Thompsonh
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
HENRY M. THOMPSON has gained
a success in Lincoln county in which he may well take pride. He landed
here on March 15, 1889, and settled on a homestead three miles west from
Wilbur. He went to work with a will and was soon in shape to buy
more land. He continued purchasing until he owned a section and one-half
all brought to a high state of cultivation and valuable in producing excellent
crops. Mr. Thompson continued in charge of his farm until 1902 when
he sold the same for twenty-two thousand dollars. He also has left
considerable land in other portions of the country. Immediately following
this sale, he moved to Almira and erected one of the largest dwelling in
this portion of the county. In addition to handling his other estates
and business he is also the principal owner of the Almira Brick & Building
Company and is one of the leading business men of the county. It
is extremely interesting to note that when Mr. Thompson came to this country,
his total cash capital was fifteen dollars. His possessions now are
among the largest of any in this favored section.
Henry M. Thompson was born in Ohio, on May
25, 1862, being the son of John W. and Anne S. (Dark) Thompson, natives
of New Jersey and Willshire, England, respectively. The father came
to Ohio when young and became one of the leading men of that state.
The mother crossed from England to America with her mother when a child
and settled in Ohio. The public schools of Missouri contributed the
educational training of our subject, the parents having moved there when
he was a child. When ten years of age he was called to mourn the
death of his father and on account of that his advantages for securing
an extensive education were cut short. Dutiful and faithful, he remained
with his mother, assisting to handle the estate until 1880 when he went
to Kansas and again worked for wages in the construction department of
the railroad. He was very soon promoted to be superintendent of the
same but later returned to Missouri. In 1883, we find him in California
and the same year he journeyed to Spokane and then located at Deep Creek,
Washington. That was his home until 1889, the year in which he came
to Lincoln county.
In 1885, Mr. Thompson married Miss Anna C.,
daughter of Ely C. and Mary K. (Scruggs) Johnson. The father was
born in Kentucky, where he became a prominent and worthy stockman.
The mother was born in Tennessee. Her father was a rich planter and
land owner of that country.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson the following named
children have been born, Grace I., Mary E., A. Raymond, Blanche E. and
Floyd A. Mr. Thompson has the following brothers and sisters, A.
J., H. D., Mrs. J. Smith, Mrs. Alice Hill, and Mrs. Nellie Fancher.
Mrs. Thompson is a talented and accomplished lady. She was born in
Missouri where she received a fine education. Mr. Thompson is a man
of excellent executive ability, good practical judgment, and sterling worth.
He is reasonably active in politics and for two years was county commissioner
of Lincoln county.
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