The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
July 29, 1896
Page 1
Column 3OAK GROVE AND CITY.
Died, at his residence in Hancock township, the 19th inst., Mr. Andrew J. Thompson, aged about 62 years. Deceased was born in Anderson county, Kentucky, where he spent his boyhood days. About forty-one or two years ago, with his parents, brothers and sisters, (a large family,) they came to St. Marys township, this county. The family was poor but industrious, and determined to better their condition financially. The first autumn the entire family were down helpless with bilious remittent fever, very prevalent in those days. They became discouraged and declared their intention to return from whence they came the spring following. The long cold winter wore away, health returned, and in the early spring they, the boys, "Jim" now of Iowa, and Andy, the subject of our sketch, rented a large farm and went to work with a will and determination to succeed. A fair crop of corn and oats were harvested; that fall they put out eighty or more acres of wheat a big yield followed, price per bushel $1.00, this they sold at that figure, the buyer broke and the entire crop was swept away. This experience coupled with the protracted sickness of the preceding autumn, well nigh disgusted them with Illinois; however, they remained and in the future were eminently successful. Andrew remained a renter for some years in St. Marys, but when he accumulated sufficient money he bought a small farm in Harmony township upon which he lived several years. Many years ago he sold it and bought a fine farm of 130 acres in Hancock township, in the last few years, 80 acres more; upon this farm he remained until his death. Mr. Thompson was a nervous, irritable man, easily provoked and angered, but quick to gain his equilibrium, ready to forgive an injury. A kind and obliging neighbor, we lived near him many years and speak advisably. Punctual in all his dealings, exact and ready to meet or discharge his obligations. A good citizen; loved to see his fellowmen advance, and his neighborhood prospering. Kind and ready to visit the sick, sympathize with distressed conditions everywhere. Early in life, aged perhaps twenty-three years, he married Miss Margaret Polite, of St. Marys, who survives him; he leaves nine children: John Henry, of Hancock, Edward, of Prairie, Alvin, of Rock Creek, Parlee Mosley, of Hancock, all married; remaining at home, Thomas, Walter, Willie, Ruth and Amanda. Mr. Thompson belonged to no secret organization, in politics an ardent republican, for two or three years past a member of Oak Grove Christian church, before and after taking membership he contributed as ability would permit to advance the interest of the church and Sunday school. Funeral from Oak Grove church on Tuesday last. The writer at the earnest request of the family conducted the services, a very large audience in attendance. Burial at Oak Grove cemetery adjoining the church lot. Another old settler of Hancock county has journeyed to the "great unknown." Hancock township loses a good citizen. The family have the sympathy of the entire community. Peace to the memory of A. J. Thompson.
