California Biographies Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm Source: History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from its earliest settlement to the present time. Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905 Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176 JOHN E. THOMPSON. As the proprietor of an up-to-date general store at Thompson's Corner, three and a half miles east of Crow's Landing, in Stanislaus county, Mr. Thompson's position in the community is one of consequence and he is easily recognized as one of the leading citizens of the neighborhood in which he has resided since 1876. Being a fine mechanic, upon first removing to the locality he opened a blacksmith shop and in connection with conducting a general store, he engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies, etc., also doing general repair work. But when the railroad was built through this section he closed the shop and devoted his entire time to the mercantile business. In addition to his other interests he has followed farm pursuits to some extent, and has twenty acres adjoining his store in alfalfa. Born in Clay county, Ky., April 26, 1839, Mr. Thompson is one of five children born to William Warner and Nancy (Turner) Thompson, being the only son and the youngest child in the family. His mother, a native of Alabama, died when he was an infant. His father was born near Rich- mond, Va., but at an early date located in Clay county, Ky. After the death of his wife, in 1839, he went west as far as Missouri and purchasing land in Randolph county, followed farm pursuits for a number of years. In 1868 he disposed of his farm interests and moved to Renick, Mo., where his last days were spent in retirement, at the time of his death having reached the age of eighty-eight years. It was in the common schools of Randolph county. Mo., that Mr. Thompson was educated, and after leaving school he became apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade in Milton, Mo., and in time thoroughly mastered this useful occupation. In i856he left Missouri and for several years worked in the lead mines of Benton, Wis., where he was quite successful from a financial standpoint, and it was in this state that his marriage took place, in i860. When the war broke out, being a true son of the south, he naturally espoused the cause of the Confederacy and in 1861 he enlisted in the southern army under General Price, but was transferred in 1863 to the ranks of General Pempelton. At Vicksburg he was taken prisoner, but was afterwards exchanged. At the close of the war Mr. Thompson returned to Missouri and after sending for his wife, turned his attention to farm pursuits in Randolph county, which continued to be his home until 1874, the date of his removal to California, where he has lived ever since. The first two years of his residence in this state were spent at Stockton, as blacksmith for Madison & Williams, manufac- turers of plows, implements, etc. He then purchased a shop at Crow's Landing, also opening a general store, and soon he won recognition as a citizen of worth. Years of intercourse in both a social and a business way have only strengthened the ties between him and his neighbors and his success is richly deserved. By his marriage, in LaFayette county, Wis., Mr. Thompson was united with Miss Mary Oldham, a native of Kentucky. Four daughters and one son blessed their union, but the latter is now deceased. The daughters are Mrs. Julia Winters, Mrs. Amanda Carson, Mrs. Nona Roe and Mrs. May Love. The beloved mother passed away in San Francisco. Politically Mr. Thompson is a Democrat and his influence is far-reaching.