Gilbert Thompson

THOMPSON, JOHNSON, SHOUTVET, VALD

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall (email)
Date: 7/15/2009 at 06:34:59

Agricultural interests of Winnebago county find a worthy representative in Gilbert Thompson, who owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on section 10, Center township. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, April 1, 1865, and is a son of Thomas and Helga (Johnson) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to America in 1853 and settled in Dane county, where the father purchased land which he improved, residing thereon for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Winnebago county, Iowa, in 1865 and purchased school land in Center township for a dollar and a quarter per acre. This he improved and cultivated throughout his remaining days, his labors being ended in May, 1897, when he had reached the age of seventy- two years. His widow still survives and has now attained the notable age of ninety-four years.

Gilbert Thompson was but six weeks old when brought by his parents to Iowa, so that practically his entire life has been spent in Winnebago county. He was reared and educated in Center township, devoting the winter months to the attainment of knowledge as a public school pupil, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when he purchased land from his father and began farming on his own account. From time to time he added to the property until he now has an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres. He has divided this into fields of convenient size surrounded by well kept fences, has cleared and improved his land and now has one of the finest farms of Winnebago county, its neat and thrifty appearance indicating his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Thompson is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Lake Mills, in the Lake Mills Lumber Company and in the Lake Mills Creamery Company. In addition to tilling his fields he makes a specialty of raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle and his live stock interests constitute an important and profitable feature of his business.

In February, 1896, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Karina Shoutvet, a daughter of Austin and Anna (Vald) Shoutvet, who were pioneer settlers of Wisconsin. The father died in 1902, while the death of the mother occurred in February, 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have become the parents of nine children: Hilma, Ada, Austin, Gerald, Melvin, Morris and Gladys, all of whom are living; Morris, who died at the age of four years; and Theodore, who died at the age of two.

The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and guide their lives according to its teachings. In politics Mr. Thompson is a republican but has never been a politician, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which are wisely and carefully directed and are bringing to him substantial and well merited success.

~History of Winnebago and Hancock Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1917, pg 49