THOMPSON, STANTON H. - The retired farmers form an important element in the life of a community, especially in one that is located in the center of an agricultural district. Sangamon is the home of a number of small towns and villages which prosper because of their retired farmer population, and one of these is the flourishing Illiopolis. One of the representative men of the class just mentioned is Stanton H. Thompson. He was born in Madison County, Ky., December 8, 1834, a son of Leman and Mary (Johnson) Thompson, the former born in 1807, and both natives of Kentucky. The grandfathers were both from Virginia, coming to Kentucky at a day early in its history. Leman Thompson was a farmer and continued his work until his death, in Kentucky. During the Civil War he was a member of the Home Guard, having the misfortune to be taken prisoner and confined three months. The ancestors on both sides of the house were Revolutionary soldiers, so the military spirit was not lacking in this family. Leman Thompson had seven children, four daughters and three sons, three of whom survive. This most excellent man passed to his last reward in 1871, but his widow survived him living until 1903, and at her death was considerably over ninety years of age, the exact date of her birth, however, having been lost.

In the days when Stanton H. Thompson grew up there were but few educational advantages offered the farmer lad, but such as there were he eagerly grasped, attending the uncomfortable log schools with their puncheon floors and slab seats. During his boyhood he worked hard for his father, but in 1863 left Kentucky, coming to Moultrie County, Ill., where for twenty-six years he was actively engaged in farming. He then went to Thayer County,, Neb., there continuing his farming on eighty acres of land which he bought, and which he still owns. For twenty-two years this continued to be his home but in 1902 he returned to Illinois and, selecting Illiopolis as his place of residence, bought a pleasant home there, where he is now spending his declining years. During all his operations he was successful and can look back with satisfaction upon his well-spent life.

Mr. Thompson was married in Madison, Ky., November 1, 1855, to Lucy M. Stapp, born in Madison County, December 3, 1838, a daughter of William and Charlotte (Layer) Stapp, born in madison County, December 3, 1838, a daughter of William and Charlotte (Layer) Stapp, farming people of Kentucky, where both died. Mr. Stapp was Sheriff of Madison County for fourteen years as well as Justice of the Peace, and was a fearless and capable official. His death occurred when he was ninety-two years old. He had three daughters and one son. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became the parents of seven children, two of whom survive: Charles L., of Nebraska, and Martha, wife of Charles Havener, of Illiopolis, a carpenter by trade. There are thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in the family. In 1908 the Thompsons held a reunion at the family home, at which four generations were present, from the venerable Mr. Thompson and his wife to the great-grandchildren, and the occasion was one that excited considerable comment and pleasant envy.

The Republican party has always had in Mr. Thompson an ardent supporter, and he served fourteen years as School Director in Moultrie County. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, to which they give an earnest and hearty support of both time and money. Mr. Thompson is one of the best types of the prosperous farmer to be found in Sangamon County, and he and his family enjoy universal esteem, for they have won it by upright living and honest dealing.