JAMES THOMPSON (deceased) was born March 30, 1814, at Evansville, Ind. His father, John Thompson, was a native of Ireland, and was married to Ann Lazalier, of English birth. John and Ann Thompson had three sons who were left orphans at an early age, then being taken charge of by an uncle, James Thompson. He gave them an education and trade, James choosing the tanner's trade and his brothers selecting the saddler's business. James served his apprenticeship, then, deciding to follow agriculture, engaged in that calling. He was offered a position in a mercantile business, but refused it, and with some assistance from his uncle, began to farm. He was married February 29, 1848, to Mary A. Provines, who was born December 31, 1817, near Burgettstown, Penn., and received a limited education in the subscription schools, walking three miles to secure her literary advantages. She was the daughter of Charles and Sarah (McConnell) Provines, both of Irish parentage. Her maternal grandparents came to Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary period. Mr. Provines died when Mary A. was but nine years of age, and when she had attained the age of womanhood, her mother sold the home farm, removing to West Middletown, where the daughter was married. Her grandparents were Thomas and Martha McConnell. After his marriage, James Thompson settled in Cross Creek township, near West Middletown. He then purchased the adjoining farm in Hopewell township, where he remained until his death, which occurred August 5, 1879, he leaving four children: John L., James Franklin, William W. and Dorcas A. Mr. Thompson was a successful business man, and owned two large and fertile farms. He was prominent in local affairs, but accepted no public offices, although a zealous supporter of the Republican party. He was a regular attendant of the United Presbyterian Church, serving many years as a trustee, although never formally uniting with the congregation. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Thompson continued to reside on the old homestead which nestles among the hills near West Middletown. In the year 1891 she erected a handsome house of modern design in West Middletown, where she and her daughter are now residing. Among the family records preserved by Mrs. Thompson, there is a faded and worn scrap of paper, upon which is written, in her father's hand, the following lines, given as an indication of his character, for Charles Provines was ever as ready to avow his faith in the Creator, as to name his home:
Charles Provines is my name, Ireland is my nation; Omega is my dwelling place, And God is my salvation.Two of the sons of Mrs. Thompson are married: John L. selected as a life companion Miss Adeline McNary, of Cross Creek township, and they are living on the old homestead. James Franklin is married to Lucy L. Denny, of West Middletown, and is living in Independence township. They have three children: James D., Harold and Mary. The Thompson family are identified with the United Presbyterian Church, and are descended from ancestors who were God-fearing men and women.
Text taken from page 776 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed May 1997 by Jack McNatt of Valrico, FL as part of the Beers Project.
Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]