- Obituary - The Democrat, Elsberry newspaper - 12-17-1920
The remains of John Riley Thompson, who died at his home in Los Angeles, CA arrived here Sunday evening, accompanied by his widow, and funeral services were conducted the following morning at 10 am at the Methodist church. Rev. LC Maggart officiating. Interment was made in Elsberry cemetery.
Mr. Thompson was a resident of this community many years ago, and the large attendance at his funeral testified to the fact that he had lived in the memory of old time friends.
John Riley Thompson was born in Lincoln Co., MO 4-13-1837 and died in Los Angeles, CA 12-4-1920 @ the age of 83 yrs. 7 mo. 22d. He was first married in 1861 to Miss Maggie Damron, who preceeded him to the grave 15 yrs ago. 5 children were born of this union as follows: Mrs Myrtle Moore of Grand Junction Colorado, HL Thompson of Tulsa, OK, Dr. SA Thompson of Mt. Vernon, IL and CD Thompson.
In Nov. 1910 Mr Thompson was united in marriage with Mrs. Julia Hittich, and 2 yrs later they established their home in California where they resided until the former's demise.
Many years of Mr. Thompson's life were spent on the water. At the age of 20 yrs. he began his career on Mississippi River steamboats and continued for many yrs in the capacity of pilot or captain, until the care of his mother devoted upon him and he was obliged to give up his chosen occupation. He remained with his mother until her death, a matter of 4-5 years, on the farm now owned by RL McMahill, north of town.
Mr. Thompson had been in feeble health for nearly 2 yrs and his death was not unexpected by those in touch with the family. It had been his oft-expressed desire to be laid away in Elsberry Cemetery by the side of his 1st wife, and his wishes were carried out in this respect. Members of the local Odd Fellows organization upon request of the Louisiana lodge, of which the deceased was a member, acted as pall bearers, it being impossible on account of bad roads and inconveinient train service for Louisiana to send representatives. Mr. Thompson was a member of the Baptist church, but owing to the fact that the Elsberry church is without pastor, the funeral services were held @ the Methodist church.
12-17-1920 The Democrat
Mrs. Julia Thompson of Los Angeles, CA, and son Mr Hettich of Granite City, IL, Miss Mary, SA Thompson, wife and children, Louis, Harry, and Mary Margaret, of Mount Vernon, IL who were called here to attend the funeral of the former's husband, the late John Riley Thompson, were guests in the home of RE Black (husband of Susan Jane Damron, a 1st cousin of John R. Thompson's wife) during their stay in Elsberry. Mrs. Thompson accompanied her husband's remains from Los Angeles, where he died, and met here by her son and stepson and family.
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- Postmaster, farmer, miner, Civil War soldier, clerk/ traveling salesman, wood dealer, riverboat pilot/captain,
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1837 - 1920 (83 years)
