My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT P. THOMPSON was born in Randolph County, Ill., in 1838, and was a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this community, a family prominent in the history of the community, in its upbuilding, advancement and improvement. The farm upon which he located was settled by his father in 1818, the year in which the state was admitted to the Union. His parents were James and Mary Thompson, both of whom were natives of Randolph County, and here they spent their entire lives.

Our subject attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and there acquired a fair education. When he had mastered the common branches of learning he studied surveying under the direction of his father, and having thoroughly mastered the business, he was in 1859 elected County Surveyor of Randolph County, proving a capable and efficient officer. He afterward engaged in teaching school in different parts of the county, and in this undertaking was alike successful. In 1863, in connection with his brother J. D., he got up a map of Randolph County from the Government surveys. In 1866 and 1867 he served as Deputy Sheriff under Capt. John T. McBride.

On the 11th of March, 1873, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Miller, of Lively Prairie. The lady is a daughter of John and Nancy (Boyd) Miller, both of whom were natives of South Carolina, but during childhood came with their respective parents to Randolph County, where they were reared and married. From that time until their deaths they continued residents of this county. Mrs. Thompson was their only child. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children, but two of the number died in infancy. One is still living, Miss Ada, who is attending the Chester schools. She and her mother made their home in Chester.

After his marriage, Mr. Thompson turned his attention to farming, which he carried on continuously until 1887, when he removed to Chester with his family. During his residence in that place he twice held the office of Deputy County Clerk, and was several times elected Chief Magistrate. In the various offices he filled he ever discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity which won him high commendation and frequently won his re-election. He was always true to every trust, whether public or private, and had the high regard of all with whom business or social relations brought him in contact. His loss was mourned not only by his immediate family, but throughout the community as well, for he had many warm friends. He was a member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belonged. She was a most estimable lady, possessed of many excellencies of character, and like her husband is widely and favorably known in the community.