Edward S. Thompson

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Edward S. Thompson

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Edward S. THOMPSON, postmaster of Port Morris, Morris County, New Jersey, for the past few years, has not alone made an impression on the public life of the town, but he has been a great influence in the mercantile world of the town. His grandfather was Elias THOMPSON, who was a farmer in Mount Freedom, and died when Mr. THOMPSON was an infant.

The father of Mr. THOMPSON, Philemon THOMPSON, was born in Randolph township, Morris county, in 1832, was a farmer all his life, and died at Mount Freedom in 1870. He married Sarah, born in Peapack township, Morris county, in 1832, died in 1889, a daughter of Peter and Eliza GARRABRANT. They had children: Alice, who married Thomas IRONSIDE, of Morristown; John L., proprietor of a restaurant in Washington, D. C., was formerly in the employ of the government; Edward S., whose name heads this sketch; Lucy G., who lives in Flanders, Morris county.

Edward S. THOMPSON was born at Mount Freedom, Randolph township, Morris county, New Jersey, November 10, 1864. There he attended the public schools, and this education was supplemented by a course at Coleman’s Business College, Newark, New Jersey. Having gained the necessary practical experience in mercantile fields, he established himself in this line of business at Mount Freedom, in 1886, and continued there until 1896. In that year he removed to Port Morris, where he purchased the mercantile business of Mr. DAY, and has conducted this actively up to the present time. He has been an active factor in the public life of the community, affiliating with the Democratic party, but reserving to himself the right to form and hold independent views, irrespective of party. For a considerable length of time he served as assistant postmaster, and was then appointed as head of this department. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. THOMPSON married (first) Orvilletta, who died in 1901, a daughter of Frank MERCHANT, of Golden Corners; he married (second) in 1903, Nellie C., a daughter of Moses DECKER, of Sparta township, Sussex county, New Jersey. Children of first marriage: Myrtle, who married Ewing TRESIZE, of Port Morris, and has two children: Richard and Orvilletta; Sarah, a nurse in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Ruth, living at home; Bertha, lives with an aunt in Flanders, Morris county. Children of the second marriage: Phiemon, Carlton, John. In every relation of life Mr. THOMPSON has shown himself possesses of those sterling qualities which have gained for him the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)