My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL C. THOMSON represents Howard Township on the Board of Supervisors of Cass County. A prominent farmer and stock-raiser, he owns and operates on section 8 a well-conducted farm, consisting of two hundred and fifty-one acres, of which two hundred and sixteen acres are under excellent cultivation. He has embellished his place with a set of first-class farm buildings adapted to their several uses, and has also introduced machinery of the latest and most approved pattern.

Many of the most successful and thrifty citizens of our country have emigrated hither from Scotland, and among this number may be mentioned our subject, who was born in Glasgow, on the 28th of July 1842. His father, Samuel Thomson, who was likewise born in Glasgow, was a grocer in that city, whence he emigrated to the United States and settled in Berrien County, Mich., in 1844. He located on section 33, of Niles Township, where he died on Christmas Day, 1882, aged eighty-five years. A man well known throughout the county, he served many years as Justice of the Peace and Highway Commissioner in Niles Township. In the Old Country he had been a Gladstone man, and after settling in Michigan adopted the principles of the Democratic party, to which he gave his influence and support.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Lillian Atkin and was born and reared in Scotland. At the age of more than ninety years, she still survives, making her home with her son, Hon. James B. Thomson, at the old place. She had eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood; at this writing (1893) three still survive. The subject of this sketch is fifth in the family circle and was about two years old when he came to America with his parents. His first schooling was obtained in the district schools of Niles Township, and later he attended the school in the village of Niles during one winter.

Mr. Thomson remained at the old homestead and engaged in general farming for many years. He was not married until he was forty-two years of age, when he was united with Miss Caroline Gerberich, the ceremony which united them being performed on the 20th of November, 1884. Mrs. Thomson was born in Bertrand Township, Berrien County, February 15, 1858, being the daughter of David and Catharine (Miller) Gerberich, early settlers of St. Joseph County, Ind., and also pioneers of Berrien County, Mich. Mr. Thomson purchased his present farm in 1881, and has since made this his home. Unto him and his wife have been born two children: Samuel and Josephine.

In his political belief, Mr. Thomson is a Democrat. He served as Clerk of Niles Township for several years, and also filled the position of School Inspector. In 1883 he was elected Supervisor of Howard Township, and ten years later was again chosen to fill that important position. In 1887 he became Justice of the Peace, and is now filling that position for the second term. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church at Niles, and has been one of its leading members for many years. His father was one of the organizers and also the President of the Berrien County Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company, and he is also connected with this organization as a Director. As a citizen, farmer, neighbor and friend, he possesses true nobility of character and is held in general esteem.