This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Thompson, Johnson, Fremberg, Stoner Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wIB.2ACI/223 Message Board Post: Willmar Weekly Tribune December 4, 1911 (page 1) Obituary John P. Thompson One of the very first settlers at Nest Lake in this county, one of the few remaining fifty-niners, John P. Thompson, died at his home at New London last Thursday evening, at an age of 82 years and 19 days. Thus are the early pioneers of our county laying down their weary staffs and being gathered to their fathers. The funeral occurred last Saturday afternoon from the Swedish Lutheran Lebanon church at New London, of which the deceased has been a faithful member since its very beginning fifty-two years ago, being one of the charter members. Re. Christian Swenson officiated at the obsequies. John (Göran) Thompson was born in Järfsö parish, Hälsingland, Sweden, Sept. 9, 1829. Came with the family to America in 1850, settling first at Pine Lake, Waukesha county, Wisconsin. After a year's residence there he moved to Waupaca, Wis. In 1858 they moved to Blue Earth, Minn., and in 1859 to Monongalia county where they located on a claim and shared all the hardships of those very first pioneers of New London township. In 1862 the family was driven from their homes by the great Indian uprising. They resided in Goodhue county until 1875 when they returned to New London township and Mr. Thompson has lived there until his death. During his long residence there has served his township as supervisor for many terms and School Dist. No. 9 as treasurer. He was respected by all who knew him as an upright and conscientious citizen. Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Ella Olson at Waupaca, Wis., in 1854, and his wife and five children survive him. The latter are - Mrs. P. O. Johnson of Colfax, Mrs. John Fremberg of New London, Peter G. and John O., who reside at home, and Mrs. Emil Johnson of New London. He is also mourned by 18 grandchildren and two great grand children, the latter being the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lindahl of Willmar, Four brothers survive him, Peter and Oliver of Worthington, Minn.,and Thomas of Lake Eunice, Minn., Andrew Thompson of Rushmore, Minn., and one sister Brita Stoner who resides in the State of Oregon. The Thomas Thompson, who for many years was also a resident of New London, arrived at the bedside of his brother Göran two days before death took him away. Peace to the ashes of the worthy old pioneer!