Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 281-282; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
David B. Thompson. It affords us pleasure to place before
our readers an outline of the history of this young gentleman who is
one of the enterprising dealers of London Mills. His grandfather
Thompson was born in England and emigrated to New Jersey. He
married a Scotch lady who bore a family among whom was a son, Robert
D. The latter was born in Warren County, N. J., and until
thirteen years old lived in his native State. He then went to
Clermont County, Ohio, with his parents, traveling in the old time
fashion with a wagon and team. He helped clear a farm and soon
began dealing in horses. While still but a youth he would buy
horses and drive them to New Jersey for sale. After his marriage
he ran an hotel at Edenton some fifteen years and also carried on a
farm.
In December, 1855, Robert Thompson came to Central Illinois
accompanied by his wife and nine children. The family and
household goods were brought in three wagons. Mr. Thompson
settled in Chestnut Township, Knox County, buying land which he
improved and added to from time to time until he owned five hundred and
thirty-five acres in one body. He dealt in stock, feeding and
shipping in quite large numbers. He still owns three hundred and
thirty-five acres of farm land, which is furnished with good buildings
and other improvements. In 1888 he bought a residence at Maquon
and retired to that town to spend his days in leisurely
enjoyment. He has always been interested in the educational
advancement of the country and has liberally supported schools and
churches. His suffrage is given to Democratic principles and
candidates.
Mr. Thompson has been twice married, his first wife having been
Sarah Sloan, who was born and died in Ohio. His second wife was
Amy J. Bearmore who was born in Warren County, N. J., and reared and
educated there. Her father was born in England but died in New
Jersey. Mrs. Amy Thompson died in Maquon, May 13, 1889.
She was the mother of seven children, four of whom grew to
maturity. Of these our subject is the first-born. The
others are, Charles, now a farmer in Oklahoma; Mrs. Ella Gibson, died
in Audubon County, Iowa, June 19, 1890, and Lillie M., who is still
with her father. The first marriage of Mr. Thompson resulted in
the birth of eleven children, eight of whom lived to mature
years. The oldest, James, lives in Butler County, Kan., is a
Methodist Episcopal minister and a merchant; Elizabeth is now Mrs.
Applegate, of Johnson County, Iowa; William went to Iowa many years
ago, was a prominent stockman there, became wealthy and in 1883 removed
to Butler City, Kan., and engaged in mercantile pursuits; Thomas B. is
a farmer in Lucas County, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Hogan lived in Warrant
County, this State; Mrs. Melvinia Freemole lives in Butler County,
Kan.; Robert resides in Davis County, Iowa; Mrs. Jane Dillie lives in
Brown, Dak.
The gentleman of whom we write was born January 14, 1855, near
Edenton, Clermont County, Ohio. The following December he came
with his parents to this State and was reared in Chestnut Township,
Knox County. Like many farmers’ sons he was early set to work and
when ten years old began to plow corn and bear a part in other labors,
being able to fill the place of a full hand in the harvest field when
fourteen years old. He has helped break prairie with oxen, and
has a considerable knowledge of the labors necessary in developing a
new country. His school privileges were somewhat limited, but he
has always endeavored to keep posted regarding general topics of
interest, and fit himself for accurate calculations in business affairs.
Young Thompson remained with his father until he was of age,
then rented a farm belonging to his parents for five years. At
the expiration of that period he made Warren County his home one year,
still pursuing the calling of a farmer. In February, 1882, he
came to London Mills, bought an old building, converted it into a store
and put in a stock of hardware. The following May he built a
frame store, the first large one in the town, which was 20x40
feet. Into this he put his goods but in July sold out and rented
the store. He then engaged in the sale of agricultural implements
and finding his new enterprise a success, put his goods into his own
building in 1884. There he carried on his business until 1886,
when he sold the building and opened an establishment on his present
site. He bought an eighth of a block, put up a building with
sheds for machinery, and now sells all kinds of agricultural
implements, including windmills and pumps, has a good trade in buggies,
and also carries harness. Having begun at the bottom of the
ladder, he has worked his way upward step by step until he has reached
a position of prominence among business men. He owns several town
lots upon which he has built residences, one being occupied by himself.
Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Clara A. Nichols,
in Knoxville, March 26, 1879. His wife was born in Galesburg,
received an excellent education there and was engaged in teaching for
eight years. She is the daughter of John and Mary Nichols,
formerly of Sweden. She is not only well educated, but possesses
a noble Christian character and bears a prominent part in the various
progressive and elevating movements of society. Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson have one child, a bright boy named Robert D.
Mr. Thompson is now Justice of the Peace and serving his second
term as Commissioner of Highways. He was a member of the first
Village Board of Trustees, of which he was President one year, and has
been Treasurer of the village. He belongs to London Lodge, No.
734, I. O. O. F., is Past Grand and has twice been a delegate to the
Grand Lodge. He firmly believes that the principles of Democracy
are best adapted to the welfare of the Nation and therefore supports
them with his vote and personal influence. He has won a prominent
position in social circles, as well as in municipal and business
affairs. Mrs. Thompson is Secretary of the Women’s Christian
Temperance Union, of London Mills and belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
