Thompson, Augustus

MR. THOMPSON was one of the representative men of Crawford township, and contributed largely to its business and social development. His life was identified with the homestead at Thompson Ridge, where his birth occurred in 1816. Such advantages as were afforded by the public school of the district were improved by him, after which he decided upon the occupation of a farmer. In this, as in other enterprises which engaged his attention, all the energy and force of his nature were brought to bear. His mind was sound and practical, his judgment clear, and his conclusions rarely at fault.

These natural qualifications made Mr. Thompson invaluable as a counselor in the community and a safe guide in business perplexities. His integrity and capacity rendered his services much in demand in the settlement of estates, while his general and legal information were frequently made available in the drawing of contracts and the writing of wills.

The versatile gifts of Mr. Thompson shone no less conspicuously in public than in private life. He filled the offices both of bank and railroad director, and was one of the bonding commissioners of the township of Crawford until his death. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, though enjoying the confidence and esteem of all parties in an unusual degree. He was supervisor of his township during the years 1849 and 1850, and having been elected justice of the peace in 1865, filled the office during the remainder of his life.

Mr. Thompson was twice married,—first to Miss Hannah. daughter of Abner Bull, of Wallkill; and a second time, to Miss Catherine A. Hunter, of Crown Point. The children who survive him are Alexander, who occupies the homestead; George Hunter, editor of the Middletown Mercury; Augustus, located at the West; and three daughters.

The death of Augustus Thompson occurred Sept. 23, 1874, at the homestead, after a brief illness, in his fifty-eighth year. The following extract from a county paper conveys a just idea of his character and the universal esteem in which he was held:

"Those most intimately associated with him in the neighborly and domestic relations of life loved, honored, and confided in him to the fullest extent. His was the ‘larger and kindlier hand’ which never wearied in well-doing in their behalf. In business concerns, in trouble or sorrow, he was their chosen counselor, comforter, and friend. Here was his noblest work, and here his loss will be most deeply felt. He was a man of broad charities, and an active worker in the church with which he was connected, and as a sincere Christian exemplified in his daily walk the faith that was in him. A marked feature of his character was the sincerity, uprightness, and conscientiousness that ruled his whole life. Who shall fill his place?"