Thornburgh's father, a prominent Unionist, was arrested by Confederate authorities during the war and died in a Confederate prison in Georgia. His brother, Thomas, enlisted in the Sixth East Tennessee Volunteers and rose through the ranks, establishing a career as an officer in the military.
Thornburgh's father, a well-known Unionist, was detained by Confederate authorities during the war and passed away in a Confederate prison in Georgia. His brother, Thomas, joined the Sixth East Tennessee Volunteers and advanced through the ranks, building a career as an officer in the military.