Introducing Curtis and Alta Thornton

Everyone loved Curtis & Alta Rivers Thornton. Together they had six (6) children, and sixteen (16) grandchildren, all of whom speak fondly of the couple, particularly of Grandpa Thornton who lived to the age of ninety-two (92).

Sadly, Alta Rivers passed away at the age of 65 on December 22, 1951, when most of the grandchildren were too young to remember her. According to her death certificate, she suffered of hypertensive heart disease for about 6 years and ultimately succumbed to congestive heart failure. Adding to her health condition was a fractured left hip.

1951.12.22 Death Certificate Alta Thornton.pdf

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Among the grandchildren, each have similar things to say about their grandparents. The couple loved each other very much, Curtis was an expert marksman and everyone's favorite babysitter, and Alta was shy around the camera, supposedly because of her Native American beliefs.

A narrative written about Curtis and Alta Rivers Thornton by their granddaughter Suzanne Giltner-Paxton.

Curious about the couple and what I could learn about their lives in southern Indiana, I began researching them and their extended families. Starting with a few of my cousins (Curtis and Alta's great-grandchildren), then from a few of their living grandchildren, I realized that very little is actually known about the couple and where they came from.

My hope is that by making this information accessible to their great, and even 2nd-great grandchildren, that the newer generation can share in the love and respect for this two beautiful people that their siblings, children, and grandchildren did.