Thompson, Jeremiah Jerry (1833-1924)

THOMPSON, ANDREWS, BURNS, MCALLISTER, WINTERS

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 3/4/2011 at 21:32:34

Jerry Thompson Was Familiar
Figure in Le Mars
Jerry Thompson, pioneer milling engineer of LeMars and one of the oldest residents of this section, died at his home on First Avenue SE., yesterday morning. The date of his death was also the anniversary of his birth, he having obtained the great age of ninety-one years on January 28.
Mr. Thompson had been in failing health for some time due to the infirmities
of old age, and had lived in comparative retirement the past few years. He maintained his activity until very recently, being strong and energetic and of a purposeful disposition.

Jeremiah Thompson was born in Ohio, Janurary 28, 1833. When a young man, he went to Illinois. He early learned the trade of milling and also became a practical engineer. He worked at Rutland, Ill., for the Burns family and came with Frank and Fred burns to LeMars when they established the mill in 1870, which is now the Plymouth mill.

Mr. Thompson superintended the packing and shipping of the mill machinery from Rutland to LeMars and often related how, on his way to LeMars to be in readiness to unload the plant, he and the late J. C. Pauley saw the milling material at Marcus on a siding as they rode the velvet cushions on the passenger train on their way to their destination.

Jerry Thompson worked for nearly fifty years for the Burns family and was connected with the Plymouth mill until about ten years ago when he retired.

He was competent, faithful, and always enjoyed the respect and esteem of his employers and his fellow workmen. They said of him that he was always square as a die. He was possessed of a rugged honesty and many a time assisted a fellow workman out of employ or with sickness in the family. He was somewhat gruff and abrupt in his manner, but those who knew him best were aware these attributes covered a warm heart and a sterling character.

Mr. Thompson's wife died about twenty years ago. He is survived by one son, Hiram Thompson, of Minneapolis, who was formerly in the drug business in LeMars. A daughter, Kittie, who was an invalid for many years, preceded him n death.

Mrs. Thos. Andrews of Long Beach, Cal. Lived with the Thompsons for
many years and was treated as a daughter. Mrs. Roger Burns, of Portland, Ore., is a granddaughter of the deceased. Another granddaughter, Florence Thompson, died last year in Portland. He also leaves two nieces, Mrs. M. J. McAllister of Slayton, Minn., and Mrs. Jessie Winters, of Madison, Wis.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the late residence, Rev A. W. Miles, pastor of the First Congregational church officiating.