Monroe County FlArchives Biographies.....Thompson, Walter W. 1875 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/flfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 4, 2008, 3:33 pm Author: B. F. Johnson Walter W. Thompson Life even under the most fortuitous circumstances is to many men a serious problem, which they seem unable to satisfactorily solve. Even when the youthful environments are such as to afford normal preparation for its duties, with the inestimable advantage of the training and guidance of loving parents, with adequate schooling, with no stress of circumstances compelling them to begin the battle before they have approached years of maturity, it is frequently the case that existence is a struggle and mediocrity their fate. But there are some deep strong natures to whose energies obstacles are a spur, who move swiftly along the path beset by difficulties, and mount the ladder of success long before those more favored by fortune have fairly begun to realize the fruition of energies inspired by ambition, but lacking the incentive which need inspires. The life story of the successful man who is thrown upon his own resources with all a man's duties when he is still a child serves to instill hope and courage, ambition and energy in the hearts and hands of every boy and young man who aspires to become a useful citizen and surround himself with the comforts of life, and the record written by Walter W. Thompson of Key West is a notable example of what a boy may do when he is endowed by nature with metal and intellect. Left an orphan at twelve years of age with three younger brothers and sisters dependent upon him, he faced life's duties like a man, and like a man, he has forced his way to the front and attained success and prominence in the world's affairs. Mr. Thompson is a native of Key West and is of English descent. His father was a sea captain who settled in Key West in 1870, and there Walter W. Thompson was born October 7, 1875. His parents were Caleb Thompson and Affie Russell Thompson. His early education was at the hands of a private tutor and he had a brief course in the Key West High School. The death of his father, however, when he was only twelve years of age, left him without means and with three younger brothers and sisters. Their support he at once undertook and he can consistently, and it is befitting that he should, take pride in the fact that without aid he provided for them and has climbed the ladder of success so far that he is today interested in several successful enterprises which give every promise of increased prosperity His first employment was as "devil" in a printing office, and with that humble start, he learned the printer's trade and has held every position on a newspaper from "devil" up to editor and proprietor. Within ten years after he assumed the duties of "devil," he was the owner of the only daily newspaper published in the city of Key West, The Key West Citizen. As owner and editor of The Citizen he has wielded a powerful influence in promoting the best interests of Key West, and as a private citizen he has been influential and active in all movements looking to the public good. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Chamber of Commerce, and his fellows of the press have honored him with the vice-presidency of the Florida State Press Association. He was Lieutenant-Commander of the Florida Naval Militia, which was the first organization to volunteer for service in the Spanish-American War. During the war he was war correspondent for the Scripps-McRae League of newspapers. He is a Democrat in politics and for eight years was Secretary of the Monroe County Democratic executive committee. He was recently elected chairman of that committee for a term of four years. He is chairman of the Board of City Election Commissioners and has held the position for six years. His success in the newspaper field has enabled him to make a number of substantial investments in commercial and industrial enterprises which yield him handsome returns. He is President of the Prudential Benefit Association and Vice-President of the Consumers Ice Company. He is prominent in the social life of the city and is Vice-President of the Ban Yan Club, the leading social club in Key West. He is a communicant of the Catholic Church and is Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He believes that the interests of Florida can best be promoted by attracting the immigration of the right kind of people to develop the great natural resources of the State and to cultivate the millions of acres of rich virgin soil. Mr. Thompson was married April 18, 1900, to Catherine Lowe, a daughter of Gideon and Celeste Lowe, of Key West. They have two children: Celeste and Mary Thompson. Additional Comments: Extracted from: FLORIDA EDITION MAKERS OF AMERICA AN HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WORK BY AN ABLE CORPS OF WRITERS VOL. III. Published under the patronage of The Florida Historical Society, Jacksonville, Florida ADVISORY BOARD: HON. W. D. BLOXHAM COL. FRANK HARRIS HON. R. W. DAVIS SEN. H. H. McCREARY HON. F. P. FLEMING W. F. STOVALL C. A. CHOATE, SECRETARY 1909 A. B. CALDWELL ATLANTA, GA. COPYRIGHT 1909 B. F. JOHNSON Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/fl/monroe/photos/bios/thompson54gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/fl/monroe/bios/thompson54gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/flfiles/ File size: 5.7 Kb