Eric Thompson

Eric Thompson, who owns eighty acres of valuable land in section 30, Paint Creek township, and is numbered among the active and successful farmers of his locality, was born in Norway on the 15th of February, 1855, and is a stepson of Thomas Guttornson, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work in connection with the life of George Thompson. His own father was A. Aslakson. Eric Thompson was still a child when his parents settled in Allamakee county, and here he was reared on a farm in Paint Creek township, acquiring his education in the district schools. At the early age of sixteen he began his independent career, working first as a farm laborer and later engaging in agricultural pursuits upon rented land. About the year 1903 he purchased eighty acres on section 30, Paint Creek township. This was partially improved, being provided with a good residence but poor outbuildings, and Mr. Thompson has steadily carried forward the work of development. He has improved the buildings and added to them, erecting a new granary, and he contemplates the erection of a new barn within the next twelve months. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and has met with a gratifying measure of success.

In Allamakee county, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Haas, a native of Norway and a daughter of Ole Haas, who died in that country. Mrs. Thompson came to the United States when she was twenty- five years of age. She and her husband have two children, Oscar and Mamie, both of whom reside at home.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is, however, not active as an office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire time to his business interests, which are all carefully conducted and therefore profitable.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

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