The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
January 25, 1899
Page 1
Columns 4 & 5

Wilson Thompson was born January 10th, 1822, in Floyd county, Virginia; died at his home in Bentley, Hancock county, Illinois, January 19, 1899, aged 77 years and eight days.  He was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda C. Preston, also of Floyd county, Virginia, Oct. 1, 1846.  He afterward immigrated to the state of Illinois, settling in St. Mary's township, this county, in May, 1849; later they moved to Harmony township, where they have since resided.  The fruits of this union were eight children, three of whom died in infancy.  Of the five remaining children there were only three present at the time of his death, namely -- Mrs. Clara Jenkins, Mrs. Belle Jenkins, and Miss Mollie Thompson.  Mr. Jefferson Thompson, the only living son, is a resident of Clay county, Missouri, and Mrs. Rosa Mauk is a resident of Montgomery county, Kansas.  The subject of this sketch professed a hope, and united with the Primitive Baptists, of Middle Creek church, in the year 1852, and in 1870 was granted a letter by said church, and went into the constitution of Smyrna church, of Bentley.  Later he was appointed deacon, and remained a faithful member until death.  He leaves an aged wife, four daughters, one son, one sister, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild to mourn his loss.  "Uncle Wilson," as he was commonly called, has been a familiar figure in Bentley and vicinity for almost half a century, and was loved by everyone with whom he became associated.  Although a man without ostentation, he was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, and it can be truly said of him that no evil of anyone was ever heard to come from his lips, and we can say that he had not a known enemy on earth. Mr. Thompson was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and will be sorely missed -- not only by his immediate family, but by the entire community, in which he had lived for so many years.  He had been poorly for some months, but was able to be about the house until about ten days before his demise, when he gradually grew worse, and the end came the 18th inst., which was a peaceful one.  Truly, a good man has gone; and blessed are they who emulate his life.  Funeral services were held at the Primitive Baptist church Friday, at 11 a. m., Elder Frazee preaching an excellent funeral discourse, after which his remains were laid to rest in the Harmony cemetery.  The floral tributes were very beautiful and impressive.

        Into the silent valley of death,
            Our dear old friend has gone--
        He has entered his heavenly home,
            Where angels join the throng.

        He has gone to Heaven before us,
            Still he stops and waves his hand
        Pointing to our blessed Redeemer,
            In that bright and spirit land.

(*Composed by his little friend, Bessie Hughett.)

Milton Preston, of Fountain Green, was in attendance at Mr. Thompson's funeral Friday, and remained with the family until Saturday forenoon.

Mrs. J. T. Radford, of Carthage, came down and assisted at the bedside of Mr. Thompson several days last week, and was joined by her husband Friday, who came to attend the obsequies.

Miss Maggie Dunsworth is expected home from Morrisonville this week.

The Burner Bros. will have a sale at their home, northwest of Bentley, Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Married, Sunday, Jan. 22d, by Elder L. E. Frazee, at his home, Elmer Starr and Miss Maberry, of near Denver.

PERRY.

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