(1905 – 1985)
“I have found I.D. to be loyal, conscientious, and cooperative in every way. He has worked with the farm people in Marion County and has their love, respect, and cooperation.” These were the words of former Marion County agent Hoyt B. Price speaking of Ingram Davis Thornton, who served the people of Marion County for 27 years as assistant county agent and Extension farm agent.
Mr. Thornton was born on March 15, 1905, in Rogersville. He attended Lauderdale County High School and, after graduation in 1924, went to Auburn where he received his B.S. degree in 1928. He later earned an M.S. degree in Vocational Agriculture Education, also from Auburn.
In addition to farming, Mr. Thornton taught vocational agriculture and general curriculum at schools in Conecuh, Lauderdale, and Marion counties from 1928 to 1944. He was named assistant county agent for Marion County in 1944 and was promoted to Extension farm agent in 1965, remaining at that position until his retirement in 1972. A former coworker called him “one of the most popular agents ever in Marion County.”
I.D. Thornton was a member of the United Methodist in Hamilton, where he served on the Board of Stewards. He was a fun-loving man, but he took his civic responsibilities seriously. For many years, he served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Hamilton Civitan Club. Mr. Thornton was a member of the Alabama Vocational Association and the National Education Association.
As a lasting tribute to this man and his life’s work, the name of Ingram D. Thornton is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 27
