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         JOHN THOMAS THOMPSON, an extensive stock-raiser of Louisa County, Iowa, residing on section 2, Grand View Township, was born in this county in 1858, and was the fourth child in a family of nine who were born to Philip and Rebecca A. Thompson, who were natives of Illinois. In his native State the father engaged in farming, and again resumed that occupation for some years in Grand View Township after his removal to Louisa County, but for the past ten or twelve years has been engaged in the hardware and implement business at Columbus Junction.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon a farm, and his education was received at the Seminary of Grand View. In Louisa County he was united in marriage with Mary A. Estle, their union being celebrated Aug. 7, 1873. The lady is a native of this county, and a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Shellabarger) Estle, the former born in New Jersey, and the latter in Ohio. They were among the pioneer settlers of Muscatine County of 1838, and there the father died several years ago, and the mother June 15, 1888.

Mr. Thompson and his young bride began their domestic life upon the farm on section 2, Grand View Township, where they yet reside. By their union two children were born, Gertrude and Edna, both at home. The farm is pleasantly situated about three-fourths of a mile from Letts, thus furnishing good school, market and shipping facilities. It consists of 160 acres, which at the time of purchase was raw prairie land, but Mr. Thompson at once began its cultivation, erecting a nice farm residence, and in 1887 building a large barn. As time has passed he has added to the original purchase until he now owns 240 acres of fine arable land, which is highly cultivated and improved, and comprises one of the best farms in the county. It is well watered by a never-failing spring, is all under fence, and so admirably tiled that every foot is tillable. Mr. Thompson’s stock is all of the best grades, and he makes a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle; he also raises fine draft horses, and has some full-blooded Norman horses, while his hogs are of the Poland-China and Chester-White breeds. He also raises fine colts for the market, and has a full-blooded Norman June colt. He has six other full-blooded colts and eight fine brood mares. He takes great interest in raising fine stock, and has done much to advance the grade in the county.

Mr. Thompson takes an active interest in political affairs, and casts his vote with the Greenback party. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. The greater part of his life has been spent in Louisa County, and he has witnessed many of its most important changes, participating in its development, and aiding in its progress. He is numbered among the highly respected citizens of the community, and is known throughout the county as an energetic and leading farmer.