DAVID A. THOMPSON.
Was born in Russell county, Virginia, on the 25th day of February, 1821. He was the youngest son of a family of nine children. His father, Richard Thompson, was an extensive property holder and farmer of his native county. But before our subject was grown his father was entirely ruined financially, by the payment of large sums of money to discharge debts of some friends for whom he was security. When young Thompson was eighteen years old, his father removed from Virginia with the hope of reviving his shattered fortunes in Missouri. He settled in Ray county, where he entered a tract of land. David A. Thompson soon after left home and began for himself the hard struggle of a poor boy for a livelihood. He first hired to chop wood in the river bottom opposite Lexington. He was economical and saved his wages so well that when he arrived at the age of twenty-two years, he had the neat sum of two hundred dollars. Young calves were cheap and Mr. Thompson invested the whole sum in them, buying fifty-two. He placed his calves upon good pasturage and allowed them to grow until they were three years old, and then sold them at a large profit and invested the proceeds of their sale in land. He continued at intervals to enter land until his farm now includes three hundred and seventy-four acres of valuable land. Mr. Thompson's early history teaches practically, how important it is to economize in small matters, and what good results may come from the judicious investment of even a small sum of money. David A. Thompson was married in the year 1854, to Miss Eveline Mayberry, of Ray county. Of this union one son was born: George W., yet living. Mrs. Thompson died about three years after her marriage, and Mr. Thompson was afterward married to Miss M. J. Lozier, of Ray county. By her he became the father of eleven children, seven boys and four girls_. Two, George W., and David R., are married. Mr. Thompson is a worthy member of the Old School Baptist Church, as is the present Mrs. T.; his former wife was a Presbyterian. David A. Thompson has made all that he has, and accomplished all that he is, by his own efforts. Iron will, indomitable pluck, and ceaseless industry, have characterized his life work. He is highly respected for his many excellent qualities by his fellow citizens.
