L. A. THOMPSON, who is engaged in the grocery and produce trade, is a native of Morris County, N. J., where he was born in 1809. At the early age of ten years, he began work at the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, and for forty years continued in those industries in his native county, building up an extensive business; finding sale for his boots and shoes principally in the South. In 1863 he disposed os his interests there and cane to Kendallville in 1864. Here he commenced in the grocery trade by purchasing the interest of Whitford, in the firm of Whitford & Bosworth. Mr. Thompson subsequently started the business in another locality alone, his relations with Bosworth having been dissolved. In the new venture he soon associated with himself, his son William H. This business in about eighteen months ws wiped out by fire, the loss to Mr. Thompson being about $3,000. From this they started in the grocery and bakery business, dissolving in about four years. Mr. Thompson has since been engaged, first in the poultry business, then in groceries and produce. He is a Mason and a member of the society of I. O. O. F., and in New Jersey filled several positions of trust. Although now about senvety-four years old, he is vigorous and active, and has more "push" in him than most of the younger generation. In 1832, he married Miss Jane C. Mase, who was also a native of New Jersey. Five children have been born to them--Sarah J., now Mrs. Seeley, of New York; Anna B., now Mrs. Andrews, of Coldwater, Mich.; Mary C. Holbrook (died in Coldwater); David Headly, who was a volunteer in the Seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and in active and severe service nearly three years, was captured by the rebels near Petersburg and passed eleven months in captivity, being in five different prisons. From the effects of this confinement, ne never recovered, living but fifteen months, when he died in Kendallville September 7, 1866. The youngest son, William H., resides in Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Presbyterian Church. Have a decidedly comfortable home in a large brick residence, where Mrs. Thompson accommodates a few boarders to occupy the extra room in their large dwelling. Those who find a home under her roof can testify as to the generosity with which she dispenses her hospitality. Fifty years of wedded life have been the lot of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and in their almost perfect health they seem to hae the promise of many years more.
Counties of La Grange and Noble, Indiana, Historical and Biographical, Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co., Publishers, © 1882, Part 2, p. 316-317.
Transcribed by Denise Wells, June 2013.