Thomson, George 1867-1928

THOMSON, SHERMAN, FISHER, SHAW

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 1/30/2011 at 09:24:27

The Grinnell Register; Grinnell, Iowa, Jan. 5, 1928

"SO GO WE HOME"

O, rapture sweet and grand!
One moment on this strand
Next in the Father's land--
So we go home.

What is not contained in these four lines--the inspiration of faith, life's pilgrimage described, a vision of the realm beyond and the transition? Never was more said, and so beautiful, in as few words.

Last Thursday evening the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomson of Chester was the scene of a happy gathering. The trustees of the Chester church together with their wives were dinner guests and the evening was spent in happy social fashion. Mr. Thomson, always a genial host, was in an exceptionally happy mood, and seemingly in good health.

When Mrs. Thomson arose Friday morning she found that death had come to Mr. Thomson during the night. He seemed to be peacefully asleep--but it was a sleep from which there is no awakening here.

A simple funeral service was held at the home yesterday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by Rev. Wissler, attended by friends and neighbors of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sherman, of Colorado, Miss Edna Sherman, of Nebraska, brother and sisters of Mrs. Thomson, Mr. and Mrs. Will Moniger, old school friends, of Marshalltown, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sherman, of Altoona, cousins of Mrs. Thomson were present for the services. Burial at Chester.

Mr. Thomson was born in Perkinsville, Vt. in the year 1867, a son of Mr. and Mrs. James B. Thomson. His father came out to Iowa in the early days and for a time stayed with his cousins, the Fishers, later sending for his wife and two little boys. One of the little boys was George Thomson, aged nine, and he had lived in Chester township ever since.

More than thirty years ago Mr. Thomson was married to Miss Lulu Sherman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Sherman. Of his immediate family, his wife, and one sister, Miss Helen Thomson, of Grinnell, survive him.

Mr. Thomson has been long and closely associated with the church and neighborhood life of Chester township and no one can estimate the extent of the influence of his life and good deeds. He was a deacon of the church at the time of his death. He was a quiet, unassuming man, studious, a lover of good books and good friends. His life was one of happiness and contentment in his home and of friendly association with his fellows.

The Register recalls Mr. Thomson's pleasure in entertaining a big family party in his home last commencement time when his cousin, Hon. Albert Shaw, editor of the Review of Reviews, here to deliver an address at the college, was among the guests. Hospitality has been the key note at the Thomson home and it is fitting that the last evening of his life was spent in entertaining a group of friends.