BIO: Willard H. THOMPSON, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________________ 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, pages 147-148. __________________________________________________________________ WILLARD H. THOMPSON, Greenwood Furnace, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born at Milroy, Mifflin county, Pa., December 8, 1860, son of William J. and Sarah H. (Lawrence) Thompson. William J. Thompson, also a native of Milroy, was the son of William Thompson, who was born in Mifflin county, of a Scotch-Irish family. He was a farmer and stock raiser, who owned, improved and cultivated 400 acres of land. He was an old line Whig. In the Presbyterian church, of which he was a consistent member, he occupied the offices of deacon and elder. He had many friends in the community. He married Sarah McManigle, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent; their children were: Sydney; Moses R.; Ner; Sarah; Ira; and William J. Mr. Thompson died on the homestead, and his wife at Lewistown. William J., their youngest son, enjoyed a common school training, and also was a student in an academy in Juniata county. Up to the time of his marriage he worked on his father's farm. Then he engaged in mercantile business at Milroy, in partnership with one of his brothers; after giving his attention to this business for some time, he sold out and became ticket agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Milroy. Some years later he was promoted to the position of baggagemaster. In every position he displayed most estimable qualities, and in consequence was regarded by his employers and acquaintances with respect and good will. His wife, Sarah H. Lawrence, was born in the southern part of New Jersey; their children are: Kate L.; and Willard H. William J. Thompson died from the effects of a railroad accident, in 1877; Mrs. Thompson died April 14, 1894. He was a Republican, and adhered to the Presbyterian church, in which he was brought up. Willard H. Thompson was educated in the public schools of Mifflin county, Pa. His first business engagement was as clerk in the store of his uncle; this lasted three years. At the age of eighteen he found employment with the Logan Iron and Steel Company, in the capacity of clerk in their store; this position he occupied for eleven years; afterwards, for three years, he was clerk in a store at Everett, Bedford county, Pa. He came next, in December, 1893, to Greenwood Furnace, as assistant manager for the Logan Iron and Steel Company; he has since that time continued to fulfill the duties of the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the company. Mr. Thompson is a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a Republican; has been assessor of Jackson township. He is a good citizen, well liked and much respected. The marriage of Willard H. Thompson to Jennie Garrett, a native of Huntingdon county, took place in July, 1894.