MARION J. THOMPSON

There was much sincere regret when Marion J. Thompson was called to his final reward, for he was a man of high principle, an excellent citizen and a successful farmer of Grand River township. His birth occurred in Putnam county, Indiana, in November, 1838, and his parents were Hugh and Sallie (Martin) Thompson, both natives of Kentucky. They removed to Indiana and there the father followed farming for many years. Both passed away in that state.

Marion J. Thompson was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the public schools of his native state. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company C, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for two years at the front. He then followed the carpenter’s trade until 1873, when he removed to Boone county, Iowa. After farming there for some time he came to Decatur county and for two years cultivated rented land. At the expiration of that period his finances were in such a condition that he was able to buy land in Grand River township, which he cultivated efficiently and successfully until his demise on the 27^th of June, 1887.

Mr. Thompson was married March, 1876, to Miss Mary L. Gammon, a daughter of George and Martha (Robinson) Gammon, natives respectively of Tennessee and Indiana. The father followed agricultural pursuits and became a resident of Monroe county, this state, in an early day, remaining there until 1865, when he removed to this county. He purchased a farm in Eden township, to the operation of which he gave his time and energies until his death which occurred in August, 1895. His wife died in October, 1894.

Mr. Thompson was a member of the Masonic lodge and through his identification with the Grand Army of the Republic kept in touch with his comrades of the ‘60s. His political faith was that of the republican party and his church membership was held in the Christian church. Although many years have passed since his demise his memory is still cherished by those who knew him, for he possessed the characteristics which invariably win enduring regard. Following his demise, Mrs. Thompson sold the home farm and purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres of land on sections 1 and 2, Eden township, the buildings being on section 2. She is well known in this county and those who know her most intimately hold her in the highest regard.