Bio of THOMPSON, Arthur R. (b.1876), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol II, pg 641-642
ARTHUR R. THOMPSON
A descendant of one of the old and honored families of Minneapolis is Arthur R.
Thompson, president of the Thompson Lumber Company. He was born in Minneapolis,
on the 7th of December, 1876, a son of Ruthvin B. and Augusta (Ringer) Thompson.
Ruthvin B. Thompson was one of the most prominent lumbermen of his day. He was
born in Aurora, Illinois, and came to this city in 1856. He worked in the north
woods for years, principally as timekeeper, previous to starting in business on
his own account in Minneapolis. He established a lumber business here in 1883,
laying the foundation for the present concern, of which his son is the head. He
contributed in a marked degree to the upbuilding of this city, where he now
lives retired.
The public schools of Minneapolis afforded Arthur R. Thompson his early
education and subsequently he became a student at an academy in Maryville,
Missouri. After putting his textbooks aside he made his initial step in the
lumber business, in asso­ciation with his father. About 1897 the firm of R. B.
Thompson & Son was established and it was conducted under that name until 1900,
when it became the Thompson, McDonald Company. In 1913 the name was changed to
the Thompson Lumber Company, Arthur R. Thompson becoming president, which
important position he has since held. When the company was first organized by
his father it dealt in wholesale lumber exclusively, but later the concern
became a retail as well as a wholesale lumber com­pany. The first yard was
located at the corner of First avenue and North Fourth street. In 1890, however,
they were forced to move to larger quarters and have since occupied their
present premises at No. 917-921 Washington avenue, Southeast. Arthur R.
Thomp­son has brought to the business inherent executive ability and he has been
a dominant factor in the continued success of the company. The Thompson Lumber
Company is one of the pioneer lumber organizations of the Northwest.
On the 5th of March, 1903, at Minneapolis, Arthur R. Thompson was united in
marriage with Miss Grace Ryerse, a great-granddaughter of Orrin Ryerse, after
whom Port Ryerse on Lake Huron was named. Mrs. Thompson was born in that place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson two daughters have been born: Marjorie and Jane. Mrs.
Thompson is a woman of great personal charm and she is prominent in the club and
social circles of Minneapolis.
In his political views Arthur R. Thompson is a stanch republican, having firm
belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and is readily conceded to be an
exemplary member of the craft. He holds membership in Cataract Lodge, F. & A.
M.; St. John's Chapter; Darius Commandery; and Zuhrah Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. Socially he is identified with the Minneapolis Club and the Interlachen
Golf Club. Mr. Thompson's interests are thoroughly identified with those of his
section of the state and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and
cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this city and county or
advance its wonderful development.