[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13648]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        THORNTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE

 Ms. AYOTTE. Madam President, today I wish to honor Thornton, 
NH--a town in Grafton County that is celebrating the 250th anniversary 
of its founding. I am proud to join citizens across the Granite State 
in recognizing this special occasion.
  Thornton is a gateway community to New Hampshire's beautiful White 
Mountains--welcoming visitors from near and far throughout the year. 
This picturesque community represents the very best of New Hampshire's 
proud heritage.
  The land that would become Thornton was granted in a charter by 
Governor Benning Wentworth on July 6, 1763, one of New Hampshire's 
great statesmen, to a small group of settlers including Doctor Matthew 
Thornton. Thornton later represented New Hampshire as a representative 
to the Continental Congress, and signed the Declaration of 
Independence. The town was named to honor Thornton for his service to 
New Hampshire.
  The town's population has grown to include over 2,400 residents. The 
patriotism and commitment of the people of Thornton are reflected in 
part by their record of service in defense of our Nation.
  Notable Thornton residents include 19th century abolitionist Moses 
Cheney, a conductor with the Underground Railroad, and MIT professor 
and nutritionist Nevin S. Scrimshaw.
  Thornton is home to one of the oldest remaining meetinghouses in the 
State. Erected in 1789, the Old Town House is listed on the New 
Hampshire State Register of Historic Places and serves as an enduring 
symbol of New Hampshire's tradition of self-governance.
  Thornton is a place that has contributed much to the life and spirit 
of the Granite State. I am pleased to extend my warm regards to the 
people of Thornton as they celebrate the town's 250th 
anniversary.

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