Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Thompson, Nels 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 13, 2006, 8:16 pm

Author: History of Grundy County, 1914

Thompson, Nels – Not only does Grundy County land afford a good living to 
those who work it, but it makes the owners of it wealthy men. Many of these 
farms are exceedingly valuable. For every dollar of improvement put on them 
this land makes ample return, and the modern farmers who recognize this fact 
do not hesitate to spend large amounts in developing their properties. One of 
the men who has made a success of his endeavors along this line is Nels 
Thompson, of Saratoga Township. He was born in Skonevig, Norway, June 25, 
1845, son of Thorkel and Julia (Nelson) Thompson. The father came to Morris, 
Ill., in 1867, and died in 1873, having been afflicted with loss of sight. The 
mother survived him until 1882.

After arriving in Grundy County, Nels Thompson worked for farmers in the 
vicinity of Morris until 1880, when he moved to Chicago and for a time was a 
coachman, and later was a motorman on electric railroads in that city, and 
also worked as janitor of a large apartment building. In 1910 he moved to 
Kendall County, Ill., where he bought eighty acres of land, which he now rents 
to a tenant. In 1911 he bought eighty acres in Saratoga Township, Grundy 
County, which farm is now operated by his son, Mensell, both properties being 
very valuable.

In September, 1882, Mr. Thompson was married to Mary Smith, born in Denmark, 
who died October 8, 1888, having been a devoted wife and mother. They had two 
children: Anna E., who is deceased; and Mensell, who is a farmer. Mr. Thompson 
is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Republican, 
but has never sought office. An earnest, hardworking man, his efforts have 
been crowned with success and he deserves his prosperity.

page 910

Additional Comments:
Source:  History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. 
Publishers; 1914

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