsham on 25 Nov 1843 then adopted Henry as his own, he was very good to Henry.