Isaac M. Thompson, one of the leading citizens, and a member of the firm of Thompson, White & Co., proprietors of the Franklin Starch Works, was born in Blue River Township, Johnson Co., Ind., August 22, 1831, and is the son of James and Susan (Collier) Thompson. (See sketch of James Thompson, deceased, elsewhere in this work for history of parents.) Our subject was educated in common schools of Edinburg. He engaged in the milling and mercantile business with his brother in Edinburg, in 1859, and continued at the same until 1868, and then dropped the mill, but is at present engaged with his brother in merchandising at Edinburg. In 1871, Mr. Thompson was elected as a republican, to the office of circuit clerk, of Johnson County, and taking the office in 1872, served eight years, being re-elected at expiration of first four years. In 1880, he engaged in the starch business at Franklin. He is a member of the Masonic order, is a Knight Templar, and is also a member of the K. of P. lodge. He was married on March 7, 1858, to Harriet A. Pinney, who was born in Vermont, and is the daughter of Haskel N. Pinney. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson four children have been born: Laura E., born September 6, 1859; Jesse B., October 29, 1861; Alfred C., May 8, 1864; George Edna, July 7, 1868. The whole family are members of the Christian Church.