Source: History of Whiteside County, Illinois - Edited by Charles Bent, 1877
Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin, Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 353

ROBERT THOMPSON was born in the county of Monahan, Ireland, in 1801. He was married to Miss Lydia GRAHAM, in 1824, and came to the United States in 1830. He made a settlement in Portland in June, 1836, locating where he now lives. He was a carpenter by trade, and in 1837 built the ATKINS house (now Richarad AREY'S) in Coloma. He is a thorough and practical farmer, and has, with his sons, introduced some fine blooded stock into the township. His children are all settled near him, and are as follows: Mary, who married Wm. BESSE, and lives in Portland; Ricahrd, who married Miss Lavina WILLIAMS, and resides in Portland; William, who married Miss Laura FAY, and lives in Bureau county; Elizabeth, who married J. B. BERRY; Robert, who married Miss Lydia FAIRHURST, John, who married Miss Celestia HERMAN, and all reside in Portland; Hiram, who is unmarried, and also resides in Portland.