It is interesting to chronicle the life history of the successful business man who has risen by his own individual efforts from the bottom rung of the ladder, step by step, until after years of honest endeavor and well-directed energy he has acquired not only an affluence but a rich experience and far-reaching influence, making him a leader both in his own line and in the affairs of his community. Such a man is Wilson Henry Thompson, the genial and popular vice-president and one of the organizers of the Citizens National Bank of Lodi, which has its home in a new $100,000 structure on a site he selected on School and Oak streets.
Mr. Thompson was born near Lawrence, Kansas, September 27, 1868, a son of John and Catherine (Shank) Thompson, the former a native of Pennsylvania. The parents brought their family to California in 1874 and were pioneer farmers and fruit growers near Lodi until their passing. Coming to California in his sixth year, Wilson H. Thompson was educated in the public schools of San Joaquin County, and supplemented his secondary schooling with a three-year course in Woodbridge College. His first business experience was gained as a clerk in Bentley's general merchandise store at Woodbridge, where he remained for one year. He then became associated with A. L. Cowell, and together they conducted a general merchandise store and hotel at Woodbridge for the next four years.
Selecting Lodi as his future place of operations, Mr. Thompson came here in 1896 and started a grocery store. In 1899 F. W. Beckman became his partner, and the firm was known as Thompson & Beckman; but shortly afterwards they took in H. E. Welch, their bookkeeper, as a third partner, and on February 24, 1904, were incorporated as Beckman, Welch & Thompson, Inc., and thereafter branched out into the various lines of general merchandising. Mr. Thompson was president of the company, and his years of experience and wide acquaintance enabled him to build up a business second to none in the county in this line. In order to provide larger and more suitable quarters, Mr. Thompson erected a brick business block 70 x 160 feet on South Sacramento Street. He continued as president until 1918, when he sold his interest. With Mr. Beckman, Mr. Thompson also erected the Beckman & Thompson Building on School Street. In 1910, with others, he established the Pacific Fruit Exchange, with headquarters in Sacramento, and became vice-president of the company and local manager of the Lodi district.
Recently Mr. Thompson disposed of his interest in the First National Bank, in which he had been vice-president and director for some years, and with others organized the Citizens National Bank of Lodi, being elected its vice-president. He saw a splendid location for the new bank and business houses on the corner of Oak and School streets; so he purchased the three corners and turned them over to the City Improvement Company, which was organized for the purpose of building up all the corners with substantial two-story store and office buildings and the bank home. The bank building is a Class A concrete and terra cotta building 50 x 75, and is devoted entirely to the use of the bank. The City Improvement Company also built the new post office building on Oak Street. Mr. Thompson's associates are all local men, like himself acknowledged for their integrity and worth, and represent a diversity of interest and wide experience, their influence being of especial value to the institutions with which they are associated. Mr. Thompson is interested in viticulture, his holdings being principally in the vicinity of Lodi. He is a director of the Stockton Home Builders' Association, and the Masonic Temple Association in Stockton; is president of the Lodi Investment Company, which erected the Lodi Hotel and Lodi Theater; is president of the Lodi Public Library Board; and was formerly a member of the Lodi Board of Education.
Mr. Thompson was first married on November 11, 1892, to Miss Mary Eliza Fowler, a native of this county and the daughter of Joseph and Eliza Fowler, pioneer farmers near Lodi. She passed away in February, 1900; and on December 9, 1903, at Crocker Station; he was united in marriage with Miss Celia M. Crocker, a native of that place, the daughter of Henry and May (Hall) Crocker, natives of Massachusetts and pioneers of California. Mr. Crocker came here in 1853 and engaged in mining until he established Crocker Station, on Big Oak Flat Road, leading into the Yosemite Valley. There he continued until his passing away. He was survived by his widow. Mrs. Thompson was reared at Crocker Station and received her education at Woodbridge College. They have a son, Henry Allen, a graduate of the Lodi high school, class of 1922.
Fraternally, Mr. Thompson was made a Mason in Lodi Lodge, No. 256, F. & A. M., and is a member of Stockton Chapter No. 28, R. A. M., Stockton Council, R. S. M., Stockton Commandery No. 8, K. T., and Ben Ali Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Sacramento; and with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star, of which he is a past patron. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and Elks, and was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary Club. Naturally progressive, Mr. Thompson has engaged in many enterprises looking to the development of the city, regardless of pecuniary benefits to himself.
History of San Joaquin County
by George H Tinkham
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Certificate
Wilson Henry Thompson
Father: John Thompson, Pennsylvania
Mother: Catherine Shank, Illinois
Wife: Celia Thompson
Retired (Pres. Pacific Fruit Exchange)
burial Lodi Cemetery Sept 3, 1953
Wilson H. Thompson, Civic Leader, Passed Away
Son of Pioneers Succumbs at 84
Wilson Henry Thompson, 84, distinguished Lodi civic leader and business man, passed away quietly at his home, 503 W. Pine st. late yesterday afternoon.
For the past year he has been retired from activities which formerly held his interest but it was only in the past six weeks that his condition steadily worsened.
He leaves his widow, Mrs. Celia M. Thompson; a son, Henry Allen Thompson of San Francisco; two grandchildren, Joan and Jacquelin Thompson of San Francisco. He was the brother of Emery Thompson and Mrs. Belle Lossing of Lodi; and of the late Elmer Thompson and Mrs. Lettie Franklin. He is also survived by a nephew, Harold Franklin, and a niece, Mrs. Nileta Franklin Journeay of Acampo.
Story Inspiration
The story of Mr. Thompson's life has been of inspiration to all who have known it, encompassing a diversity of interest and accomplishments which has done much to build the community.
He was born near Lawrence, Kansas, Sept. 27, 1868, the son of John and Catherine Thompson.
At the age of 6, he was brought to California when his parents located near Lathrop. Later they were at Alviso and then near Linden. Here, because of uncertainty of title to railroad land they held, they gave up their ranching attempt and moved to Sacramento. It was there they were persuaded to locate in the Tison district near New Hope, later purchasing 150 acres of land in 1878 and establishing what was to be their permanent home in Woodbridge.
Early Vineyard
The ranch was largely planted to grain but a portion was in grapes to be one of the earliest vineyards in San Joaquin county, the grapes being hauled to West's winery near Stockton for processing.
Mr. Thompson attended Ray school and helped to plant trees which surround it. It was at this time that he nearly lost his life in rescuing a boy from drowning in what was then the old swimming hole.
He was graduated from the old Woodbridge College, receiving his diploma June 6, 1889.
On Nov. 11 1892, he was married to the late Eliza Fowler Thompson who passed away in February, 1900.
His business career was started with the Bentley merchandise store in Woodbridge in which he clerked. Later he joined with A.L. Cowell in the operation of a general merchandise store as well as a hotel in Woodbridge.
Moved to Lodi
In 1896 he moved to Lodi to establish a grocery store. In 1899, Mr. Thompson took as his partner F.W. Beckman an still later Hilliard E. Welch, the firm being incorporated on Feb. 24, 1904 as Beckman, Welch and Thompson, Inc., one of Lodis most important mercantile establishments of its day. Mr. Thompson served as president of the firm until 1918 when he sold his interest.
It was on Dec. 9, 1903, that he and Miss Celia M. Crocker, daughter of a pioneer Mother Lodi mining and stage operating family were married at Crocker Station on the Big Oak Flat rd., 20 miles north of Yosemite, with the Rev. George Maxwell of St. James Episcopal Church, Sonora, performing the ceremony. One son, Henry Allen, was born to bless the union.
Organized Exchanges
Mr. Thompson had become interested in the shipping of fruit, and had been with the Producers Fruit Co., and later the F.H. Buck Co. In 1910, with associates, he organized the Pacific Fruit Exchange which he was to serve as vice president and Lodi district manager for 35 years, after which he was elected to the presidency, an office he held for a little over a year until he retired.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson was active in banking circles. He was a vice president of the former First National Bank and of the Citizens National Bank, and more recently, until the time of his passing, had been a vice president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank. In addition, at the time of his death he was a director of the Stockton Building and Loan Association and of the Stockton Abstract Co.
Purchased Property
He purchased property on three corners of Oak and School st., which were to be developed by the City Improvement Co. as the Madison building in which the National Dollar Store is now located; the City Improvement Building, which houses a number of stores and offices; and the bank premises which now houses the Bank of America. The City Improvement Co., in which he was active, also erected the building which housed the Lodi Post office for a number of years and which is now occupied by the Lodi Times.
It was as president of the Lodi Investment Co. that Mr. Thompson was active in seeing erected the buildings of the Hotel Lodi and for the Lodi Theatre.
Farm Implement Firm
Later, with his son, he helped organize and serve as president of the Thompson-Sage Co., farm implement firm which operated in Stockton and here and which has since become Grace.
In the field of civic activities his interests were legion. He was one of the early supporters of the program for a public library for Lodi and served as a member of the board of directors of the Lodi Public Library for 51 years, 46 of them as president, until he retired from the post in June, 1952. His long distinguished service to the library was commemorated by the dedication of the Wilson H. Thompson Room, to house California and western historical books and documents on Sept 9, 1952.
Board of Trade
Mr. Thompson promoted the Lodi Board of Trade, predecessor of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, and served as first president of both organizations. For a number of years he was on the Lodi elementary school board of trustees. Active in the Good Roads Association, he and the late Burton A. Towne, Sr., were leaders in the formation of the California State Automobile Association. At one time he was a deputy assessor for San Joaquin county.
Mr. Thompson and his wife attended the Congregational Church. He was a member of the Lodi Lodge No. 256, F.& A.M.; Stockton Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Stockton Council, R.S.N.; Stockton Commandery No 8. Kight Templar; and Ben Ali Shrine. He was a past patron of Lodi chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Other Memberships
He was a member of the Lodi lodge, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and a past member of the Stockton Lodge of Elks. In addition he was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Hale & Bawden Funeral Home.
Lodi News-Sentinel Sep 2, 1953
Mr. Thompson was born near Lawrence, Kansas, September 27, 1868, a son of John and Catherine (Shank) Thompson, the former a native of Pennsylvania. The parents brought their family to California in 1874 and were pioneer farmers and fruit growers near Lodi until their passing. Coming to California in his sixth year, Wilson H. Thompson was educated in the public schools of San Joaquin County, and supplemented his secondary schooling with a three-year course in Woodbridge College. His first business experience was gained as a clerk in Bentley's general merchandise store at Woodbridge, where he remained for one year. He then became associated with A. L. Cowell, and together they conducted a general merchandise store and hotel at Woodbridge for the next four years.
Selecting Lodi as his future place of operations, Mr. Thompson came here in 1896 and started a grocery store. In 1899 F. W. Beckman became his partner, and the firm was known as Thompson & Beckman; but shortly afterwards they took in H. E. Welch, their bookkeeper, as a third partner, and on February 24, 1904, were incorporated as Beckman, Welch & Thompson, Inc., and thereafter branched out into the various lines of general merchandising. Mr. Thompson was president of the company, and his years of experience and wide acquaintance enabled him to build up a business second to none in the county in this line. In order to provide larger and more suitable quarters, Mr. Thompson erected a brick business block 70 x 160 feet on South Sacramento Street. He continued as president until 1918, when he sold his interest. With Mr. Beckman, Mr. Thompson also erected the Beckman & Thompson Building on School Street. In 1910, with others, he established the Pacific Fruit Exchange, with headquarters in Sacramento, and became vice-president of the company and local manager of the Lodi district.
Recently Mr. Thompson disposed of his interest in the First National Bank, in which he had been vice-president and director for some years, and with others organized the Citizens National Bank of Lodi, being elected its vice-president. He saw a splendid location for the new bank and business houses on the corner of Oak and School streets; so he purchased the three corners and turned them over to the City Improvement Company, which was organized for the purpose of building up all the corners with substantial two-story store and office buildings and the bank home. The bank building is a Class A concrete and terra cotta building 50 x 75, and is devoted entirely to the use of the bank. The City Improvement Company also built the new post office building on Oak Street. Mr. Thompson's associates are all local men, like himself acknowledged for their integrity and worth, and represent a diversity of interest and wide experience, their influence being of especial value to the institutions with which they are associated. Mr. Thompson is interested in viticulture, his holdings being principally in the vicinity of Lodi. He is a director of the Stockton Home Builders' Association, and the Masonic Temple Association in Stockton; is president of the Lodi Investment Company, which erected the Lodi Hotel and Lodi Theater; is president of the Lodi Public Library Board; and was formerly a member of the Lodi Board of Education.
Mr. Thompson was first married on November 11, 1892, to Miss Mary Eliza Fowler, a native of this county and the daughter of Joseph and Eliza Fowler, pioneer farmers near Lodi. She passed away in February, 1900; and on December 9, 1903, at Crocker Station; he was united in marriage with Miss Celia M. Crocker, a native of that place, the daughter of Henry and May (Hall) Crocker, natives of Massachusetts and pioneers of California. Mr. Crocker came here in 1853 and engaged in mining until he established Crocker Station, on Big Oak Flat Road, leading into the Yosemite Valley. There he continued until his passing away. He was survived by his widow. Mrs. Thompson was reared at Crocker Station and received her education at Woodbridge College. They have a son, Henry Allen, a graduate of the Lodi high school, class of 1922.
Fraternally, Mr. Thompson was made a Mason in Lodi Lodge, No. 256, F. & A. M., and is a member of Stockton Chapter No. 28, R. A. M., Stockton Council, R. S. M., Stockton Commandery No. 8, K. T., and Ben Ali Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Sacramento; and with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star, of which he is a past patron. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and Elks, and was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary Club. Naturally progressive, Mr. Thompson has engaged in many enterprises looking to the development of the city, regardless of pecuniary benefits to himself.
History of San Joaquin County
by George H Tinkham
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Certificate
Wilson Henry Thompson
Father: John Thompson, Pennsylvania
Mother: Catherine Shank, Illinois
Wife: Celia Thompson
Retired (Pres. Pacific Fruit Exchange)
burial Lodi Cemetery Sept 3, 1953
Wilson H. Thompson, Civic Leader, Passed Away
Son of Pioneers Succumbs at 84
Wilson Henry Thompson, 84, distinguished Lodi civic leader and business man, passed away quietly at his home, 503 W. Pine st. late yesterday afternoon.
For the past year he has been retired from activities which formerly held his interest but it was only in the past six weeks that his condition steadily worsened.
He leaves his widow, Mrs. Celia M. Thompson; a son, Henry Allen Thompson of San Francisco; two grandchildren, Joan and Jacquelin Thompson of San Francisco. He was the brother of Emery Thompson and Mrs. Belle Lossing of Lodi; and of the late Elmer Thompson and Mrs. Lettie Franklin. He is also survived by a nephew, Harold Franklin, and a niece, Mrs. Nileta Franklin Journeay of Acampo.
Story Inspiration
The story of Mr. Thompson's life has been of inspiration to all who have known it, encompassing a diversity of interest and accomplishments which has done much to build the community.
He was born near Lawrence, Kansas, Sept. 27, 1868, the son of John and Catherine Thompson.
At the age of 6, he was brought to California when his parents located near Lathrop. Later they were at Alviso and then near Linden. Here, because of uncertainty of title to railroad land they held, they gave up their ranching attempt and moved to Sacramento. It was there they were persuaded to locate in the Tison district near New Hope, later purchasing 150 acres of land in 1878 and establishing what was to be their permanent home in Woodbridge.
Early Vineyard
The ranch was largely planted to grain but a portion was in grapes to be one of the earliest vineyards in San Joaquin county, the grapes being hauled to West's winery near Stockton for processing.
Mr. Thompson attended Ray school and helped to plant trees which surround it. It was at this time that he nearly lost his life in rescuing a boy from drowning in what was then the old swimming hole.
He was graduated from the old Woodbridge College, receiving his diploma June 6, 1889.
On Nov. 11 1892, he was married to the late Eliza Fowler Thompson who passed away in February, 1900.
His business career was started with the Bentley merchandise store in Woodbridge in which he clerked. Later he joined with A.L. Cowell in the operation of a general merchandise store as well as a hotel in Woodbridge.
Moved to Lodi
In 1896 he moved to Lodi to establish a grocery store. In 1899, Mr. Thompson took as his partner F.W. Beckman an still later Hilliard E. Welch, the firm being incorporated on Feb. 24, 1904 as Beckman, Welch and Thompson, Inc., one of Lodis most important mercantile establishments of its day. Mr. Thompson served as president of the firm until 1918 when he sold his interest.
It was on Dec. 9, 1903, that he and Miss Celia M. Crocker, daughter of a pioneer Mother Lodi mining and stage operating family were married at Crocker Station on the Big Oak Flat rd., 20 miles north of Yosemite, with the Rev. George Maxwell of St. James Episcopal Church, Sonora, performing the ceremony. One son, Henry Allen, was born to bless the union.
Organized Exchanges
Mr. Thompson had become interested in the shipping of fruit, and had been with the Producers Fruit Co., and later the F.H. Buck Co. In 1910, with associates, he organized the Pacific Fruit Exchange which he was to serve as vice president and Lodi district manager for 35 years, after which he was elected to the presidency, an office he held for a little over a year until he retired.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson was active in banking circles. He was a vice president of the former First National Bank and of the Citizens National Bank, and more recently, until the time of his passing, had been a vice president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank. In addition, at the time of his death he was a director of the Stockton Building and Loan Association and of the Stockton Abstract Co.
Purchased Property
He purchased property on three corners of Oak and School st., which were to be developed by the City Improvement Co. as the Madison building in which the National Dollar Store is now located; the City Improvement Building, which houses a number of stores and offices; and the bank premises which now houses the Bank of America. The City Improvement Co., in which he was active, also erected the building which housed the Lodi Post office for a number of years and which is now occupied by the Lodi Times.
It was as president of the Lodi Investment Co. that Mr. Thompson was active in seeing erected the buildings of the Hotel Lodi and for the Lodi Theatre.
Farm Implement Firm
Later, with his son, he helped organize and serve as president of the Thompson-Sage Co., farm implement firm which operated in Stockton and here and which has since become Grace.
In the field of civic activities his interests were legion. He was one of the early supporters of the program for a public library for Lodi and served as a member of the board of directors of the Lodi Public Library for 51 years, 46 of them as president, until he retired from the post in June, 1952. His long distinguished service to the library was commemorated by the dedication of the Wilson H. Thompson Room, to house California and western historical books and documents on Sept 9, 1952.
Board of Trade
Mr. Thompson promoted the Lodi Board of Trade, predecessor of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, and served as first president of both organizations. For a number of years he was on the Lodi elementary school board of trustees. Active in the Good Roads Association, he and the late Burton A. Towne, Sr., were leaders in the formation of the California State Automobile Association. At one time he was a deputy assessor for San Joaquin county.
Mr. Thompson and his wife attended the Congregational Church. He was a member of the Lodi Lodge No. 256, F.& A.M.; Stockton Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Stockton Council, R.S.N.; Stockton Commandery No 8. Kight Templar; and Ben Ali Shrine. He was a past patron of Lodi chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Other Memberships
He was a member of the Lodi lodge, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and a past member of the Stockton Lodge of Elks. In addition he was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Hale & Bawden Funeral Home.
Lodi News-Sentinel Sep 2, 1953
It is interesting to chronicle the life history of the successful business man who has risen by his own individual efforts from the bottom rung of the ladder, step by step, until after years of honest endeavor and well-directed energy he has acquired not only an affluence but a rich experience and far-reaching influence, making him a leader both in his own line and in the affairs of his community. Such a man is Wilson Henry Thompson, the genial and popular vice-president and one of the organizers of the Citizens National Bank of Lodi, which has its home in a new $100,000 structure on a site he selected on School and Oak streets.
Mr. Thompson was born near Lawrence, Kansas, September 27, 1868, a son of John and Catherine (Shank) Thompson, the former a native of Pennsylvania. The parents brought their family to California in 1874 and were pioneer farmers and fruit growers near Lodi until their passing. Coming to California in his sixth year, Wilson H. Thompson was educated in the public schools of San Joaquin County, and supplemented his secondary schooling with a three-year course in Woodbridge College. His first business experience was gained as a clerk in Bentley's general merchandise store at Woodbridge, where he remained for one year. He then became associated with A. L. Cowell, and together they conducted a general merchandise store and hotel at Woodbridge for the next four years.
Selecting Lodi as his future place of operations, Mr. Thompson came here in 1896 and started a grocery store. In 1899 F. W. Beckman became his partner, and the firm was known as Thompson & Beckman; but shortly afterwards they took in H. E. Welch, their bookkeeper, as a third partner, and on February 24, 1904, were incorporated as Beckman, Welch & Thompson, Inc., and thereafter branched out into the various lines of general merchandising. Mr. Thompson was president of the company, and his years of experience and wide acquaintance enabled him to build up a business second to none in the county in this line. In order to provide larger and more suitable quarters, Mr. Thompson erected a brick business block 70 x 160 feet on South Sacramento Street. He continued as president until 1918, when he sold his interest. With Mr. Beckman, Mr. Thompson also erected the Beckman & Thompson Building on School Street. In 1910, with others, he established the Pacific Fruit Exchange, with headquarters in Sacramento, and became vice-president of the company and local manager of the Lodi district.
Recently Mr. Thompson disposed of his interest in the First National Bank, in which he had been vice-president and director for some years, and with others organized the Citizens National Bank of Lodi, being elected its vice-president. He saw a splendid location for the new bank and business houses on the corner of Oak and School streets; so he purchased the three corners and turned them over to the City Improvement Company, which was organized for the purpose of building up all the corners with substantial two-story store and office buildings and the bank home. The bank building is a Class A concrete and terra cotta building 50 x 75, and is devoted entirely to the use of the bank. The City Improvement Company also built the new post office building on Oak Street. Mr. Thompson's associates are all local men, like himself acknowledged for their integrity and worth, and represent a diversity of interest and wide experience, their influence being of especial value to the institutions with which they are associated. Mr. Thompson is interested in viticulture, his holdings being principally in the vicinity of Lodi. He is a director of the Stockton Home Builders' Association, and the Masonic Temple Association in Stockton; is president of the Lodi Investment Company, which erected the Lodi Hotel and Lodi Theater; is president of the Lodi Public Library Board; and was formerly a member of the Lodi Board of Education.
Mr. Thompson was first married on November 11, 1892, to Miss Mary Eliza Fowler, a native of this county and the daughter of Joseph and Eliza Fowler, pioneer farmers near Lodi. She passed away in February, 1900; and on December 9, 1903, at Crocker Station; he was united in marriage with Miss Celia M. Crocker, a native of that place, the daughter of Henry and May (Hall) Crocker, natives of Massachusetts and pioneers of California. Mr. Crocker came here in 1853 and engaged in mining until he established Crocker Station, on Big Oak Flat Road, leading into the Yosemite Valley. There he continued until his passing away. He was survived by his widow. Mrs. Thompson was reared at Crocker Station and received her education at Woodbridge College. They have a son, Henry Allen, a graduate of the Lodi high school, class of 1922.
Fraternally, Mr. Thompson was made a Mason in Lodi Lodge, No. 256, F. & A. M., and is a member of Stockton Chapter No. 28, R. A. M., Stockton Council, R. S. M., Stockton Commandery No. 8, K. T., and Ben Ali Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Sacramento; and with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star, of which he is a past patron. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and Elks, and was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary Club. Naturally progressive, Mr. Thompson has engaged in many enterprises looking to the development of the city, regardless of pecuniary benefits to himself.
History of San Joaquin County
by George H Tinkham
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Certificate
Wilson Henry Thompson
Father: John Thompson, Pennsylvania
Mother: Catherine Shank, Illinois
Wife: Celia Thompson
Retired (Pres. Pacific Fruit Exchange)
burial Lodi Cemetery Sept 3, 1953
Wilson H. Thompson, Civic Leader, Passed Away
Son of Pioneers Succumbs at 84
Wilson Henry Thompson, 84, distinguished Lodi civic leader and business man, passed away quietly at his home, 503 W. Pine st. late yesterday afternoon.
For the past year he has been retired from activities which formerly held his interest but it was only in the past six weeks that his condition steadily worsened.
He leaves his widow, Mrs. Celia M. Thompson; a son, Henry Allen Thompson of San Francisco; two grandchildren, Joan and Jacquelin Thompson of San Francisco. He was the brother of Emery Thompson and Mrs. Belle Lossing of Lodi; and of the late Elmer Thompson and Mrs. Lettie Franklin. He is also survived by a nephew, Harold Franklin, and a niece, Mrs. Nileta Franklin Journeay of Acampo.
Story Inspiration
The story of Mr. Thompson's life has been of inspiration to all who have known it, encompassing a diversity of interest and accomplishments which has done much to build the community.
He was born near Lawrence, Kansas, Sept. 27, 1868, the son of John and Catherine Thompson.
At the age of 6, he was brought to California when his parents located near Lathrop. Later they were at Alviso and then near Linden. Here, because of uncertainty of title to railroad land they held, they gave up their ranching attempt and moved to Sacramento. It was there they were persuaded to locate in the Tison district near New Hope, later purchasing 150 acres of land in 1878 and establishing what was to be their permanent home in Woodbridge.
Early Vineyard
The ranch was largely planted to grain but a portion was in grapes to be one of the earliest vineyards in San Joaquin county, the grapes being hauled to West's winery near Stockton for processing.
Mr. Thompson attended Ray school and helped to plant trees which surround it. It was at this time that he nearly lost his life in rescuing a boy from drowning in what was then the old swimming hole.
He was graduated from the old Woodbridge College, receiving his diploma June 6, 1889.
On Nov. 11 1892, he was married to the late Eliza Fowler Thompson who passed away in February, 1900.
His business career was started with the Bentley merchandise store in Woodbridge in which he clerked. Later he joined with A.L. Cowell in the operation of a general merchandise store as well as a hotel in Woodbridge.
Moved to Lodi
In 1896 he moved to Lodi to establish a grocery store. In 1899, Mr. Thompson took as his partner F.W. Beckman an still later Hilliard E. Welch, the firm being incorporated on Feb. 24, 1904 as Beckman, Welch and Thompson, Inc., one of Lodis most important mercantile establishments of its day. Mr. Thompson served as president of the firm until 1918 when he sold his interest.
It was on Dec. 9, 1903, that he and Miss Celia M. Crocker, daughter of a pioneer Mother Lodi mining and stage operating family were married at Crocker Station on the Big Oak Flat rd., 20 miles north of Yosemite, with the Rev. George Maxwell of St. James Episcopal Church, Sonora, performing the ceremony. One son, Henry Allen, was born to bless the union.
Organized Exchanges
Mr. Thompson had become interested in the shipping of fruit, and had been with the Producers Fruit Co., and later the F.H. Buck Co. In 1910, with associates, he organized the Pacific Fruit Exchange which he was to serve as vice president and Lodi district manager for 35 years, after which he was elected to the presidency, an office he held for a little over a year until he retired.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson was active in banking circles. He was a vice president of the former First National Bank and of the Citizens National Bank, and more recently, until the time of his passing, had been a vice president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank. In addition, at the time of his death he was a director of the Stockton Building and Loan Association and of the Stockton Abstract Co.
Purchased Property
He purchased property on three corners of Oak and School st., which were to be developed by the City Improvement Co. as the Madison building in which the National Dollar Store is now located; the City Improvement Building, which houses a number of stores and offices; and the bank premises which now houses the Bank of America. The City Improvement Co., in which he was active, also erected the building which housed the Lodi Post office for a number of years and which is now occupied by the Lodi Times.
It was as president of the Lodi Investment Co. that Mr. Thompson was active in seeing erected the buildings of the Hotel Lodi and for the Lodi Theatre.
Farm Implement Firm
Later, with his son, he helped organize and serve as president of the Thompson-Sage Co., farm implement firm which operated in Stockton and here and which has since become Grace.
In the field of civic activities his interests were legion. He was one of the early supporters of the program for a public library for Lodi and served as a member of the board of directors of the Lodi Public Library for 51 years, 46 of them as president, until he retired from the post in June, 1952. His long distinguished service to the library was commemorated by the dedication of the Wilson H. Thompson Room, to house California and western historical books and documents on Sept 9, 1952.
Board of Trade
Mr. Thompson promoted the Lodi Board of Trade, predecessor of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, and served as first president of both organizations. For a number of years he was on the Lodi elementary school board of trustees. Active in the Good Roads Association, he and the late Burton A. Towne, Sr., were leaders in the formation of the California State Automobile Association. At one time he was a deputy assessor for San Joaquin county.
Mr. Thompson and his wife attended the Congregational Church. He was a member of the Lodi Lodge No. 256, F.& A.M.; Stockton Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Stockton Council, R.S.N.; Stockton Commandery No 8. Kight Templar; and Ben Ali Shrine. He was a past patron of Lodi chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Other Memberships
He was a member of the Lodi lodge, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and a past member of the Stockton Lodge of Elks. In addition he was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Hale & Bawden Funeral Home.
Lodi News-Sentinel Sep 2, 1953
Mr. Thompson was born near Lawrence, Kansas, September 27, 1868, a son of John and Catherine (Shank) Thompson, the former a native of Pennsylvania. The parents brought their family to California in 1874 and were pioneer farmers and fruit growers near Lodi until their passing. Coming to California in his sixth year, Wilson H. Thompson was educated in the public schools of San Joaquin County, and supplemented his secondary schooling with a three-year course in Woodbridge College. His first business experience was gained as a clerk in Bentley's general merchandise store at Woodbridge, where he remained for one year. He then became associated with A. L. Cowell, and together they conducted a general merchandise store and hotel at Woodbridge for the next four years.
Selecting Lodi as his future place of operations, Mr. Thompson came here in 1896 and started a grocery store. In 1899 F. W. Beckman became his partner, and the firm was known as Thompson & Beckman; but shortly afterwards they took in H. E. Welch, their bookkeeper, as a third partner, and on February 24, 1904, were incorporated as Beckman, Welch & Thompson, Inc., and thereafter branched out into the various lines of general merchandising. Mr. Thompson was president of the company, and his years of experience and wide acquaintance enabled him to build up a business second to none in the county in this line. In order to provide larger and more suitable quarters, Mr. Thompson erected a brick business block 70 x 160 feet on South Sacramento Street. He continued as president until 1918, when he sold his interest. With Mr. Beckman, Mr. Thompson also erected the Beckman & Thompson Building on School Street. In 1910, with others, he established the Pacific Fruit Exchange, with headquarters in Sacramento, and became vice-president of the company and local manager of the Lodi district.
Recently Mr. Thompson disposed of his interest in the First National Bank, in which he had been vice-president and director for some years, and with others organized the Citizens National Bank of Lodi, being elected its vice-president. He saw a splendid location for the new bank and business houses on the corner of Oak and School streets; so he purchased the three corners and turned them over to the City Improvement Company, which was organized for the purpose of building up all the corners with substantial two-story store and office buildings and the bank home. The bank building is a Class A concrete and terra cotta building 50 x 75, and is devoted entirely to the use of the bank. The City Improvement Company also built the new post office building on Oak Street. Mr. Thompson's associates are all local men, like himself acknowledged for their integrity and worth, and represent a diversity of interest and wide experience, their influence being of especial value to the institutions with which they are associated. Mr. Thompson is interested in viticulture, his holdings being principally in the vicinity of Lodi. He is a director of the Stockton Home Builders' Association, and the Masonic Temple Association in Stockton; is president of the Lodi Investment Company, which erected the Lodi Hotel and Lodi Theater; is president of the Lodi Public Library Board; and was formerly a member of the Lodi Board of Education.
Mr. Thompson was first married on November 11, 1892, to Miss Mary Eliza Fowler, a native of this county and the daughter of Joseph and Eliza Fowler, pioneer farmers near Lodi. She passed away in February, 1900; and on December 9, 1903, at Crocker Station; he was united in marriage with Miss Celia M. Crocker, a native of that place, the daughter of Henry and May (Hall) Crocker, natives of Massachusetts and pioneers of California. Mr. Crocker came here in 1853 and engaged in mining until he established Crocker Station, on Big Oak Flat Road, leading into the Yosemite Valley. There he continued until his passing away. He was survived by his widow. Mrs. Thompson was reared at Crocker Station and received her education at Woodbridge College. They have a son, Henry Allen, a graduate of the Lodi high school, class of 1922.
Fraternally, Mr. Thompson was made a Mason in Lodi Lodge, No. 256, F. & A. M., and is a member of Stockton Chapter No. 28, R. A. M., Stockton Council, R. S. M., Stockton Commandery No. 8, K. T., and Ben Ali Shrine, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Sacramento; and with his wife he is a member of the Eastern Star, of which he is a past patron. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and Elks, and was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary Club. Naturally progressive, Mr. Thompson has engaged in many enterprises looking to the development of the city, regardless of pecuniary benefits to himself.
History of San Joaquin County
by George H Tinkham
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Certificate
Wilson Henry Thompson
Father: John Thompson, Pennsylvania
Mother: Catherine Shank, Illinois
Wife: Celia Thompson
Retired (Pres. Pacific Fruit Exchange)
burial Lodi Cemetery Sept 3, 1953
Wilson H. Thompson, Civic Leader, Passed Away
Son of Pioneers Succumbs at 84
Wilson Henry Thompson, 84, distinguished Lodi civic leader and business man, passed away quietly at his home, 503 W. Pine st. late yesterday afternoon.
For the past year he has been retired from activities which formerly held his interest but it was only in the past six weeks that his condition steadily worsened.
He leaves his widow, Mrs. Celia M. Thompson; a son, Henry Allen Thompson of San Francisco; two grandchildren, Joan and Jacquelin Thompson of San Francisco. He was the brother of Emery Thompson and Mrs. Belle Lossing of Lodi; and of the late Elmer Thompson and Mrs. Lettie Franklin. He is also survived by a nephew, Harold Franklin, and a niece, Mrs. Nileta Franklin Journeay of Acampo.
Story Inspiration
The story of Mr. Thompson's life has been of inspiration to all who have known it, encompassing a diversity of interest and accomplishments which has done much to build the community.
He was born near Lawrence, Kansas, Sept. 27, 1868, the son of John and Catherine Thompson.
At the age of 6, he was brought to California when his parents located near Lathrop. Later they were at Alviso and then near Linden. Here, because of uncertainty of title to railroad land they held, they gave up their ranching attempt and moved to Sacramento. It was there they were persuaded to locate in the Tison district near New Hope, later purchasing 150 acres of land in 1878 and establishing what was to be their permanent home in Woodbridge.
Early Vineyard
The ranch was largely planted to grain but a portion was in grapes to be one of the earliest vineyards in San Joaquin county, the grapes being hauled to West's winery near Stockton for processing.
Mr. Thompson attended Ray school and helped to plant trees which surround it. It was at this time that he nearly lost his life in rescuing a boy from drowning in what was then the old swimming hole.
He was graduated from the old Woodbridge College, receiving his diploma June 6, 1889.
On Nov. 11 1892, he was married to the late Eliza Fowler Thompson who passed away in February, 1900.
His business career was started with the Bentley merchandise store in Woodbridge in which he clerked. Later he joined with A.L. Cowell in the operation of a general merchandise store as well as a hotel in Woodbridge.
Moved to Lodi
In 1896 he moved to Lodi to establish a grocery store. In 1899, Mr. Thompson took as his partner F.W. Beckman an still later Hilliard E. Welch, the firm being incorporated on Feb. 24, 1904 as Beckman, Welch and Thompson, Inc., one of Lodis most important mercantile establishments of its day. Mr. Thompson served as president of the firm until 1918 when he sold his interest.
It was on Dec. 9, 1903, that he and Miss Celia M. Crocker, daughter of a pioneer Mother Lodi mining and stage operating family were married at Crocker Station on the Big Oak Flat rd., 20 miles north of Yosemite, with the Rev. George Maxwell of St. James Episcopal Church, Sonora, performing the ceremony. One son, Henry Allen, was born to bless the union.
Organized Exchanges
Mr. Thompson had become interested in the shipping of fruit, and had been with the Producers Fruit Co., and later the F.H. Buck Co. In 1910, with associates, he organized the Pacific Fruit Exchange which he was to serve as vice president and Lodi district manager for 35 years, after which he was elected to the presidency, an office he held for a little over a year until he retired.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thompson was active in banking circles. He was a vice president of the former First National Bank and of the Citizens National Bank, and more recently, until the time of his passing, had been a vice president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank. In addition, at the time of his death he was a director of the Stockton Building and Loan Association and of the Stockton Abstract Co.
Purchased Property
He purchased property on three corners of Oak and School st., which were to be developed by the City Improvement Co. as the Madison building in which the National Dollar Store is now located; the City Improvement Building, which houses a number of stores and offices; and the bank premises which now houses the Bank of America. The City Improvement Co., in which he was active, also erected the building which housed the Lodi Post office for a number of years and which is now occupied by the Lodi Times.
It was as president of the Lodi Investment Co. that Mr. Thompson was active in seeing erected the buildings of the Hotel Lodi and for the Lodi Theatre.
Farm Implement Firm
Later, with his son, he helped organize and serve as president of the Thompson-Sage Co., farm implement firm which operated in Stockton and here and which has since become Grace.
In the field of civic activities his interests were legion. He was one of the early supporters of the program for a public library for Lodi and served as a member of the board of directors of the Lodi Public Library for 51 years, 46 of them as president, until he retired from the post in June, 1952. His long distinguished service to the library was commemorated by the dedication of the Wilson H. Thompson Room, to house California and western historical books and documents on Sept 9, 1952.
Board of Trade
Mr. Thompson promoted the Lodi Board of Trade, predecessor of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, and served as first president of both organizations. For a number of years he was on the Lodi elementary school board of trustees. Active in the Good Roads Association, he and the late Burton A. Towne, Sr., were leaders in the formation of the California State Automobile Association. At one time he was a deputy assessor for San Joaquin county.
Mr. Thompson and his wife attended the Congregational Church. He was a member of the Lodi Lodge No. 256, F.& A.M.; Stockton Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Stockton Council, R.S.N.; Stockton Commandery No 8. Kight Templar; and Ben Ali Shrine. He was a past patron of Lodi chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Other Memberships
He was a member of the Lodi lodge, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, and a past member of the Stockton Lodge of Elks. In addition he was a charter member of the Lodi Rotary.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Hale & Bawden Funeral Home.
Lodi News-Sentinel Sep 2, 1953
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