William W. Thomson is a native of Vermont, born in Jericho, twelve miles from Burlington, in 1820.  His parents, Orpheus and Rebecca (Eaton) Thomson, and his grandfather, John Thomson were natives of Vermont.  His great-grandfather, John Thomson, was a native of Scotland, an early settler of the New World.  His maternal grandfather, Samuel Eaton, was a native of New Hampshire, and a descendent of one of the Pilgrim fathers.  September 26, 1833, his parents moved to Ohio, and settled in Boston, Summit (then Portage) County, where his father was engaged in building canal boats.  In 1840 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and helped build the flouring mill at Orland, and also bought 200 acres of land, and the following year the family moved to the county.  In 1846 Mr. Thomson was married to Sylvia A. Dunham, daughter of William and Ann (Skinner) Dunham, of Chautauqua County, New York, formerly of Connecticut.  Her father and his brother Charles were soldiers in the War of 1812.  Mr. Thomson is a man of wide experience, and has an extensive knowledge of his native land, having visited every state and territory in the Union, except Washington.  His descriptive powers and genial, courteous manners make him a general favorite in all social circles.  His upright integrity and fine business qualities have won him many friends.

Submitted By: Mindee Gleason