You might want to use my source for his death of 20 Nov 1848 as newspaper, published in Cape Girardeau Western Eagle issue dated 1 Dec 1848 says "Royal Thompson, Esq. died 20 Nov 1848 at his home 12 mi from Jackson, age 45 years." My source is Death Records of Missouri Men 1808-1854, by Lois Stanley, George F. Wilson, Maryhelen Wilson, (Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., 1990) p.152, in newspaper CGWE [which means Cape Girardeau Western Eagle].

The Probate file includes his original will dated 21 Jun 1839 which says in part "I give to my beloved wife Jane Thompson all my property real and personal during her natural life and to dispose of the same as she may think proper except a black girl about two years and a few months old to wit named Angeline Said Girl It is my will If she should out If she should out live her Mistress She then Shall have her freedom It is further my wish that all my slaves shall be kept together during my said wife's natural life and that lands and other property be sold to pay my debts. I do hereby make and Ordain my friends James N Thompson, John A Thompson Executors of this, my last will and testament in witness whereof I Royal Thompson the testator have by this my will set my hand and seal this 21st day of June 1839. Royal Thompson, Seal Witness: Stephen Malone, William Beal."


Also in these papers is William Beal's attestation or affadavit as witness to said Royal's will which is signed by Deputy O.E. Snider of Clerk Caleb Fulenwider and dated 13 Dec 1848. Another paper in this file is the attestation of another witness Stephen Malone in Adams County, Illinois and signed by J.J. Fielding Justice of the Peace of Adams County, Illinois on 21st December AD 1848.

info courtesy of R Thompson