J. F. Thompson

THOMPSON

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 3/19/2006 at 18:17:46

J. F. Thompson, editor and proprietor of the daily and weekly Humboldt Standard, was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on May 29th, I844. At twelve he removed with his parents to Grant county, Wisconsin, then a new country. His education was received in the public schools and Tafton Collegiate Seminary.

He taught school and in 1860 removed to Clayton county, Iowa, to become principal of the Monona schools, and later principal of the Elkader High School.

In I873 and again in I875 he was elected County Superintendent of Schools. In 1880 he bought the Clayton County Journal, a Republican paper, which he edited for one year, when he was elected clerk of the courts of his county.

In 1885 the prohibition issue was raised and Mr. Thompson opposed a prohibition law, acting with the Democratic party, which favored high license. The Democrats and liberal Republicans in I885 nominated him for the Iowa Legislature. He was elected over Judge Murdock, and was reelected by an increased majority. He became one of the acknowledged leaders of his party in the House, but the prohibition forces were able to pass one of the most stringent prohibitory laws ever enacted.

In the spring of 1888 he came to California, and in June bought a half interest in the Eureka Daily Standard, of which he took the editorial control and management.

In April, I890, he bought out his partner. The Standard, established in I873, has been Democratic up to the present campaign, but under Mr. Thompson's management, it has always been a "sound money" paper, and upon the adoption of the free silver platform and the nomination of Bryan, by the Chicago Convention, it reluctantly parted company with its party and declared in favor of the Republican platform and ticket. The Standard devotes much space to local matter, publishes the daily Associated Press dispatches, is bright and newsy, and works with a will for the best interests of the city and county. It is firmly established, has a wide circulation, and as the county is developed will continue to exert a commanding influence.

Associated with Mr. Thompson in the management of the Standard are Fred W. Georgeson, business manager and Will N. Speegle, city editor.

-source: Overland Monthly and Out West Magazine; Volume 28, Issue: 165, Sept 1896, article: A California Principality: Humboldt and Its Redwoods,
by Melville, M. Vaughan, page 367 (Making of America Journal Articles)