James Thompson is a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Hanover Township, where he resides on section 11. He was born in the North of Ireland, in August, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Martha Thompson. He grew to manhood in his native country, in whose schools he received his education, and on his father's farm learned the details of a farmer's life. He lived in his native county until Dec. 10, 1868. on which day he was united in marriage with - Miss Mary McGoff, a daughter of William and Ann McGoff, all natives of Ireland. The young couple had decided to make America their future home, and at once set sail for the New World, taking passage at Londonderry, on board the steamship "llibcrnia." After an ocean voyage of sixteen days they landed at Portland, Me., and from there came direct to Jo Daviess County, IL.

Our subject's life in this county has been one of honest toil and industry. For a number of years after coining here he worked as a farm hand, or engaged in any occupation which came to his hand. Thus he continued until the spring of 1872, when, for a number of years he rented a farm, until he became able to purchase. His labors and those of his estimable wife have been prosperous, and they are now the owners of 240 acres of good land, well cultivated, well fenced, and with comfortable buildings. They are the parents of two children, Joseph and James.

In connection with his general farming, Mr. Thompson is considerably engaged in the business of stock-raising, and keeps only fine graded cattle.

He is a man of good judgment and fine business capacity, and has made this branch of his business profitable. Though never having the advantage of much school education, he is a man of more than ordinary knowledge and intelligence, having been all his life a reader and thinker, aiming to keep himself posted not only on topics pertaining to his own business, but also keeping himself well abreast of the important news and happenings of the day. Having had but few advantages in his own youth, he is all the more in favor of any project looking to the betterment of society, or to improve the condition of his fellowmen, and especially of the younger generation. A self-made man, he enjoys the respect and esteem of his neighbors, a tribute due to his work and the integrity of his character. In politics he is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889)