George Thompson

George Thompson, the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres on section 18, Paint Creek township, is a wide-awake and progressive young man who has won gratifying success in his labors as an agriculturist. During the past year, however, he has leased his land and now devotes his attention to the care of the telephone line, of which he was one of the promoters. His birth occurred on the farm where he resides, his natal day being April 25, 1868.

His father, Thomas Guttornson, was a native of Hallingdal, Norway, and there wedded Miss Mary Nelson, likewise born in that country. In 1852 they emigrated to the United States and made their way to Allamakee county, Iowa, Mr. Guttornson here purchasing the tract of one hundred and ninety-two acres which is now in possession of his son George. The land was wild and demanded much arduous labor before it was ready for the plow. Mr. Guttornson erected a log house on the property and subsequently built a frame dwelling which is still standing and in use. Here he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life, passing away about 1895, at the age of sixty years. The period of his residence in this county covered more than four decades and he was well known and highly esteemed as one if its pioneer settlers and representative farmers. His wife was also fifty years of age when called to her final rest. They had four children, as follows: Margaret, the wife of E. H. Sando, of Paint Creek township; Bertha, who gave her hand in marriage to C. O. Leikvold, of Paint Creek township; George, of this review; and Nels, who is deceased.

George Thompson attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early education and later pursued a course of study in the Upper Iowa University at Fayette. After putting aside his text-books he was engaged in the drug business at Nashua, Iowa, for two years, on the expiration of which period he returned to the home farm, subsequently coming into possession of the property. The place comprises one hundred and ninety-two acres of rich and productive land, and many substantial improvements enhance its value and attractiveness. Mr. Thompson was busily engaged in general agricultural pursuits until a year ago, when he leased his land and has since given his attention to the care of the telephone line, of which he was one of the promoters. He has made a study of telephones for a number of years and possesses expert knowledge in that direction, now conducting a shop on his farm and being employed by the month to keep the telephone line in repair.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Thompson chose Miss Lena Hendrickson, a daughter of Solva Hendrickson, who was one of the early settlers of this region and passed away in the winter of 1912- 13. Our subject and his wife have one child, Carl Odin. In politics Mr. Thompson is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the West Paint Creek church. Industry and progress seem to be the salient features in his career and have been potent elements in the acquirement of a success which, however, speaks not only in terms of material gain but in the regard and high esteem of his fellowmen.

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

Return to 1913 biographies index