Burgoyne/Thornton

[J Gom W]

John Burgoyne Thornton appeared in 1873 for the first time: in the Thornton (Tavistock, Devon) family. Have been trying to find the link between 'Burgoyne' and 'Thornton' ... without success.  Has anybody else had better luck?

[CaroleW]

Hi

I think what you are trying to say is that the middle name of Burgoyne first appeared in 1873 which was the year of his birth

You are trying to find the significance of that surname within the Thornton family

There may be no actual biological connection.  Back then - families gave their children the middle surnames not only of family - but also of close friends and neighbours

Was his maternal/paternal grandmothers maiden name Burgoyne?

I notice that the 1881 entry shows her as Susan B Thornton and there is another son with the middle initial B (Brooking)  - her maiden name was Susan Brooking Williams

Father Richard was born Ireland so it may be from that side of the family

[J Gom W]

Thanks for the tips about Ireland and friends/neighbours.  I'd only looked within the family (that's how I'd found the 'Brooking' connection).