BIOGRAPHY - William E. Thompson
WILLIAM E. THOMPSON, who is recognized as one of the rising young
business men of Melvin, is a member of the Thompson Company, dealers in farm
implements, lumber and paints. Belmont County, Ohio, is the place of his
nativity, and February 9, 1863, the date of his birth. With his parents,
John M. and Jane (Day) Thompson, he came to Illinois in 1865, and since 1872
he has been a resident of Melvin. After leaving the public schools of that
place, he spent two years in the literary department of Wesleyan University
at Bloomington, Ill. Subsequently he pursued a commercial course in the same
institution, graduating with the Class of '83. Soon thereafter he entered
his father's implement and lumber establishment, continuing until 1886, when
he and his uncle, W. H. Thompson, became partners in the implement and
lumber trade, assuming the firm title of Thompson Company. They have an
extensive patronage, which has been won by fair and honorable dealing. It is
no exaggeration to say that they, both as individuals and as a business
firm, have the unalloyed confidence of the community.
On the 11th of November, 1885, Mr. Thompson wedded Miss Maggie Stather. The
lady is a native of Canada, but in girlhood came with her parents to Ford
County, where she has since made her home.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born three children, but Elma J. is the only
one surviving, two having died in infancy. Both he and wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, in political principles, he is a stanch
Republican, taking an active interest in the success of his party. Socially,
Mr. Thompson is a member of Lodge No. 179, K. P., having passed through all
the chairs, and of the Odd Fellows' society. No. 159. For eight years he has
served as Notary Public. In all the relations of life he has shown himself a
man. He is a gentleman of superior ability and accomplishments. During his
school life, whether in public school or in college, he always stood among
the best students in his class, and in business circles he takes a front
rank.
Extracted 22 Aug 2019 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois, published in 1892, pages 242-243.
