Spencer



Spencer Family Plot
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Larry and Linda Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

James E. Spencer
James E. Spencer, one of the prominent farmers of Kenosha County, residing on his farm in Section 8, was born in that county in what was then known as Pike Township, now Somers, Township, December 9, 1846, a son of Ambrose and Martha (Evans) Spencer.
The first of the Spencer family to locate in America was William Spencer, who came from England in 1631 and settled at Cambridge, Mass., although he evidently returned to England to marry his wife, Alice, in 1633.  He was counted a prominent man at Cambridge in 1634-35 and afterward was one of the first settlers in Hartford, Conn.  He had two brothers, Jared and Thomas, who came to America some years later than William, the first settler.
It only requires tracing to our subject's paternal great-grandfather to find a Revolutionary patriot in the person of Asa Spencer, who was in the fifth generation from the first William.  It is proved by records that Asa Spencer served faithfully, and was a personal friend of Washington and also of Thomas Jefferson, and as he was a man of prominence we can easily believe that on many occasions he exchanged views on public questions with these great statesmen of our country's early days.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. Spencer was the well known Judge James B. Spencer, who was born in Salisbury, Conn., and moved in an early day to Fort Covington, Franklin Co., N.Y.  He was one of the early settlers there, and for years a prominent man and political leader in the northern part of the State, holding many important offices, at one time being in the Custom House, as collector. He was a representative in the State and National Legislatures and was an eminent member of Bar and Bench.  He served with distinction in the War of 1812.  He was staunch Democrat.  His death occurred in 1848, at the age of sixty-eight.  He had three sons and one daughter.
The maternal grandfather of Mr. Spencer left a large family, eight sons and two daughters.  He resided in Mississippi at the time of the birth of his daughter, Martha, the mother of Mr. Spencer.
Ambrose Spencer was born in New York and was an early settler in Kenosha County, coming here in 1842, and buying a farm of 160 acres in Section 8, Somers Township, where he reared his family.  He died on this farm in 1886, aged sixty-eight years.  He was a member of the M.E. Church.  In his young manhood he was on a Government vessel, a man-of-war, in which he crossed the ocean a number of times.  After the death of his first wife, in 1850, he married (second) Arvilla Woodward, a native of Vermont, who died in 1893.  In religious belief she was a Methodist.
Two children were born to Ambrose and Martha Spencer: James E., of this sketch; and William H., of Seattle, Washington.  The children of the second marriage were, Walter A., of Kenosha; Clark W. of Appleton, Wisconsin; Florence, wife of Lafayette Owen of Burlington, Wisconsin; and Watson B., of Racine.
James E. Spencer was reared on his father' farm in Somers Township, and obtained his early education in the district schools, later attending a seminary at Richmond, Michigan., and a commercial college at Racine.  He lived at home until he reached his majority and then bough his present farm of eighty acres, which he has continued to improve until the present day.
Mr. Spencer was married September 24, 1872, to Miss Helen A. Clemons, daughter of Hosea Clemons, and they had three sons and one daughter:  James C., Estella, Ambrose, and Edgar.  James C., who is a carpenter in Kenosha, married Amelia Longmore; Estella died aged seventeen years, and Ambrose died aged two and a half years; Edgar lives at home.  Mrs. Spencer died in 1895, aged forty-two years.  She was a much beloved woman in her neighborhood and was a consistent member of the M.E. Church.
On October 27, 1898 Mr. Spencer was married (second) to Miss Mary L. Rhodes, daughter of Jonas W. and Caroline (Rutan) Rhodes, natives of Sussex County, N.J.  The father came West in 1842 and the mother in 1843, in which year they were married at Vernon, New Jersey.  They settled in what was then known as Pike township, now Somers Township, Kenosha County.  The father followed farming and was also well known as a stock and wool buyer.  He died in 1891, aged seventy years.  His widow who still survives, is now eighty-five years of age.  Of their eight children the survivors are: Anna, wife of Dr. F.H. Longley, of North Platte, Neb.; Mary L., wife of James E. Spencer; and Kitty Clyde, wife of Charles Mitchell, of Milwaukee.
William Jonas Rhodes, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Spencer, was a native of New Jersey, and in early life was a blacksmith, later a farmer.  He died in New Jersey when over seventy years of age.  He married Anna Courter, and they had eleven children, the survivors being:  Caroline, mother of Mrs. Spencer; Abraham, of Sussex County, N.J.; Elizabeth, widow of William Faber, of Unionville, N.Y.; Julia, Mrs. Ferguson, a widow, of Paterson, N.J.; Catherine, widow of Nicholas Faber, of Sussex County, N.J.; and Carlotte widow of John Moore, of Canadaigua, Michigan.  The maternal great-grandfather, Abraham Rutan, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  He married Rebecca Rutan.  They were of Dutch extraction, their ancestors coming to America from Holland.
James E. Spencer is a Democrat, and he has served as Somers Town Clerk for the past nine years.  He is president of the Farmers' Mutual Life Insurance Company, having been a Director for a long period.  Both he and his wife are member of the M.E. Church.  He belongs to the fraternal order of Woodmen.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1906)

Mrs. Helen Clemons Spencer Obituary
"Mrs. Helen Spencer, aged 42 years, wife of James E. Spencer, died Monday at 5:30 p.m. at her home in the Town of Somers, of consumption, after an illness of over a year.  The deceased was a daughter of the late Hosea Clemons, of Mt. Pleasant, and was born and grew to womanhood in this vicinity.  She was a woman devoted to her house and family and to her bereaved husband and three children.  She leaves besides four brothers and five sisters to mourn her untimely death.  Deceased was a member of the Somers Methodist Church from which place the funeral will be held Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.  A brief service will be held at the house at 10 o'clock and the interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, at Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal June 13, 1895)

Spencer "In the News"
"W.A. Spencer, who for years has served in the capacity of butter maker at the creamery, has tendered his resignation.  Mr. Spencer has given good satisfaction and we hope that his place will be filled by a person fully as competent."
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 21, 1900)

Rhodes

William J. Rhodes and Alice B. Rhodes
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Larry and Lina Kopet, USGENWEBARCHWIS)

Jonas W. Rhodes, father of William J. Rhodes
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Rhodes Family
For more than a half century William F. Rhodes occupied the old homestead farm of the Rhodes family in Somers Township, and when he passed away the locality lost one of its valued and representative citizens.  He was born in Kenosha County, April 24, 1844.  Almost forty years passed before his father, Jonas W. Rhodes, was required by death to put aside the work of the home farm, and as time passed on he kept adding to his holdings until he was the owner of about five hundred acres, constituting a most excellent property.  On that farm he continued until his death, which occurred in 1891, his remains being then interred in Oakwood Cemetery.

William J. Rhodes pursued his education in the district schools of Kenosha County, mastering the lessons which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties.  He was early trained to the work of the field, largely devoting the summer months to the task of cultivating and harvesting the crops.  Upon his father's death he inherited a part of the estate and purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home property, which he continued to cultivate and occupy until his demise, which occurred on the 23rd of May, 1905, when he had reached the age of sixty-one years.

It was in 1874 that William J. Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Alice Carmen and they became the parents of three children:  Jay William; Lulu, who married Ed Leet and has two children; and Frank E., who married Florence Buswell and has two children.

In his political views Mr. Rhodes was an earnest Republican.  He served as Somers Town Clerk for thirteen years, was also Town Treasurer and was Treasurer of the School Board.  He guided his life according to the teachings of the Methodist Church.

His eldest son, Jay William Rhodes, was born in Somers Township, January 13, 1875, and supplemented his early educational training by study in the high school of Kenosha.  He was reared to farm life and has never sought to change his occupation, for he agrees with George Washington that "farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable pursuit of man."  He today owns two hundred and twelve acres which he farms, the place being situated in Somers Township.  Upon this land he engages in raising sheep and cattle, the latter for dairy purposes, and he ships his milk to the Chicago market. His business is well managed and he carefully watches over every detail so that the best possible results are achieved.

On the 8th of June, 1905, Mr. Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Cook, a daughter of Elliott Cook, one of the early settlers of Kenosha County.  They now have one child, Wendell, in school.   Jay William Rhodes has been school Treasurer and for two years filled the office of Somers Town Treasurer.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916).

More About William J. Rhodes
Early yesterday morning, William J. Rhodes of the Town of Somers, prominent throughout Kenosha county as a politician and farmer, died at St. Mary's hospital in Racine.  Mr. Rhodes has been ill for a long time and six weeks ago was brought to the hospital.  Deceased was a son of the late Jonus W. Rhodes, one of the pioneer settlers of Kenosha County.  He was born in Somers, April 24, 1844.  In his younger days he became prominent in the affairs of Somers Township and for 61 years was a resident of Somers.  The funeral will be held from his late home in Somers on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date May 26, 1906)

More About Caroline Rhodes
Mrs. Caroline Rhodes, one of the oldest residents of this section died Monday. May 28, 1906.  She was born in Vernon, Sussex County, New Jersey on February 9, 1821.  She married Jonas William Rhodes, also of Vernon, Sussex County, on April 13, 1843 and immediately they moved to Somers.
Mr. Rhodes died in 1891 after 48 years of happy married life here.  Seven children were born to this couple.  Mrs. James E. Spencer, a daughter lives in Somers.
Mrs. Rhodes passed quietly while sitting in a chair.  In her death, she ranks of the pioneers of this section, being among the very earliest settlers in these parts.  She was also one of the earliest members of the M.E. Church of Somers.
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date June 8, 1906)

Supreme Court of Wisconsin: Truesdell and wife vs. Rhodes, impleaded, etc. June Term, 1870.  Appeal from the circuit Court for Kenosha County
(Purpose of this information is to show relationships of Charles D. Rhodes, pioneer land owner of Somers Township)
"This action was brought by Calvin Truesdell and Sarah Truesdell, his wife, against James Ozanne, Jr., Jonas W. Rhodes, Charles D. Rhodes, and "the unknown heirs of Wm. Rhodes, deceased, and the unknown owners" of certain described lands.  The facts alleged in the complaint are substantially as follows:
1. That sometime in 1857, William Rhodes died intestate, being at the time of his death owner and in possession of the lands in dispute, and left surviving him Jonas W. Rhodes and Charles D. Rhodes, his children, and other heirs-at-law to the plaintiffs unknown, and that no administrator had been appointed upon his estate in this state; that in 1857 Jonas W. Rhodes, who resides upon lands adjoining the tract in controversy, disclaimed any ownership in said tract, and requested the assessors of the town to assess the same separately from his lands, to owners unknown; that the tract was thus assessed for the taxes of 1857, returned to the county treasurer for non-payment of taxes, and sold for the same to Jonas W. Rhodes, who purchased and took the certificate in the name of James Ozanne, Jr., but without his knowledge or consent, and the certificate was never delivered to or accepted by said Ozanne, and he never acquired any title to or interest in the lands a against the plaintiffs.

Rhodes Parcel Ownership - 1861 Somers Township
Section 2 - J.W. Rhodes 24 acres
Section 2 - C.D. Rhodes 25 acres
(The parcels in Section 2 above are now the current property of Petrifying Spring Park, Kenosha County.
Section 4 - J.W. Rhodes 160 acres
Section 5 - C.D. Rhodes 80 acres
Section 5 - C.D. Rhodes 80 acres
Section 6 - C.D. Rhodes 80 acres
Section 6 - C.D. Rhodes 40 acres

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township, Kenosha County
See Rhodes parcel ownership above.
Click on map for larger view.

For Sale
"Valuable Farming Land For Sale.  The subscriber offers for sale a portion of his valuable farming land located in the Town of Somers, about ten miles from the cities of Kenosha and Racine.  I will sell from 100 to 300 acres at TWENTY DOLLARS AN ACRE.  This land is well improved and watered and is only offered for sale because I have more than I want to take care of.  For further particulars enquire of the subscriber, on the premises.  I have also a quantity of wild land in the State and Minnesota.
Town of Somers, February 1, 1865.  J. W. RHODES."
(Source:  Racine Daily May 10, 1865)

Rhodes and Cook Marriage
On 08 June 1905 Mr. (Jay William) Rhodes was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Cook, a daughter of Elliott Cook, one of the early settlers of Kenosha County.  They (Jay William and Mabel Cook Rhodes) now have one child, Wendell, in school.  The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Rhodes also belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp at Somers.  He votes Republican, for two years filled the office of Town Treasurer, and has also been school Treasurer,  He has never sought political office to any extent, however, preferring to give his thought and energy to his business, and has been most diligent in all that he has undertaken.
(Source:  Submitted by Cathy Kubly)

Jay Rhodes
Obituary
Kenosha News

Wendell Rhodes weds Frances Smith (daughter of Frank Smith)

W. Wendell Rhodes Obituary

Frances B. Rhodes Obituary (daughter of Frank and Emily Watkins Smith)

Jay Rhodes and William Bullamore and Pike Grove Bible Society

Thompson, N.E. (Norman Eugene) family

Norman Eugene Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)



 

Julia Bennet Stetson Thompson and Norman E. Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
 

 

 



Norman Eugene Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)



 

 

Norman E. Thompson and Julie Stetson Thompson house in Somers, Wisconsin
This house is located on Highway E, north side of the road, two houses west of Neumiller Park
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

 



 

 N.E. (Norman E.) Thompson

N.E. Thompson, Station Agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Somers, Kenosha  County, has been connected with that road since 1875 and since 1877 has been its representative here.  He owns land in the county and has been called to public office a number of times, his fellow citizens thus expressing their confidence in his ability and public spirit.
He was born in Paynes Point, Ogle County, Illinois, on the 24th of October, 1857, and is a son of John and Sarah (Hardy) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Canada but who passed their later years in Paynes Point where they died and were buried.  Although his parents were born in Canada, previous generations of the family lived in the United States, and his great-great-grandmother was the first white child born in Stafford, Connecticut.
N.E. Thompson was reared under the parental roof and until fifteen years of age attended the common schools, thus acquiring his early education.  Later he was for two years a student in the Mount Morrie Seminary and after leaving that institution he learned telegraphy and entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.  For two years he has located at Deerfield, Illinois, but on the 1st of January, 1877, was transferred to Somers, Wisconsin, where he has since remained as Station Agent.  He is accurate and systematic in his work, carefully safeguards the interests of the company and at the same time seeks to accommodate the patrons of the road.  He holds title to one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Somers township and also to a comfortable residence in the town of Somers, and his success is doubly creditable in that it is the direct result of his own energy and good management.
Mr. Thompson was united in marriage in 1886 to Miss Julia B. Stetson, a daughter of William R. Stetson of Somers Township, and they have two sons:  William and Harry, who are operating the old Stetson homestead now owned by our subject.  The latter married Edna Barrows and they have two daughters, Harriet and Ruth.  William graduated from the University of Wisconsin with the Class of 1911 and Harry is an alumnus of the Racine High school and the Trenary Business College of Kenosha.
Mr. Thompson believes in the politics of the Republican party.  For nineteen years he held the office of Post Master at Somers; for twelve years was Justice of he Peace; for six years was school district Clerk; and was also for some time a member of the School Board.  In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and fraternally he is connected with the Masons at Kenosha, with the Knights of Pythias at Kenosha and with the Modern Woodmen of America at Somers, of which Camp he has been clerk for twenty years.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916).





1927 partial map of Somers Township and the Thompson William (W.E.)  and Harry (H.C.)  parcels located on Highway E and Highway JR
Thompson Apple Orchard
Norman Eugene (N.E.) Thompson 123 acres are located across the street on the south side of Highway E
The 51 acre parcel north of Highway is now University of Wisconsin Parkside.

 

 

Children of Norman Eugene (N.E.) Thompson and Julia Bennet Stetson Thompson

William Eugene Thompson, born August 13, 1886 in Somers, Wisconsin.
He died December 30, 1962 in Somers, Wisconsin.
William Eugene married Laura Jensen March 25, 1920.
Children include Jean Elaine, born September 4, 1921in Chicago, Illinois; Charles William Thompson born December 11, 1922 in Kenosha, Wisconsin; Margaret Lucille Thompson born April 8, 1925 in Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Richard Lewis Charles Thompson born February 7, 1927 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Harry Charles Thompson, born July 18, 1890 in Somers, Wisconsin.
He died September 13, 1964 in Somers, Wisconsin
Harry Charles married Edna Barrow in 1910.
Children include Harriet, Ruth Carolyn, Norman, and Mary Ellen.

 

 



Summer of 1909 or 1910
Norman Eugene Thompson - 52 years old
Julia B. Stetson Thompson - 53 years old
Wendell Rhodes standing in front row - 4 or 5 years old
Seated at left - Ned Ozanne, Jim Spencer, Norman E. Thompson, Jay W. Rhodes.
Back row standing at left Mollie Rhodes Spencer (2nd wife), Julia Stetson Thompson, Mabel Cook Rhodes
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
Click on photo for larger view.



John Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

John Thompson, father of Norman E. Thompson
John Thompson was born in Hamilton Township, Northumberland Co., Canada West, October 12, 1833.  His mother died when he was only six months old.  He lived in Canada until twenty-one years of age, when he and his father removed to Ogle Co., Illinois, and purchased a farm.  He lived in Ogle County until September 1862, when he enlisted in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry.  He served through the War.  In 1863 he was out with a scouting party, and was severely wounded by his horse falling down a stone quarry and falling upon him.  He received his discharge in St. Louis in August, 1865.  He participated in many hard fought battles, his company or regiment being a part of the arm of the Potomac.  Among the hardest battles were:  Williamstown, seven days fight on the peninsula, Battle of the Wilderness, Antietam, Gettysburg, Manassas, second battle of Bull Run, and Beverly Ford, a strictly cavalry battle, which lasted one whole day.  He return to Ogle County after the War, and followed farming.  In 1867 he helped get up a map of Ogle County.  In April 1876 he came to Iowa located in Algona, this county.  Before coming west, however, he had traded some property for 240 acres of land in this county, 160 acres in Wesley township, and 80 acres in Lott's Creek Township.  In 1878 he removed from Algona to the village of Wesley and engaged in carpenter work.  Mr. Thompson has been married three times.  In 1854 he was married to Sarah M. Hardy of Canada.  They had four children - Teresa J., Norman E., Everett W. and Charles W.  After she died he was again married, but his second wife died in the summer of 1875, and was buried in Byron, Ogle Co., Illinois.  In 1876 he was married to Mrs. Mary (Clemens) Artz of Ogle Co., Illinois.  Mrs. Thompson had two children by her first husband - Ozzy and Ella.  Mr. Thompson is a Republican.  He owns a nice residence property, also a good carpenter ship, which, by the way, is the building erected by Comstock & Baker, and the first one built in Wesley village.
(Source:  History of Kossuth, Hancock, and Winnebago Counties, Iowa, page 547(1884)

Children of John and Sarah Hardy Thompson
Teresa Josephine was born October 10, 1855 in Cold Springs, Ont.
Norman Eugene was born October 24, 1857 in Paynes Point, IL
William Everett was born in 1860 in Paynes Point, IL
Charles Winfield was born June 4, 1869 in Paynes Point, IL

Memories
"My grandmother Sarah died in 1874 at age 38 and is buried in Paynes Point, Illinois.  John Thompson lived another twenty-one years and died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 18, 1895.  He is buried in the Old Soldier's Home Cemetery in Milwaukee.  Grandfather John remarried soon after Sarah's death and moved with his family to Wesley, Iowa.  Aunt Josie married Wm. P. Scoville on September 29, 1875 and lived near Byron and Paynes Point until her death on March 19, 1887.  My father was very unhappy in Iowa and his sister took him in the Scoville home soon after she was married.  He was there when Luella was born June 4, 1882 and Hiram was born Feb. 22, 1885.  He was more of a big brother than an uncle to them although he was always "Uncle Charles".  After Josie's death, he left to make his own way.  Her other two brothers were sent from Iowa to live with various relations in the Chicago area according to letters written my Bill Thompson in 1961.  Because of Daddy's close relationship with the Scoville's we have always maintained ties with them.  We had cottages next to each other at Twin Lakes, Michigan for many years.

Uncle Gene (Norman) was instrumental in getting Charles a job with the railroad.  Those passes were very convenient for the families. One of my earliest memories is a visit we made to Uncle Gene's and Aunt Julia's in Somers, Wisconsin.  I was three years old and had never seen a pump at a kitchen sink.  On another visit I tasted my first fresh asparagus served on toast with oodles of butter.  Uncle Gene came to visit us quite often in Laurence, Michigan where I was born November 30, 1908.  Uncle Will would come sometimes and stay a week or month or two.  He married two or three times.

Norman, my brother, was born in 1897.  I was 12 when he was born.  He graduated from Michigan Tech as a mining engineer.  His first job was with Republic State Corp in Bessemer, Ala.  His various positions took him from assistant engineer at one of the mines to general superintendent of ore mine and furnaces in the entire Birmingham area.  His only child, Eleanor Jean was born July 26, 1923, is married to Gerard E. Murray.  Eleanor graduated from the University of Illinois.  Norman and his wife Irene lived a very interesting life in many foreign countries after he resigned from Republic Steel, 1941 and then he worked at the AID State Department.  He died of cancer February 18, 1961 in Washington, D.C. and is buried in Birmingham, Ala.

My mother Jennie Williams and father were married on Sept 30, 1896 in Thomaston, Michigan.  Daddy had been the Station Agent at Sault St. Marie, Michigan and was transferred to Mestoria when they married.  Nestoria, Michigan was then the junction for several railroads running from Duluth, Minnesota, to the "sauet" or the Chicago to Haughton and Calument, Michigan routes.  After transfers to Marquette and Lauruim, Michigan, he decided in 1905 to leave the Rrand work for Marshall Wells Co. of Duluth, Minnesota as their western Upper Peninsula Michigan representative.  He was a happy outgoing man with a hearty laugh and many friends.  He died August 18, 1925 at the age of 56 after a two year battle with Bright's Disease.  Norman's cancer started in the bladder.  Grandfather John had bladder and color trouble according to his war records.  I have had bladder complications with several operations in the last years. 

I started Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin the fall of 1925 and Uncle Gene wrote to me quite regularly.  I loved him dearly.  I graduated in 1929 and then taught piano and organ.  I was going to Europe to continue studying piano for a year after graduation.  James Bryant Morgan and I were married December 26, 1932 I Birmingham, Alabama.  We have three children.
(Source:  Elizabeth Jean Thompson Morgan , daughter of Charles Winfield Thompson, from old letters and conversations with her father)


Norman E. Thompson Obituary
Death Claims N. Thompson, Station Agent.  Resident at Somers Mourn Death of Outstanding Figure
"Residents in the village of Somers today mourned the death of Normal E. Thompson, outstanding figure in the civic, political, religious and educational affairs of his community since 1877.  He succumbed at his home this morning, after being in ill health for the past two months.
Since 1877, Thompson has served as Station Agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company at Somers, and he was widely known throughout Kenosha and Racine counties.
Thompson served as Somers Postmaster for nearly 20 years, and was justice of the peace for 12 years, being a staunch Republican and notably active in political movements as well as church and athletic enterprises.
Normal E. Thompson was born in Paynes Point, Olge County, Illinois, October 24, 1857, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson.  Following his education in the public schools there, he attended Mount Morris Seminary.
The deceased studied telegraphy and entered the employment of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway company in 1875, locating at Deerfield, Illinois.  On January 1, 1877, he was transferred to Somers, where he has since remained as Station Agent.  For nearly twenty years Thompson served as Postmaster, and he was the justice of the peace for twelve years, distinguished by the fact that many of his decisions were upheld by the higher court.
Thompson was frequently sent as a Republican delegate to Kenosha County and State conventions.  He was also a member of the School Board in Somers for a score of years.
Thompson also played baseball many years with the Somers team and was always a chief booster for that organization.
The body is at the Hansen Funeral Home where it will remain until noon Sunday, when it will be taken to the congregational Church at somers to lie in state until the time of services at 2 o'clock.
The Rev. George C. Flett, and Rev. O.A. Johnson will officiate at the last rites,  Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery, Somers."
(Source:  Racine Journal December 2, 1932)


About William Eugene Thompson

(Source:  Original courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

William E. and Laura Jensen Thompson children:
Jean E. Thompson, age 8 in 1930
Charles W. Thompson, age 7 in 1930
Margaret L. Thompson, age 4 in 1930
Richard L. Thompson, age 3 in 1930
(Source:  1930 U.S. Federal Census)




Laura Jensen Thompson, wife of William E. Thompson (N.E. Thompson, father in law)
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



William E. Thompson, son of N.E. Thompson of Somers
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)




William E. Thompson
(Source:  original photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
 



(Source:  copy of article and original announcement courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)
Click or double click on image for larger viewing.

William and Laura Jensen Thompson
1930's sawing wood from wood lot for winter heat
(Source:  photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

Richard L. Thompson
son of William E. and Laura Jensen Thompson

Richard L. Thompson
(Source:  photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

(Source:  original Kenosha News Sept. 4, 2011 obituary, clipping courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

Margaret Lucille Thompson
daughter of William E. and Laura Jensen Thompson

Margaret Lucille Thompson
(Source:  photo courtesy of Lynn Thompson Powell)

Harry C. Thompson
Harry C. Thompson and Harriot J. Thompson children:
Ruth C. Thompson, age 14 in 1930
Norman W. Thompson, age 12 in 1930
Mary E. Thompson, age 6 in 1930
(Source:  1930 U.S. Federal Census)


Harry Charles Thompson is an enterprising young agriculturist of Kenosha County who for the past three years has been busily engaged in the cultivation of his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres on Section 12, Somers Township.  he is a native son of the county, having been born in the Town of Somers on the 18th of July. 1890, of the marriage of N.E. and Julia (Stetson) Thompson.
Harry Charles Thompson supplemented his early education, obtained in the common schools, by a high school course at Racine and subsequently attended a business college in Kenosha.  After putting aside his textbooks he entered the service of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, being for four years employed as telegrapher at Somers and other points.  Three years ago, however, he located on his father's farm on Section 12, Somers Township, and has since devoted his time and energies to its cultivation, his well directed labors being attended with most gratifying results.
On the 18th of December, 1913, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Edna Barrows, her father being J.J. Barrows, the first settler of Berryville, this county.  They now have two children, Harriet Julia and Ruth Caroline.
Mr. Thompson is a Republican in his political views.  At present he is ably discharging the duties of Somers Town Treasurer.  He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Somers and is fraternally identified with the Woodmen at that place.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1916).

Cemetery News - General

"On Saturday morning of this week, August 31, 1907, the men interested in Oakwood cemetery will please meet there with scythes and rakes to  mow the grass.  The ladies will serve dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Ozanne.  Let all those who are interested in the improvement of our cemetery make it their duty to be present."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date August 27, 1907)

"Oakwood Cemetery Association held its annual meeting at the Presbyterian Church.  The Association has become incorporated and elected Lyman J. Strong, Mrs. Jessie Leet as directors for a term of three years; Joseph F. Bishop and Mrs. Minnie (E.G.) Ozanne for two years, and Mrs. Mary Spencer for one year."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date April 27, 1909)

"Oakwood Cemetery is maintained by the small sum of one dollar per lot and with this sum, the cemetery received four cuttings of the grass on each and every lot, many neglected graves were care for, the fence was given two coats of paint, a tool shed was built and we regret to say there are a very few who have dear ones laid away in this beautiful place who have refused to pay their dollar because in their estimation one dollar's worth of work has not been done."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date January 30, 1912)

"The annual meeting of the Oakwood Cemetery Association was held at the Congregational Church Saturday afternoon.  A small attendance present.  The Secretary-Treasurer's report shows the following financial statement:
January 30, 1932 cash on hand $451.16.  Collections during year $239.51.  Expenses for 1932 $314.60.  Check Tax. $0.04.  Balance $405.03.  Trustees and officers elected.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date Feb. 4, 1933).