My Genealogy Hound

JAMES THOMPSON, farmer; P. O. Saybrook; was born in Summit Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1840; in the spring of 1857, he and his brothers came to Tazewell Co., Ill., and remained until the winter, when they returned to Summit Co., and the next spring came to McLean Co., their parents following in the fall, and settled together on Sec. 27, on what is known as the Robert Cunningham farm, where they have since resided. His parents died there, his father Oct. 13, 1865, and his mother May 2, 1876. The subject of this sketch enlisted in Co. L, 4th I. V. C., and served for three years, having participated in the siege of Ft. Henry and battles of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh; in the advance on Vicksburg, he was by the side of Col. McCullough when he was killed; in battle near Coffeeville, and was taken prisoner, but remained so only for a few minutes, having escaped during the excitement: after his discharge, he returned to the farm. Has held the office of Collector for three years. He married Miss Charlotte Cliver Jan. 2,1861, in Tazewell Co., a daughter of Richard Cliver, of Tremont, Tazewell Co., Ill., one of the early settlers of that county, having settled there in 1837; she was born Feb. 23, 1843; they have six children, all living — James R., born Jan. 13, 1862; Albert B., Sept. 5, 1865; Lucy C., March 28, 1867; Elizabeth C., Dec. 7, 1868; John R. W., Sept. 19, 1870, and Harry G., April 27, 1872. Mrs. Thompson’s mother died Jan. 16, 1855; her father is still living.