Posted on: Hancock Co. Il Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Il/HancockObits?read=143 Surname: Thompson ------------------------- Obituary from Cathage, Illinois July 1896 Oak Grove and City Died, at his residence in Hancok Township, the 19th. inst., Mr. Andrew Thompson, aged about 63 years. Deceased was born in Anderson County, Kentucky, where he spent his boy hood days. About forty-one or two years ago, with his parents, brothers and sisters, a large family, then came to St. Marys township, this county. The family was poor but industriuous, and determined to better their condition financially. The first autumn the entire family were down helpless with billious remittent fever, very prevaient in those days. They became discouraged and declared their intention to return from whence they came the spring following. The long cold winter wore away, health returned, and in the early spring they, the boys, "Jim" now of Iowa, and Andy, the subject of our sketch, rented a large farm and went to work with a will and determination to suceed. A Fair crop of corn and oats were harvested; that fall they put out eighty or more acres of wheat a big yield followed, price per bushel $1.00, this they sold at that figure, the buyer broke and the entire crop swept away. This experience coupled with the protected sickness of the preceding autumn, well nigh disgusted them with Illinois; how ever, they remaind and in the future were eminently successful. Andrew remained a renter for some years in St. Marys, but when he accumulated sufficient money he brought a small farm in Harmony township, upon which he lived several years. Many years ago he sold it and bought a fine farm of 130 acres in Hancock township, in the last few years, 80 acres more; upon this farm he remained until his death. Mr Thompson was a nervous, irritable man, easily provoked and angreed, but quick to gain his equilibrium, ready to forgive an injury. A kind and obliging neighbor, we lived near him many years and spreak advisably. Punctual in all dealings, exact and ready to meet or discharge his obligations. A good citizen; loved to see his fellowmen advance, and his neighborhood prospering. Kind and ready to visit the sick, sympathize with distressed conditions eveywhere. early in life, aged perhaps twenty-three years old, he married MIss Margaret Polite, of St. Marys, who survives him; he leaves nine children: John Henry of Hancock, Edward of Prairie, Alvin of Rock Creek, Parlee Mosley of Hancock, all married: remaining at home Thomas, Walter, Willie, Ruth and Amanda. Mr. Thompson belonged to no secret organization, in politics an ardent republican, for two or three years past a member of Oak Grove Christine Church, before and after taking membership he contributed as ability would permit to advance the interest of the church and Sunday School. Funeral from Oak Grove Church on Tuesday last. The writer at the earnest request of the family conducted the services, a very large audience in attendance. Burial at Oak Grove cemetery adjoining the church lot. Another old settler of Hancock county has journeyed to the "great unknown." Hancock township loses a good citizen. the family have the sympathy of the entire community. Peace to the memory of A.J.Thompson.