Arms of Benjamin Carter Thornton
Arms of Benjamin Carter Thornton
Blazon
Quarterly Vert and Argent, a Celtic cross throughout counterchanged;
Symbolism
The Celtic cross represents the Thornton line that emigrated from County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1825 and settled in Perth, Ontario. The cross also alludes to Mr. Thornton’s Catholic faith.
Crest of Benjamin Carter Thornton
Blazon
Issuant from a circlet of trilliums and mayflowers proper, a demi-lion Argent charged on the shoulder with a fleur-de-lis and holding in its dexter paw a branch of six maple leaves Vert;
Symbolism
The lion represents the English and Scottish background of both Mr. Thornton and his wife, and the fleur-de-lis honours his French ancestors. The branch of six maple leaves represents his interest in genealogy and his father’s six children. The trilliums represent his family’s long history in Ontario, and the mayflower represents his wife’s family’s roots in both Nova Scotia and Massachusetts.
Motto of Benjamin Carter Thornton
Blazon
SAEPE RIDETE BENEQUE;
Symbolism
Meaning “Laugh often and well”, the motto is inspired by a similar expression used by Mr. Thornton’s family for many years.
