hundred acres of land which lies almost wholly within the corporate limits of Cambridge. He is also a prominent factor in financial circles as the vice president of the Citizens State Bank and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a leading and respected citizen of his native county.
In 1882 Dr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Ida B. Davis, a daughter of John and Sarah (Griffith) Davis, who were natives of Tennessee and Ohio respectively. They were married in Illinois and came to Story county, Iowa, in 1868. Mr. Davis, who was a cooper by trade, conducted a cooperage shop at Iowa Center until he passed away in 1874. His wife, who still survives, afterward wedded W. K. Wood, who is the oldest living resident of Story county, now making his home in Iowa Center. Dr. and Mrs. Thompson have three children, namely: Winifred, who is now the wife of Lieutenant F. E. Overholser, of Plattsburg, New York; Mildred, a teacher in the Cambridge public schools ; and James, who is in the primary grades.
Politically Dr. Thompson is a stanch democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He has served for a number of years as a member of the school board and also acted as justice of the peace. A loyal and public-spirited citizen, no matter which has for its object the substantial upbuilding and progress of the community is refused his endorsement and cooperation. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Tabernacle Lodge No. 452, A. F. & A. M.; Joshua Chapter No. 127, R. A. M., at Ames ; Excalibur Commandery No. 13, K. T., of Boone, Iowa ; Gebal Council No. 5, R. & S. M., of Ames ; and Des Moines Consistory No. 3, A. & A. S. R. Both the Doctor and his wife are consistent Christians, worshiping in the United Brethren church. It is safe to say that he has as many friends as any man in the county and all who know him are glad to be numbered as such.
JOHN J. Severson.
John J. Severson was born near Lisbon, Illinois, September 8, 1853, a son of John and Betsy (Aspoland) Severson, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Severt J. Severson on another page of this volume. When our subject was two years old his parents removed to Story county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, his education being obtained in the public school. When twenty- two years old Mr. Severson, in partnership with his brother, Severt, rented and operated the home farm for seven years. During this time the brothers earned enough to buy the property, which consisted of two hundred and forty acres, and a year after the marriage of John J., a division of the land and stock was made, he acquiring one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he began farming independently. Some years later he disposed of his farm and purchased the place in Union town-