James L. Thompson, farmer, sec. 18; P.O. Griggsville. This early settler of Pike County was born in Charlestown [now part of Boston], Mass, Sept 11, 1812. And is the son of Dr. Abraham R. Thompson, a native the same place and college classmate of Daniel Webster; they were intimate friends all through life. Dr. T. died in Charlestown in 1870. James L. was educate in Boston in the school of Willard Parker, now a noted physician of New York City. He was commission merchant in the city of Boston, 4 or 5 years, when he suffered a severe loss by the crisis of 1836; I the fall of 1837 he emigrated West and settled on sec 18, this tp., where he now resides, on a farm of 160 acres of well improved land, When but 19 years of age Mr., T. went to sea, taking a cargo of ice from Boston to New Orleans, where he loaded his ship with staves, cotton and coffee, which he carried to Tarragona, Spain there he loaded with a cargo of wine and dried fruits, and shipped for Buenos Ayres, S,A,; at this place he took on a cargo of jerked beef, which he brought to Havana, Cuba, whence he took a load of coffee and sugar to Boston. Fifteen months were consumed in this round trip, which was full of interest and has its frightful scenes. In 1850 Mr. T. went overland to California, suffering untold privations on the way. En route he met with Col. Robert Anderson, afterward of Fort Sumter notoriety, and had a conversation with him. In California Mr. T. met with Admiral James Alden, who procured for him a situation as Purser on the U.S. Surveying steamer "Active." He was on the survey of the northwestern boundary, the report of which was accepted by Emperor William. Mr. T wrote this report, requiring about a quire of foolscap, it took two seasons to complete the survey. After being absent about 5 years he returned to his family here in 1856, where he has since resided. He has been married four times and is the father of seven children, James L., J.B., Henry, Frederick W., Katie, Charlie and Benj. F.

History of Pike County Chapman & Co. 1880 (People/ Towns / Religion/ )