While looking through one of my old pasted obituary books from around 1900, I found a man who had an amazing past before coming to Jefferson. And yet, I have found little about him since he and his family arrived in 1865. I am hoping by printing his information, readers may be able to contribute information or photos since his large family lived out their lives in or near Jefferson.
Joseph Thompson was born near Toronto, Canada, on Oct. 21, 1829. He was married twice, the first time in 1855, but that wife died soon afterwards. Childless, he chose to travel to the southern part of the United States, locating finally in San Antonio, Texas. He met and married Martha Culver on March 26, 1861, at the onset of the Civil War.
At the start of the war, his occupation was a mail stage coach driver whose route was from San Antonio to Panna Maria, Texas. Panna Maria is the oldest Polish settlement in the United States having its start in 1854. Most of the inhabitants were favorable to the Union, so much so that some of them were killed for their views during the time Thompson was delivering mail to the town. Being considered a Northerner, his life was in danger as he drove the stage. The situation became so dire, Thompson finally decided to take his wife and move back to Canada.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
