 |
 |
What's
New | Bios | Birth/Marr/Death | Cemeteries | Census | Courts | Directories/Lists | History | Maps | Military | Photos | Resources |
1907 Past and Present Biographies
John F. ThompsonMr. Thompson is one of Iowa’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Cedar county on the 19th of July, 1858. His father, James Thompson, was born in Scotland, August 22, 1835, and when a year old was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled in Ohio. In 1846 they came to Iowa, locating in Cedar county, where the father and mother, John and Catherine Thompson, made their home until called to their final rest. In his youth James Thompson remained upon the home farm with his parents and attended the common schools. After putting aside his textbooks he engaged in farming and in 1855 he made a visit to Greene county, Iowa, in search of a location. Again he came in 1857 but did not permanently locate here until about ten years later, when on the 6th of June, 1867, he came with his family and took up his abode on section 24, Junction township. This was an improved farm purchased from Jake Perkey and consisted of one hundred and sixty-nine acres of rich and productive land, of which one hundred and four acres was tillable, while sixty five acres was covered with timber. Since losing his wife in 1877 and meeting with some financial reverses he has made his home with his children. He wedded Mary Palfryman, a native of Indiana and of English parentage, who passed away in 1877 when about thirty-seven years of age. In their family were eight children. of whom four are now living: John F.; Lizzie, the wife of A. E. Morris, of Woodlake, Nebraska; Mrs. Thomas Goodwin, residing at Grand Junction: and Martha C. Hoyer. who is now in Baton, New Mexico. Of the others Nettie died ten years ago. Anna two years ago and two in infancy. James Thompson, the father, has been a life-long Methodist but is not connected with any congregation at the present time, owing to the fact that he resides for a period with one child and then with another. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and in politics has always been a republican, supporting each presidential nominee of the party from John C. Fremont to Theodore Roosevelt. John F. Thompson was only nine years of age when brought to Greene county and upon the home farm he was reared, there remaining to the age of nineteen years. The common schools affording him his educational privileges and after he started out in life on his own accoun he was for eight years in the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, spending four and a half years of that time as engineer. For five years he bought and shipped cattle at Grand Junction and was then called to public office. He has a very extensive acquaintance and, as it has been said, “knows every man in Greene county.” Moreover, he is popular and his fellow townsmen recognize his worth and ability. This led to his selection for the oflice of sheriff, in which position he served for six years, or from 1896 until 1902. He gave a most commendable administration, discharging his duties without fear or favor, and following his retirement from office he located in Grand Junction, where since 1903 he has been engaged in general merchandising. On the 6th of June, 1898, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Dora Guise, a native of Illinois. and unto them have been born two children, Florence A. and John L. The family are well known in the community and Mr. Thompson has for a long period been recognized as a republican leader, his opinions carrying weight in the councils of his party. He belongs to one of the old pioneer families and because of his long residence, his activity in business and his political prominence well deserves mention in this volume. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, having belonged to the blue lodge at Grand Junction since 1881. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |