20 Dec 1886 - Galena Gazette

GONE HOME

Mr. Samuel Thompson, an Old Resident of Galena Solves the Eternal Problem.

   Mr. Samuel Thompson died at the residence of his niece, Mrs. Joseph Jonas, wife of the well know restaurant keeper, Sunday evening, December 19th, aged 76 years and 6 months.

  The deceased was born in Baltimore, Md, where for several years, when he was a young man, he was engaged in the tobacco business. he subsequently went to Wheeling for several years when he returned to his native home and secured the position of master of Lexington Market, a position which he filled with credit to himself, until the expiration of his term.   Mr. Thompson came to Galena in 1841 or '42 and resided here from that time until his demise.   He held the position of Town Clerk of East Galena for seven or eight years and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.   Mr. Thompson had made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Jonas for several years.   He had been a terrible sufferer for many years with rheumatism and had been gradually failing for some time.   Last Wednesday he was taken suddenly worse and continued to fail until an early hour Sunday evening when he peacefully passed away.   "Uncle Sam," as he was familiarly known, to both young and old, was a good man and was honored and respected by all who knew him.   His genial, kindly face will be long remembered in Galena, where he leaves innumerable friends to mourn his death.   Three step-sisters, Mrs. Ellen Hatter, Mrs Sophia Gunn and Mrs. James Hill, all of Galena, survive him.   He also leaves two nephews, Messrs. Samuel and John Starr, of Dubuque and also a number of relatives in California.   The funeral took place from the residence of Mr. Jonas, corner Main and Green streets, at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon, and was largely attended by sympathizing friends.   The remains were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery.

Contributed by:
Christina Hunt