Georgia: Coweta County: Biography of Y. H. THOMPSON ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Nel Rocklein TAROCKLEIN@aol.com ==================================================================== Y. H. THOMPSON, a leading citizen and prominent merchant of Newnan, Coweta county, is a native of Georgia, and was born September 13, 1833. He is the son of Thomas and Rebecca (Smith) Thompson, who were also natives of the state, and is grandson of Charles Thompson, a South Carolinian, who, during the revolutionary war was with Gen. Francis Marion, the intrepid hero known as the "Swamp Fox." At an early period, with the courage born of that heroic age, Charles Thompson came to the wilds of Georgia, and settled in the woods among the Indians and cleared up a farm. Here, in 1809, his son Thomas was born, who also endured all the hardships and privations attendant upon a pioneer life, from which he was removed by death at the early age of twenty-seven, at which time his son, Y. H. Thompson, was but three years old. When the boy was but thirteen his mother also died, and he was left to carve out for himself a name and a fortune. He had attended school but very little, and now entered the shop of a cabinetmaker to learn the trade, working there about six years, attending school about six months of that time; but the fact is that by assiduous effort he learned more out of school than ever in school. In 1854 he came to Newnan and worked at his trade until the opening of the war, when he enlisted, in 1861, in Company A, First regiment, Georgia volunteers, his company being mustered into service March 18, 1861. This was the only regiment ever mustered out of the service of the southern Confederacy, being mustered out but a few days before the Conscript Act took effect. It, however, at once formed the Twelfth battalion, Georgia artillery, and in this arm of the service Mr. Thompson served with signal bravery until the surrender at Appomattox, being engaged in many hard-fought battles. In the battle of Monocacy, when Gen. Evans was shot, Y. H. Thompson, with his brother James and two others carried the wounded general across the Monocacy river. On entering the army, Mr. Thompson was chosen bandleader, but although he performed this duty with enthusiasm all through the war he was always ready to fight when the time came. Mr. Thompson returned to Newnan at the close of the war, and began to work at his trade, but the country here as elsewhere was in such an unsettled condition that he and his brother James went twelve miles away to help build a mill, and were obliged to take their wages in something to eat. They received plenty of meat and cornmeal and so were more fortunate than many in those hard times. In 1866, the brothers engaged in a small way in the furniture business until now they have an extensive and profitable trade in furniture and undertakers' goods, of which they carry a large stock. They are regarded as among the best citizens, and are universally esteemed. Mr. Y. H. Thompson is a Mason of the council degree, now high priest, an Odd Fellow, having passed through the chairs, and also a member of the Red Men. He has served as an alderman of Newnan, where he is highly respected as a man of earnest purpose and strict integrity. He and his wife are faithful and beloved members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Thompson was Miss Martha Edwards, daughter of Lemuel and Susan (Cole) Edwards, and is a native and life-long resident of Coweta county. They were married in 1859, and have one child, Thomas M. Thompson. James Thompson is a brother of Y. H. Thompson and his partner in the furniture business. He was born in Clarke county, Ga., in 1831, and owing to early orphanage was denied the privilege of more than a very limited education. His history to a great extent is identical with that of his brother. His apprenticeship in Decatur, Ga., began in 1845, a year before that of his brother, and lasted seven years. He also enlisted in Company A of the First Georgia regiment, and served with his brother throughout the war. Since then their business interests have been united. Mr. Thompson is a royal arch Mason. For two years he served on the city board of aldermen, and for four years on the board of education, and is highly regarded as one of the most influential citizens of the county. His marriage occurred in 1852, his wife, Miss Lucinda Shumate, being the daughter of Barryman and Thirza (Farrer) Shumate. They have six children: Barryman, Emma, Young, Effie, Jimmie L., and Birdie. Mr. Thompson and his family are all devoted and worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Transcribed from MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA published by the Southern Historical Association, 1895.