John Robinson Thomson (1929)

CHAPPELL, MADDEN, THOMSON

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson
Date: 7/25/2004 at 23:48:04

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, January 2, 1930
Page 1

Death of John R. Thomson

John R. Thomson, one of the pioneer residents of Earlham, died at his home there, Monday evening, December 30, at 8:30 o’clock. Mr. Thomson had been in poor health for several months, but had only been confined to his bed two days previous to his death. Pneumonia and hardening of the arteries caused his death.

Mr. Thomson was the oldest resident in Earlham and had lived continuously in the one location since in 1869. He had always taken an active interest in the affairs of the community, and he and his family have been long time members of the Presbyterian church in Earlham. Mr. Thomson was a republican, and it is stated that he had supported that party since he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He served for many years on the Earlham city council, and had been mayor of the town. He also served as Earlham postmaster for a time.

The deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh M. Thomson, who were both natives of Scotland, and he was born in Liverpool, England, July 25, 1839. The family moved to the United States in 1844, and located on a farm near Davenport. J. R. Thomson received his education in Scott county, and continued to reside with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age. In 1868 he purchased four hundred acres of land in Dallas county, but did not farm long, because he was in a runaway accident, as was compelled to give up his agricultural work. He moved to Earlham and entered the general merchandise business, in which he continued for 23 years. After selling out that business he operated a quarry for about ten years. Since disposing of that, he had lived practically retired. Mr. Thomson married Miss Margaret Matten in 1850. They were the parents of three children, Robert and Hugh, who are deceased, and Charles, who resides in Denver. Mrs. Thomson died in 1904, and Mr. Thomson married Miss Mary A. Chappel on the first day of August, 1906. She survives him.

Funeral services for Mr. Thomson will be held Thursday afternoon, January 2, at 2 o’clock, at the Presbyterian church in Earlham, and burial will be made in that cemetery.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, January 9, 1930
Page 6

Mortuary -

John Robinson Thomson was born of Scotch parents, Hugh M. and Jeanie B. Thomson, in Liverpool, England, on July 25, 1839. When 5 years old he came with his parents to Scott county, Iowa and resided there until 1868. At that time he was interested in agriculture and coming a little farther west bought land in Dallas and Madison counties. During the same year, Mr. Thomson came to Earlham and entered the mercantile business. By his honest and upright dealings the respect and confidence of the community were gained by him, as well as a large share of its patronage. Later in life Mr. Thomson was interested in the stone quarry here. In 1872 he built a residence in Earlham and has resided there continually, a period of 60 years.

Of the eight brothers and sisters, only one remains, Hugh, of Moville, Iowa. Mr. Thomson was married to Miss Margaret Madden, of Scott county, and to this union were born three sons, Hugh S., John Charles and Robert B. Mrs. Thomson passed away on July 15th 1904, and the eldest son Hugh, in 1921. Little Robert Bruce died when only three years old.

In 1906, Mr. Thomson married Miss M. A. Chappell, of Charlottstown, Prince Edward Island. She, with his son Charles, 10 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews mourn his departure and will always miss him.

In the community where he lived such a long and useful life, it would be futile to attempt to summarize the sterling qualities of J. R. Thomson. Deeply interested in everything that pertained to the uplift and welfare of Earlham. He filled all the places of high honor granted him by its people, with the ability and integrity of an upright citizen. He was a charter member of the Presbyterian church and an elder emeritis at the time of his death. The local church had been one of the big interests of his life. Declining health had lately prevented his active work there, but formerly he gave freely both of his labor and means, to its support. He also belonged to the Masonic order, being a charter member of Madison Lodge No. 568, and also of the Commandry. In politics he was a republican and adhered firmly to the policies of that party.

During his last illness, no word of complaint was heard as the frail body grew weaker, only words of appreciation in patient suffering until the angel of death bore his soul away. His age was 90 years, 5 months and 5 days.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Thursday afternoon, Rev. Peter Bock, assisted by the Rev. J. B. Howard, of Des Moines, preaching the service. The Masons and the Commandry had charge of the services at the cemetery, the Sir Knights acting as escorts. The Eastern Star chapter members were also present, Mr. Thomson being a charter member and having constituted the chapter.

The honorary pall bearers were C. O. Clements, Andrew Shaffer, J. R. Mendenhall, Will Brown and Joe Gilbert.
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The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, January 9, 1930
Page 9, Column 3

Neighborhood News -

Mrs. Perry Thompson and Mrs. F. L. Hoch attended the funeral of J. R. Thompson at Earlham Thursday.

Note: Typed as printed, correct name is Thomson.

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