BIO: John A. THOMPSON, Huntingdon County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: 
Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, 
Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. 
Runk & Co., 1897, page 130.
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  J. A. THOMPSON, teacher and farmer, Morris township, Huntingdon 
county, was born June 29, 1847, in Juniata township, Huntingdon county, 
son of Edward A. and Mary (Hershey) Thompson.  Edward A. Thompson was 
twice married, and was the father of ten children.  J. A. Thompson 
attended what is known as the Hawns school until he was twenty-one 
years of age.  During vacations, he assisted his father on the farm.  
The first summer after becoming of age he worked for his uncle, Abraham 
Speck, at Mill Creek, and, with the money he earned, paid for his 
tuition at the county normal school taught by Supt. D. F. Tussey, 
assisted by S. P. McDevitt.  After this he attended for two terms the 
State Normal School at Millersville, Pa.  His vocation has ever since 
been the profession of teaching.  He has always taught in Morris 
township, except one term in Porter township and one in Penn township.  
On November 16, 1875, he was married to Miss Fanny M., daughter of 
Peter (deceased) and Catharine (Horner) Harnish.  Their children are: 
Blanche Roberta, died when three years of age; Alberta Kate, now at 
home; and Bruce Harnish, now in his eighth year.  After marriage, Mr. 
Thompson rented a home for a short time, then rented a farm, and has 
ever since been residing on rented farms.  He removed to his present 
place, consisting of 130 acres, in 1880, and has given his attention to 
teaching in winter and farming in summer.  He is a Democrat, and has 
served as school director, assessor and supervisor.  He is a member of 
the Reformed church.  Because of his own worth and deep interest in 
public affairs, he is a very influential man in the community.

1850 Walker Township, Huntingdon County census -
Edward Thompson, 34  
Mary Thompson, 24  
John Thompson, 3  
Sarah Thompson, 1