R. R. Thompson (1838-1904)

THOMPSON, GLASS, WHITNEY

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/23/2005 at 08:21:40

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, June 30, 1904, page 8. - Obituary - "R. R. Thompson was born near Springfield, Ohio in 1838 and died at Maxwell, Iowa June 24, 1904, being about sixty seven years old at the time of his death. He came to Scott county, Iowa at the age of eighteen and on January 1, 1857 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Glass and in 1861 the family moved to Indian Creek township, Story County, where he has since resided. He occupied the farm, now owned by A. F. Pearson, for many years and during his residence here he was greatly interested in all things that were of public interest. One special feature about his life was his kind-heartedness and sympathetic nature. It is said of him that he would take great care of the birds and squirrels in his timber land and allow no one to kill or molest them, and many other instances of his life went to show that he was a man of large heart. Although greatly interested in the public welfare he never sought any office or other honors, however he was Justice of the peace in this township at one time and filled the office with proficiency. Mr. Thompson was more than an ordinary man from the fact that he was a great reader and well posted on most all subjects, therefore being a very interesting conversationalist and any one coming in contact with him could always get some valuable information in most any line desired. Mr. Thompson joined the Masonic lodge in l864, thus holding membership in that Order forty years. He was formerly a member at Nevada and in an early day in company with some of his brethren would walk to lodge from his home. He at different times held church relations in the Baptist and Christian churches and expressed his readiness to go when the end was near, even praying the Heavenly Father to take him from this vale of suffering. He was the father of eight children, one died in infancy and two after growing to manhood. Four daughters and one son still live, in California. Mrs. Thompson died August 11, 1892, on February 13, 1894 he was again untied in marriage to Mrs. Mary Whitney, who survives him. Thus another honored and revered citizen has gone, his life was an example of those things which are noble and true and as he has departed this life it is the hope of all that he may rest in peace. The funeral was held at the home, being preached by Rev. O. F. Shaw, who spoke words of comfort to the bereaved friends. Herald Lodge, No. 455, A. F. and A. M. attended in a body and performed their burial rites at the house and grave respectively. A large concourse of friends followed the lifeless remains to its final resting place and there paid their last respects to a noble citizen."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library Des Moines, Iowa VOL. IX GRAVE MARKER INSCRIPTIONS INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP, INC. CITY OF MAXWELL STORY COUNTY, IOWA PAGES 447-528: page 468, Maxwell Municipal Cemetery, Section 2, Row 6, plots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Plot 7, James Flavius son of R.R. & M THOMPSON born Aug 28 1865 died Nov 22 1886 aged 21 ys 2 ms 25 ds; Plot 8 wife (THOMPSON); Plot 9 Mary beloved wife of R R THOMPSON died Aug 12 1892 aged 52 ys 2 ms 24 ds (design with w.r.c. & F. C. L.) R R THOMPSON May 28 1838 - June 24 1904; Plot 10 father (THOMPSON); Plot 11 Mary E THOMPSON Sept 24 1844 - Dec 14 1909.