Grayson County TXGenWeb

L. S. Thompson
1842 - 1913

The Bonham Daily Favorite
Friday, October 7, 1910
pg. 1

Editor Thompson Dies
Victim of Peritonitis After a Week's Illness - Leaves a Family

Denison, Texas, October 6 - Elwin A. Thompson, editor and owner of the Denison Herald, died in the hospital at Sherman at 9:20 o'clock tonight of peritonitis, after an illness of one week. He was taken to the hospital a few days ago to undergo an
operation, but his condition was so serious that it was deemed best to defer this in the hope of a rally. He was unconscious Wednesday night, but was conscious practically all of today. He leaves a widow and 2 children.
Mr. Thompson was born in Vermont 40 years ago, moving with his parents to Kansas City in early manhood, where he was employed in a bank, later becoming an expert accountant. He came to Denison 17 years ago. The Denison Herald was then for sale and Mr. Thompson, without knowing anything of the newspaper business, purchased the property, one or more friends being associated with him. A number of years ago he became sole owner, purchasing all the outstanding stock. The paper has long been recognized as a financial success. Twelve years ago he married Miss Margaret Bulkely of Kansas City, who survives him, with 2 children, Elwin and Jane. His father, l.S. Thompson, is now a citizen of Denison. He leaves one sister, Mrs. R.C. Hearne, of Ft. Worth.
Mr. Thompson was a past exalted ruler of Denison Lodge No. 238, B.P.O.L.

Denison Editor Dead; Was Ill But Week.
Elwin A. Thompson
Victim of Peritonitis--End Comes in Hospital at Sherman.
October 7 1910

Denison, Texas, Oct. 7.- Elwin A. Thompson, editor of the Denison Herald, is dead at his home here. The end came at 9:20 last night in the hospital at Sherman and was due to peritonitis, from which he had suffered but one week.
When stricken an operation was intended, but when he was taken to the hospital his condition was so serious it was decided to forgo this until he improved enough to permit it. He grew gradually worse, however, and it was apparent yesterday that the end was near.
Mr. Thompson was born in Vermont forty years ago, and came to Denison seventeen years ago. The Denison Herald was then for sale and Mr. Thompson purchased the property, one or more friends being associated with him.
Twelve years ago he married Miss Margaret Balkey of Kansas City, who survives him, with two children, Elwin and Jane. His father, L. S. Thompson is now a citizen of Denison. He leaves one sister, Mrs. R. C. Hearne of Fort Worth.

Elwin A. Thompson
1870 - 1910

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, October 9, 1910

E. A. Thompson

The Editor of the Denison Daily Herald Dies - Great Loss to the Community

About seventeen years ago E. A. Thompson, then a young man, arrived in Denison from Kansas City. Mr. Thompson was sent here to examine the books and business of the Herald, which was not then in good condition. George B. Goodwin had just appeared on the scene. That was the starting point of the newspaper career of Mr. Thompson and he has been with us ever since. He had no experience in the business but was a very apt student. The paper was then published on West Main street, in the first building west of the Denison Hotel. Mr Page of Kansas City was associated in the publication of the Herald. Mr. Thompson was virtually taken into partnership with Mr. Goodwin . . . .
. . . in Texas. The ups and downs and struggles of this young man are not generally known to the outside world. The writer was a reporter on the paper for several years and can say advisedly that not one young man in ten thousand could have entered the field at the time Mr. Thompson did and succeeded so well. He was a young man of tremendous energy and resources. When he set his heart on an object he seldom failed to accomplish it. The Herald during his management has been enlarged three times. It commenced with a small circulation of not more than four hundred which has grown into the thousands. It is known and admired throughout the south-west.
Years ago Mr. Thompson began to be a man of great importance, his great business ability making him a prominent factor in the in the industrial advancement of Denison. He was always a member of any committee whose mission it was to give Denison a boost. While he was working for Denison he was also devoting his time to the improvement of his paper. It may be truthfully said that he died a martyr to duty. He was not only a day worker, but in the long vigil of the night was studying and planning to make the Herald a better paper. There was no vacation, no relaxation, it was work, work and in his delirium, he was still thinking of his responsibilities. The Herald is his legacy, his monument, and he will need nothing more to endear to the hearts of this people, for whose welfare he devoted the best portions of his life. It may be truly said that one of the most useful men in Denison has been stricken down and there is none to take his place.
The death of no man in Denison will be more sincerely mourned. His sudden and we may say unexpected death has cast
a gloom over the entire city, and all the entire press of the state will lay a loving wreath upon his bier. Now that he is dead we can appreciate his worth more and realize what a loss has befallen us.
Mr. Thompson was born in Vermont forty years ago, moving with his parents to Kansas City in early manhood, where he was employed in a bank, later becoming an expert accountant. He came to Denison seventeen years ago. Twelve years ago he married Miss Margaret Bulkely of Kansas City, who survives him , with two children, Elwin and Jane. His father,
L. S. Thompson, is now a citizen of Denison. He leaves one sister, Mrs. R. C. Hearne, of Fort Worth.
Mr. Thompson was a past ex-alter ruler of Lodge No. 238 B. P. E. O.
Last fall Mr. Thompson was attacked by diphtheria and for several months was confined to his home, finally returning to
his office in February. Although apparently well, he frequently said he felt evidence that the disease had left its effects in his system.
The remains of Mr. Thompson were brought to Denison on a special train kindly placed at the disposal of the family by President Crerar.
As the Gazetteer goes to press this Friday noon, we do not know what the funeral arrangements are but suppose the burial will take place on Sunday.