Death of “Grandma” Thompson
The death of Mary R. Thompson, commonly called Grandma Thompson, occurred in this city Monday, January 11,1904. She had been a resident of this section for many years and was loved and respected by everybody.
Deceased was born in the state of Vermont, August 16, 1816, and died January 11, 1904, aged 87 years, 4 months and 25 days. In early childhood she removed with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley Alford, to Clinton county, N. Y. At the age of 18, she was married to Peter Bisconer, who was accidentally killed by a tree falling on him while at work in the woods. To this union was born one son, Wesley, who resides in Vancouver, Wash.
At the age of 20 she was married to William Thompson. To this union was born eleven children, four of whom survive. Andy and S. S. Thompson, of this city, Mrs. Huldah Gargrave and Maggie Thompson, of Yorkville, Ills. She had 37 grand children, 41 great grand children and two great great grand children.
In 1865, she removed with her family from New York to Illinois living there until the death of her husband, which occurred in 1882. Two years later, she removed to Oregon, where she has since resided.
At the age of 17, she united with the M.E. church being a faithful member about 70 years, or until the time of her death. The funeral services were conducted in the M. E. church, Tuesday, by Rev. J. H. Ross and the interment took place in the city cemetery.
Elgin Recorder – Jan 15,1905 [Elgin, Union County, Oregon]
Contributed by: Tony Kirk
