James Edwin Thompson

  General Notes:

Biographical Sketch of James E. Thompson, Jefferson Township, Johnson County, Missouri
From "The History of Johnson County, Missouri,"
Kansas City Historical Co. 1881

JAMES E. THOMPSON,

Post Office, Windsor, is among the worthy young men of the township. He was born in Jefferson township, Johnson county, Missouri, September 26, 1858. He was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood. His first teacher was Miss Emma Bresford, and the log school house was the woods on Mr. Wall's land. His father, James N. Thompson, deceased, was among the most worthy citizens of his day. He was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, near Thompsonville (which was named in honor of his father, Thomas Thompson), December 10, 1830. He was married to Miss Susan H. Garrett, June 18, 1857. He was married twice. His first wife was Miss Mary Brannock, and by her two children were born: Sallie A. and Henry T. Sallie married Willis Jerome. The following is the list of children by the second wife, Mrs. Susan H. Thompson: James E., Nellie R., Robert H., Bettie G., Willie P., Mary M. and Nancy M. Four are living, two of each sex. Mrs. Susan H. Thompson, nee Miss Garrett, was born April 21, 1837. She was a daughter of James Garrett, a noble and most excellent man. Her husband, James N. Thompson, the father of the subject of this sketch, died February 4, 1873, about forty-two years of age, cut down in the meridian of life. He was for many years known as one of the best music teachers of the country, and the children have inherited considerable of the father's talent. He taught in the schools with good success, and was well educated, and bore the name of being a ripe scholar of his time. He wrote an exquisitely beautiful hand. During the late war he served as a true and brave soldier in the confederate army. In politics he was always a staunch democrat, and took great pride in the cause of his party. In belief he was a Methodist. He was of Scotch descent, and always sustained the true dignity of his good family. For several years he served as justice of the peace, and often bore the common epithet of 'squire. He was found foremost in the support of schools of his time. He was a Mason and Odd Fellow, and was loved and respected by his brethern. James E. Thompson, his son, is at present a single man of excellent traits. He uses neither tobacco nor ardent spirits, and is among the most promising citizens. He is engaged in farming in section 30, township 44, range 24. He has some excellent stock, and raises fine timothy hay. His farm is of the very fertile agricultural land on the southwestern slope of High Point of Tebo. Mr. Thompson is kind and sociable, and is one of the very best families of Jefferson township.