Thomas Thornton (1870-1932)

Partner in Barr & Thornton Ltd, Coalmasters, Owner of Hermand House, son of James Thornton

References

DEATH OF MR THOMAS THORNTON - Well Known Coalmaster.

We regret to record the death of Mr. Thomas Thornton. coalmaster, which took place at his residence, Hermand House, West Calder on Tuesday night. Mr Thornton, who was a partner of the firm of Barr and Thornton. coalmasters, was in attendance at business as recently Thursday of last week and was only on Friday morning last that he took to bed with what proved to be a fatal illness. The fourth son of the late Mr Thornton. of Hermand House, the late Mr Thomas Thornton, who was 62 years of age, was educated at Dental College, Edinburgh. He received his early training in the shipping office of Messrs Salvesen, Leith and later spent a year in Hamburg Germany where he gained an expenence which ultimately proved of much value.

In 1900, in partnership with Mr George Barr, Ormiston, Kirknewton, be set up the firm of Barr and Thornton, coalmasters, opening Cuhrigg Colliery. Whithurn. Later, the Company opened up and developed Knowton and Fauldhouse collieries and took over Braehead Colliery. The firm speedily earned a wide reputation and sucessfully conducted operations at their various collieries until the general depression set in the coal industry. About three yeers ago, Cultrigg Colliery was closed down following upon a surface fire which rendered impracticable the re-opening of the pit, the minerals in which were well nigh exhausted. Braehead has been closed down temporarily, but operations are being continued at Knowtop and Fauldhouse. Mr Thornton, who was a very active man, was interested in several other concerns and was a director of the Flemington Coal Company. Although of a retiring dlsposttlon he was well-known in Scottith mining circles and was highly respected by all who came into contact with him. He took no active part in public life, while fishing and shooting constituted his chief hobbies. The funeral took place at West Calder Cemetery to-day and was attended by rnany of the late Mr Thornton's business friends.

West Lothian Courier, 3rd June 1932