James W. Thompson Biography


	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
 	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & 
	Co., Chicago, 1899. Pages 324-325

	Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger,mkrueger@iw.net, 1998. 

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JAMES W. THOMPSON, diversified farmer, whose industry and honesty have 
gained him a comfortable home, on the northwest quarter of section 31, 
in Clifton township, Beadle county, South Dakota, is one of the early 
settlers of the state, and well known in his locality. He is of German 
Scotch descent, and was born in Henry county, Kentucky, January 30, 
1850, the fifth of a family of nine children born to James M. and 
Rebecca (Shields) Thompson. His parents are both deceased. 

When our subject was sixteen years of age he moved with his parents to 
Vermilion county, Illinois, and there completed his education, 
afterward engaging in farming and living at home until he reached his 
majority. In 1882 he went with relatives to Dakota, and at once took a 
pre-emption claim. He and his wife own three quarter sections of land, 
one hundred and fifty acres of which is under plow, but our subject 
places his independence mostly on his stock. He now has about thirty-
five head, and it is his intention to engage more extensively in the 
dairy business, more particularly as there is now a cheese factory 
within access of his farm. He has displayed much ability in the 
management of his farm, has kept out of debt, and has assurance of a 
good living, although he entered the state without means. Our subject 
was married in 1881, to Miss Sallie Thompson, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Shields) Thompson. In 1886 they took a nephew; Clay 
Thompson, to live with them, and he is regarded as their son. In 1899 
they received into their home Kiddie Orwig, who was born in 1889, and 
is the daughter of John Orwig. 

Mr. Thompson is a Populist, favors high license, and is well known in 
political circles. He has been chosen to serve his third term as 
commissioner from the fourth district, having been elected for the 
first term in 1892. He is now township treasurer, which office he is 
efficiently filling, advancing the best interests of his community.