BIOGRAPHIES: Paul J. THOMPSON, Dallas Township, Barron Co., WI ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Transcribed by Kate Wilson. Edited and submitted by Vic Gulickson 29 October 2004 ************************************************************************ Paul J. Thompson, a sturdy pioneer of Dallas Township, was born in Norway, Sept. 17, 1854, son of Jacob and Julia (Werpa) Thompson. The parents were natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861, first settled in Dane County, Wis., and moved two years later to Chippewa County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Paul J. received his early education in the district schools and attended an academy at Madison two years, he then did farm work for his father and others during the summers, working in the woods during the winters, and was thus occupied for many years. In 1883 he came to Barron County and bought 160 acres of land in section 33, west, Dallas Township, where he has since made his home. He cleared 100 acres, put up a set of buildings and fenced the entire farm and here carries on mixed farming and dairying. In 1905 he sold 80 acres to his son, Oscar, but in the meantime had secured 80 acres of wild land in Dunn County which he still owns. Mr. Thompson is a prominent man in the community and has done most efficient service as chairman of the township for nine years. His administration in public affairs has been marked by progress and economy and the voters have been more than satisfied with his work. He has also been a valued member of the school board for ten years. For one year he served as justice of peace. Mr. Thompson was married in 1880 to Julia Arenson, daughter of Nels and Alena (Larson) Arenson. This union has been blessed with twelve children: John N., born May 21, 1881, died April 15, 1882. Amelia T., born Jan. 28, 1883, is now Mrs. Thomas Thompson of Dovre Township. Norman, born March, 22, 1885, is in Minneapolis. Edward, born May 21, 1886, died Sept. 16, 1911. Mamie, born March 22, 1887, lives in Minneapolis. Oscar, born Feb. 10, 1889, lives in Dallas Township. Arthur, born Jan. 25, 1891, is now in Ridgeland, Wis. William P., born May 3, 1894, served in the World War. Edith, born March 30, 1897, is at home. Pearl, born June 27, 1900, died Feb. 8, 1902. Clarence, born June 4, 1903, is at home; and Alice, born Feb. 22, 1905, attends school in Barron. Mr Thompson and his wife have experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. There were no roads in the vicinity and provisions had to be brought in from Eau Claire, all of the land had to be broken and neighbors were few and far between. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. --Transcribed from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co., 1922, pp. 853-854. © All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm