One of the THOMPSON items buried in my files is a photocopy from the book, History of Adams County, Iowa. This book contains several THOMPSON biographies. One of those biographies is for Francis and Martha Thompson.
Francis and Martha Thompson
Committee, Adams County History Book, History of Adams County, Iowa 1984. Corning, Iowa: Corning Departmental Club and Civic Department, 1984. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Francis Marion Thompson, son of John and Sarah (Iglehart) Thompson, was born April 16, 1838 in Warrick County, Indiana. He had 7 brothers and 3 sisters. He came with his parents to Adams County, Iowa in 1857. Francis served with the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting August 13, 1862 and served until his honorable discharge August 10, 1865. Francis was a member of the Baptist Church and Farmer’s Alliance. He helped haul finishing lumber from Des Moines by team for the Baptist Church in Washington Township.
Martha Ann Schooling, daughter of Robert Harrison and Susanah (Ireland) Schooling, was born December 30, 1845 in Edgar County, Illinois is a log cabin. She had 2 sisters and 5 brothers. She along with her family came by covered wagon to Adams County, Iowa in 1852.
Francis Thompson and Martha Schooling were married October 26, 1865 and made their home in Washington Township northeast of Mt. Etna, Iowa. Twelve children were born to this unions: 1. Rhoda Susan Thompson born January 24, 1867 — died February 23, 1951, married Harrison Powell; 2. Lourie James Thompson born April 3, 1868 died December 30, 1952, married Estella Enbody; 3. Charlie Newton Thompson born March 17, 1870 – died April 15, 1948, married Nora Allison, following her death married widow of Lewis Thompson, Mary Elizabeth (Johnston) Thompson; 4. Lewis Marion Thompson born June 9, 1872, died December 28, 1899, married Mary Elizabeth Johnston; 5. Almira Ann Thompson born February 7, 1874 – died October 17, 1961, married Bill Townsley; 6. Millie May Thompson born May 21, 1876 — died March 10, 1877; 7. Mary Edna Thompson born February 1880 – died March 26, 1881; 8. Josie Irene Thompson born October 6, 1881 — died February 6, 1882; 9. Louisa Winifred Thompson born January 13, 1883 — died September 8, 1966, married Henry Kissler; 10 Ira Chester Thompson born December 3, 1884 – died February 25, 19669. Married Ethel DeVore; 11. Jesse Pearl Thompson born November 21, 1886 – died May 12, 1946, married Elmer A. ??ott; 12. Guy Otis Thompson born November 14, 1888 – died April 16, 1889.
Early memories Martha related were of woods and long stretches of native wild flowers; antelope meat, prairie chickens, dried wild fruits and vegetables. The remedies of the time were sage tea and sassafras.
Francis and Martha lived on the family farm all their married life. Francis passed away January 4 1921 and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery southeast of Mt. Etna, Iowa in Washington Township.
Martha lived her remaining years with her daughter and son-in-law, Henry and Winifred Kissler and their children, Hubert and Irene.
Martha lived to be 96 years of age, remaining mentally alert and kept busy making quilts and other hard work. Martha passed away June 8, 1942. She was laid to rest beside her husband, Francis, in Forest Hill Cemetery. Submitted by Milree Kessler, Irene Abbey, Neta Romer.
