William H. Thompson, farmer and a resident of Portland village, was born in Ireland, his parents being Robert and Lydia (Graham) Thompson. He was a small boy when his parents emigrated to this country, settling in Cleveland, Ohio. They came thence to Chicago, and thence, in the fall of 1836 to Portland Twp. this county, locating upon a quarter section of land; and when it came into market he purchased 200 acres, and subsequently added to it by further purchases until he obtained a total of 400 acres. He died April 6, 1883. Mrs. T. died in August, 1872. They had nine children, seven of whom are now living, viz: Mary, Richard, William H., Elizabeth, Robert, Hiram and John.
After his father's death, the subject of this sketch received from the property a house, two lots and a barn in Prophetstown; he has also owned some farms in this county. When 22 years of age he left home and rented land, and purchased 145 acres near the village of Erie, where he resided four years. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he also deals to soem extend in livestock.
He was married in Iowa to Miss Lora A. Fay, daughter of Moses and Betsey Fay. They have eight children, five of whom are living, namely; Ida, who is the wife o Fred Kreps, a farmer in Minnesota; Willie, Ellsworth, Katie and Effie. The deceased were William w., Lizzie B. and Effie M.
Portrait & Biographical 1885 Pg 701
