WILLIAM H. THOMPSON has extensive farming and stock raising interests in Williams Township, and is one of the young men whose intelligent enterprise and progressive spirit are doing much to advance the welfare of this township. He was born on the Pacific Slope October 22, 1859, and is a native of Yam Hill County, Ore.

Alfred F. Thompson, the father of our subject was a native of Tennessee, where his birth occurred April 16, 1832. In 1850, while yet a mere youth, he went overland to Oregon, being six months on the way. He arrived there penniless, but had a plucky, indomitable spirit that enabled him to overcome many obstacles. He was at one time one of Gen. Custer's right hand men, and occasionally carried messages for him. He mined for two years in Oregon and met with some success. He also engaged as a trader and made money at that occupation. In 1853 he commenced farming in that State, and carried it on extensively. He acquired a goodly amount of property, and tiring of Western life he finally made up his mind to take up his residence in Illinois, and in 1867 he came here with $16,000 in gold. He became one of the most prominent and wealthy men in the county and his genial, kindly nature won him the warm affection of a large circle of friends. He was a good financier and in his business as a stock dealer made a great deal of money. When he died he left a valuable state of seven hundred acres. His death occurred November 2, 1884, when he was scarcely past the meridian of life, he being then but fifty-three years of age, and this county then lost one of its best citizens. Alfred F. Thompson was married in 1856 to Mary J. Hussey. Her father, W. S. Hussey, crossed the plains to California in 1850, and again in 1859, and returned to this county in 1861. He became a large land owner here and died in 1887, at the venerable age of seventy-nine years.

William H. Thompson, of whom this is a life record, was one of ten children, of whom six are living. He was reared on a farm, and when the time came for him to choose a calling for life, he selected that of a farmer and the success that has followed his work is complete. He deals in stock quite extensively and is a large feeder. He now has two hundred and fifty hogs on his place, besides having it well stocked otherwise. He is a young man of frank and open nature, and is popular with his many associates and friends. Foresight, sound sagacity and decision of character are among the traits that have made his life prosperous thus far.

Mr. Thompson and Miss Jessie B. Telfer united their lives and their fortunes September 6, 1883, in what proved to be a felicitous wedded life. It was sadly ended by the death of the young wife August 4, 1887. She was a lady of refinement and intelligence and stood high in the estimation of all who knew her. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the purity of her character was an evidence of the sincerity of her Christian profession. She left one child, Edith A., who was born June 27, 1885. Mr. Thompson is an active Democrat. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.