JOSIAH MILTON THOMPSON, a retired merchant of Mechanicsburg is one of three brothers who have lived in and around this place for more than half a century. They have been farmers, merchants, bankers, etc., and have enjoyed the confidence of the people in the highest degree. They are in fact the leaders and controllers, either directly or indirectly, of almost the entire business interests of the place.

Josiah M. Thompson was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1823, was reared on a farm, and at an early age bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. He improved the tract, then sold it and purchased two hundred and twenty-three acres of the old homestead. Disposing of that he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Mechanicsburg, continuing in trade about thirty years, this including the period of the war. The firm of Thompson Bros. Was noted for its liberality to the soldiers and many a donation of various kinds of supplies found its way to the camp. More than one of the boys in blue had his needs relieved by the open-handed charity of that firm.

In 1860, Mr. Thompson, believing that it is not good for a man to live alone, won for his wife Maggie Munce. This lady was born in this State and belongs to a family that is numbered among the early settlers. The congenial union resulted in the birth of five children, of whom two sons and a daughter are now living. Eliza is the wife of Samuel Nesbitt and is the mother of one child, their home being in Ft. Worth, Tex.; John A., with his wife and three children; lives in Mechanicsburg and Thomas M. is unmarried and lives with his parents; he is an exemplary young man who has taken up the occupation of a farmer.

During his younger days Mr. Thompson was connected with the educational interests of this section. He has been an important factor in the development of the country and until his failing health necessitated his retirement from active business, was prominently identified with various matters. He is a charter member of Lodge No. 4, F. & A.M., and was active in securing the erection of the building in which the meetings of the organization are held and in which a flourishing body has grown. For forty years she has been a member of the Presbyterian Church. In a spacious home, surrounded by every comfort, he is passing his declining years. He has by no means lost his interest in that which is transpiring in and about the town, but is content to leave the labors of life to younger men, while ever ready to advise and counsel them.