D. F. THOMPSON. D. F. Thompson is the very efficient and popular sheriff of Christian County, is a man of energy, enterprise and judgment, and his career has been useful in the best sense of the term. He was born on the Willow Creek battleground, in Greene County, Missouri, October 6, 1857, to the union of William and Mary A. (Heacheam) Thompson, who are now residing at Billings, this county. The parents came originally from Tennessee, the father having been born and reared in Williamson County, of that State, and after reaching the State of Missouri, in 1848, made a settlement on Wilson’s Creek, where the father tilled the soil until 1861. After serving in the Home Guards for some time he enlisted in the Fourteenth Missouri Cavalry, and fought bravely for the Union for three years and eighteen days. He participated in many prominent battles, but owing to the injury to one of his arms he was discharged before the close of the war. Of the seven children born to his marriage two died in infancy.
The original of this notice grew to manhood in Greene and Christian Counties, Missouri, and received the rudiments of his education in the district schools of the same. Born on a farm, he involuntarily grew up with a better knowledge of agricultural affairs than one who was not reared to the life, and at an early period he was made to feel that he was equally responsible for harmony, justice, and equity in governmental affairs as in social relations. In 1877 he started out to make his own way in life and for some time worked on a farm. For five years he was constable of Lincoln Township, this county, and served in that capacity in a very satisfactory manner. In 1892 he was elected sheriff of the county by the Republican party, and no man has filled the position in a more satisfactory manner. He has always voted the Republican ticket and in all matters of moment he takes a decided interest. He was married in this county to Miss Nancy C. Wise, daughter of Henry Wise, of this county. Five children have been born to this union, one of whom is deceased. The others are: Henry G., Ada B., Malinda 0. and Ida May. Mr. Thompson and wife are members of the Christian Church and are highly esteemed citizens. Socially Mr. Thompson is an Odd Fellow, a member of Ozark Lodge No. 205. As sheriff of the county Mr. Thompson is active and fearless in the discharge of his duty and has had a number of important criminals under his charge.
