Individual Details
Francis (Frank) THORNTON
(29 Aug 1908 - 21 Oct 1997)
Frank's baptismal sponsors were Francis Thornton and Catherine Brassil.
Frank emigrated to the United States in 1929 and settled in Chicago. In 1939 he joined the Chicago Police Department where he served until his retirement in 1965. His career as a police officer was interrupted during World War II when he served for three and a half years with the U.S. Army in Italy and Africa.
A talented flute and tin whistle player, Frank immersed himself in the promotion of Irish music in Chicago, forming the Thornton Drum and Fife Band, giving tin whistle lessons, composing songs and leading several major concert tours to Ireland. He was one of the founders of the United States branch of Comhaltas (Comhaltas is an organisation that promotes traditional Irish music, song, dance and language).
Frank emigrated to the United States in 1929 and settled in Chicago. In 1939 he joined the Chicago Police Department where he served until his retirement in 1965. His career as a police officer was interrupted during World War II when he served for three and a half years with the U.S. Army in Italy and Africa.
A talented flute and tin whistle player, Frank immersed himself in the promotion of Irish music in Chicago, forming the Thornton Drum and Fife Band, giving tin whistle lessons, composing songs and leading several major concert tours to Ireland. He was one of the founders of the United States branch of Comhaltas (Comhaltas is an organisation that promotes traditional Irish music, song, dance and language).
Events
| Birth | 29 Aug 1908 | Kilbaha, Moyvane, Co. Kerry | |||
| Christen | 30 Aug 1908 | Moyvane, Co. Kerry | |||
| Marriage | 1942 | Margaret (Marge) O'CONNOR | |||
| Death | 21 Oct 1997 | Chicago, Illinois |
Families
| Spouse | Margaret (Marge) O'CONNOR ( - 1980) |
| Child | Living |
| Child | Living |
| Child | Living |
| Father | James (Jim) THORNTON (1864 - 1931) |
| Mother | Margaret HANRAHAN (1865 - 1953) |
| Sibling | Honora (Nonie) THORNTON (1900 - 1986) |
| Sibling | James THORNTON (1902 - 1941) |
| Sibling | John (Jack) THORNTON (1903 - 1966) |