JOHN HENRY THOMPSON

[Welland Tribune, 14 April 1905]

Expressions of sincere sorrow were heard on every hand when the announcement was made last week by Dr. Emmett, the family physician, that John Thompson of Ridgeville would not probably recover from what, at the worst, was hoped to be but a severe cold. A severe form of pneumonia had set in, and the end soon came, his death occurring on Saturday last, after an illness of only a couple or weeks.

Interment took place on Monday afternoon, the services being held at the family residence, and interment at Dawdy’s cemetery. Rev. G.N. Simmons, pastor of the Baptist church at Fonthill, with whose congregation deceased occasionally worshipped, conducted appropriate services, and not withstanding the inclement weather, there was a large turnout of sorrowing neighbors and friends, all of whom held deceased in highest esteem.

John Henry Thompson was reared in the township of Niagara, in sight almost of the battlefields of his boyhood days, and as might be expected was a loyal son of Britain’s queen and king, and a firm upholder of British institutions. His father, John Smith Thompson, was twice married, his first wife being Mrs. McClellan, whose former husband had been killed in the war. There were three children by this marriage, two daughters and a son, all of whom are now deceased. One of these was Mrs. Stephens, wife of Henry Stephens, who also lived at Ridgeville many years ago. Then a Miss Havens became the father’s second wife, from which union there were eight children-six girls and two boys. These eight have all been spared to good ripe age, John Henry being the first one to be called hence. William, the only brother still lives in the native township of Niagara. One of the sisters has never been married.

John Thompson’s partner in life was Sarah Herbert, a daughter of John Herbert, and a sister of Mrs. Tuckey of Welland. Soon after their marriage the young couple decided to settle in Pelham township, whither they came in the year 1854, living in several different localities until by studious industry and careful economy they were able in 1867 to purchase a small lot of late Jonas Steele, and erect a very modest house thereon. Two or three times afterwards additional portions of adjacent land were purchased, and the shed roof cabin, after one or two enlargements, gave way to the larger and more commodious dwelling which was continually their home until the death of Mrs. Thompson, some years ago. Since the death of the mother, one or two of the daughters have resided with the father.

Deceased was by trade a carpenter and joiner, which calling he faithfully followed for more than half a century. All over this district there are evidences without number of his splendid skill and faithful devotion to the interests of those who employed him. We remember him, too, when in the vigor of his manhood he engaged in the winter seasons in lumbering operations among the pine forests of Pelham, and also as mover of buildings, which calling he followed very successfully for many years. After long years of such laborious work he sought a change and for some time carried on the grocery business at Ridgeville, at the same time having charge of the postoffice. The unfailing good nature and courtesy of Postmaster Thompson was proverbial. In all his varied duties he closely followed the Golden Rule, ever to do as he would be done by. He made no enemies and he had none. While we will miss his happy, honest face and his kindly greeting and ever-ready hand, we will do well not to forget his exemplary habits, his broad charity, his beautiful disposition and his implicit faith and trust in the God who made him and whose call to come up higher he gladly welcomed.

He was in his 76^th year, Three daughters survive: Mrs. Richard Mitchell, who latterly has resided with her father; Mrs. Geo. Singer, of Caledonia and Mrs. James Tunnacliffe of Wainfleet; and an adopted son, Wm. Archibald of Brampton, Ont.