William  Thompson

          William J. Thompson, an old resident of Shelby County, is a native of Greensburg, Decatur Co., Ind., where he was born, October 23d, 1828, being the third in a family of nine children, born to  Thomas and  Theresa (Little) Thompson, who were natives of Washington, D. C, and the State of Maryland, respectively, emigrating from the latter State with their parents to Lexington, Ky., where their marriage occurred.  A few years subsequent they removed to Decatur County, remaining there two years; removing thence to Cincinnati and staying there for a period of two years, when in August, 1832, he came to Shelby County and located in Shelbyville, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1874.  [He was] honored with an election to the office of Constable.  He was a gallant soldier in the Mexican War, serving one year.  His wife survived him a number of years and died January l0th, 1884.  Our immediate subject grew to manhood in the city of Shelbyville, receiving a limited education in consequence of his help being needed in his father's wagon shop.  He commenced to learn wagon making at the early age of eleven years, and continued in that business until 1871, when he removed to the farm on which he now lives.  He has since made farming his occupation and he has been very successful.  He now owns sixty-four acres of improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy.  June 26th, 1850, his marriage with  Rebecca Willes  was solemnized, and to their union four children were born, these two now living:  William T., who married  Margaret J. Hobbs, and  Arilla F.  July 3d, 1886, Mr. Thompson suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife.  December 23, 1886, his and  Mary Furgeson's nuptials were celebrated.  In politics, Mr. Thompson has always been a Democrat.  He is of a quiet, unassuming disposition, industrious, honest, thorough going citizen, in all, a pleasant, courteous gentleman.
History of Shelby County, Indiana ,  "Addison [Township] Sketches."  Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, page 602.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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