James D. Thornton (1807-c.1870s) came to this area with his family in 1858. Traveling in a wagon train with other families from their Mississippi home, the Thorntons joined friends and relatives who had preceded them to Trinity County. A farming community was established, and much of life was centered around the Thornton Church and School, built on land donated by James D. Thornton. Farming continued to be the principal economic base until population began to decline after World War II. Many area pioneers are interred in the Thornton Church Cemetery.