**************************************************************************** File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net. **************************************************************************** Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890 **************************************************************************** The Biography of David B. THOMPSON Pages 281-282, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins [Surnames: APPLEGATE, BEARMORE, DILLIE, FREEMOLE, GIBSON, HOGAN, NICHOLS, SLOAN, THOMPSON] DAVID B. THOMPSON. It affords us pleasure to place before our readers an outline of the history of this young gentleman who is one of the enterprising dealers of London Mills. His grandfather Thompson was born in England and emigrated to New Jersey. He married a Scotch lady who bore a family among whom was a son, Robert D. The latter was born in Warren County, N. K., and until thirteen years old lived in his native State. He then went to Clermont County, Ohio, with his parents, traveling in the oldtime fashion with a wagon and team. He helped clear a farm and soon began dealing in horses. While still but a youth he would buy horses and drive them to New Jersey for sale. After his marriage he ran an hotel at Edenton some fifteen years and also carried on a farm. In December, 1855, Robert Thompson came to Central Illinois accompanied by his wife and nine children. The family and household goods were brought in three wagons. Mr. Thompson settled in Chesnut Township, Knox County, buying land which he improved and added to from time to time until he owned five hundred and thirty-five acres in one body. He dealt in stock, feeding and shipping in quite large numbers. He still owns three hundred and thirty-five acres of farm land, which is furnished with good buildings and other improvements. In 1888 he bought a residence at Maquon and retired to that town to spend his days in leisurely enjoyment. He has always been interested in the educational advancement of the country and has liberally supported schools and churches. His suffrage is given to Democratic principles and candidates. Mr. Thompson has been twice married, his first wife having been Sarah Sloan, who was born and died in Ohio. His second wife was Amy J. Bearmore who was born in Warren County, N. J., and reared and educated there. Her father was born in England but died in New Jersey. Mrs. Amy Thompson died in Maquon, May 13, 1889. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom grew to maturity. Of these our subject is the first-born. The others are, Charles, now a farmer in Oklahoma; Mrs. Ella Gibson, died in Audubon County, Iowa, June 29, 1890, and Lillie M., who is still with her father. The first marriage of Mr. Thompson resulted in the birth of eleven children, eight of whom lived to mature years. The oldest, James, lives in Butler County, Kan., is a Methodist Episcopal minister and a merchant; Elizabeth is now Mrs. Applegate, of Johnson County, Iowa; William went to Iowa many years ago, was a prominent stockman there, became wealthy and in 1883 removed to Butler City, Kan., and engaged in mercantile pursuits; Thomas B. is a farmer in Lucas County, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Hogan lives in Warren County, this State; Mrs. Melvinia Freemole lives in Butler County, Kan.; Robert resides in Davis County, Iowa; Mrs. Jane Dillie lives in Brown, Dak. The gentleman of whom we write was born January 14, 1855, near Edenton, Clermont County, Ohio. The following December he came with his parents to this State and was reared in Chestnut Township, Knox County. Like many farmers' sons he was early set to work and when ten years old began to plow corn and bear a part on other labors, being able to fill the place of a full hand in the harvest field when fourteen years old. He has helped break prairie with oxen, and has a considerable knowledge of the labors necessary in developing a new country. His school privileges were somewhat limited, but he has always endeavored to keep posted regarding general topics of interest, and fit himself for accurate calculations in business affairs. Young Thompson remained with his father until he was of age, then rented a farm belonging to his parents for five years. At the expiration of that period he made Warren County his home one year, still pursuing the calling of a farmer. In February, 1882, he came to London Mills, bough an old building, converted it into a store and put in a stock of hardware. The following May he built a frame store, the first large one in the town,which was 20x40 feet. Into this he put his goods but in July sold out and rented the store. He then engaged in the sale of agricultural implements and finding his new enterprise a success, put his goods into his own building in 1884. There he carried on his business until 1886,when he sold the building and opened an establishment on his present site. He bought an eighth of a block, put up a building with sheds for machinery, and now sells all kinds of agricultural implements, including windmills and pumps, has a good trade in buggies, and also carries harness. Having begun at the bottom of the ladder, he has worked his way upward step by step until he has reached a position of prominence among business men. He owns several town lots upon which he has built residences, one being occupied by himself. Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Clara A. Nichols, in Knoxville, March 26, 1879. His wife was born in Galesburg, received an excellent education there and was engaged in teaching for eight years. She is the daughter of John and Mary Nichols, formerly of Sweden. She is not only well educated, but possesses a noble Christian character and bears a prominent part in the various progressive and elevating movements of society. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have one child, a bright boy named Robert D. Mr. Thompson is now Justice of the peace and serving his second term as Commissioner of Highways. He was a member of the first Village Board of Trustees, of which he was President one year, and has been Treasurer of the village. He belongs to London Lodge, No. 734, I. O. O. F., is Past Grand and has twice been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. He firmly believes that the principles of Democracy are best adapted to the welfare of the Nation and therefore supports them with his vote and personal influence. He has won a prominent position in social circles, as well as in municipal and business affairs. Mrs. Thompson is Secretary of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of London Mills and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.