THADDEUS S. THOMPSON
pp. 20-21

Thaddeus S. Thompson was born in the town of Ithaca, May 22, 1838, a son of Samuel, a native of New England, and one of the earliest settlers of this county. For many years he was the proprietor of a hotel in the town, and was one of the engineers in the street construction of the city. In politics he was Democratic. Samuel died in 1873, aged seventy-eight years. Of his three children, our subject is the only son. He was educated in the old Lancastrian School, and after leaving school served an apprenticeship at the machinist’s trade, which he followed nineteen years, being eleven years with the D., L. and W. Co., seven years with Foster Hixon and nearly two years with the N. Y. and E. at Elmira.

In 1876 he engaged in the meat business, abandoning his trade on account of his weak eyes. For three years he ran a market on Farm street, and for one year at the corner of Plain and Seneca streets. Since 1880 he has been in the grocery business at 29 West Mill street, starting with a small building and a small stock; but in 1887 he erected his present commodious store, and carries a complete stock of groceries and provisions.

In 1893 Mr. Thompson was elected city supervisor on the Democratic ticket, and was re-elected in March, 1894. He was a candidate for sheriff in the fall of 1893. He is a member of the I. O. of O. F., having passed all the chairs, and is also a member of the Encampment. He is a charter member of Cascadilla Lodge K. of P., has held all the offices, and was the representative to the Grand Lodge. He is a member of Hobasco Lodge No. 716 F. and A. M., Eagle Chapter No. 58, St. Augustine Commandery No. 38, Ithaca Council No. 68 R. and S. M., and Damascus Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Rochester. He is a director, secretary and treasurer of the Cooperative Building Bank of New York. For thirty-eight years he has been a member of the Ithaca Fire Department, in which he has held all the offices. In 1892 he was president of the board, and for fifteen years was engineer of a steamer. He is a life member of the State organization.

On January 17, 1861, he married Rhoda Carr, of Auburn, and they have on daughter, the wife of John Wilgus, architect, of Ithaca.