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Michigan Jackson
Among those who determined at an early day to strike out and try
this chances in a new country, where he could "grow with its growth and
strengthen with its strength," was young Mr. Thompson. He came to
Jacksonburgh, as the infant settlement was then called, in 1831, and was among the first to make it his home.
The first house in the place was built and occupied in 1830; and they could all be counted on the fingers of one hand when he decided that in it and with it he would try his fortunes.
In the fall of 1832 Mr. Thompson opened a boot and shoe store, the first of the kind in the village. In 1834 he built and occupied a store on the south side of Main street, just east of the public square. Mr. Thompson was elected county clerk on the democratic ticket, and served for the years 1836-7. He was one of the school board in 1837. In 1838 he sold his stock in trade to Walter Fish, and entered into partnership with George B. Cooper, who was transacting a general mercantile business. In 1841, upon the completion of the Michigan Central Railroad to Jackson, Mr. Thompson was appointed freight agent. He continued on the road at Jackson and west of this point, as completed, to Niles, for a period of ten years, including the administration of the road while owned by the state, and after it had passed into the hands of the Michigan
Central Railroad Company.
Jackson
Section 4
Page 30
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