They had 12 children
From "The History of Randolph County IL, Including Kaskaskia Island"
1814—James and Samuel Thompson, from Abbeville, South Carolina, arrived at Kaskaskia in 1814. They were both young men. James taught school in Kaskaskia three years, then located upon the farm where he now resides. He was skilled in surveying, and was employed for twenty years in the United States Surveying Service, and had in late years filled the office of County Surveyor, several terms; and he is now the chief deputy in that office, with its full control and management. He commanded a company of militia in the Black Hawk War. Under Governor Reynold's administration he was appointed Judge of the probate court, in which position he continued during seventeen successive years. In all these stations he discharged his duties in a manner that won universal satisfaction. His profession is that of surveyor; and whenever the name of James Thompson is mentioned, the idea of surveying is suggested. His foot has probably made its impress upon every section of land in Randolph county. John P. Thompson, who died in 1851, while holding the office of Sheriff, was the oldest son of James Thompson.
Judge James Thompson surveyed Chicago under the authorization of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Commissioners. Modern surveyors are amazed at his skill and accuracy with the crude instruments of the 1800s.
James “Jud” Thompson, according to historian Carolyn Whitaker, was born Jan. 2, 1789, in Abbeville, South Carolina. James and his brother Samuel Thompson moved to Kaskaskia, Illinois in 1814. James taught school and farmed in Preston, Illinois. Six years later, he became a county commissioner. The U.S. government retained him as a surveyor in 1821. He worked as a government surveyor for twenty years in Randolph, Mc Henry, Kane and Du Page Counties. He became a Probate Court judge from 1831-1848, until the state constitution abolished the court. During the Black Hawk War (1832), he commanded a company of cavalry with the rank of captain.
On Oct. 9, 1817, he married his cousin Margaret (1801-1890), born in South Carolina. Their union was blessed with 12 children: Mary Emmaline Cochran (1818), John Porter (1820), Archibald C. (1822), Elizabeth Jane Douglas (1825), Margaret Caroline (1826), Nancy Lucinday (1829), James Doris (1831), Samuel H. (1834), Robert Preston (1837), Hannah Amanda (1839), Nancy Lucinda (1841) and Sarah Annis (1843). Their sons John Porter and Archibald surveyed Mc Henry, Kane and Du Page Counties with their father.
Thompson’s plan of Chicago included 58 plats. The straight streets were 66 feet wide, the length of his surveyor’s chain. Alleys were 16 feet wide and bisected each block. His plan was filed on Aug. 4, 1830, giving Chicago official recognition as a municipality.
Judge James Thompson died on Oct. 6, 1872, in Preston, Illinois. Chicago erected a monument to him in Preston Cemetery. The inscription reads, “Surveyed the site of Chicago.”
(Above from the Examiner.com)
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| From Encyclopedia of Chicago |
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Great research on him and how lucky to have a photo!
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much.
DeleteAmazing research -- and what a great find to have a photo of John and Margaret as well as the photo of his surveying equipment! He did such interesting work -- and hats off to Margaret, too, for raising twelve children!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
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