Dorchester, Macoupin county, has always been the home of David M.
Thompson, who has been prominently identified with local politics for
more than a decade. His birth here occurred on the 14th of February,
1867, and he is the only surviving child born to William P. and Nancy F.
(Grant) Thompson. The father was a native of Vermont and there he was
reared and educated, later learning the carpentry trade. In his early
manhood he moved to the west, settling in the vicinity of Staunton,
Macoupin county, in 1854. After several years residence there he removed
to Dorchester, where he continued to make his home until his death. His
energies were always devoted to contracting and building in which
vocation he met with good success, being one of the able representatives
of this trade in the country. For his wife and helpmate Mr. Thompson
chose Miss Nancy F. Grant, who was born and reared in Macoupin county,
and to them were born three sons and one daughter, in the following
order of birth: Edward and Wesley, both of whom are deceased; David M.,
our subject; and Mary, who is also deceased. The mother still survives
and makes her home in Witt, Illinois.
David M. Thompson was
reared at home, attending the public schools until he was ten years of
age. Terminating his studies he began his business career, entering the
store of Ferdinand Meyers of Dorchester. He continued to clerk there
until 1886, when Mr. Meyers turned over to him the management of his
elevator and grain business in Dorchester, which position he has ever
since retained. Mr. Thompson has always been a thrifty, steady employee
and in addition to his other interests now owns a very comfortable
residence.
On the 12th of April, 1890, was solemnized the
marriage of Mr. Thompson and Miss Clara B. Vanatta, and they are the
parents of one son, Ira M., born in 1891. He has not yet completed his
education, and is attending school.
The family affiliate with
the Church of Christ, and fraternally Mr. Thompson is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
In politics he is a republican and has been honored by being elected to
a number of important local offices. In 1900 he was elected to the board
of county supervisors, in which capacity he has ever since been
retained, now being chairman of the board. He has been town treasurer
for the past seven years, while he served a four-year term as collector,
and he has been a school director for a period of five years. In
addition to his many official duties Mr. Thompson is one of the
directors of the Dorchester Telephone Company. He has always given
efficient service in whatever capacity he has been retained, discharging
his responsibilities with a rare sense of conscientious obligation. His
name has been particularly free from any doubt as to his integrity or
trustworthiness, the long period of his service in the various offices
to which he has been elected giving substantial proof of the public
confidence. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county and
is held in high esteem, having, during the period of his public life,
won and retained the friendship of many of the representative citizens.
Extracted 18 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 684-685.
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