William Jefferson Thornton (January 11, 1878 – May 5, 1951) was an American politician and businessman.
Thornton was born in Patriot, Ohio and went to the local public schools.
He continue to taught school and then worked in the Bank of Nebo as a cashier.
He served as the postmaster of the Nebo Post Office and also worked as an investigator for the Illinois Department of Revenue.
He served as a supervisor of the Spring Creek Township, Pike County, Illinois for four years.