John M. Thompson, of Rutland township, LaSalle county, Illinois, is one of the prosperous, substantial farmers of the county and a lifelong resident here. His parents are Thomas M. and Sarah C. (Mason) Thompson. His father was a native of Bergen, Norway, having been born there some sixty-nine years ago and there spent the earlier years of his life. At the age of thirteen he came to America with his parents, who settled in Mission township, this county, where they resided many years. On January 24, 1855, he was united in matrimony with Miss Sarah C. Mason. She was a daughter of Jacob and Charlotte (Dart) Mason, the former of whom reached his eightieth year, dying in 1889, the latter in 1898, in LaSalle county. Twelve children were born to Thomas Thompson and wife, - six sons and six daughters, - ten of whom are now living, viz.: John M., our subject; Mary Maria (Mrs. J. Tilden); Huldah Jane (Mrs. A. Richardson); Edgar and Edward, twins; Charlotte (Mrs. John Benson); Tork W.; Etta (Mrs. George DeBolt); Josie (Mrs. S. Solvin); and Ella, who resides at home. Mr. Thompson now has some sixty-four living descendants and the name is an honored one wherever known. He was an adherent of the Democracy and a man of strict integrity. He departed this life May 29, 1895.
John M. Thompson was educated and reared to manhood in Mission township. He had a natural aptitude for agricultural pursuits even in boyhood and has since made that calling his own, meeting with such success as is attained only by the few. He has a beautiful home, the residence a fine modern structure, built for convenience and symmetry, barns large and commodious, spacious granaries, while an orchard of various kinds of fruit furnishes an abundant yield of toothsome dainties that would tempt an epicure. He has four hundred acres of land which is under high cultivation, the broad fragrant meadows and well-tended fields making a pleasing picture to the eyes of the casual observer. He has reduced farming to a science and has introduced many modern methods in his work that have proved of great value to the farming element.
Mr. Thompson chose as his partner through life. Miss Ida M. Bruner, to whom he was united September 10, 1885. Three children have blessed this imion: Ora B.. who was born August 14, 1886; Lillian, born August 30, 1888; and Libbie Hazel, born December 8, 1893. Their home is a social center and a cordial welcome is ever accorded the guest, while their popularitv and the high esteem in which they are held is equaled only by their genial manner and sterling worth. The parents of Mrs. Thompson were Franklin and Elizabeth (Brumbach) Bruner, the former a native of Virginia. Elizabeth Brumbach was the first white child born in Rutland township, her birth occurring February 13, 1830. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Ellen Conard, who died leaving him four children: John Calvin; Nelson, of Buckley, Illinois; George Wesley; and Emma. He then place at the head of his household Miss Elizabeth Brumbach, who bore him but one child, who is the wife of Mr. Thompson. Mr. Bruner died in 1871, in his fiftieth year, and was survived by his wife until October, 1896, when she had attained her sixty-sixth year.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 334-335.
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