Thompson, Enoch bio

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 317-318; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Enoch Thompson is one of those progressive wide-awake farmers, who find both pleasure and profit in cultivating the soil, and by means of dignity and ability tend to raise the standard of their chosen occupation. Beside agricultural pursuits, he is also interested in stock-raising, and owns a valuable estate on section 26, Pleasant Township. He is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, being born there on the 17th of May, 1836.
His parents, Joshua and Emily (Williams) Thompson, were natives of New Jersey and Maryland respectively, the former being of Scotch descent. A kinsman on the maternal side figured prominently in the Revolutionary War, and his Grandfather Williams was one of the earliest settlers in Coshocton County, building one of the first houses in that section of the State of Ohio. His father was twice married and had ten children, of whom the following are living at this date: Margery, wife of W. Richards of Iowa; Permelia, wife of John Potter, of Putnam County, Mo.; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Foster and living in Coshocton County, Ohio; George, who resides in Warsaw, Ohio; Lydia, wife of William Bourel of Richland County, Ill., and Enoch, whose sketch now claims attention.
Mr. Thompson reached manhood's estate in his native place, and at an early age commenced to do work of various kinds. His education was somewhat limited, and his knowledge has been gained chiefly by reading. In the winter of 1857, he moved to McDonough County, this State, and for more than a year engaged in farm work. He then went to Putnam County, Mo., then in a few months back to McDonough County, and later to Schuyler County, Ill., but after six months in the latter place came to Fulton County, and has since continued to reside here.
Our subject enlisted in the late war on the 19th of August in the year 1861, in Company H, Third Illinois Cavalry, and became part of the Western Army, first under Gen. Fremont, then Gen. Halleck, and later under Gen. Curtiss. He performed the duties of the ordinary cavalryman, and took part in many skirmishes. He served until September 25, 1862, at which time he returned to his present place of residence.
Mr. Thompson was married September 15, 1864, to Miss Mary E. Thompson, native of Woodland Township, and daughter of Anthony and Lucy (Shields) Thompson, natives of Coshocton County, Ohio and Harrison County, Ind. Her father moved to Fulton County some time in the '40s, having ridden the entire distance from his native State on horseback, and was one of the first settlers of Woodland Township. Her grandparents came to Fulton County in the fall of 1830, settling in Woodland Township. To her parents were born nine children, of whom six are living, viz: Mary (wife of our subject); Benjamin F.; Nancy, wife of John W. Hagan; Sarah C., wife of W. H. Smith; Minerva J. wife of Harvey Shelley; Martha, wife of Thornton A. Bourel. Her father was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a most successful agriculturist.
To our subject and wife has been born one daughter, Julia C. He settled on his present farm in 1865, continuing to reside here since that date. He has cleared the land and cultivated the soil until his farm is very valuable. Mr. Thompson is a very popular man and has held public offices from time to time. At present he is serving as Highway Commissioner. He is a member of the Democratic party and true in all respects to his party principles. He is a member of the Grand Army Post at Summum, and is well known and much respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. Mrs. Thompson is a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and both she and her husband endeavor at all times to advance the interests of the community.