Husband W. J. Thompson 1
Born: 9 Sep 1834 - Milroy, Mifflin Co, PA 1
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Father: William Thompson ( - ) 1 2
Mother: Margaret McFarlane (1798-1840) 2 3
Wife
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General Notes: Husband - W. J. Thompson
He was reared in Milroy, Pennsylvania, and obtained his elementary education at his boyhood home, and at the age of eighteen years was sent to Tuscarora Academy, where he pursued his studies one season, at the end of which time the school was destroyed by fire. The following winter he attended school at Perrysville, Pennsylvania, for one term, there completing his literary education. In 1854 he came to Centre Furnace, Centre County, and secured a position as clerk in the company's store at that place, this being his first experience in the mercantile business. After five years in that employ he came to Potters Mills, where his father had purchased property, and in connection with his brother, James M., established a business under the firm name of W. J. Thompson & Brother. This partnership continued until the death of the latter during the "seventies," when our subject became sole owner. In 1877 the store was destroyed by fire, but with his characteristic energy, he at once resumed operations, erecting a substantial brick block, where he then conducted business. In addition to his mercantile pursuits, he was also extensively interested in the lumber business, and owned considerable land, from which he cut the timber.
Beginning from the organization of the Republican party, Mr. Thompson was one of its stanchest supporters, and on that ticket was elected justice of the peace (in which office he served some fifteen years), although his party was greatly in the minority. While not a member of any religious organization, he gave his support to the Presbyterian Church, to which he was a liberal contributor.
Mr. Thompson was a charter member of the Grand Army Post No. 282, of Centre Hall, having been a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. In October, 1861, he enlisted in an independent company, which later became a part of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was made body-guard to Gen. Anderson. The regiment was sent to Camp Louisville, Kentucky, where it remained during the winter of 1861, being ordered, in the latter part of February, 1862, to Nashville. It participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and in many other engagements, after which it was with Gen. Buel. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Thompson was honorably discharged. Beginning in 1893 he was afflicted with paralysis.