Madison Thompson
Madison Thompson, who, with his mother, Mrs. Josephine (Tarr) Thompson, owns a valuable farm of 156 acres, which lies in Section 36, Wells Township, formerly followed dairying, operating a milk wagon to Brilliant, but latterly has devoted himself entirely to general farming. He is a son of Wesley E. and Josephine (Tarr) Thompson.
Wesley E. Thompson was born on the present farm June 4, 1843, and was a son of William and Mary (Ekey) Thompson, early settlers in this section. The children of William Thompson were: David, Wesley, Harrison, Andrew, James, Elizabeth and Sarah. All are deceased except Harrison, residing in California, and James, a resident of Kansas. Sarah was the wife of Fred Gilden. The widow of William Thompson was left to rear the children and pay off debts on the farm and she kept the most of the children with her and not only cleared the property of all mortgages but added twenty more acres to the place. Her death took place at the home of a daughter at New Philadelphia. Wesley E. Thompson was reared by his uncle, Samuel Ekey. He helped on the farm but had little chance for schooling; later, however, through his own efforts, he became a well informed man. After his marriage he settled on a part of the farm, in which he had an interest, and later acquired it all by purchase, there being at that time 234 acres, a part of which was subsequently sold. He was a Democrat in politics and was twice elected township treasurer. For many years he had been a member of the Presbyterian Church when his death occurred April 16, 1907.
Wesley E. Thompson was married September 29, 1868, to Miss Josephine Tarr, a daughter of William A. and Elvira (Dalrymple) Tarr, and a granddaughter of Daniel Tarr, who was an old settler and a veteran of the War of 1812. To William A. Tarr and wife the following children were born: John Benton, deceased; Josephine, who is Mrs. Thompson; Casper, deceased; Lucinda, wife of Rev. S. P. Lloyde; Lewis Fremont; Madison; Ida Bell, and Wilbur. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson three children were born, namely: Jennie, who married Philip Meholin, of Steubeuville, and has two children—Ina C. and Joseph Wesley; Madison, and Daisy, who married George Stiff, of Mingo Junction, and has one child, Dorothy Josephine.
Wesley E. Thompson was a highly respected man in his community and was a kind husband and careful father. He was quiet and home-loving and as far as he was able performed his duty to his family, neighborhood and church. In the division of his property his widow and son Madison retained the home farm for their share. Mrs. Thompson is a member also of the Presbyterian Cliurch.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910