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D. S. Thompson

D. S. THOMPSON, an enterprising farmer of Center Township, residing on section 1, is numbered among the honored pioneers of the county, having come with his parents to this place in 1854, when a lad of nine summers. He was born in Luzerne County, Pa. in 1845, and is the sixth in a family of sixteen children, whose parents were David and Fanny (Sprigle) Thompson. His father was a native of London, England, and when a babe of two years, in 1813, his parents started for the New World. A war with England was then in progress and the vessel in which they embarked was captured by privateers and they were forced to return home. Ten years later they again started for this country but once more disaster overtook them in the form of a shipwreck. However, Mr. Thompson, the grandfather of our subject had provided for an emergency like this and by his far-sightedness which caused him to bring a large amount of provisions, he saved the crew. At length the party reached America and took up their residence in Pennsylvania where David Thompson grew to manhood and wedded Miss Sprigle, a native of that State. Thinking to benefit his financial condition by a removal to the West he started with his family for Iowa and in 1854 took up his residence in West Union Township, Fayette County. Shortly afterwards he removed to Dover Township, where he opened up a farm continuing its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1886. His widow still survives him and makes her home in Dover Township. Of their family, twelve are now living - H. H. who is married and resides in Dover Township; J. S. who is also married and lives in that Township; Mrs. Sarah Foote, of Hawkeye; David who was killed in October, 1889, lived in Tenn.; Mrs. Caroline Guire, of Dover Township; Mrs. Mary Conrad, of Pleasant Valley Township; D. S. of this sketch; Harrison who is living in Dover Township; Mrs. Christina Cooley, of Dover Township; Fanny Coleman, of Center Township; Amanda who died in West Union in 1854; Mrs. Elizabeth Knox, of Center Township; Harriet who died in Pennsylvania in 1853; William who is married and resides in Bethel Township; Allen who is married and resides in Center Township; and Eliza who died in this county.

Under the parental roof our subject was reared to manhood and in the schools of the neighborhood acquired his primary education, which was supplemented by one term's attendance at the Normal College of Normal, Ill., after he became of age. Since his boyhood days his entire life has here been spent. He commenced farming for himself after attaining to man's estate and in April, 1874, was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Weikel, who was born in Ohio, of which State her parents, George and Phoebe (Schrack) Weikel, were also natives. They came to this county in 1854 during the early days of its history and settled in Windsor Township. The mother is now living in West Union. After their marriage, the young couple at once removed to their farm in Dover Township and there resided until 1886, when they came to Center Township. Their union has been blessed with four children, but their first born, Amelia, died in 1877. Three daughters are still at home - Nettie, Allie and Hattie.

Mr. Thompson has shared in the hardships and toils of pioneer life, has witnessed the development of town and county and aided not a little in the upbuilding of the community in which he resides. His family has many representatives in the county and with its history has been prominently connected. They have proved themselves worthy and valued citizens, have supported the best interests of the community and well deserve mention in this volume. Our subject aided in the transformation of the wild land by opening up a farm in Dover Township. He is now the owner of a good farm in Center Township, upon which he has made many improvements. He has a good residence, barns and outbuildings, the latest improved machinery and everything necessary to a model farm. In politics he takes an active interest, supporting at the polls the Republican party with which he has affiliated since attaining his majority. He has served as a member of the School Board but has never sought political preferment. His wife is a member of the United Brethren Church but he is a believer in the principles of the Christian Church. He has many friends throughout the community and those who have known him from his boyhood days are among his warmest admirers.