John Thompson aka John Eksdal (1824-1911)

THOMPSON, EKSDAL, OLSON, HANSEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/23/2023 at 20:54:26

From The Slater News September 7, 1911 (page 1)

AGED CITIZEN PASSES AWAY

John Thompson, living north of Huxley, dies at an age not far from ninety years.

John Thompson, known better as John Eksdal, died last Thursday at his home north of Huxley. Funeral took place Monday from the Palestine church, burial bein made in the adjoining cemetery where his wife was laid to rest twelve years ago. Rev. Holman of Slater preached the funeral sermon.

Deceased was born at Olen, Norway, September 16, 1824 and was thus nearly eighty-seven years old. In 1856 he bade his fatherland adieu and journeyed with others across the Atlantic to try the possibilities of a new country. His ticket read to Lisbon, Illinois, where he resided for two years. With companions he then joined the many that were going to Iowa and settled upon Story county as his future home.

In 1861 he was united in marriage to Taaron Olson. To this union were born three children. Of these one is dead and two are living to mourn his death. They are Mrs. Andrew Hansen of near Gowrie and Lewis who resides near Huxley. His wife died in 1898.

As one of the pioneer settlers of Story county deceased has a wide circle of acquaintanceship. Many of those who shared the early struggles of pioneer life with him have gone before him and but few remain.