John Thompson (Biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler

JOHN THOMPSON, furniture dealer, was born in Leeds, England, in 1827, living there and at Manchester until 1836, when he emigrated to America and located at Catskill, in the State of New York.  In 1838, emigrated to Allen County, Ind., and was a resident of that county for twenty years, engaged in farming.  He then engaged in the mercantile trade in Jasper County, remaining there until 1871, when he settled in Howard County, Kan., taking a claim in Elk Falls Township.  Improved the place by breaking forty acres, planting a hedge aroung the farm, built a good house, and put out fruit, and remained on the place until 1881, then sold out and came to Moline, and was salesman in a store for one year.  In the spring of 1882, bought a building and put in it a stock of furniture, and has a good trade.  He is one of the best business men in the place, and a good citizen.  He was married, in 1853, to Miss Sarah Curl of Allen County, Ind., the first white child born in Elkhart County.  They have nine children--Mary E., Margaret J., W. H., John W., Alice M., Anette, Hiram A., George C., and Florence B.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Lodge No. 56, A. F. & A. M., and was president of the first Masonic meeting called in the county.